8 Ways to Beat the Heat in Walt Disney World

Last month, we took a look at ways to keep dry when the Florida skies open up during the rainy season. And while rain is a certainty for most of the year in Florida, you can also count on the heat to show up. During the summer, temperatures are regularly in the 90s, and can even drift up into triple digits. So, it’s important to have a strategy to keep cool. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station

Over in the Magic Kingdom, you can beat the heat by heading to Storybook Circus, where you’ll find the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station. It’s an open water play area that features the lovable train from Disney’s classic animated film Dumbo. 

While you’re cooling down, look out for a few little Easter eggs. Painted on each train car is a number which refers to an important date in Walt Disney World history: 71 (for the opening of the Magic Kingdom), 82 (for the opening of Epcot), 89 (for Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and 98 (for Disney’s Animal Kingdom). 

Adventureland Tiki Totems

On the other side of the park, you’ll find yourself in Adventureland. There are a few great ways to chill out in the area, such as ducking into Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room or purchasing yourself a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle Refreshments. 

But for immediate relief, find your way to the Tiki Totems located across from The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. There are six totems in all, but they aren’t merely decorative figures. They spray water, too! In fact, for an added treat try and locate the tiki who is so angry that “steam” comes pouring out of its ears.

Kali River Rapids

Water-based attractions are always a good solution on a hot and muggy day. In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, that means trekking over to the Asia area and jumping aboard Kali River Rapids. There you’ll board rafts with names like  “Kathmandoozy”, “Himalayan Hummer”, “Manaslu Slammer”, “Bhaktapur Bubbler”, and “Sherpa Surfer” and set off on a trip through the Chakranadi River.

Sitting aboard your raft, you’re likely to get wet and you’ll probably get your heart racing a bit when you plummet down the attraction’s roughly 30-foot drop. In fact, you’ll probably get soaked. Oh, and pay attention to the rock formation behind the falls. You’ll notice that it resembles a tiger. In fact, the attraction was originally known as Tiger Rapids Run. 

The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

As the home to a lot of animals, much of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is located outdoors, which means it can be tricky to cool down. Of course, there are shows like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond! but for our money one of the best (and most overlooked) options is a trip to Conservation Station.

You’ll have to catch a ride on the Wildlife Express Train, but once you’re there you’ll find plenty of things to do in the large, air conditioned Conservation Station. One of the most rewarding is the Animation Experience, a 25-minute class that will teach you to draw Disney characters. Even better? You’ll have a one of a kind memento to take home with you. 

Club Cool Hosted by Coca-Cola

Once known as Ice Station Cool, this stop in Epcot once had visitors enter through a hole in a glacier. While that facade has long since gone away, it’s still a good place to stop when the temperature is rising. Part gift store, part soda “bar,” Club Cool offers free drinks to visitors. And not just any drink. Guests can sample flavors of Coca-Cola from around the world! Take a look at the floor while you’re inside. You’ll notice that the tiles are speckled. Those spots are actually bits of recycled soda bottles.  

Pro tip: drink a big cup of the Beverly while in Club Cool. It possesses AMAZING refreshing qualities. You’ll be begging for a refill.

Kabuki Cafe

Located in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion, Kabuki Cafe is home to one of the most delicious treats in all of Walt Disney World: Kakigōri. It’s the Japanese version of shaved ice and is available in six different flavors: strawberry, melon, cherry, tangerine, blue raspberry, and rainbow (stripes of multiple flavors). That said, the truly expert move is to get the kakigōri with sweet milk topping. Or, if you’re looking for a grown-up beverage, you can get the sake slushy, which combines sake with blood orange, coconut pineapple, or blackberry flavor. 

After you’ve finished your frozen treat, you can stop into the Bijutsu-kan Gallery. Not only is it air conditioned, but you’ll get to immerse yourself in Japan’s kawaii culture.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

It probably should go without saying, but one of the easiest ways to avoid burning up while at a Disney park is to get inside. Take time for a sit-down restaurant, spend some time in one of the shops, or take in one of the great shows that are offered at each park.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a perfect choice and is one of the coolest attractions in all of Walt Disney World. Literally. It makes sense. After all, it’s from a film called Frozen. Plus, the show runs approximately 30 minutes, so you’re guaranteed a fair amount of time to simply sit and cool down. 

PizzeRizzo

When you think of escaping the heat, a steaming piece of pizza probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But we’d urge you to rethink that stance.

PizzeRizzo, located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios near the Muppet*Vision 3D attraction, is one of the best air-conditioned spots in all of Walt Disney World. There’s also plenty of space, so you won’t have trouble finding a seat. 

There are plenty of references to the Muppets, but for old school fans of Hollywood Studios, you’ll also find props and signs from the Streets of America.