As a Florida native, I know a thing or two about the Florida heat. My entire life, whenever I travel outside of Florida, I’m always asked how I beat the Florida heat. My answer is usually simple: I don’t. I’m not just being coy. I really hate the heat. You can’t pay me enough to leave the house during the summer months. There is no easy way to make the Florida heat less awful, but there are ways to beat the Florida heat at Disney World.

With the Silver Annual Pass, the majority of summer is blocked out for Florida residents. This is a godsend because nobody wants to stand in line for Dumbo when the heat index is over 100%. Trust me, it’s the worst. That being said, I get that sometimes you have to travel to Disney World during hotter parts of the year. Frankly, there’s some high heat all year round.

Let’s talk about beating the heat at Disney World so you can focus on enjoying your vacation instead of dying of heat stroke. In fact, heat exhaustion and dehydration are very real threats at Disney during the warmer months, so take these tips seriously.

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1. Avoid Summertime

I know it sounds silly for the first tip to be simply not to travel when it’s hot, but that’s really more important than it sounds. Florida has two seasons: hot and really hot. You’ll encounter heat year-round, but summer heat is something else entirely. It’s a beast you don’t want to reckon with if you can avoid it. No matter how much you think you like warm weather, this is the worst of the worst.

If possible, visit Disney World during the cooler months. The best time is during the winter, but the spring and fall can be milder as well. If you must travel in the summertime, all hope isn’t lost. You’ll just need to take these tips to beat the heat at Disney World much more seriously.

2. Pack Proper Clothes

I know, I know. You want to look cute during your trip. How else will you make the most of those vacation photos? Well, you’ll need to strike a balance between comfort and cute. There’s nothing wrong with rocking your favorite outfit to the parks, but you need to be practical. Is your long sleeve blouse really ideal when the temperature is in the 90s?

Athletic clothes are probably the best first-choice option. Things like running shorts, breathable shirts, and athletic leggings. Look for moisture-wicking fabric that will keep your skin dry from sweat. You’ll also want to pack good socks that can handle a lot of moisture (this will also prevent blisters).

Another aspect of your wardrobe to consider is sun protection. You should be wearing sunscreen, of course, but having proper coverage with your wardrobe is also helpful. Areas that are easy to overlook are your arms, legs, and chest area, so consider finding ways to keep these spots covered and protected from the sun.

3. Bring Your Own Mist Fan

Mist fans are pricey at Disney World, but you can pick up a cheap one from any big retailer or Amazon. A handheld spray fan will be a lifesaver when you’re stuck waiting outside for the bus or for rides. It’s also a great way to keep kids entertained, just make sure they’re spraying each other and not other guests.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from some serious sun damage. They’re more than just a fashion statement, even if you only have cheap ones. Look for sunglasses with UV protection that wrap around your face for full coverage. Don’t forget about the little ones! Everyone in your family should have a pair of sunglasses. You’ll also help prevent sun headaches and other eye strain.

5. Pack a Cooling Towel

At first, I made some jokes about these towels and how funny they looked draped over peoples necks. After trying one, let me tell you, I’m 100% team towel. These are a godsend, and they can bring your internal temperature back to normal levels. Once again, you’ll find these all over Disney World in merch shops, but you can save major cash by bringing your own. You can drench them in sink water or with a free cup of ice water.

6. Prepare for Chafing

Chafing is one of those problems that nobody likes to talk about. Today, we’re talking about it. No matter your size, everyone experiences some kind of chafing when they’re sweating and walking all day. You can always use deodorant if you don’t have anything else, but there are some great anti-chafing products that do the trick even better. Hint: bring them with you to the park for a mid-day refresh.

7. Use the Air Conditioning

No matter how much you think you can stand the heat, you’re going to need some AC breaks. This is the Floridian way, trust me! I never go over 20 minutes outside without an AC break, and I can’t be the only one. Great ways to plan for these breaks is by stopping for a snack or refreshment at one of the indoor quick-service restaurants on property.

Another great idea is to take a mid-day break. The hottest time of the day is between noon and 3 p.m. in Florida. This is the perfect time to head back to your hotel for an afternoon nap or a dip in the pool. Start at the park early, enjoy the lower crowds, then head back to your resort before the heat sets in. When the sun goes down, head back to the park to enjoy evening fun.

8. Stay Hydrated

All of that heat does a number on your body. You need to stay hydrated during the day to keep yourself feeling energized. Dehydration isn’t a joke, especially for kids or the elderly. Bring your own water bottle (I love my Hydroflask because it stays ice cold all day) and fill it up religiously.

You can get a free cup of water at any counter service restaurant. The Starbucks locations on property also have water coolers. Make it a priority to take several water breaks throughout the day. It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re running from attraction to attraction, but it’s a must!

9. Remember to Eat

Like the tip above, you also need to remember to eat. It’s easy to get distracted between all the fun, but you need to keep your body fueled. When it gets really hot out, sometimes the last thing we want is to eat a warm meal. Even if you just enjoy some small snacks throughout the day, make sure you’re eating something.

10. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Finally, you need to know the signs of heat exhaustion. It’s incredibly common in Florida, especially during the summer, and if you’re not prepared you can’t seek help. If you notice any symptoms like confusion, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, or nausea, visit one of the First Aid centers throughout the parks and ask for help. They’ll be able to get you rehydrated so you can avoid a critical condition.

Prepare for the Florida Weather

The best thing you can do before your trip is to prepare yourself. I’m a Florida native, but the heat still gets me all of the time. If it bothers me, you can bet it will bother you. That being said, don’t assume you can’t enjoy your trip just because it’s hot. You can still have a great time even with the boiling weather.

The right clothes and supplies go a long way. You don’t want to be caught in the park without sunscreen or the right clothes, for example. What is your go-to hot weather gear? Let me know in the comments! Beat the Florida weather once and for all!