It’s no secret that the Sunshine State gets hot. Like, really hot. As a Florida native, I have perfected the art of spending a day in the theme parks while staying cool. Whether you’re an old pro at a day in the heat at Universal Orlando Resort or you’re planning your first visit and want to know the tips and tricks, I’m here to help.
Prepare and dress for the heat.
We all know our own thresholds for what we can stand wearing for a day in the sun, so plan accordingly! I recommend wearing light, breathable fabrics that you’ll be comfortable in all day. Also be sure to wear sunscreen and bring along a hat to ensure you’re protected from the bright sun.
Read our What to Pack blog for more details on what you’ll need in the parks.
PRO-TIP: Throughout the theme parks you can buy cooling towels and misting fans at multiple merchandise spots. These are a huge help in hot weather.
Hang out by the hotel pools.
A pool day is a must for any Florida vacation! I personally believe you should never miss an opportunity to swim, which is why I always recommend a stay at one of the eight phenomenal Universal Orlando Resort hotels. Each one has at least one pool that you can take a dip in and enjoy a nice poolside frozen cocktail.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Hotel Pools for help selecting which one you’ll be splashing into next.
PRO-TIP: Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel has a ton of perks, including Early Park Admission. This means you can get into the theme parks before the hottest hours of the day, which is always a good thing!
Stay hydrated.
Drinking a big glass of water on a hot day is one of the absolute best experiences in the world. It is unmatched in satisfaction levels. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout your day in the theme parks. You can even bring your own refillable water bottle to the parks to ensure you’re getting enough H20 to balance your time in the sun.
PRO-TIP: Our Annual Passholders shared this tip with us — freeze your water bottles the night before your day in the parks! That way they’ll stay cold and keep you cool.
Ride indoor rides.
While Universal has some of the best outdoor thrilling roller coasters in the world, there are also plenty of ridiculously fun indoor rides for you to enjoy when you need a break from the heat. If you’re in Universal Studios, head over to my favorite ride, Revenge of the Mummy for a great time escaping the curse (which! Is! real!). If you’re sweltering over in Universal Islands of Adventure, take a ride on Skull Island: Reign of Kong to get out of the sun for a bit.
PRO-TIP: Indoor rides are also great if you find yourself caught in a Florida rainstorm. Check out our guide to a rainy day in the parks for a complete list of indoor attractions and tips for a rainy day.
Head to Volcano Bay.
If you want to really embrace the water vibes, head on over to Universal’s water theme park, Volcano Bay. This is the perfect tropical paradise for a hot day! Splash around in Waturi Beach, get soaked on the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, and enjoy a Waturi Fusion ice cream.
If you’re a first-timer at Volcano Bay, check out this complete guide to get acclimated on all it has to offer.
PRO-TIP: Rent a cabana at Volcano Bay! That way you’re guaranteed to have a shady spot. Each cabana comes with a shaded covering, extra-comfy seating, concierge service, and a stocked refrigerator.
Take a break to eat inside.
If you need to get away from the sun’s rays for a longer duration, I say you take advantage of some of the really great indoor dining options throughout Universal. My personal favorites are Confisco Grille in Islands of Adventure and Finnegan’s Bar & Grill in Universal Studios Florida, but you really can’t go wrong with any Universal restaurant! Each one offers unique and delicious tastes with out-of-this-world theming.
Try a sweet, cold treat.
Ice cream tastes better when it’s hot outside, this is just science. There are so many wonderfully sweet and tasty treats throughout Universal Orlando Resort, we have a whole blog just to list the best of the best.
PRO-TIP: Head to The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk. It’s a perfect combination of eating indoors and cold, artisanal milkshakes that are insanely delicious! Check out some of my favorite chocolate-y items here.
Get in some shopping.
Take a break from the heat and stock up on some souvenirs! There are plenty of stylish, fun, comfortable merchandise items throughout the theme parks that you can peruse while enjoying some air conditioning.
PRO-TIP: Check out the latest Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk! It is huge and has a ton of merchandise that you can only find in that store. Exclusive alert, am I right?
Get wet.
Whether you want to take the plunge on one of the water rides in Islands of Adventure, enjoy the lazy river at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, or to just splash around in one of the many splash pad areas throughout the theme parks, there are a handful of chances for you to cool off by getting soaked. And if you’re really desperate? No one will judge you for pouring some water down your head. We’ve all been there.
OK so these have been my best tips, but I know plenty of you have some, too! Let us know in the comments below how you stay cool at Universal Orlando Resort.
There are always great seasonal deals for a Universal vacation. Check them out here!
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.