Best Ways to Stay Cool in July?

[Truelovernr1122]

My family and I are heading back to Disney. EVERY year we go in the summer and it is BRUTAL! I don't take the heat well and end up with migraines if I don't take excedrin before we leave our resort. Does anyone have any ways to stay cool? Dodging from one air-conditioned attraction to another while splashing bottled water on my head hasn't worked for me all these years. Any cool contraptions or interesting tips you all used?

TIA!

[jacksmom]

Hi! We are going in July also! I have bought those "cooling scarves"!:rotfl: I hope they really work!:rotfl2: Also bought some misty fans from Walmart! I am now looking for some water bottle holders! :confused3 I am thinking we could freeze the water bottles at our resort to take into the parks and they would be nice and cold for awhile!;)

[Chedstro]

I just moved here a year ago (20 min from the WDW parks) Trying to keep as cool as I can! I got a small "MistyMate" from Walmart. It works well so far; but I tend to go from airconditioned attraction to another.

Tip - in the Magic Kingdom you can get down Main Street by walking through the shops - all with air:rotfl2:

[lizzyb]

We are also going in July and got some misty mates and arctic ties. We also got a fan that clips on to the stroller. We plan on staying out of the fun during peak times and try to stay in the air conditioner as much as possible.

[michelle1]

We carry 1 small bag for the whole family and take turns..large backpacks will make you extra hot. We also hate carrying misty fans etc so I've found a ziplock bag with a wet face cloth works great because it can be rinsed anywhere with cold water and is refreshing to cool off your face, neck etc. The clothing you wear makes a huge difference also...light colours with cool fabric and if I can get away with tanks that have a built in bra then I'm happy.

[ntsammy5]

Wear shirts that wick moisture away. Running shirts -- that helps. My solution is not to go in the summer, but I don't have any school age kids anymore. Heat doesn't really bother me but with DW it's a different matter.

[mamita]

for us it`s air conditioned rides:thumbsup2 we find nice cool rides like pirates that had no lines and went on it twice!! it was refreshing and we were ready to go after that;)

[beccasmom]

I find that staying hyrdrated is the most important thing. I am not wild about the hot weather either, but I always seem to survive it one way or another. We just had a 4-day heat wave here in the Philly area and it was awful. Reminded me of what we are heading into! :scared1: Dress as cooly as you can in light colors and lightweight fabrics. Be flexible with regards to planning and change your plans if needed - health comes first. The Florida sun is really tough on your skin - SPF is so crucial! I bring a spray can of Neutrogena to use during the day. Take a mid-afternoon break; in the summer the parks are opener later so you can afford to take a couple of hours "off" to jump in the pool or take a snooze. Eat lightly - salads, yogurt, fruit. Avoid a lot of caffeine and alcohol. Take an ice cream/Dole Whip break (no calories on vacation, remember?;) ) and sit in the shade. Take a misting fan or a plastic spray bottle with water to spritz yourself and your kids. Take as many breaks as you need and don't push yourself.

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

ITA with beccasmom, and take a mid afternoon break. A dip in the pool and a little nap is just what we usually need to get through the day. Also, drink plenty of H2O, and wear a hat.

[OKW Lover]

Lots of good suggestions here.

In hot weather, we go to a park early in the morning and leave before noon. We spend most of the afternoon at the pool or even just in the air conditioned room. In the late afternoon we head back to the parks - typically Epcot.

While in the parks, we often take "shortcuts" through the air conditioned shops. Also plan on taking in some of the longer attractions such as Hall of Presidents, Ellen's Energy Adventure, American Adventure, etc.

[ohiojoy]

Not that this helps with the heat exactly but one thing that can take away headaches and all that is staying hydrated. When it's that hot out you sweat but don't realize it because it evaporates so the important thing to is drink plenty of waters. When you've thought you've drank enough water, drink more! lol

[sueh]

We will be there in July also!

I plan to dress in light clothing and take afternoon breaks with the girls.
We too just had a 4 day heatwave and I usually don't do well in the heat but for reason it wasn't so bad. I guess it's a dress rehersal for what's to come. LOL

[Samantha/NC]

We went at the end of July in 2007-we took in frozen water bottles. We actually did not mind the heat--except for our photo ops, when you can tell that I am covered in a fine layer of SWEAT!! The most embarrassing one is the 9:05 am picture of me and dd on Dumbo--oh yeah, I sweat!

