Couponing to Disney

Hello Couponing to Disney readers! I’m Carrie, vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida-an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner-and I visit you each week here on Couponing to Disney to answer some Disney FAQs. I love hanging out on Couponing to Disney every week with you, answering questions about the Happiest Place on Earth!  Summer is a great time to visit Walt Disney World-it can also be one of the busiest times since families are ready for a summer getaway after all the hard work of the school year. And, with Disney’s Summer Room Offer available for booking, maybe you are planning on a summer trip to Florida as well!  My family personally travels to Disney every summer, and today I want to share with you some FAQs about traveling to Walt Disney World in the summer!

How many days should I plan to spend in the parks during our summer vacation?  

When you travel to Disney over the summer, you want to account for taking breaks from the sun and the heat in your park plans.  Since you may be heading back for a mid afternoon break, or leaving to enjoy a sit down meal in the air conditioning, at least 5 days of park time is my suggestion.  Whether you have base or park hopper tickets, 5 days is a good amount of time to spend in the parks over the summer, while allowing for breaks and possibly a pool or WaterPark day during your stay.

How can I use Extra Magic Hours effectively in the summer?  

Morning and evening Extra Magic Hours can be a tourist’s best friend in the summer at Walt Disney World.  Arriving for the early Extra Magic Hours will allow you into the park and enjoy much of it before lunch and the heat of the day.  You can tour part of the park, and then enjoy the resort for the afternoon before returning to the park in the evening.  With late Extra Magic Hours, you can enjoy much of the park after the sun goes down.  Also, the crowds are starting to dwindle as the evening goes on!  Making wait times less.

How can I prepare for wait times during the summer months?

Some wait times can be very long during the summer-or longer than usual.  This is where two things come in handy-the My Disney Experience App and FastPass Plus.  Use the My Disney Experience App to check wait times on the attractions.  And then enjoy those, as well as others in the same area of the park.  Also, attractions like Dumbo and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh have fun interactive queues to keep your family cool and entertained while waiting.  Schedule your Fastpasses for the morning if you are planning to enjoy the afternoon at the pool. Another good strategy is to tour the park early in the morning, return for a break, and then use FastPass Plus in the afternoon or evening when crowds have picked up.  Also, prepare by studying the maps of the parks so you can get a touring strategy in place before you arrive.

What time is the best to visit during the summer?

If possible, try to visit Disney in June.  The weather is hot, yes.  But it is not as humid and blazing hot as it gets in July and August.  The crowds are “lower” in June than the rest of the summer, and the resort rates are reasonable.

What tips do you have to use my Dining Credits during summer travel?

Try to get a Quick Service Breakfast or eat a simple breakfast like granola bars, cereal, etc. in your room before getting to the parks for Morning Extra Magic Hours.  This will save you time, and you can enjoy the parks while the day is fairly cool.  It is a good idea to schedule a sit down meal for a late lunch/early dinner time.  This will give you time to unwind a bit, and enjoy the air conditioning while getting a good meal and enjoying some characters.   

Written by Carrie Hurst:  Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Let Carrie help you create a magically memorable trip for your family! Email her at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com or request a no obligation quote to get the planning process started. Mention this article on Couponing to Disney, and receive a free gift when booking your trip with Carrie!