Hey there, Monica, and welcome to planDisney!
As a local to the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, I can tell you that Florida can get a little toasty in the summertime. But Hakuna Matata (it means “no worries”)! There are many spots to cool down while exploring the Disney Parks.
Each theme park is totally different, but the one thing that they have in common is that they are chock full of thrilling attractions and experiences for everyone to love. Sometimes you need a break in your day to take it easy and to get out of the sun (or rain). Here’s a list of some of my favorite spots to sit in the shade or get air condition:
Magic Kingdom Park-Indoor shows like the Hall of Presidents, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
-Restaurants like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Columbia Harbour House, and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
-Tom Sawyer’s Island’s picnic area (you have to take a short raft ride over to this island in Frontierland)
EPCOT -Seating areas like the brand-new
CommuniCore Hall and Odyssey Pavilion
-Restaurants like Connections Cafe and Connections Eatery and Sunshine Seasons
-Indoor shows like the American Adventure and Impressions de France
Disney’s Hollywood Studios-Indoor shows like Vacation Fun (with Mickey and Minnie Mouse) and Muppet Vision 3D
-Restaurants like ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo
-Seating areas found in areas like Star Wars Launch Bay
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park-Indoor shows like It’s Tough to be a Bug!, Festival of the Lion King, and Finding Nemo: The Big, Blue, and Beyond
-Seating areas like the ones found outside of Restaurantosaurus and Flametree Barbecue
-Trails and areas like Discovery Island Trails and Rafiki’s Planet Watch (take the Wildlife Express Train to get there)
AN EXTRA GEM: In every theme park, I like to dip into a store to peruse through the shelves and racks. Looking at sweet merchandise is a great excuse to get time in a cooler spot. You can sometimes find benches near the entrances and exits of the shops.
While this isn’t a complete list of everywhere to stay cool, I hope that this helps you enjoy your upcoming vacation even more. Monica, if you have additional planning questions, revisit us here at planDisney.
I’m all ears! Magic always,
LeAndra