Visiting Walt Disney World is supposed to be magical — but the Florida sun can quickly turn your dream vacation into something very different.
If you have ever visited Disney World or Universal Orlando in the summer you will know just how brutal the heat can be. And temperatures just keep soaring.
This summer, the combination of record-breaking heat and crowds led to dozens of guests suffering from heat exhaustion, fainting, vomiting, and dizziness across the parks and Disney Springs.
Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself and your family during a hot Disney day.
Heat-Related Incidents at Walt Disney World
In reports obtained by Florida Politics from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, emergency services were called 86 times in just 11 days in late July for heat illness at Walt Disney World. About one in four of those calls ended with hospital visits.
The youngest patient was a baby under one year old treated at EPCOT on July 21.
The oldest? An 81-year-old woman at Disney Springs on July 18, transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion.
Guests’ symptoms ranged from “just overheated” to fainting, dizziness, nausea, and even heart palpitations. For example, a 14-year-old guest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was hospitalized after vomiting, and a woman at Magic Kingdom reported an Apple Watch BPM of 160 beats per minute despite doing little more than standing in the heat.
The busiest day for calls was July 27, when 15 separate heat-related incidents were recorded. Two days later, the official heat index reached 113°F, making for one of the most brutal weeks many Cast Members can remember.
From personal experience I know just how brilliantly emergency services at Disney World handle a situation – but no one wants to find that out for themselves!
According to Florida Politics, July 2025 was the 14th-hottest July on record in Florida, with average highs around 92°F — but the index soaring well above that.
Will Ulrich, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Melbourne office, explained:
“Heat is a silent killer. You can feel it, but you can’t see it. We always preach about people taking protective actions against severe weather and tornadoes and things like that. But temperature extremes have to be considered, too, especially in a state where we see so many people enjoying the outdoors year-round.” (Florida Politics)
He added that those traveling from outside Florida may be especially vulnerable:
“People who live in Florida are used to the heat in June, July, and August, but all it takes is temperatures just a couple degrees above normal to really start to take a toll on the human body. Of course, with our tourism capital of the world — Orlando — we have visitors that aren’t necessarily acclimated to the heat.” (Florida Politics)
Cast Member Perspectives
On Reddit, Cast Members shared firsthand what it’s like working in the parks during extreme heat. One wrote:
“You basically live on water and shade breaks. At attractions, we rotate as much as possible so nobody is out in the sun for too long. But honestly, even with shade, it takes a toll by the end of the day.” (Reddit r/DisneyWorld)
Another added:
“I tell guests constantly — don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, find AC immediately. We’d rather you chill in the gift shop for an hour than pass out in line.” (Reddit r/DisneyWorld)
What Walt Disney World Provides
To help with the heat, Disney World offers:
- Free ice water at all quick-service restaurants
- Bottle filling stations and fountains throughout the parks
- First aid centers in every park and Disney Springs
Quick-service spots often even have self-service ice water stations set up on the counter during the busiest days.
Tips to Protect Yourself at Disney in Extreme Heat
From personal experience (having spent far too many summer days at Walt Disney World!), here’s my short list of essentials if you’re visiting during hot months:
Start early and take a midday break. The hours between 1–4pm can be brutally hot — go back to your resort if you can.
Drink water before you’re thirsty. Bring a refillable bottle and keep sipping.
Wear sun-protective clothing. Breathable fabrics, hats, cooling towels all help.
Plan indoor attractions strategically. Use shows and rides with AC (like Carousel of Progress or Finding Nemo: The Musical) to pace yourself.
Be extra cautious with kids and older adults. Their bodies handle heat less efficiently.
Orlando summers have always been hot, but this July showed just how dangerous it can be — even inside the “Disney bubble.” Emergency services responded to dozens of cases, from babies to seniors, proving that no one is immune when temperatures climb this high.
Disney truly is magical, but staying safe means listening to your body, taking breaks, and hydrating constantly. Remember, the next Mickey pretzel or Haunted Mansion ride isn’t worth risking your health.
Have you experienced extreme heat at Disney World? What’s your best tip for staying cool in the parks?
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.