With the kids out of school and families looking for some fun in the sun, there’s no better place than the Disney parks to create an unforgettable vacation. If you’re dreaming up a summer getaway to Walt Disney World® Resort or the Disneyland® Resort, this guide will cover the basics of planning and provide you with some pro tips to take your travels to the next level. As an ongoing Cardmember perk, remember you can receive special vacation financing on select Disney vacation packages when purchasing with your Disney® Visa® Credit Card.¹

Tips for Summer Vacations to Disney Parks

Tip 1: Book accommodations that have one-of-a-kind pools

When you stay at a Disneyland Resort or Disney Resort hotel, you can make a splash at several unique pools. Slide into adventure, dive into amazing Disney moments and make waves in picture-perfect settings, all within walking distance of your room.

Some of the most popular pool options at Walt Disney World® Resort include Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, featuring the iconic Sorcerer Mickey fountain; the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, featuring a towering “volcano” and 142-foot-long waterslide; and the relaxing waters of Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, with its heated pool surrounded by lush landscaping.

All three of the Disneyland® Resort hotels have pools of their own: Disneyland® Hotel’s retro-themed pools include waterslides themed after the beloved monorails, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa offers three dazzling pools, and Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel provides a scenic rooftop pool.

Tip 2: Purchase tickets and make park and dining reservations as soon as possible

Booking in advance is key to helping ensure your entry to the parks and access to the dining and activities you want to experience. Start by purchasing your tickets and making park reservations at Walt Disney World® Resort or the Disneyland® Resort for the dates of your choice. Then, check on reservations at the restaurants you want to visit. Want some inspiration on where to eat? Check out our Disney Rewards Dining Perks Guide for select dining locations where you can save 10% most days with your Disney Visa Card.²³ Last but not least, look into booking Enchanting Extras like private photo sessions and guided tours.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, if you’re looking for extra guidance for putting together or managing your plans, the Disney Genie service can help. Use it to find recommendations throughout your day, access a personalized itinerary and view reservations. It can even recommend when you’re eligible to book dining reservations and helps you predict the best time to experience an attraction with wait time forecasts. Learn more about Disney Genie for Walt Disney World® Resort and the Disneyland® Resort.

Tip 3: Look for attractions to cool you down

There are so many ways to cool off, bask in the shade and keep comfortable during your Disney summer vacation. Try visiting the many indoor attractions, like the theatrical entertainment in Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Disney California Adventure® Park and Magic Kingdom® Park. For extra refreshment, jump on an attraction that provides a splash, like Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure® Park.

Tip 4: Don’t forget about the water parks

At Walt Disney World® Resort, you’ll find water parks that bring the same incredible detail and enchantment as the other theme parks, and they’re the perfect destinations for all ages to soak up the sun and dive into fun. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon provides tropical vistas, adventurous thrills and luxurious lounging. And Disney’s Blizzard Beach puts a wintry twist on aquatic activities, like toboggan racing and polar-themed play areas. Plus, both parks offer refreshing treats and beverages, so you can hang all day. And as a bonus, park reservations are not required at the water parks.

Tip 5: Pack all your summer essentials

Whether you’re prepping for the pool or a whole waterpark outing, you’ll want to fill your suitcase with all the essentials. Gear up with your swimsuit, sandals, hats and sunglasses, of course. And don’t forget to bring a backpack or pool bag so you can carry your sunscreen, refillable water bottle, phone charger and snacks. Need some new swim apparel or just want to refresh your look with a touch of Disney? Visit shopDisney.com for the latest summer pieces, and remember that Cardmembers can save 10% on select purchases with the Disney Visa Card.⁴

Tip 6: Treat yourself to frosty refreshments

You can’t go wrong with fan favorites, like the DOLE® Whip and Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar, found in multiple locations throughout the parks. But you’ll want to save room for hidden gems, too—such as delicious lemon sorbet in the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT® or a completely customized bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream in Disney California Adventure® Park. And be on the lookout for cold beverages to sip in the shade, like the famous Blue Milk and Green Milk in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. These treats taste even sweeter when you redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward them!⁵

Tip 7: Chill out with a day at the movies

Kick back with one of the hottest new Disney, Star Wars or Disney and Pixar movies when you use your Disney Rewards Redemption Card toward ticket purchases via AMCTheatres.com or on the AMC Theatres Mobile App.⁵ There are convenient AMC Theatres locations near Disney parks: the AMC® Disney Springs 24 in Florida and the AMC® Anaheim GardenWalk 6 in California, making it easy to lounge and take in a summer blockbuster.

With so many adventures to look forward to, keep dreaming big and imagining all the possibilities for your best summer ever. Visit the Vacation Perks page to explore all the ways your Disney Visa Card can pack even more Disney into your getaway.