Welcome back to the Disney Summer Series, where we help you get the most out of your time at the Disney Parks at one of the most challenging times of year. Back for its third consecutive year, our Summer Series helps you tackle some of the more uncomfortable aspects of traveling during the warmer months and avoid potentially disastrous mistakes. Today, we are looking more specifically at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, sharing ways to beat the heat while you enjoy all the beauty this second-born East Coast Disney Park has to offer.
Rope Drop For a Cooler Start to Outdoor Queues
Getting a head start on the crowds isn’t just useful for shorter wait times; it’s also the best way to make the most of those attractions that have predominantly outdoor queueing areas. Some rides have outdoor overflow queueing, making them a tough wait during the middle of the day. Create a list of the attractions that are expected to be most popular and tackle them early on, before the heat peaks.
Consider a Resort Break in the Early Afternoon
I understand; I’m the sort of person who believes in sticking it out for the sake of the day when entering a Disney Park. However, in summer, things can change with peak temperatures forcing you to seek alternative sources of relief. Spending an hour by the resort pool can be a great way to relax and cool off in between those active early morning and late night hours. Consider using the middle part of your day as recovery time, returning to the park as the temperature starts to cool in the mid-afternoon. EPCOT’s location is more central, making it easier to traverse between the park and your resort. I will often take a break from this park, which simply wouldn’t be worth it if you were visiting Magic Kingdom and staying at, say, Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Plan Your Sit-Down Meal for Lunch
If you’re the type of Disney guest who likes to save one meal for a table service experience, consider rescheduling your breakfast or dinner reservations to lunch. Make the most of cooler temperatures at the beginning and end of the day, and take refuge in the air conditioning during the hottest part of the afternoon while enjoying a relaxing lunch. If you’re looking for a cool, relaxed space to unwind, try the Coral Reef Restaurant.
Afternoon Visit to Journey of Water
When looking for a break from standing in the next outdoor queue, take the kids for a stroll through one of the park’s newest attractions, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, in the late afternoon when everyone needs a break. Although there is very limited shade available, this delightful attraction offers a variety of water play opportunities to cool the family down and enjoy the playful, interactive experiences, best enjoyed when the sun and heat are not at their peak. Learn more about how to enjoy this area in the video below from Walt Disney Imagineering.
Keep These Attractions in Mind for Heat Relief
When respite from the conditions is your top priority, there are several longer attractions in EPCOT that are perfect for an extended ride in the air conditioning. Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, or Gran Fiesta Tour are all fantastic options when you are looking for a longer ride time to get off your feet and recover from the heat. Each tends to have lower wait times than some of the more popular attractions, though they are ideal for hitting in those hottest hours of the afternoon without wasting time or retiring to the resort.
Let us know what summer tips you would add to the list for EPCOT!
