It’s my job to go to the Disney World parks, and for probably 70% of the year, it’s pretty hot.

And the weather? It can have a pretty big effect on how your mood swings during a day in the theme parks. That’s why it’s important to take breaks and keep cool! I’m a certified expert in that area, and today I’m sharing my list of places where I go in Magic Kingdom when it’s just TOO. DANG. HOT.

Carousel of Progress

Starting off the list, I have probably one of the most-recommended places to beat the heat while also sneaking in a midday nap — Carousel of Progress! This 20-minute show in Tomorrowland rarely has a wait, and the theater is indoors, air-conditioned, and has very comfy seats.

Plus, the show is just really fun in general, especially if you’re a Disney history nerd. Who doesn’t love a catchy theme song with a show that gives you the nostalgia of the good ol’ days?!

Pinocchio Village Haus

My next choice may surprise you a little, but hear me out — Pinocchio Village Haus is one of my favorite places to escape when it’s hot and crowded in Disney World because of a little-known secret. It has a hidden upstairs seating area!

In the middle of the restaurant, there’s an often-overlooked staircase that leads to balcony seating. Many times, I’ve found empty tables up here in the air-conditioning where I can sit with my lunch in peace and (relative) quiet. And if the inside of the restaurant is full, you can head to the outdoor balcony, which is still in the shade!

Hall of Presidents

For a chill experience similar to Carousel of Progress, I recommend checking out Hall of Presidents. Before the show, you can wander around or take a seat inside the museum-like foyer, and then during the show, you’ll get a cushioned theater chair for approximately 25 minutes while you learn the history of the American presidents.

This could be another contender for a great nap spot, or just a place to sit and cool off for half an hour. You’ve got one long indoor theater show to watch in Tomorrowland and one long indoor theater show to watch in Liberty Square!

Town Square Theater

Speaking of theaters, I’m going to recommend you head to Town Square Theater! While this spot isn’t actually home to a show, it IS home to two gift shops, a small seating area, and a Mickey Mouse meet-and-greet. And you guys? The air conditioning in here is GREAT.

Honestly, I would (and have!) gladly wait in line to meet Mickey Mouse because the entire queue is indoors, and it’s nice and cool. Plus, it’s just generally good manners to go greet Mickey when you visit his house!

The Emporium

Need to kill a little bit of time and want to enjoy some AC along the way? Take a stroll through The Emporium! This massive gift shop has room after room of souvenirs, and you could spend a good amount of time just strolling around and looking at things. 

As long as you avoid this store first thing in the morning, at the end of the night, and right after the parade, it shouldn’t be terribly crowded. Step in here for a cool break!

Columbia Harbour House

Another restaurant with a quiet upstairs seating area is Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square. This quick service spot has a TON of seating and a delicious menu full of some more unique options.

One of my favorite tricks on a hot day is to Mobile Order a cold beverage and then find a seat upstairs here directly under an air conditioning vent. And if you snag a table near a window, you can do some great people-watching!

Plaza Restaurant

One of the best ways to beat the heat in Disney World is to enjoy a cold treat, and one of the best spots to do that in Magic Kingdom is at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Unfortunately, the ice cream parlor doesn’t have indoor seating, so instead I recommend snagging a reservation at Plaza Restaurant next door!

Here, you can order the same ice cream treats alongside some American classics for your meal. The dining room is fairly small, so it can be a challenge to grab a reservation, but it’s almost always worth it in my experience!

Space Mountain

When it comes to indoor rides, one of the ones I like to recommend on a hot day is Space Mountain. It has a TON of indoor queue, so you’ll be in the air conditioning for quite a while. 

Plus, once you get to the end of the queue, you’ll get the chance to ride one of the most iconic Disney World roller coasters. It’s a must-do!

Pirates of the Caribbean

Another great line to wait in during the hottest part of the day is Pirates of the Caribbean. Part of the ride queue is in the shade, while the other half is indoors entirely. Generally, we’re pretty comfy while waiting in line here.

And as rides go, this one is nearly 10 minutes long, so you get a decent amount of time sitting down. Add in the spraying water effects, and you’ll hop off this classic attraction nice and chilled! 

Merchant of Venus

Last but not least, I have to mention Merchant of Venus! This spot has been a seating area since the parks reopened from the pandemic, and it’s attached to Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, where you can order some cold treats.

With air-conditioned tables, a Fuel Rod station, and plenty of snacks next door, this is a great spot to stop and relax for a little while in the middle of a long day.

So that’s a wrap on the list of places where I go when it’s too dang hot in Magic Kingdom! To learn more tips for your Disney World trip, check out the video below.

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What’s your best tip for a hot day in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!