Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World Resort has been hit with a heat advisory for the third day in a row, forcing operational changes.
Heat has taken its toll on Disney’s Florida theme parks this week, with the heat index (AKA the “feels like” temperature) hitting 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
In response, Disney has implemented several changes to ensure the safety and comfort of both cast members and guests. Portable fans were rolled out this week for cast members stationed outdoors.
Meanwhile, midday performances of Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire have been slashed in length, while the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade has placed all costumed characters on floats so they’re not walking in the heat.
Today’s Heat Warning at Disney World
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for East Central Florida from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, ending an hour earlier than the advisory implemented on July 10.
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s, while heat index values could climb as high as 110 degrees. The HeatRisk level is rated Major to Extreme.
Orlando is forecast to reach 97 degrees, with a 50% chance of rain. Officials urge people to hydrate before feeling thirsty, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, take breaks in air conditioning or shade, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible, with rain chances between 30 and 60%. Storms developing later today could bring frequent lightning, wind gusts of up to 55 mph, and heavy downpours. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even briefly.
It feels safe to assume that the operational adjustments introduced so far will continue.
However, it remains to be seen whether Disney will introduce even tighter operational changes as the heat continues, as has been the case at other parks.
Further afield, Disneyland Paris has had to cut fireworks until July 15 due to a ban on pyrotechnics by local authorities. That means its upcoming Bastille Day celebrations will go ahead with only drones and projections.
It previously also removed all costumed characters from Disney Stars on Parade, as well as closing outdoor attractions and adjusting some of its outdoor character meet-and-greets ā again, to keep costumed characters out of the sun.
In Florida, Universal has also made operational changes due to the heat, temporarily axing pyrotechnics from Epic Universe’s new nighttime show Universal Celestial Goodnight.
How to Battle the Heat at Disney World
The safest option during the heatwave is to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure entirely. Guests can take extended breaks inside air-conditioned restaurants, stores, and hotel lobbies, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures are typically at their most intense.
Those continuing with pre-planned park visits should prioritize indoor rides and shows. Options include Pirates of the Caribbean and Mickeyās PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom, Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue or For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Hollywood Studios.
Outdoor queues should be avoided wherever possible, especially when posted waits are long. Attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Kali River Rapids can leave guests exposed to direct sunlight or humid outdoor conditions for significant periods.
How are you battling the heat at Disney World this week?