They are plenty of air conditioned attractions and most of the lines have you out of the sun--just be prepared--it will be hot!

[Castle crazy]

We freeze bottles of water in the freezer in our room and take 2 frozen and 2 cold into the park with us. The frozen bottles we wrap in layers of paper towels. We use the paper towels to put on our head and neck then throw away. At the end of the day we usually still have very cold water if we got some ice water at the food places along the way. I buy those blue paper towels that are really thick,soft, and very strong. They are kind of like Viva. They work very well during the day and you just throw away when you are done.

[LSU]

we just went to WDW from 5/23-6/6. The first week was fine - but when June hit - there was a HEAT WAVE. Anyway - we brought in frozen water bottles and drank it all day as it melted. Strange...but I got so hot at times that I used the frozen bottle to place on my pulse points and talk about cool ya down!!! It really worked. The cooling scarves work too. (buy them in the camping section at wmart.

What about sea water or florida water? I know it's used for sports, etc...can't that be taken into the parks to dip a cloth in?

[Truelovernr1122]

I think I'll try freezing the water this time. Do the neck coolers REALLY work? I hear different opinions, some say it does, some say it doesn't - what company have you had luck with?

[MapleGirl]

We're going in September this year. Usually we go in January, so it will be a new experience.

I love the idea of bringing washcloths into the parks. But I think we'll go with a PP's idea and bring a roll of shop paper towels (the really thick blue ones from hardware stores). We can fold up and bring a few with us into the parks, then wet them with ice water, wipe down our faces, then throw out the towel. love it!

[adamalexa]

Just came back from Disney 6/7 and it was in the 90's and humid every day.

We brought with us Black Ice Personal Coolers, which you wrap around your neck and it does help cool down your body. It worked well, but carrying ice/water in a plastic ziploc to recharge the wrap was heavy and a (drippy) hassle. We switched to the mister fans, which we filled with ice & water, which was a great way to cool down too with less mess.

We always wore sunscreen (I went through 4 bottles of spray sunscreen), hats & sunglasses (even the kids). We often stopped at a water fountain, filled our hats with water, and dumped them on our heads. It was refreshing!

Definitely stay hydrated!

We went with my parents (in their early 70's), and my mother's back was bothering her, in addition to the heat, so at Epcot she actually rented a motorized scooter. It worked out well. When my 6 year old was tired, she would hop on for a lift.

Have a great trip!

[kte28]

I'm going to have to just reiterate what many people have already said. Growing up we went to Disney yearly, and EVERY year we went in July. We're heading back this coming July 3-13. We've found if we get to the park at opening, we manage to get on all the rides we want to...usually BEFORE noon. After that, we head back to the resort and relax by the pool. Some of us stay at the pool longer than others, the rest go up for a nap in our nice air conditioned rooms. We stay at the Dolphin, so we'll usually catch a quick bite to eat there or somewhere on the Boardwalk and head back to the parks after dinner. By then, we've already seen all the rides so we'll just wander onto the lesser crowded ones or since we've seen everything, we don't mind waiting in a bit of a line for others. We also used to bring the mini fans and squirt bottles to keep cool. Honestly, as long as you miss out on those hours around noontime, take advantage of the shops and rides that are inside, you should be fine.

[sherabby]

We are going in July too! 14th to the 19th. Wish it could be longer too! We get up early and are at rope drop. Take afternoon breaks at Tyhoon Lagoon or the hotel pool then go back for our 5pm dinner reservations and finish riding in the evenings.

[Minnie]

We go in July every year as that's what works for our vacation times. So it is definitely do able :thumbsup2

The main thing you need to remember is to drink water, water, water, water!
I really can't stress this enough. Last year we did a rookie mistake and on the first couple days failed to push the water. And my DS ended up cramping in the middle MK. He had a very tough night but a lot of water later and a sleep in morning and he felt much better.

