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Keeping Cool in the Parks


We all know that Florida is known for its sunshine. During the warmer months, it is a good idea to take a break from the heat throughout the day. Luckily, there are plenty of interesting ways throughout the parks for you to keep cool for a few minutes. Here are some specific attractions to look for to take a break from the heat in each of the four theme parks. 

When you are at the Magic Kingdom there are several great shows to enjoy for a break from the heat and a break for your feet! You can visit Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room or the Carousel of Progress and enjoy Disney classic entertainment.  For a 3D show with all your favorite characters, drop by Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Are you more of a jokester? Maybe the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is right up your alley; you may become the center of attention! If shows aren't what you're after, the classic ride, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, includes a brilliant feature: much of your waiting will be done at an indoor playground. Instead of standing in a queue outdoors, the entire family can cool off inside. You'll be handed a pager as you enter the building; parents can sit and watch while the kids are free to run and play.  
 
When you are at Epcot there are lots of great indoor activities to enjoy. The Land or the Sea Pavilion in World Nature have a variety of family-friendly attractions and indoor space to rest. If you want to try a variety of Coca Cola products from around the world, visit Club Cool in World Celebration (it's free!) Don’t miss out on drinking "Beverly"; it’s an experience you won’t forget! If you're looking for a nice, air conditioned slow-moving ride, take a trip on Spaceship Earth (inside the main icon of the park). In World Showcase, check out one of the shows or rides in the various countries, our top pick is The American Adventure. It is a bit of a longer show so it's also a great opportunity to catch a nap!

When visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios, enjoy an exciting action-packed stunt show based on the movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. While this is not inside, it is an opportunity to sit in the shade for a while. If you are in the mood for a 3D movie then head on over to Muppet Vision 3D.  The Frozen Sing Along is another great choice for a break in air conditioning with seats and a fun show. Fans of Cars can check out Lightening McQueen's Racing Academy for a experience with the racecar himself.

Animal Kingdom can feel like it is a hotter park with its lush foliage and landscaping, but there are still some great ways to entertain yourselves and stay cool. You can relax inside the Tree of Life with the show It’s Tough to be a Bug.  Just don’t squash the smaller guests. One of the best shows I have ever seen is the Festival of the Lion King show, which is a fun-filled interactive performance based on the movie.  Finding Nemo: The Musical is the other Broadway-quality theater show that can be found in the park. Both shows are indoors and well worth the watch. Hop on the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch for an indoor area to get a closer look at how the park cares for the animals.

Here is a list of some of our favorite "cool down" spots:

Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room       
Carousel of Progress                                                                   
Hall of Presidents                                                                             
Mickey’s PhilharMagic                                                          
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor    

Epcot
The American Adventure
Club Cool
Journey into Imagination with Figment
The Living Seas
Spaceship Earth
Living with the Land

Disney's Hollywood Studios                                   
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Muppetvision 3 D 
Frozen Singalong
Lightning McQueen Racing Academy

Animal Kingdom                                                
Its Tough to be a Bug                                                   
Festival of the Lion King 
Finding Nemo: The Musical    
Rafiki's Planet Watch                                                                   

What are your favorite attractions to take a break from the heat? Let us know in the comments!



Maci Schau
Maci is an avid foodie and loves trying out new restaurants and seasonal food offerings in the parks.  You can email Maci at maci@kingdomkonsultant.com.

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