Top 10 "Coolest" Attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort

As the temperatures continue to soar during the Coolest Summer Ever at the Walt Disney World Resort it seemed like a good time to talk about the "coolest attractions" in the theme parks. And we're not talking about 'Oh man, Space Mountain is so cool!' but rather we're talking about the attractions that are "cool" and where you won't melt into a puddle on the sidewalk.

Stay cool this summer at Walt Disney World! Stay cool this summer at Walt Disney World!

We're talking about the attractions where the A/C is pumping and you'll be cooled to the core. And we're talking about those attractions where water is the main feature, either soaking you to the bone or taking you on a leisurely boat ride.

Because if there's one thing you want to do in mid-July (or all of August) in Walt Disney World, it's keep cool. And so in no particular order we present the Coolest Attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort.

10. Kali River Rapids: This whitewater rafting adventure takes guests along the Chakranadi River in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom. You'll be seated on a 12-passenger raft that will spin and bob in the water, gently splashing water. Then, after this somewhat relaxing raft ride you'll find yourself plunging down a 20-foot slope. A word of caution: You will get soaked on this ride. We're talking squishy shoes and dripping clothes. It's a good idea to wear a poncho (which are NO fun when it's 100 degrees outside) or pack dry clothes and store them in the lockers nearby, along with your smartphones and other personal belongings.

Get soaked on Kali River RapidsGet soaked on Kali River Rapids

9. Frozen Summer Fun: It's all Frozen all the time at Disney's Hollywood Studios again this summer and while the snow pack from last year's event is long gone, there are still a few ways to keep cool during Olaf's favorite season. We suggest taking the kids to see the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along at the Hyperion Theater. You can also stop by the Event Stage during Olaf's Summer Cool Down where the snowman will share a burst of flurries with guests.

8. Great Movie Ride:
You'll get to enjoy the cool air conditioning and an all-new pre-ride film while waiting in the indoor queue for the Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. And you'll stay cool during the ride as you check out scenes from great films and even become part of the show.

Step into the movies on the Great Movie RideStep into the movies on the Great Movie Ride

7. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues:
There's nothing cooler than queueing up in a Rebel Bunker on the Ewok's forest moon of Endor. And the air conditioning is pretty cool too. Once you board your Starspeeder 1000 you never know what sort of adventure awaits, or who might be the Rebel Spy. We recommend visiting this attraction first thing in the morning if you want to avoid the bigger crowds.

6. Splash Mountain:
If getting soaked on Kali River Rapids is a bit too much water for you, we suggest heading over to the Magic Kingdom and riding Splash Mountain. Gliding through the colorful bayou world of Br'er Rabbit as he tries to outrun Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear it's the perfect ride for cooling down and relaxing. But wait! You'll want to hold on tight as you plunge down the 5-story drop to the bottom. The splash is big enough to get you wet (sometimes very wet!) so protect your smartphones and cameras (we recommend bringing zip-top bags from home and storing the items in a purse or your park bag).

Take the plunge on Splash MountainTake the plunge on Splash Mountain

5. Walt's Disney's Carousel of Progress: Guests who are looking for a cool place that doesn't involve five-story plunges and water should hop on the Carousel of Progress in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. The air conditioning is always cool and you'll have 'There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow' stuck in your head all day long. This stage show was created for the 1964-65 New York World's Fair and it's a fan favorite.

4. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: OK, so this attraction isn't indoors but it's still a good attraction for resting your weary feet and you can usually catch a nice breeze as the TTA takes you behind the scenes of Tomorrowland. And you might get a little bit of cool air as you travel through Space Mountain. This is also a great ride for later in the evening as the Magic Kingdom lights up after dark.

Ah, air conditioning on the Carousel of ProgressAh, air conditioning on the Carousel of Progress

3. Soarin': This attraction in The Land pavilion in Epcot is a fan-favorite. Whether you FastPass+ the ride or wait in the stand-by queue you'll be in air conditioning which is always a plus. This hang-gliding adventure lifts guests 40-feet into the air and takes you on an aerial tour of California complete with beach scenes, orange groves, and even Disneyland Resort.

2. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: With the demise of Maelstrom in Epcot's Norway pavilion if you're looking for a boat ride in World Showcase it's the Three Caballeros or the Friendship Boats. And since you'll find cool A/C inside the Mexico pavilion we'll choose to ride with Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito and take a tour of Mexico.

An air conditioned tour of Mexico!An air conditioned tour of Mexico!

1. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon: Why not escape the theme parks on those hot, summer days and head to one of the Walt Disney World water parks instead? You'll find wave pools, thrilling water slides, and even a chance to snorkel in a salt water reef at Typhoon Lagoons' Shark Reef.

Whether you're touring the theme parks or relaxing at a water park, there are so many ways to keep cool while having fun during the summer months at Walt Disney World. These were just a few of our favorites. What's your favorite cool attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Donna wrote on Mon, 07/13/2015 - 14:51:

Donna's picture

I also like the Living with the Land Boat Ride, the Haunted Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Figment Ride at EPCOT...any of the "dark rides" can be pretty cool when it's hot outside!

Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 07/13/2015 - 23:51:

Kristen K.'s picture

Aww Traci - how did you miss Ellen's Energy Adventure? That's a great one to cool down on, and take a nap.

Amy wrote on Tue, 07/14/2015 - 00:31:

Amy's picture

I rode PeopleMover four times in a row to relax and give my feet a rest.

Traci C wrote on Tue, 07/14/2015 - 14:26:

Um...it was #11 on the list? LOL.

Kristen K. wrote on Tue, 07/14/2015 - 16:10:

Kristen K.'s picture

Of course! I knew it :-)

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