Take a swim to cool off from the June heat at Walt Disney World.
A Walt Disney World Resort (disneyworld.disney.go.com) vacation in Orlando, Florida, brings to mind images of favorite characters, exciting rides, shows and family fun. While there are reasons to visit Walt Disney World any time of year, June is one of the most crowded months at its theme parks since schools are out for summer. Make the most of your June trip by planning ahead and preparing for the hot Orlando summer.
Weather
June in Orlando is hot and humid, with average high temperatures around 91 degrees F and frequent rainy days. Visitors should avoid heat stroke and sunburn when walking around the Walt Disney World parks all day. Avoid staying in the intense Florida sun too long by arriving at the theme parks as soon as they opens -- or earlier. Guests staying at some Disney hotels can take advantage of visiting the parks before they open. Head back to your hotel around lunch time to cool off in the pool or nap in air conditioning. Return to the theme parks in the evening when the sun is not as intense. Always wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and cover up with a hat or visor. Prepare for sudden showers by stashing a cheap plastic poncho in your purse or backpack.
Crowds
Summer vacations make June an extremely popular time of the year for families to visit Walt Disney World, so lines for attractions will be long and restaurant wait times will be extensive if you don't have a reservation. Take advantage of Disney's FASTPASS service to save time waiting for rides; you walk up to a kiosk and it prints out a ticket for you to return to a FASTPASS line for the ride at a designated time. Disney's online reservation system allows guests to make dining reservations up to 180 days in advance. Make your dining reservations at the 180 day mark, or if you don't have six months, as soon as you book your trip.
Lodging
Expect Walt Disney World hotel rooms to cost more during the peak summer travel season. For example, using Disney's online reservation system, a week's stay in a standard room at the Caribbean Beach Resort costs about $350 less during mid-October than it would in mid-June. Save money by checking the "Special Offers" section of the Walt Disney World website for information on deals. Staying at an off-property hotel is often less expensive, but hotel rates anywhere in Orlando will rise during the summer.
Packing
Bring cool, casual clothing such as shorts, T-shirts and sun dresses to stay comfortable in the June heat. Pack a couple of swimsuits for each family member if you plan to visit water parks and pools often. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must when touring the Walt Disney World parks, along with a pair of sandals or flip flops for water activities. Bring extras like a portable, handheld misting fan to keep you cool while waiting in lines.
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