I’ve lived in florida and DC and nope, sorry, DC is simply not as hot as Orlando in July. It’s just not. It may only be a few degrees difference in actual temperature but the humidity is so much worse in FL. Average high in July in DC is 89. Average high in Orlando in July is 92. Yeah, not a huge difference but enough to feel that the heat in Orlando is simply more oppressive than DC. Average humidity in DC in July is 63%. Average humidity in Orlando in July is 74%. Both high, but believe me Orlando feels much worse. Especially at DW where you’re just out in the sun w concrete everywhere.
Anyhow, personally I don’t mind the heat that much and I love Disney so I would do it. But I’d recommend like a PP said go as early as you can, stay til late morning and then go back to the hotel to spend the hottest part of the day indoors or in the pool then go back to the parks late afternoon/evening. Reapply sunscreen often, drink lots of water, wear hats to provide shade on your face, take breaks often, and don’t try to do too much. |
Not last August. I went the third week, and it did not feel any different from DC at all. I was prepared for some awful experience weather wise, and it really wasn’t. |
We were there the same week! Same experience. Of course in DC I am not normally on my feet running around an amusement park for 10 hrs but as long as we took lots of breaks in the shade it was fine. We did Hollywood Studios at night (after hours) because it’s the hottest. |
It is surface of the sun level hot. Honestly miserable. But if you’re going to do it, here are some tips:
Cooling towels for your neck. Portable fans. Buy the line skip options and learn how to use them effectively. Most lines are indoors but some are outside. Get to the parks early, leave for an afternoon break to swim/nap, go back in the early evening. Afternoon is really, really bad. |
This. People told us we were crazy to go to Italy in July because it would be oppressively hot, but I don’t think it was much different from DC. You get up early to sightsee, take an early and long lunch and then slowly meander, popping indoors to cool off, before relaxing at the hotel, showering, and gearing up for more sightseeing and fun late into the night. Disney is sorta the same thing. Hang out at the pool during the hottest part of the day and rest up before heading back to the parks. |
+1 I think the difference is people aren’t normally spending 6+ hours walking around native DC, in the depth of summer. So it can feel hotter in places like Orlando or Italy even if it’s the same because you’re running around in brutal heat. I’ve also done Orlando in the summer and thought it was unpleasant but we made so many accommodations for the heat (basically didn’t visit a park between 11-3) that it was fine. But many people want to make their trip worth it so they’re running ragged in horrible weather. |
Fwiw, if you have a kid who plays travel baseball or LAX, then your body is accustomed to many long hours standing in the heat…so Orlando or Rome feels much better (and certainly more fun). |
We go every August.
Rent a stroller - a good one with coverage. Either two singles or a double. Both kids will need a break from the heat. Go early mornings, take a swim/rest break in the afternoon, go back to the parks at night. Bring ponchos/disposable ponchos for the rain at the park. Bring a second pair of sneakers or park shoes incase one pair gets soaked. Do NOT wear new sneakers. Get genie+ or whatever they’re calling it these days. Get cooling towels on Amazon you just dip in water and wear around your neck. Bring your own steel water bottles. Ice water is free, keep refilling. We’re used to the heat in August and always enjoy our trips. |
We've done it a bunch of times in August, as well as Disney Hong Kong and Tokyo Disney in August. You just have to resolve yourself and your family to being perpetually sweaty--just wet and gross the entire time. Let go of any notions you had of looking cute in pictures, your hair looking okay, wearing make-up, etc.
Thankfully, Disney air conditioning is very good, and so there are lots of places to take breaks, but it's uncomfortable (but so fun)! |
Hot and humid. Best to go to the park early to minimize discomfort. |