June and July

Summer time is here!

There is nothing quite like summer at Disney, swelteringly hot with tons of humidity and pop up rain showers to make it extra fun. But at the end of the day, a super hot day at Disney is better than a more temperate day anywhere else right?! If you and your family are planning a trip to Orlando during the summer months we recommend lots of water, along with some good planning to maximize your park time while minimizing the possibility of overheating. For some extra insight into dealing with the heat click here.

By the time June rolls around summer is in full swing and has the crowds to match the heat. The midday heat in particular can be brutal, June average temperatures range from the low 70s to highs in the 90s pretty much everyday. July is even worse, with the summer storm season generating humidity that makes the summer heat truly oppressive. If it does rain, and you are able to, wait it out or accept getting wet, it might cool you off after all. The rain often clears out the parks and you will be able to get more rides done. However, the rain also closes down some rides, so be aware of that. We do not generally visit the parks during the summer, but if you have no other alternative, planning, patience, flexibility, and water will be your best friends.

Due to the crowd levels the park operating hours are long, allowing for people to maximize park time in the morning and evening when the heat is not so bad. We particularly recommend the strategy of getting to the parks for rope drop to get in early morning rides when lines are a little shorter, taking a break from the heat in the middle of the day to take a nap or enjoy your resort’s pool, and then return in the evening to get dinner and ride some rides as the temperature decreases until park close. It’s important to remember that a trip to Walt Disney World is not generally a relaxing one, and this is especially true at the height of the summer. But it’s equally important to remember that it’s better to be in Walt Disney World during a hot, rainy, and crowded day, than to be anywhere else (and if you don’t think that’s true, probably don’t go during the summer months).

In years past, Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival has extended into June and July. While that is not the case in 2024, there will be the opening of Communicore Hall at Epcot on June 10th and the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (no date yet announced) to look forward to, as well as some new fun summer offerings. Click here to read more about them.

Pros:

• With the higher crowd levels, the park operating hours are longer.

• It is rare for popular rides to be closed for refurbishment during June and July.

• Every Disney resort has multiple pools, one main one and additional smaller quiet pools, that are a great way to cool off during the heat of the day.

• Disney has two great water parks, these are a ticket add on, that have great theming and plenty of great attractions to fill a day with. The operational hours for these water parks are typically the longest in July.

• 4th of July: If you are looking for outstanding fireworks for the 4th of July, look no further than Walt Disney World, which has some incredible special night shows in addition to some fun themed food and PhotoPass opportunities.

Cons:

• Crowd levels tend to be high for all of June and July leading to increased costs and the need to strategize and plan more to maximize time.

• There is less of a chance of a discount being offered by Disney.

• The summer weather at Disney can be downright unpleasant at times. The temperature will range from lows in the 70s to highs in the 90s, frequently with high humidity.

• Expect afternoon thunderstorms ranging from a quick 20 minutes to all afternoon and evening. Pack ponchos/umbrellas and an extra pair of shoes in case one pair gets wet.

• 4th of July: Crowd levels around the 4th of July skyrocket.

• Hurricane season kicks off in July, so stay up to date on the weather and be okay with the possibility of the parks closing for a day if a tropical storm or hurricane hits the area.

Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation?  Click here for our planning guide. Need tips for planning a Walt Disney World Vacation with someone with a disability?  Check out the disability section of our blog here.  Need help navigating the parks using DAS?  Click here. No longer qualify for DAS and need help figuring out now to approach a day at the parks? Click here for our ideas on how to flip your thinking and still have a good experience at Disney.