Well known for immersive theming and atmosphere, Disney resorts are the place to be for any trip to visit Mickey and friends, but when visiting Disney World in summer, some onsite hotels tip the scales harder than other.
Let’s face it, Disney World is hot in the summer, but you don’t have to wilt in the heat. Following some solid hot weather travel tips and selecting the right resort will go a long way to keep you comfortable on your visit. Here are the 3 Disney World resorts we’d highly recommend for hotter months and why:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort for Summer Travel
If you plan to spend much of your time at Magic Kingdom, then the Contemporary Resort is the place to stay. As the first resort built on the property, the Contemporary has a lot of Walt’s magic imbued in the design, including the monorail track which runs right through the resort.
With the monorail station inside, you’ll be able to wait for your ride to the park in crisp, cool comfort. If you’re staying in a tower room, you’ll be able to head right to the station without leaving the AC, but even garden view rooms are a short walk to the cool comfort of the station.
While staying at the Contemporary, you can watch the nightly fireworks from your room, if you book a theme park view. That means standing in the temperature of your choice while the show erupts over Cinderella’s castle.
A viewing platform is also available for guests of the Contemporary resort. It is outside, but it’s far less crowded than watching the show from inside the park. Add in a bit of a breeze, and it’s bound to feel much cooler.
Best for Pool Days: Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts
Guests who plan to spend any portion of their day at the hotel pool, should consider a stay at Disney’s Beach Club or Yacht Club. These two sister properties share a water park, complete with lazy river, sandy beach and pirate slide. It’s the perfect oasis for the beating the heat, and you won’t have to go far to get there. Best of all, the area is reserved for guests of these 2 resorts, so it’s easy to find a nice shady spot or a tube to float.
Location is another perk of a Beach Club or Yacht Club stay. Residing on the shores of Crescent Lake, there is often a breeze, and when the humidity is high, there is nothing like a little bit of wind to relieve the soggy air.
Another locational advantage is the proximity to 2 Disney parks. You can catch a quick air conditioned boat over to Hollywood Studios or reach EPCOT via a mostly shady 5-minute stroll.
For other parks, the bus pick-up area is shaded and centrally located. You’ll find it easy to reach, with no long walks to your depot.
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Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside: a Shaded Summer Oasis
This is hands down our favorite moderate resorts at Disney World. While you won’t have access to a water park or monorail, you can fit far more in your budget with the lower rates at Port Orleans Riverside.
The amazing grounds are another reason we rate this resort high for a Disney World summer vacation. Most paths are shady treelined retreats, providing a cooler and more peaceful ambiance than you’ll find at other resorts.
Given the magnificent tree cover at Port Orleans, we also found it easier to find a shady spot at the pool. In addition to the main Ol’ Man Island pool, complete with pool bar, you’ll find 5 leisure pools, so there is always a nearby watering hole to cool off. Best of all, with bus depots scattered around the resort, your air conditioned motor coach will pick you up and drop you off very close to your room. You can save your energy for walking in the parks.
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