092: Surviving Cool Kid Summer at Disney: How Our Family Does Summer at Walt Disney World Without the Meltdowns

Planning a summer trip to Walt Disney World? Wondering how families survive the Florida heat, long park days, and sticky strollers without losing the magic? In this episode of Well Hello Magic, I’m diving into everything you need to know about Cool Kid Summer—Disney’s seasonal lineup of perks, entertainment, and character surprises happening now through early September 2025.

I’m sharing our real-life Disney summer strategy that keeps our family of six (including a toddler) cool, happy, and meltdown-free—even on the hottest Florida days. You’ll hear how we plan our days, which parks we prioritize in the morning, when we take our midday breaks, and why we always build in time for the pool, water parks, and rest.

If you're a parent planning your first summer trip to Disney World or even a seasoned Disney goer wondering what’s new this summer, this episode is packed with helpful tips, firsthand experience, and honest advice on how to make Cool Kid Summer work for your crew.

We’ll also talk about:

• What is Cool Kid Summer at Disney World?
• What special characters and surprises are happening at each park?
• What rides are open during Early Theme Park Entry?
• Why Early Entry is your best friend when it comes to beating the heat
• Which Disney World resorts are offering extra character activities and poolside games
• The water park perk that gives you a free park day without using a theme park ticket
• How we plan 7 to 10-day trips to avoid burnout and keep the magic going
• Tips for staying cool and hydrated during peak summer months
• What to pack for a successful summer Disney trip
• How to time meals, naps, and fireworks so no one ends up cranky
• Our four-parks-in-one-day summer challenge—and how we’re doing it without the toddler
• Which rides to rope drop and which ones to save for later

If you’ve ever googled “How hot is Disney in July?” or “Can you survive Disney World with kids in the summer?” this is the episode for you. I’m giving you all the practical advice I wish I had on my first summer visit with kids in tow.

Ask Yourself…

• What’s new at Disney World this summer for families?
• How do you meet characters without standing in line for an hour?
• Is it worth going to Disney in the summer heat?
• Which parks are best to visit in the morning vs evening?
• How can I keep my toddler cool at Disney World?
• What should I pack to survive summer at Disney?
• Is Cool Kid Summer worth planning a trip around?
• Are the water parks good for little kids?
• What’s the best Disney resort for summer travel?
• Can I really do four Disney parks in one day?

Tune in now and let’s make your next summer trip to Disney a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a Disney pro or just starting to plan, I’ve got your back—heat, crowds, and all. And for even more tips on minimizing parental stress at the Disney parks, make sur