The best tip I ever heard about this is - when you feel thirsty you've waited to long to drink the water! So start first thing in the morning and keep a bottle with you all day :thumbsup2

[iluvdizknee]

I tell my NON DISNEY loving friends what my family and I go through in Disney, all we have to do to stay cool in July. They think we are nuts. I hear "why do you go it is so hot" "OMG, how can you have a good time with all that heat" HEY its DISNEY. we do what we have to. It is the best place to be on earth and whatever it takes, we will do it.
THOSE NON DISNEY LOVERS.;....THEY DONT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE MISSING!! :rotfl2: :rotfl: :banana:

[IcePrincess467]

DH & I are also going in July and I am planning on these things to help me though the heat :

1. Hat
2. Reapply sunscreen often
3. Stay hydrated
4. Afternoon breaks with a swim and a rest

[dizzi]

We went in august several years ago, it took us a couple days to get in the groove of doing this but byt day 3..........

this is what we were doing

We had a stroller, and in the back part we set a small cooler FILLED WITH ICE and 4 bottles of frozen water. And 8 handkerchiefs VERY THIN! (DH happened to pack because he usually carries one each day)

We drank the water as it melted and we had ice to put our hand into and we the handkerchiefs were cold at first adn thena s they beasme wet we would place them andy where on us that helped.

By the end of the days we were usally literally unfolding them and putting them on top of our heads.

[jthom10003]

I think I'll try freezing the water this time. Do the neck coolers REALLY work? I hear different opinions, some say it does, some say it doesn't - what company have you had luck with?



Yes they do. I bought some last year at walmart that you soak in cold water - stuck it in our ice chest as we were going to arkansas to the diamond mind for vacation. I am one to get an extremely aweful headach from the heat. This thing worked wonders. I am so glad I read this post as I forgot to add them to my packing list. Updating list now......

[Think Pink Tink]

We leave Thursday for 8 days so I did a 7 day forcast for Orlando and see Thunderstorms for the first 4 days we are there (I will check again as it gets closer and get the WHOLE forecast for our trip)...is this weather typical? I mean, I can handle a shower on and off but RAIN all day would be the worst. :(

I assume the storms must come and go, or at least I HOPE so:) Any insight into the weather during that time of year would be great. I've already packed our rain ponchos:bitelip:

[Lamandpercy]

I drink water and little and often, this allows your body to absorb it rather than just peeing it all away if you gulp it down. As OP says light floaty clothes in pale colours are a good idea. Crocs keep my feet cool, no socks to bother about.

I get into the AC whenever I can - a long ride in the cool or a show does the trick.

[dani blaski]

I grew up outside of New Orleans, so the *Best* remedy --if you can--if take a break during the day and have a cool shower or dip in the pool. Also drinks lots of fluids--more water than anything! And loose cool clothing.

[airbornearmywife]

When we went, we brought a camel-back with us. Filled it with ice in the morning & took turns carrying it all day. Not only could it hold our things, it kept us cool(er) and provided drinking water.

HTH someone :cutie:

[AmericangirlinFrance]

Thanks for the tips! I'm going in mid-July for the first time, and I like hot weather (and live in a hot-weather state), but I KNOW it's going to knock my socks off!

I went last year during the first week in June, and it was hot, but not comparable to mid-July. I wore a lot of loose cotton tank sundresses = the BEST!

[ntsammy5]

but I KNOW it's going to knock my socks off!


That'll help you stay cool! :lmao:

[candypotter1]

I am going in July and planned on taking frozen gatorade and water. We also have bought fans. Should I get the misting ones instead of the plan ones. Walmart is selling the plain fans for 1.00. Please let me know what you think. Thank you!

[eaj1228]

We buy the minute maid frozen lemonade in the park. :) It is the best refreshing treat.

[4forMe]

We leave Thursday for 8 days so I did a 7 day forcast for Orlando and see Thunderstorms for the first 4 days we are there (I will check again as it gets closer and get the WHOLE forecast for our trip)...is this weather typical? I mean, I can handle a shower on and off but RAIN all day would be the worst. :(

I assume the storms must come and go, or at least I HOPE so:) Any insight into the weather during that time of year would be great. I've already packed our rain ponchos:bitelip:

My experience in July has been that there tends to be a thunderstorm or rain daily, usually in the afternoon. It may last up to an hour, then it clears up. Prime time for the rain seems to be 3 or 4 p.m. We always have our rain gear (ponchos) with us to be on the safe side.

