• 25 May

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation has gotten quite complicated over the last few years. Since the pandemic, there have been some changes to the process and steps required when planning a vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Planning a trip during the summer months adds an extra layer to think about because not only is it busy, but it’s excessively hot and humid. It can be difficult to get through the day without breaks to cool off.

Let’s walk through some of the top tips for planning a Disney vacation in August:

1. Book a hotel that has an amazing pool

There are some amazing hotels on Walt Disney World property, and some that have exceptional, inviting pools. Consider one of these hotels; enjoying the pool is the perfect way to beat the heat.

Here are the top 3 favorites and their unique pool features:

Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation

Unique features:
● Largest pool in all of Disney World
● Zero-entry, saltwater pool
● 308,527 gallons of water, heated
● Hear music underwater
● Kids splash zone
● Drop Off Pool Bar

Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Unique features:
● Zero-depth entry
● 142-foot water slide
● Warmer water area
● Barefoot Pool Bar and Pineapple Lanai
● Oasis Pool is the Polynesian’s leisure pool

Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club

Unique features:
● 3-acre water park
● 795,000 gallons of water
● 230-foot-long water slide
● Sandy bottom and beach-like surrounding
● Lazy river
● Whirlpool spas
● Pool bar
● 3 additional leisure pools nearby

Honorable mention: Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Here you’ll find a heated pool in a quiet, peaceful location. It has great theming and spectacular views of erupting Fire Rock Geyser.

2. Purchase Park Tickets and make Park Reservations / Dining Reservations ASAP

Since the parks reopened in July 2020, Disney made a few changes to the process when planning your vacation. You have to make a park reservation (in addition to purchasing park tickets) and the dining reservation window is now 60 days out from your first park day (instead of the previous 180 days).

These details are critical to know and to the planning process, especially during busy times like the summer.

Let’s go into more detail:

Park Reservations

A valid park day ticket / Annual Pass and a park reservation are required to enter a park each day. Your park reservation guarantees you entry into the park of your choice for the day. When you purchase your park day ticket, you will immediately be reminded to book your park reservations through the Park Pass Reservation System. You can check park availability at any time by clicking here.

Depending on the month/date, park reservations could be booked for any one or more of the parks. You want to make sure you secure your park reservations immediately after purchasing tickets and don’t delay. If park reservations book up and there aren’t any left, there is nothing that can be done.

Dining Reservations

Dining reservations are now made 60-days in advance of your planned trip. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, your reservation window will open for the entire duration of your trip on day 1 of your vacation. If you are staying off-property, you will have to make dining reservations daily for each day of your trip. The booking window opens at 6 am EST.

3. Seek out attractions that cool you down

One of the best ways to ensure you stay cool while in the parks on a blistering hot day is to seek out attractions that will cool you down. Choose either a water ride or an indoor attraction that will give you a solid break in the A/C for 15-20 minutes.

Here are some top picks for each park:

Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, Splash Mountain

EPCOT: Spaceship Earth, Soarin, Living with the Land

Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance, Muppet*Vision 3D theater show

Animal Kingdom: Tough to Be a Bug, Splash Mountain, Festival of the Lion King theater show, River Rapids

4. Don’t forget about Water Parks

Disney has 2 water parks on the property. These are great ways to beat the heat. Choose Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach on one (or two) days of your visit. And the bonus, unlike the regular parks, park reservations are NOT required at water parks.

5. Take a Disney VIP Tour

Spend the extra money on a Disney VIP Tour. This exlusive service will allow you maximize your days at the park, spending minimal wait time in the hot sun. In fact, you will only spend an average of 5 – 10 minutes in lines for rides.