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Are you looking for ways to stay cool at Disney in the summer? Find our best tips including what products to pack, what to wear, and more to escape the heat at Disney. This list will also help you if you are visiting in fall or spring or even winter because Walt Disney World is hot all year long!
Pack a personal fan for everyone in your group
While you can’t always stay indoors at Disney, you can and should carry a small personal fan for everyone in your party, especially for the kids. Most of the small personal fans are USB powered, can be easily recharged wherever you find a charging point, and some can also be charged with a power bank! They are powerful enough to whip up a small wind around the kids and keep them cool and happy. The fans come in different types from clip-on stroller fans for babies and toddlers to handheld USB fans for adults.
Another option is to get a misting fan to keep babies and kids cool in the humidity. My preschooler loves his misting fan and keeps spraying himself with water. If you are confused about whether to get the personal fans or misting fans, I would suggest a combination of both to use and switch as per your needs. While most of these fans are available inside the Disney stores they are extremely expensive and we recommend buying them for cheap before you go.
Dress for the heat!
One of the best ways to stay cool is to dress appropriately for the weather. If the forecast is for an extremely hot and humid day, then avoid blacks and synthetic materials. White or other light colors are great at reflecting heat while cotton and other natural fibers let your skin breathe – thus acting as a natural cooling system. I’m always divided between wearing long cotton/linen pants vs opting for shorts in summer: both have their advantages so I would suggest dressing as per your preference. However, long blue denim is an absolute no unless you are ready to sweat it out. If you are planning to wear tanks or shorts then I would recommend packing layers for the cool evenings. Also pack in hats, bandannas, or scarves to cover your head.
I first came across cooling towels when I was taking our son on his first trip to India in the summer heat. Since then I have been a huge fan. You need to simply soak the towel, wring out the water, and shake it to feel ice cold. When the towels are dry, they feel soft just like regular towels. My son doesn’t want to remove his while we are in Disney or while hiking. The towel that we bought comes in its own travel case which is a big plus. I simply wet the towel before we go to Disney and put them in my backpack until we need to use it. I have also often used it as a sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt. Simply drape a cooling towel over your neck and use it to wipe as needed. Rewet it whenever you see a water fountain. That’s it!
Wear comfortable and airy shoes
Wearing comfortable shoes is an essential part of your Disney experience year-round. While summer tempts visitors into wearing flip flops, these are actually one of the worst footwear to wear at Disney. Flip flops aren’t meant for walking miles and miles, which you’ll surely be doing inside the Disney parks. I also hate wearing walking shoes or sports shoes in the summer because my feet get sweaty. If you prefer shoes, then opt for moisture-wicking socks or even better wear cute and comfortable walking sandals like these by Plaka. For kids, crocs are a good bet for airy and waterproof shoes.
Drink lots of water and stay hydrated
You will be walking a lot in Disney with the little fry – and when I say a lot – I mean 8 to 12 miles every day! You need to drink ice water and stay hydrated to keep cool. One of the best ways to stay hydrated is to keep sipping water every half an hour so that you never reach the thirsty stage. I buy the kids a Disney themed bottle so they are happy with the bright colors and love to sip on them. We usually refill our bottles whenever we spot a water fountain and never let them get empty.
As soon as you see a shady spot, rest for a minute and recoup
If you are staying at Disney Resorts, then definitely head back in and cool at the pool or take a nap in your room. But if you are like us and want to do Disney on the cheap then you have probably purchased a one day ticket and are staying outside the park in a budget inn! In that case, we recommend taking a few minutes to rest and recoup as soon as you see a shady spot. Drink some cool water, wipe the kid’s faces, and then trudge on ahead. The best heat defense is not letting the kids get overheated and cranky in the first place!
Alternate outdoor rides and activities with indoor attractions
Disney has lots of indoor attractions and shows which you can use to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. Our personal favorite is the Enchanted Tiki Room at both Disneyland Anaheim and WDW Florida. My kids love to see the Polynesian themed show and watch the birds, flowers, and plants come to life and sing the Tiki Room song while they sit in an air-conditioned environment. The shows at Disney theme parks are also a great way to spend some time indoors.
If you are traveling to Disney by yourself, then you will love this solo guide to WDW.
