Our 3-Day Disney Family Adventure: Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom in the Summer Heat
We just got back from an amazing 3-day Disney trip to Orlando — and if you’re thinking about tackling the Florida parks in the middle of summer with kids, this post is for you. ☀️
My wife and I took our two elementary aged kids to Walt Disney World this past June and stayed at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. It was just the four of us, and honestly, that ended up being the perfect pace for a short but packed Disney getaway.
Where We Stayed: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
This was our first time staying at Disney’s Beach Club, and we loved it — especially as Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. Being able to book a villa through DVC gave us more space and flexibility, and the resort’s location is unbeatable.
The absolute best part? You can walk straight into Epcot through the International Gateway entrance — right into World Showcase. No buses, no boats — just a peaceful 5-minute walk along Crescent Lake. That access was a game-changer, especially on arrival day or when we wanted a relaxed evening in the parks.
The pool (Stormalong Bay) was a huge hit with our kids, and having easy mid-day access back to our room helped us survive the summer heat. That alone made it worth the stay.
If you’ve ever thought about joining DVC, we definitely recommend looking into it. It has completely changed how we travel as a family — more flexibility, bigger rooms, and that “home away from home” feel.
👉 Learn more or start your own DVC journey here: https://my.dvcdreamitforward.com/ffRJKYYFnSId
Our Park Lineup
Day 1: Arrival + Epcot
After checking in and dropping off our bags, we walked straight into Epcot — no transportation needed. First stop: dinner at Shiki-Sai in the Japan Pavilion. If you’re craving a Japanese food fix, this is the place. It’s a bit pricey, but worth trying at least once. Great views, great service, and it really set the tone for our trip.
After a late lunch, we rode Soarin’ (a family favorite), then Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which the kids loved. We kept it chill and focused mostly on World Showcase that evening — a perfect way to ease into the Disney experience.
Day 2: Hollywood Studios
We started early and headed straight to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where we rode two must-dos: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The theming in this land is incredible — our kids felt like they were walking through a movie set.
We also made time for two great shows:
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (classic and still magical)
The brand new Disney Villains show, which was a fun surprise with a bold, Broadway-style vibe!
We didn’t use Lightning Lane, but we did take advantage of the 30-minute early entry available to Disney resort guests. That head start made a huge difference — we were able to do everything we wanted with standby lines only.
Day 3: Animal Kingdom
This park has such a different vibe — and we were thankful for it. It’s more spread out and relaxed, which was welcome after two full days. Flight of Passage was a standout, and the kids loved the atmosphere of Pandora. Just a heads-up: this park felt the hottest of all three. Pack cooling gear and don’t underestimate hydration.
The Heat Is Real — What Helped Us Survive
Florida in late June is no joke. Temps were in the high 90s with intense humidity — and if you’re visiting Orlando theme parks in the summer, let us be clear: neck fans are a necessity, not just a luxury. We saw so many guests overheating, and having our fans made a huge difference in comfort, energy, and even patience (especially with kids!).
We brought and tested two neck fans and a compact handheld fan — all worked great depending on your needs:
🌀 Comlife Bladeless Neck Fan
Sleek, bladeless design with USB-C charging, soft rubber neck area, and super comfortable to wear all day. Our kids especially liked this one — and it worked great in ride lines and walking between parks.
🌀 Comlife Dual Blade Neck Fan (Stronger Output)
Traditional dual fans with adjustable arms and higher airflow output. Also USB-rechargeable. My wife preferred this one for the breeze and how it angled directly at her face.
🖐️ Aluan Handheld Mini Fan
This compact fan was super useful while waiting in shaded areas, during shows, or while walking. It fits easily in a park bag or stroller pocket, is USB rechargeable, and delivers strong air output for its size. A great option if you don’t like wearing something around your neck or want a backup fan to share.
We also brought:
Light, breathable clothing
Backup battery banks for the fans
💧 Pro Tip: Disney offers free cups of ice water at any quick service restaurant. Just go up to the window and ask — no need to wait in a food line or purchase anything.
Sunscreen That Actually Worked (Even With Sensitive Skin)
We’re always careful with sunscreen since our daughter has sensitive skin. This trip, we used the Coppertone Complete Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, and it was perfect.
Coppertone Complete Sunscreen on Amazon
Goes on easily, not greasy, and most importantly — no irritation or reactions. We applied it every morning and touched up mid-day, and it held up great even in the Florida sun.
What Worked – and What We’d Do Differently
✅ What worked:
Walking to Epcot from Beach Club = unbeatable
Using 30-minute early entry helped us beat the big crowds — we skipped Lightning Lanes and still hit all the rides we wanted
Staying on Disney property (and using DVC) gave us flexibility and convenience
Cooling gear + reliable sunscreen kept everyone happy and healthy
❌ What we’d change next time:
Add an extra day to fit in Magic Kingdom or a rest day
Pack fewer snacks (the kids wanted park treats anyway)
Bring a backup power bank just for the fans — we drained ours by late afternoon
Final Thoughts
This trip was short but filled with memories. The right planning, a little gear prep, and knowing when to take breaks made all the difference. We’re already thinking about the next one — maybe with a bit more time to relax or even sneak in some golf.
If you’re planning your own Disney adventure, drop a comment or reach out — I’d love to share more real-world tips that actually work for families like ours.
Coming Soon:
Disney Packing List Printable
Allergy-Friendly Snacks You Can Bring Into the Parks
Best Amazon Travel Gear for Theme Park Trips
Full day by day breakdown of this trip
Discovery Cove - Cabana Worth It?
Hoop Dee Doo Revue … Review.
A fun and colorful kids’ bento box at Shiki Sai — featuring crispy chicken, sushi, tamago, fresh fruit, edamame, and a cute little dessert to finish it off
A DIY sushi hand roll feast at Shiki Sai! Fresh sashimi, rice, nori, and a variety of accompaniments ready for your own delicious creations.
An electrifying moment from the brand-new Disney Villains show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — a wickedly fun celebration of Disney’s most iconic baddies
A tale as old as time brought to life — the enchanting Beauty and the Beast stage show at Disney World. Truly timeless magic!
One of the best parts of these trips — watching my kids grow closer and make memories together, hand in hand.
💦☀️ Parents need vacation vibes too — soaking up every moment of relaxation by the waterfall in Stormalong Bay. #RechargeMode
