Summer season is at its peak now – and so are the theme parks. Soaring temperatures and peak-capacity lines can take their toll and by the end of the day you’ll be very glad that all of our properties have their own private pool!
Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas guide to getting the most out of your Orlando vacation when you stay with us in July.
The Theme Parks
The parks will be busy but, on the upside, there is usually much more to enjoy!
It isn’t uncommon for the parks to reach peak capacity during the summer months. When this happens the gates will close for a while to give the crowds chance to subside, but they do often open again later in the day once guests begin to drift home.
Once you’re in the parks the crowds can make it easy to lose people, so make sure you keep a close eye on everyone in your party.
Staying out of the sun and keeping cool are also important considerations this month. Wear plenty of sunblock and reapply regularly.
Keep hydrated too. My little one also loves the water-spraying fans you can buy at Disney, but don’t wait until you get to the parks to buy one because you’ll be buying them at a premium. Walmart and Target sell versions for a fraction of the cost – stock up before your visit.
If the afternoon heat is too much for you, then the water based rides can be a cooler alternative. Indoor shows are also a good way to escape the midday heat – popping into shops or cafes is one way to stay cool by enjoying the welcome blast of air conditioning they provide!
If you want to enjoy character dining in peak summer months however, you will need to make sure you book plenty of time in advance.
One option to avoid the heat is to arrive early and make the most of the quieter times, then pop back home for a post-lunch nap (ideal for toddlers and grandparents alike!). Because the parks stay open later during peak summer months, later in the day you can return to the parks feeling refreshed to enjoy the summer parades and fireworks.
This July you can enjoy the Sounds Like Summer Concerts at Epcot, and the Summer Nights concerts at SeaWorld Orlando.
With the introductions of tiered pricing at both Disney and SeaWorld (Universal has been operating it for a while), understanding your best options in terms of tickets has got a bit more confusing. If you want help making sense of your options, we recommend speaking with our attraction tickets partner, who will offer great advice based on your family preferences.
You can book Orlando theme park tickets through Ellis Exclusive Villas. We guarantee you won’t get a better price.
The Weather
By July, temperatures in Orlando are happily sitting around in 90s. Expect daytime lows of around 70˚F (20˚C) and highs in the low 90s (32˚C +).
It isn’t going to be all sunshine though; the risk of rain is fairly high – you’re well into the rainy season – so make sure you have an umbrella or lightweight raincoat packed in your day pack along with your sun screen.
Sea temperatures are on the rise too; you can expect them to be around a comfortable 82˚F (28˚C) so a day at the beach (or one of Orlando’s water parks) is a great option.
Wider Central Florida
Central Florida isn’t only all about the theme parks.
During the summer months, many local attractions will play host to special events.
The local state parks are a must-see: get out and experience the unique nature of this waterway-rich state. The Shingle Creek Regional Park in Kissimmee is right on your doorstep and is well worth a visit. Many of the State parks also offer options for hiring bikes or kayaks so you can explore the trails and waterways at your own pace. Alternatively, an Airboat Tour is another thrilling way to experience the State’s unique natural environment. Given recent announcements about Zika, if you are planning this type of activity make sure you are adequately protected and keep reapplying the bug spray as well as the sunblock.
The beaches of Central Florida are also well worth visiting in these wonderful summer months. The Altantic coast is an hour-and-a-half drive to the east, the Gulf coast is two to two-and-a-half hours to the west. If your itinerary allows for a day to visit both, then a trip to the beach is well worth the drive time.
Your vacation home
You definitely won’t need to pay for pool heat in July.
The pool will become a very welcome part of your daily ritual – a wonderful way to cool off in the Florida sun!
However, the warm weather brings the bugs out, so you’ll need to pay particular attention to disposing of trash (rubbish) properly, wiping down surfaces, and using bug spray when you’re out and about (especially at the water parks). Please don’t leave standing water which can encourage them.
You shouldn’t be unduly troubled by bugs, however. All of our homes are treated on a regular basis (they are sprayed once a month) so do let us know if you need us to arrange for a top-up visit from our pest control team!
If you’re travelling to Florida from the UK, it’s definitely worth locking in exchange rates using our partner FairFX. This great UK-based provider makes international spending cheaper and easier, but with the current uncertainty over exchange rates the service can also remove some of the stress of budgeting for you.
During peak season the services of our car rental partner Car on the Drive can also be very welcome – especially if it is your first time in Orlando. Navigating your way from the airport to your vacation home in the Florida heat can be stressful, but Car on the Drive will pick you up from the airport and provide some orientation on drive to your vacation home, where your rental car will be waiting for you on the drive.
Finally, if you have any questions then please contact us on the usual numbers. And, most of all, enjoy your vacation!
In the USA: 321 710 8779
In the UK: 0333 332 1411
