Preparing for All Types of Weather at Walt Disney World
Heat, cold, and rain: how to stay comfortable through all of it.
One thing you can count on at Walt Disney World, beyond the magic, is that Florida weather does whatever it wants. You’ll likely get a mix of sunshine, a surprise afternoon shower, and maybe even a random cold snap, so it pays to be ready for anything. Here are my tips for staying comfortable and making the most of your day, no matter what the sky is doing.
The Heat
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is everything in the Florida heat. Buying water at the kiosks adds up fast, so bring your own bottle or have a case delivered to your hotel. Freeze your bottle overnight and it’ll stay cold in your bag for most of the day. And if you’d rather not carry one, you can grab a free cup of ice water at any counter-service restaurant.
Arrive Early
Getting to the park at opening lets you knock out the big attractions before the heat really cranks up in the afternoon. Then plan a midday break during the hottest hours: duck into an air-conditioned restaurant, lounge by the pool, or head back to your room for a rest.
Dress Comfortably
Wear moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool, and if you’re in a dress or skirt, pack a pair of bike shorts to prevent chafing. Skip the brand-new shoes and bring a couple of broken-in pairs, plus plenty of band-aids and moleskin for your feet. And don’t forget cooling towels and a handheld fan. They’re lifesavers in the summer heat.
Heat Must-Haves
These are the exact things I never do a hot park day without, from cooling towels to my go-to water bottle and portable fan. Tap below to shop them all in my Amazon storefront.
The Rain
Expect Rain, but Don’t Leave
Florida showers are usually quick, so hang in there. The rain tends to send people toward the exits, which often means shorter lines and more room to roam once it passes. Don’t let a little rain chase you off.
Eat or Shop During Rain Showers
A passing shower is the perfect excuse to sit down for a meal or wander the shops. Grab a favorite Disney snack or hunt for souvenirs while you wait it out.
Bring Ponchos
Light, disposable ponchos are perfect for those classic Florida afternoon showers. They’re compact, easy to toss in your bag, and great for covering a stroller or scooter while you’re inside an attraction. Disney sells reusable ponchos too if you want something sturdier.
Be proactive. If rain looks likely, cover your stroller or scooter before it starts so you’re not stuck with a soaked seat later.
Rain-Ready Footwear
Wet shoes and soggy socks can wreck a day fast. On rainy days, go with comfortable sandals that dry quickly and still give you good traction on slick walkways.
Plan Afternoon Attractions
Save your indoor attractions for the afternoon. It’s a smart way to beat the heat and dodge the rain showers at the same time.
Pack Ponchos
Pack cheap disposable ponchos and thank yourself later. Disney’s ponchos are wildly overpriced, and the ones I keep in my bag do the exact same job for a fraction of the cost.
Shop My Favorite PonchosGreat Indoor Attractions for a Rainy Day
When the rain settles in, here are some great indoor attractions to duck into, park by park.
Magic Kingdom
- Space Mountain
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- It’s a Small World
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree
- The Hall of Presidents
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Meet Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Fairytale Hall
Animal Kingdom
- Avatar: Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
- Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
EPCOT
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Test Track
- Meet Anna & Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
- The Seas Main Tank & Exhibits
- The American Adventure
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
- Canada Far and Wide
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- Reflections of China
- Turtle Talk With Crush
- Voices of Liberty
Hollywood Studios
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Toy Story Mania!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Walt Disney Presents
The Cold
Pack for Chilly Evenings
Florida isn’t exactly known for cold weather, but it can get chilly, especially from November through March. Bring a heavier sweater or jacket for those cooler nights. Since the days can still warm right back up, layering is your best friend.
Bring a Sweater or Long-Sleeved Shirt
Even when it’s hot outside, Disney’s indoor attractions and restaurants are often cranked way up on the AC. A light sweater or long-sleeved shirt keeps you comfy the moment you step inside.
Forgot a Sweater? Shop at Disney
If the temperature drops out of nowhere or you left your layers at home, the shops around the parks and resorts have plenty of cozy options, including sweaters and blankets that double as scarves or shawls.
Whatever the forecast throws at you, a little planning goes a long way. Pack smart, stay flexible, and you’ll have a magical day rain or shine. Questions about what to bring? Just reach out, I’m always happy to help.