He's trying to tell you to turn around and come back in the fall

If the Orlando tourism people ask, you didn’t hear this from me.

I’m pretty sure I could have my Florida driver’s license revoked for what I’m about to tell you.

*deep breath*

Disney World sucks in the summer.

It’s true.  Tell a Florida resident that you’re planning to visit Disney World in June, July or August and you’ll be met with a look of confusion and pity.  And possibly a little smugness because clearly you are not as “in the know” as the locals are.

Yes, we know, it’s the happiest place on earth.  From October to April, many of us wholeheartedly agree that Disney World rocks.  We’re iffy on September and May, but we’ll let those months slide.  But a visit to Disney World during the height of summer?

No way.

5 Reasons Why Disney World Sucks (In The Summer)

A magical concrete jungle

1. The heat.

I love warm weather.  In fact, it’s one of the main reasons I moved to Florida in the first place.  I can even tolerate the 100+ degree heat that is prevalent all summer long.  What I cannot tolerate is 100+ degree heat in the middle of miles and miles of concrete, with precious few shaded areas as big as my thumb.  The air is heavy and sticky and hot and the misting fans do very little to relieve the oppressive heat.

2. The lines.

Magical lines.

Despite the fact that the summer season provides the worst climate for enjoying Disney World, tourists from all over the world still visit in droves all summer long.  Plan to wait 45 minutes for everything – from a hot dog to a character meeting – on almost any summer day.  If you’ve got your heart set on hitting one of the more popular rides, you could spend hours waiting for your turn.

But, hey – what little kid doesn’t love standing in line for hours, right?

3. The crowds.

Magical crowds... as far as the eye can see!

Forget the lines.  Try walking to a bathroom.  Or getting through the front gate.  The sheer volume of people milling around Disney World during the summer makes simple navigation agonizing.  You’ll spend your entire day shoulder to shoulder with strangers and strollers.

4.  The cost.

Sure, Disney World is always expensive.  If you’re planning a trip to Disney World you’re already prepared to shell out lots and lots of cash.  But if you’re traveling in the summer, be prepared to pay a premium for everything.  The best deals on everything from park admission to Disney hotels are usually found during the fall and winter months.

5.  Thunderstorms.  Oh, and hurricanes.

Now doesn't that look HAPPY?

Summer is Florida’s rainy season.  It is also hurricane season.  Chances are very good that at least one part of your vacation will be rained out by an afternoon shower – if not completely ruined by high winds and federal evacuations.

Now, none of these things seem that bad – on their own.  But add it all up and you have a recipe for hot, tired, crabby kids (and adults), spending hours on end standing in line and crammed up against thousands of other hot, tired, crabby kids (and adults).  OOH!  That sounds like fun!

Or not.

If you’re dying to visit Disney World (and truly, I actually like Disney World), consider visiting in October when the weather has cooled and the crowds have thinned considerably.

If you absolutely must visit Florida in the summer, check out the beaches where you can get relief from the heat with a coastal breeze and water.  Or skip Disney World and head to Universal Studios.  Yes, it’s still hot, but Universal Studios offers an Express Pass ticket upgrade that allows you to skip the lines for every single ride, all day long.  Eliminating the long lines makes the entire amusement park experience much more enjoyable.