Let the kids splash and cool down at water play areas
Most of the Disney theme parks have some kind of water play area where little ones can have a blast and get soaked. We recommend bringing swimsuits or spare clothes if you plan to do this. Even if the park doesn’t have a water play area or splash pad, it may have rides where you will get wet. We love the Splash Mountain at both WDW and Disneyland to cool off during the afternoon. Just sit in the front and your party will be soaked through and through! There are also many splash play areas located in WDW Orlando which can be used to get away from the Florida heat. The Magic Kingdom has the Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station while Epcot has its own splash pad which is a hit with the kids.
Eat lots of Mickey ice cream bars and Dole whips
Take advantage of all those treats Disney offers to stay cool. You will find great frozen treats, shakes, and drinks at almost every corner of Disney theme parks. Our favorites are Disney Mickey Mouse ice cream bars and the Dole soft serve pineapple whip. Other great treats include the Mint Julep in New Orleans Square and Clarabelle ice cream at Toontown in Disneyland. You can also find these in WDW along with ice cream sandwiches, cookie sundaes, gelatos, and macaron sandwiches.
Take the time to have a nice sit-down character dining experience
If you are going to hit the attractions non-stop at a hectic pace, then you are going to get sweaty and feel overheated irrespective of the weather. A great alternative is to use the morning to ride outdoors attractions then have a nice meal indoors in the blazing hot afternoon sun before venturing out again around 2 or 3 pm. Character meals are a great way to ensure that kids enjoy mealtimes plus adults get to eat good food. We resisted character meals initially because of their cost but then came around when we saw how much the kids enjoyed them. The kids will stay engrossed in seeing the fully dressed characters walking around and taking photos while you can sit back and enjoy a drink. Most of the character dining experiences need advance reservations and can get sold out so we recommend booking them as soon as you plan your trip.
So you’re off on an epic adventure with the kids and you’re guaranteed to make some amazing memories. However, before that is the dreaded long haul flight that most parents have been worrying about for weeks.
Each age group comes with their own risks and challenges and the last thing you (and the other passengers) want is to be stuck on a nine-hour flight with a child who won’t stop crying.
However, what if I said that you could actually enjoy a long haul flight with children? There are certain tips and tricks you can try out that will make the whole process run a lot smoother. Here are just six tips that will revolutionize your future long-haul flights with children:
Traveling with kids? We have you covered!
1. Pack some in-flight entertainment
The novelty of being up in the air will only entertain your children for the first 20 minutes; after that, some toys and games will be essential in keeping them occupied. The key to keeping your kids entertained for hours on end is variety; many parents make the mistake of only bringing one or two toys and bringing them all out at once. Stagger the process and hand out different toys every hour.
Playdough and coloring books are just some good activity ideas. However, you should try and avoid bringing toys that are too messy or any that have any small parts that can get lost. When the tears start flowing, it’s useful to have your child’s favorite soft toy on hand.
Pack a lot of toys!
2. Preparation is key
If you fail to plan it’s likely that your long haul flight with the kids is going to be a disaster. However, with some forward-thinking and some savvy travel hacks up your sleeve, you’ll be able to enjoy the journey. Nothing’s worse than clawing through your carry on luggage, desperately searching for an item; before you know it, the contents of the bag are on your lap only for you to realize you left those baby wipes at home.
Pack your carry on well in advance and make sure to put all of the essentials near the top; it also helps to pack a spare pair of clothes for each child, as accidents can happen at any time. Another great tip is to plan your nappy changes strategically, to avoid both the last-minute toilet rush before the fasten seatbelt sign comes back on.
Pack everything that you think you need!
3. Make friends with the other passengers
The last thing you want is angry and frustrated passengers when your kid starts to get noisy. Instead, get everyone on the plane on your side, and be friendly to them so that they’re more understanding of your situation when your children get restless. If you have a young baby, a thoughtful gesture is to make a few bundles for the people around you filled with earbuds and a small note apologizing if your baby starts to cry.
4. Snacks are essential
The best part of any journey is the snacks, and you’ll get to enjoy 15 luxurious minutes of solitude as your children feast away. It’s likely that the in-flight food isn’t going to be good enough, so you’ll have to prepare a snack pack at home. Ideally, their lunchbox will be filled with nutritious fruit and nuts, crisps and sweets should always be kept as a backup.
Flying to Disney makes for a great family vacation!
