For many families, the thought of spending summer at Disney World is the pinnacle of vacation dreams. The magic of Disney combined with the balmy summer breeze sounds like a recipe for the perfect family trip. That said, as exhilarating as it sounds, it’s not a vacation to take lightly.
Navigating the parks in the summer’s bustling crowds while keeping cool and ensuring everyone gets to experience what they’ve been dreaming of all year can be quite the juggling act. Don’t worry; here’s your comprehensive roadmap to finding the best ways to get the most out of your summer trip to Disney World.
Timing Is Everything
Summer is one of the busiest times at Disney World, with peak crowds and sometimes scorching temperatures. Nonetheless, this period is also when the parks truly come to life, offering special events and extended hours.
The trick to making the most of your summer trip begins with selecting the ideal dates. Weekdays are your best bet, as they naturally see fewer visitors compared to weekends. This doesn’t mean weekdays will be completely empty, but given that many people have to work on weekdays, it’s not uncommon for weekends to see a higher volume of attendees.
Additionally, steering clear of holidays and the weekends surrounding them also works in your favor by reducing the time spent in lines. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with visiting during major holidays if you are looking for big, unforgettable events. However, do so knowing that these times tend to be the park’s most crowded occasions.
Early June or late August stand out as optimal times for a visit. Early June generally precedes the commencement of most school summer breaks, while late August sees many families preparing for the return to school, resulting in thinner crowds. Again, this isn’t always going to be an exact science, but these are the crowd sizes you can expect during the summer months.
Considering Resorts & Events
Securing a stay at a Disney Resort can significantly streamline your experience. The advantages range from convenient transportation options to earlier park admission times, granting you access to the parks either before they open to the public or after they close. With this in mind, it’s imperative to book your accommodations as early as possible. Doing so ensures you get the best selections in terms of room and resort preferences and sometimes comes with convenient deals.
Don’t forget to consider unique seasonal events taking place during the summer. For example, there are various Disney After Hours events at EPCOT, the Magic Kingdom, and more locations throughout the summer months.
These events allow attendees to enjoy late-night rides and more festivities after the park officially closes for the day. Plus, keep an eye out for any new concerts and other unique events that may be happening around the date you choose to visit. The year is always full of new and classic events alike, so stay up-to-date on any unique festivities and intertwine them with your itinerary.
The Art of Planning
To avoid the trap of aimless wandering—which can eat into your valuable ride time—a well-crafted plan is essential. As mentioned above, summer is a busy season for Disney World, but now you have a better idea of what to expect from crowds. Beyond considering the size of crowds, you should think about the specific attractions you want to see.
Creating a stringent schedule may not sound like the most escapist, exciting experience, but it can be very helpful. While spontaneity has its charm, having a flexible but well-thought-out itinerary ensures you hit all the must-see attractions. Speaking of attractions, making use of Disney’s Genie+ service (formerly Fast Pass+) can be a game-changer.
Making advanced reservations for rides can vastly improve your experience if you are looking for speedy access to the front line. You have to consider the activities you want to indulge in and how you’re going to pack to make the most out of those activities.
Packing Your Essentials
Packing isn’t always fun, but doing it properly will ensure you have fun in the park. Pack attire tailored to the weather forecasts, and don’t forget sunscreen to help you stay safe in the sunny weather.
Although Florida is popular for its wonderfully warm weather, it’s no stranger to rain, so pack for good weather and bad. You should have a portable charger with you to ensure your phone is always ready to receive calls if someone wanders off or to keep track of your reservations.
Plus, if you’re planning an extended vacation trip to Disney World, consider what you will need to pack for additional activities. For example, if you have the time, stopping by one of Florida’s amazing beaches is a great way to relax on vacation.
After all, you will spend plenty of time on your feet at the park, so sitting down on the beach is a great way to balance out your adventures. At Florida Gifts, our Disney beach towels ensure you can head to the beach and dry up when necessary. Pack all the essentials you need to make your trips to the beach, the park, the restaurants, and other attractions as comfortable as possible.
Navigating the Parks
Disney World’s allure is its diversity. Each of the four main parks offers unique attractions and experiences. Let’s break down how to get the most out of your summer trip to Disney World by prioritizing the right parks.
The iconic Magic Kingdom is where dreams come alive. From the gravity-defying thrills of Space Mountain to the interactive Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, there’s something for everyone. It’s here that you can also catch vibrant parades and mesmerizing fireworks shows.
Animal Kingdom merges the thrill of amusement rides with the beauty of nature. Don’t bypass the chance to visit Pandora – The World of Avatar, where attractions such as Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey await.
EPCOT is a celebration of human achievement and international camaraderie. The World Showcase allows you to explore different cultures and countries in a single walk. Plus, EPCOT is home to must-try rides, such as the adrenaline-pumping Test Track and the serene but awe-inspiring experience of Soarin’ Around the World.
Hollywood Studios serves as a tribute to the silver screen. Visitors can pilot the Millennium Falcon in Smugglers Run, hop on the thrilling Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and enjoy many more Hollywood-themed attractions. Now that you know how to get the most out of your adventure, you can start planning your visit today.