Thanks to everyone for posting their tips. We leave in 3 weeks and I'm getting my list together.

[wigdoutdismom]

My experience in July has been that there tends to be a thunderstorm or rain daily, usually in the afternoon. It may last up to an hour, then it clears up. Prime time for the rain seems to be 3 or 4 p.m. We always have our rain gear (ponchos) with us to be on the safe side.

Thanks to everyone for posting their tips. We leave in 3 weeks and I'm getting my list together.

We were just there last month and it rained a bit in the late afternoon/early evening almost each day of our trip. We leave again in 11 days for an adult only trip! :banana: We will be prepared for rain and heat. I don't have much of a problem with heat but DH does and he complained a bunch! As much as it will kill me to leave the parks at noon, I'll try and then come back in the evening and take advantage of EMH to make up for lost time. We have never made it to a rope drop because we are not early risers but might try to make use of some early EMH as well to avoid the heat.

[Carrol]

We always bring a couple of wet face cloths in baggies. Place them between a couple bottles of frozen water. When it becomes really hot placing one on the back of your neck really cools down the body.

[swilphil]

I was surprised what a difference wearing a baseball cap makes. We also alternate between outdoor rides and indoor rides and try to stay in the shade as much as possible when we are outside.

[dizzi]

I would think a ball cap would keep the heat in, but what about a sun visor???

[wigdoutdismom]

I would think a ball cap would keep the heat in, but what about a sun visor???

You have a point with a ball cap keeping in the heat but DH needs to cover the top of his head because of a lack of hair in a certain spot.....:rotfl: Nike makes a really light weight nylon ball cap that he wears and it's not too hot.

[swilphil]

If you have a lightweight cotton hat, it's not really that hot. Nylon would be even better. I noticed when I didn't wear a hat at all, I was sooooo much hotter.

[loco4dis]

The absolute best thing is a mister fan. Believe me, you will want one. If you wait until you're at Disney, you'll pay $20 for one. Get them before you go. Someone on here recommended these:

http://www.rei.com/product/772381

I wasn't sure if they would cool like the big clunky Disney fan we bought a few years ago, but they were great! They're very small, can clip on a belt loop or backpack, and are very powerful. They saved us on our June trip. I found them at Rite Aid for $4.99. I can't recommend them highly enough.

[Shelly F - Ohio]

To combat the dehydration. Propel has the handy packets that you can add to bottled water. And propel has less sugar than gatorade.

[TheTXTaylors5]

AM - Go to the park opening
MID -Go back to your resort to swim in the pool, relax and maybe even a nap.
PM - Head back out to the parks late afternoon/early evening

:thumbsup2 You can get a FREE cup of ice water at any counter service.
:thumbsup2 Wear light-colored clothing
:thumbsup2 Tour DAK in the AM or PM (NOT MID DAY!!!!)
:thumbsup2 Tour World Showcase (Epcot) in the AM or PM (NOT MID DAY!!!!)
:thumbsup2 Apply suntan lotion before heading out for your day at the parks. Also, make sure to bring the tube/can with you to re-apply if needed.
:thumbsup2 Take advantage of the cool off spots (misters) in the parks.

Have a magical trip! :wizard:

- Jennifer

[Belle1962]

Disposbale ice packs. They are in the first aid section. And they are freezing when activated!!!!!!! We pop one and put it on our necks or wherever and then under our hats until the chill wears off.

Also----those first aid strips for cooling kids fevers are great. They're called Be Kool or cold ee or something like that. Also in the pharmacy section. Plop one onto your neck. They are much much much lighter than the wraps.

We also buy mister fans.

Go to the parks early, leave for a break then go back in the evening.

Mix outdoor with indoor attractions from about 1 - 6. Plan to eat indoors during this time.

Find SHADE for daytime parade viewing.

Always walk on the shady side of a path/street.

[Truelovernr1122]

Wow! These are all REALLY great suggestions :) I actually went out and bought those minature spray fans to bring along this year. I've bought the large spray fans in the past but they got really annoying to carry around. I will definitely be bring frozen bottled waters and I'm going to see if I can find any of those neck coolers. I think I'll be set soon.... leaving in 9 days!