5. Choose your seats carefully
Believe it or not, where you decide to sit on the plane will have a significant impact on the success of the journey ahead of you. If you’re given the choice, choose seats that are nearer the back of the plane; these are the least likely to get filled, so you might be able to look forward to a whole row where you can rest your feet and let your toddler crawl over.
6. Have your milk delivered to the airport
This tip is a lifesaver for parents who are still bottle feeding. The liquid restrictions in airports have always been a source of worry for new parents about to embark on a long haul flight; but did you know that you could get formula delivered to the airport? It’s one less worry on your mind as you stroll through customs and pick up the milk on the other side.
Explore the charms of Central Europe’s most visited city with our detailed Vienna itinerary. Find the top rated tourist attractions in Ringstrasse and must things to do in the city along with suggestions for spending one day in Vienna, the capital of Austria.
Vienna is one of the top cultural destinations in the world owing to its vast Imperial history. Also known as Wien, the city is Austria’s capital and among Europe’s most visited ones. Located along the banks of the Danube, Vienna was the historic center of the Habsburg dynasty. You can still see the legacy in the many royal palaces, Baroque architecture, and cultural attractions including Opera House and museums. Vienna is also famous for its coffee houses, the food scene, wine taverns as well as an inspiring musical legacy. So, come learn more amazing facts about Vienna in this incredible Vienna itinerary.
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CONTENTS
History of Vienna
A beautiful but troubled past!
Vienna’s long tryst with ambitions and imperialism has given the city a complex legacy. Even before the war times, Vienna had its share of fame and attracted some of Europe’s most influential figures. Few know that in 1913 – before the outbreak of World War I – Vienna was home not only to the Habsburg dynasty but also to Hitler and Stalin.
Imperial Vienna flourished under the Habsburg dynasty, especially under Ferdinand I, in the 16th century. During the Renaissance era, Vienna was the intellectual center for developments in science, humanities, arts, and music. Architecture flourished and Baroque style buildings and defense fortifications were built within the city. The Habsburg empire consisted of a large part of modern Europe with the major threat being the Ottoman Turks. The Habsburg and Ottomans jointly ruled modern-day Hungary. The 16th to the 18th century was dominated by Ottoman-Habsburg wars until the Turks were completely driven out of Hungary under Prince Eugene of Savoy in 1716. Since then, Vienna was the center of the Austro-Hungarian empire.
In the 19th century, foundations were laid down for the creation of Modern Vienna. The fortifications were taken down and the grand Ringstrasse built in its place. The most significant buildings in Innerstadt along the Ringstrasse were constructed during this time. Early 20th century Vienna was popular among immigrants looking for work or to better their learning. It was during this time that Hitler came to Vienna to become a student at the art institute and when rejected, became interested in Vienna politics.
The Habsburg monarchy collapsed during the first World War. During WWI, Vienna also suffered economically – inflation increased and savings depleted. The weak state left after the end of the war resulted in discontent and authoritarian governments, culminating in the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany. The annexation was announced by Hitler at the famous speech in Heldenplatz. Under the Third Reich, Vienna’s Jewish population was tortured and executed. The city housed concentration camps during WWII.
At the end of WWII, Vienna was under bomb threats and Hitler had defense flak towers constructed. These towers can still be seen in the city. Compared to Berlin, Cologne or other German cities, Vienna wasn’t as damaged during WWII bombings. Post-WWII, economic activity, and rebuilding occurred. Vienna became one of the centers of the United Nations and its organizations. Modern Vienna continues to be the cultural, economic, and financial capital of Austria.
The best time to visit Vienna is during the popular summer season in Europe. June, July, and August have very comfortable temperatures and the days are warm and sunny. Springs and fall both are shoulder seasons – expect mild weather with occasional cool nights and fewer tourists. Winter is not that popular to visit except for holiday season when Vienna has beautiful holiday lights displays and Christmas markets around the corners.
Vienna is one of the most expensive cities to visit in the world – accommodation, food, and drinks in the tourist areas are quite costly. The key to having a great time in Vienna while staying within your budget is to travel within the shoulder season.
Where to stay in Vienna
We recommend staying in the Innere Stadt area while you are in Vienna. Yes, the hotels are going to be expensive but you will be close to all the major tourist attractions and save a lot of time as compared to traveling to the city center from outside. There are fewer budget accommodations within the city but since you are spending a day or two, it can be worth the time saved.
