Which park is hottest?

[Mousemates]

Just a curiosity question, "Which theme park do consider to be the hottest" or to ask the question another way, "which park is the most uncomfortable to visit on a hot summer day?" Any comments as to the why of your vote would be appreciated.

[faline]

Animal Kingdom usually always feels hotter than the other parks!

[Strmchsr]

I actually did some research on that with my most recent May & September trips because I was curious about that very thing. Actual air temperature - MK is the hottest due to the massive amounts of concrete and relative lack of shade and receives the least amount of breeze. However, DAK is by far the most humid and even though it has the lowest air temperature (by a couple of degrees on average) due to the massive amounts of shades, the heat index is usually highest in that park. Actual air temp went in this order - Mk, Epcot, DHS, DAK. But, the heat index (comfort level) going in order from least comfortable was: DAK, MK, DHS, Epcot. Epcot has a nice breeze most of the time which helps cut down on the discomfort and the lake actually makes it the coolest place in the evenings. Mk & Epcot also had the most places to easily duck into to cool off.

I measured on multiple days during my trips in the middle of the afternoon (hottest part of the day while wife and sons went to swim) in different parts of the park. I also did them in different orders each time to account for travel between parks, but the results were always the same.

I drove my wife nuts hopping from park to park rapidly to try to measure these things as close to the same time as possible.

[disneymom15]

For sure, Animal Kingdom.

[SignguyTom]

I think AK seems hotter because of all the lush trees and vegetation raising the humidity. It just always seems more muggy there.

[faline]

I measured on multiple days during my trips in the middle of the afternoon (hottest part of the day while wife and sons went to swim) in different parts of the park. I also did them in different orders each time to account for travel between parks, but the results were always the same.

I drove my wife nuts hopping from park to park rapidly to try to measure these things as close to the same time as possible.

Too funny - that you did this! Did you get any strange looks while you were taking your measurements?

[CU Tiger]

AK always feels hotter than the other parks.

[EJS-Houston]

I wonder, too, if Animal Kingdom feels hotter because the pathways are narrower than those in the other parks, so it feels more crowded, ergo more body heat to contend with on top the the humidity.

[Strmchsr]

Too funny - that you did this! Did you get any strange looks while you were taking your measurements?

Not too many. My instruments that measure everything fit easily into my pocket or backpack so it wasn't too noticeable. Most folks (if they noticed at all) would probably have thought I was holding a cell phone. A couple of CM's noticed, though, and they were pretty interested with the findings.

[AgentC]

However, DAK is by far the most humid and even though it has the lowest air temperature (by a couple of degrees on average) due to the massive amounts of shades, the heat index is usually highest in that park. Actual air temp went in this order - Mk, Epcot, DHS, DAK. But, the heat index (comfort level) going in order from least comfortable was: DAK, MK, DHS, Epcot.

I always thought AK felt hotter. Glad to know I am not crazy.

Did you make it up to your wife later?

[MOJoe]

I actually did some research on that with my most recent May & September trips because I was curious about that very thing. Actual air temperature - MK is the hottest due to the massive amounts of concrete and relative lack of shade and receives the least amount of breeze. However, DAK is by far the most humid and even though it has the lowest air temperature (by a couple of degrees on average) due to the massive amounts of shades, the heat index is usually highest in that park. Actual air temp went in this order - Mk, Epcot, DHS, DAK. But, the heat index (comfort level) going in order from least comfortable was: DAK, MK, DHS, Epcot.

I measured on multiple days during my trips in the middle of the afternoon (hottest part of the day while wife and sons went to swim) in different parts of the park.

Where else but right here on Intercot can you get this type of information? Thanks Chris, for providing the actual data that confirms our suspisions.

[Strmchsr]

Did you make it up to your wife later?

Absolutely! She doesn't complain too much about my wackiness, though. After all, it's my teaching for the Disney Institute that allows her to get to go to WDW so often.

Where else but right here on Intercot can you get this type of information? Thanks Chris, for providing the actual data that confirms our suspisions.

My pleasure. Glad to know my geekiness can help.

[WDWForever]

I'd say DAK, there aren't as many indoor air conditioned attractions to cool off like the other parks.

[Auntie B]

AK definately seems the most hot and humid to me. Love it anyway!

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Odd man out here because I would say Hollywood Studios is the hottest. Is there a tree anywhere at DHS?

I can't believe everyone says AK is hottest because it is by far my coolest. AK is the ONLY park I can skip the sunblock and not end up in the burn unit at Orlando Regional.

[lawgirl]

To me, I always feel super hot and exhausted at DHS...maybe because its my least favorite park, and there is alot less that I personally want to do there. It seems like there is so much concrete, and so little places to hide from the sun. But that's just my opinion.

Epcot has always seemed the coolest to me...walking around with a margarita might be helping that too!

[Disney4]

I used to think AK was, but at least there are fans scattered about to cool you there. DS only has fans in a couple of places and no shade at all.

The backlot area feels like the core of the sun on a July day. (there is a misting system there)

[Mousemates]

I actually did some research on that with my most recent May & September trips because I was curious about that very thing. Actual air temperature - MK is the hottest due to the massive amounts of concrete and relative lack of shade and receives the least amount of breeze. However, DAK is by far the most humid and even though it has the lowest air temperature (by a couple of degrees on average) due to the massive amounts of shades, the heat index is usually highest in that park. Actual air temp went in this order - Mk, Epcot, DHS, DAK. But, the heat index (comfort level) going in order from least comfortable was: DAK, MK, DHS, Epcot.

Wow ...but I guess it should not have surprised to find out someone had already taken the time to personally research my question (intercot is awesome )....and as it now stands the anecdotal evidence is certainly affirming your primary empirical findings. Good work Strmchsr.

[AllDisney]

We think AK. The humidity & lack of a breeze there just adds to the feel of this park being the hottest!

[Gator]

June 20, 2002. Walking through Africa in the Animal Kingdom. I'm not sure why, but the heat was unreal. It's always hot in FL in June, but I remember that moment as being the hottest I've ever felt. And it was only 95 according to the weather. The massive rainstorm that came at 4:30 that day was most welcome.