Disney World Summer Planning Strategies 

July and August are not the ideal times to go to Walt Disney World, due to the intense heat and the crowds.  But, if your children are in school and you don't want to, or you're unable to take them out of school, you may have no choice.  Anytime is better than no time in Walt Disney World at all, and there are plenty of strategies you can use, to help you have the perfect Walt Disney World vacation in the summer.

1)  If you are from a country (such as the UK), where children are still off school during the last two weeks of August, go then.  It will still be hot, but the Disney World theme parks will be much less crowded, as most American children will have returned to school.  Also, this is the time of year when Disney offers fantastic deals, such as free dining, so watch out for special offers.

2)  Take cooling fans or misters with you, to help cope with the heat whilst waiting in line, and touring the parks. 

3)  Get to the parks as soon as they open.  The weather won't be quite as intense then, and you'll get a jump on the crowds.

4)  Always take an afternoon break.  If you have time you should return to your hotel for a swim and/or a sleep, before returning to the parks.  If you have young children travelling with you, the afternoon nap is a must.  The parks are open later in the summer, so you can stay out late.

5)  If you're touring for five days or more, have a rest day where you don't tour any parks.  Chill by your pool, play golf, or pay a visit to Downtown Disney.  You'll enjoy your vacation, and cope with the heat much more, if you take time out from the parks.

6)  Always keep water with you to avoid dehydration.  Most of the drink and icecream carts in the parks sell special straps to use for carrying your water bottle.  Replenish empty bottles at fountains, or ask at counter service restaurants, and they will refill your water bottles for you.

7)  If you're staying in a Disney World Resort hotel, do take advantage of the refillable mug program.  It's great value at any time of the year, but during the summer, you need to drink so much more.  Refillable mugs are available at all Walt Disney World hotel counter service restaurants and food courts.  Once you've bought the mug, you can fill it as many times as you wish for free.

8)  If you're visiting the waterparks - swim shoes are a must.  The ground gets boiling hot, and you could wind up burning your feet badly. 

9)  Take insect repellant with you, and apply lots, particularly in the evenings.  I had never been bitten in Walt Disney World before, but on my last trip, I suffered some particularly nasty bites, so do protect yourself.