Another good area to stay if you prefer not to stay inside the Ringstrasse is District 2 or Leopoldstadt. This is the area between the Danube river and the Danube canal. Vienna’s Prater amusement park with its Ferris wheel is situated here. You will be quiet close to the city center and its attractions plus Schwedenplatz and its nightlife.
Contrary to what many think, it is actually possible to visit Vienna in one day. You won’t be able to visit the famous museums but you can still explore the city center i.e. the Old Town or Altstadt and get a feel of the city’s architecture, coffee house culture, and it’s high brow vibe. We recommend starting the day early if you want to see Vienna in a day.
Visit Inner City Vienna in 1 Day
All of the places to visit in Vienna in 1 Day are located inside the Ring Road in the Old Town or Inner City area.
Heldenplatz
Heldenplatz or Heroes Square is the green space and city square located outside the Hofburg Palace Complex. It was here that Hitler announced the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany in 1938. Heldenplatz was designed by the German architect, Gottfried Semper. The square contains equestrian statues of two of Austria’s war heroes: Prince Eugene of Savoy who defeated the Ottomans and Archduke Charles who led the defeat against Napoleon.
Several significant buildings and monuments surround the Heldenplatz including the residence of the Austrian President, the foreign ministry, the National Library, the Outer Castle Gate Burgtor, Volksgarten public park, the Natural History Museum of Vienna, and the Museum of Fine Arts. From Heldenplatz, you will also have great views of Ringstraße, the Austrian Parliament Building, the Rathaus (Townhall) and the Austrian National Theatre, Burgtheater.
Next visit the historic Hofburg Palace Complex. The Hofburg Palace was the seat and residence of the ruling House of Habsburg; consequently, it is the most famous of Vienna’s palaces. The complex has over 18 building groups and innumerable rooms, some of which have been turned into museums. The Hofburg Complex has a myriad of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Renaissance as each successive ruler added elements during their rule.
Properly exploring the Hofburg Complex and its museums will take more than a day. To see the highlights within an hour or two, we recommend walking around the complex and observing the architecture, visiting the 13th century Royal Chapel, and checking out the main attractions of Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the stunning Silver Collection. All of these attractions can be visited with a single ticket.
The Imperial Apartments include the offices and residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, which are preserved mostly in their original condition and can be toured with a ticket. You can walk through 24 rooms in Rococo style of architecture including the dining room, bathroom, living rooms, and imperial staircase. The Sisi Museum is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth and includes personal artifacts owned by her as well as her many portraits. The Imperial Silver Collection is a magnificent collection of glasses, centerpieces, earthenware, kitchenware, and gold and silverware.
Vienna’s Cafe Culture is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Everyone in Vienna has had their favorite cafe right from Freud who was partial to Cafe Landtmann while Hitler, Stalin, and Trotsky frequented the historic Cafe Central. Both these cafes still exist and are located quite close to the Hofburg Palace: try an apple strudel and chai latte at the pricey Cafe Landtmann or enjoy the historic atmosphere and sachertorte at Cafe Central – while you wonder about the famous men who once sat at your table!
For other popular cafes in the area, try Cafe Demel or Cafe Hawelka. The cafes are all around the inner city – some frozen in time with traditional Viennese architecture and old-time decor while others with a modern, trendy vibe – all serving coffee, schnitzels, strudels, and happy times.
Coffee’s origins in Vienna have a unique history. In 1683, the city was under siege of the Ottoman Empire for two months. After the Battle of Vienna, the Habsburg Army and its Allies regained control and the Turks fled leaving behind all possessions including coffee! Since then, the Viennese have perfected coffee into an art form. You will find several different brews in each cafe.
Here’s what you need to understand about the Viennese coffee houses: they are about much more than having a drink. A cup of coffee is your ticket to lingering in these iconic institutions and enjoying the decor, people watching and eating delicious pastries and other food. And that’s why you should go here for lunch rather than breakfast. Sip a specially brewed coffee, try the traditional Viennese pastries and sausages, and enjoy your meal.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Austria’s most famous church. The Cathedral was built in the 12th century and has witnessed the most popular events in Vienna’s history. The roof of the Cathedral was damaged in a fire when the Soviet Army entered Vienna post-WWII in 1945 but much of the structure has remained intact. The Cathedral is huge and built in the Gothic style of architecture with beautiful spires and a colorful tiled roof. Inside you will find high ceilings, simple stained glass windows, and an intricately carved pulpit. While the cathedral is free to visit, we recommend getting the tour which includes an audio guide, access to North and South bell towers, and a guided tour of the catacombs. From the towers, you will have a beautiful view of the tiled roof of the Cathedral as well as a gorgeous vantage point over Vienna.
Stadtpark
Next, walk up to the Stadtpark and take a stroll around the gardens. Stadtpark has a large number of statues of famous Viennese including artists, composers, writers, etc. The most photographed monument in Vienna is that of Johann Strauss II, the Austrian music composer – it is located in the center of Stadtpark. The Kursalon building located in the park is the site for music concerts and festivals. Stadtpark is beautifully landscaped and looks vibrant in all seasons. The park has a kids play area and a small pond and makes for a great break on a Vienna one day trip. The Stadtpark U-Bahn station is designed by Otto Wagner, the famous Viennese architect.
Vienna’s Ringstrasse is a majestic circular boulevard that surrounds the historic area of the inner town. Today’s Ringstrasse is constructed where 18th century Vienna’s city walls and fortifications once stood. The Ring Road was completed around 1860 and over the next 30-40 years, a large number of grand public buildings were built surrounding the Ring Road. You can see all of these buildings on a tram ride around the Ringstrasse. The Ring Road is Vienna’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction even if you have only 1 day in Vienna.
There are two ways to go around the Ring Road. The first option is the public transport tram and the second option is the special tourist trams. If using public trams, you will need to take both Tram 1 and Tram 2 and purchase a 24-hour ticket to create your own hop on hop off tour. Lonely Planet has an excellent guide for this, which you can read here.
The vintage, yellow ‘Bim’ trams are the sightseeing trams and the only ones which complete an entire trip around the Ring Road. You cannot get down at any attraction if using the Bim but will be able to see the most important buildings from the tram while you listen to the included audio tour. The total trip time is about 30 mins and you can board the Bim from Schwedenplatz.
Here are the details of some of the buildings you will see. The Academy of Fine Arts is a famous Viennese art school. Apart from its notable alumni, the university is also famous for rejecting Adolf Hitler when he applied to be an art student. Also located along the Ring Road is the University of Vienna, one of the oldest and largest universities in the world. The university is associated with many Nobel prize winners, famous scholars, and prestigious alumni.
The Votivkirche or Votive Church is a beautiful church in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Other significant buildings include the Vienna Stock Exchange, Urania Observatory, and Hotel Imperial – a 5-star luxury hotel. You will also see the Austrian Parliament Building and other buildings located on the Heldenplatz as well as the famous Vienna State Opera House. We recommend getting down at the Opera House.
Vienna Burgtheater along the Ringstrasse (Photo – Pixabay)
Vienna State Opera
Vienna State Opera House was the first building to be completed on the grand Ringstrasse. Built-in 1869, the original building had the Renaissance Revival style of architecture. The first Opera was Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the premiere was attended by both Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elisabeth. The building was heavily bombed and damaged during WWII and the Vienna State Opera House was rebuilt post-war. Today the Opera House is one of the busiest in the world and even produces many children’s operas.
We recommend watching an opera in this famous venue to end your 1 Day in Vienna. Here are a few tips: Online tickets are the cheapest. You can splurge and get front seats with gourmet dinner or basic standing places for a few euros – yes, you can see the Opera even on a budget! You will need to leave bags and jackets in lockers outside. Also dress up, especially for the night performances as that is the norm. You can also take an hour-long guided tour to see the Opera house without attending a show.
You can either end your day at the Opera House or get a taste of Vienna’s nightlife in Schwedenplatz. The area is famous for nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Jazzland is one of Vienna’s most famous nightclubs and located in this area. With so many bars, located nearby this area is also perfect for a pub crawl Le Loft located in Sofitel is a great rooftop bar and offers wine flights. Other places worth visiting for nightlife include Josef Cocktail Bar, First Floor, Spelunke, Dino’s American Bar, etc.
More places to visit in Vienna in 1 Day
If you have more time, you might be able to squeeze in a visit to Vienna’s other top attractions including Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, Schonbrunn Palace, or Museumsquartier.
