Products to help manage the heat - need recommendations

[roselark]

Hi all! I know that managing the heat can be a popular subject and I have done some searching through the search function, but I am not quite finding what I am looking for. I am familiar with the standard strategies of frequenting indoor attractions and shops, drinking lots of water, going back to the room during midday, etc. I am looking for recommendations on products that we can use to help us manage the heat.

Background: DH has a hard time with heat. He is a big guy, born and raised in the upper midwest and loves winter. He even goes camping in winter... We normally don't visit the World during summer for this very reason. My 40th birthday is coming up on June 1st and we are making an exception so that we can celebrate at my favorite place. I am trying to make this as comfortable as possible for him, especially since this is his first trip in 5 years. I have seen a LOT of products out there that promise to help manage the heat (Chilly Towel, Frogtogg Chilly Pad, endless brands of misting fans, etc), but I have no idea what really works and what doesn't.

Anyone have any recommendations for me?

 

[goofy4tink]

I have actually used those neck bands that you soak in water and then refridgerate. They work moderately well.
Other than wearing a wide brimmed hat, keeping your shoulders covered and drink lots, there's not much you can do. My dh hates the heat....but, we're going down in early Sept, so he's just going to have to deal with it.
It's really not the heat, it's the humidity! Dd and I will be there May 28-June 2...so we're prepared to be hot and sticky!!!

 

[shell8558]

We always bring misting fans and they do help . We have 4 of them- one for each of us. I bought them at Walmart . We also get there for rope drop and leave around lunch to swim and then back to the park around supper .

 

[nkereina]

Maybe invest in some UnderArmour Heat Gear clothing. UnderArmour brand clothes specifically labeled as Heat Gear are meant for hot weather. Athletes commonly wear this brand. The clothes are made of breathable, moisture wicking fabric that works to keep you cool and keep the moisture off your body. It also dries much faster than cotton and is much more lightweight than cotton. The socks are good too - breathable and do well at giving your feet some air. I'd also stick to the light colored clothing.

 

[pezaddict231]

The misting fans really help, I can't survive without mine. I also find I stay cooler if I wear sandals, my feet get too hot in sneakers so I bought a pair of hiking sandals a few years ago. I did have a neckband that you soak in cold water but I didn't like it as much and it was kind of a hassle.

 

[disney777]

I bought a Chilly Pad on recommendation of one of the threads, but I'm not exactly sure how to use it. I know people cut them to certain shapes, but I'm not sure what's best for me. As it is, it's huge. I don't remember seeing people with them in the parks, not that I was looking for them. But people seem to swear by them. I'm just afraid to make the first cut until I know what my plan is.
I've used the neckbands also, and they do work to an extent. Looking forward to hearing suggestions. I go this time every year, and I do use air conditioned buildings to help me deal. Luckily I do like shopping and browsing. I need my visor to keep the sun off my face. (Hats are too hot). As I get older, I seem to tolerate the heat less.

 

[Sue M]

I agree with the post if getting some technical clothing. In the heat & humidity cotton isn't your friend! Wicking quick dry shirts would be good.
I don't like misting fans. We tried them 1 day, and gave it away. IMO if you don't keep it in all the time, it just makes you feel hotter when you switch it off.
Wide brim breathable hat to keep sun off tour head. Some use umbrellas.
Lucky for us, the heat doesn't bother us. We just stay hydrated and we're fine. In summer we take mid day breaks during the hottest part of the day.
I have a friend who uses the neck things and says it helps.

 

[roselark]

I did not even think about tech gear, which I should have since I am a runner. Thank you very much for the suggestions!

 

[brian95]

I too hate the heat love winter. can't beat under armour. under wear shirts and shorts. I am a walking advertisment. they should pay me

 

[shyjade]

We're from Wisconsin and don't handle the heat well, even Wisconsin summers so I know where you're coming from!

Other than the obivious things (lots of water, shade, A/C buildings, etc.) we have used the neck chillers (sold at Walmart or VERY easy to make) soaked in ice water help for a few minutes. But our favorite way to beat the heat is with a misting spray bottle filled with ice water. It really is a lifesaver for us! But a word of caution...the cheap ones they sell at Walmart do not last long. I suggest buying something a bit more durable. Good luck, and stay hydrated!!!

 

[sharadoc]

we bought cool ties from QVC and they work great. They are literally chilly when you put them on. Don't buy the cheap ones that people make on eBay from cotton, the little beads will start to bleed through the fabric and it will feel slimey after a while.

We drink plenty of water, take the time to go in and out of shops and indoor attractions, and go in the bathroom and wet our heads, face and arms down with a wet paper towel or washcloth (if we remember to bring one in a ziplok bag). Don't dry off, just stay wet and it will help cool you off every time.

For us, June is much better than August, we don't feel like the humidity has really settled in yet. Being out in the hot sun helps to burn off the humidity too, being in shade the whole time feels clammy vs dryer in the bright sun.

 

[goofy4tink]

we bought cool ties from QVC and they work great. They are literally chilly when you put them on. Don't buy the cheap ones that people make on eBay from cotton, the little beads will start to bleed through the fabric and it will feel slimey after a while.

We drink plenty of water, take the time to go in and out of shops and indoor attractions, and go in the bathroom and wet our heads, face and arms down with a wet paper towel or washcloth (if we remember to bring one in a ziplok bag). Don't dry off, just stay wet and it will help cool you off every time.

For us, June is much better than August, we don't feel like the humidity has really settled in yet. Being out in the hot sun helps to burn off the humidity too, being in shade the whole time feels clammy vs dryer in the bright sun.

Yep, June is waaaaaay better than August. Heading down from May 28-June 2. I expect it to be hot, and humid. But nothing like my late July and mid-August trips!!!! Those are just surface of the sun hot, with a ton rainforest humidity tossed in for good measure!!

 

[bowbat]

Dude, I live in Florida and can't handle the heat.

We typically avoid Disney (and, really, most of the outdoors) throughout the summer, but we'll be there the first week in June. I'm already panicked about it. Our plan is to get most of our park time out of the way in the morning and spend the afternoons at the pool. Or inside napping in the air conditioning. The good thing about June is that the mornings and evenings at least are generally somewhat tolerable.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I have had good results with 2 frozen water bottles, a bandana (soaked in ice water), and basically soaking my head (a little on the chest and back if necessary) and feet every chance I get (every 2 hours or so as needed) - I know very low tech but works for me. I am going to get a Frog Tog Chilly pad to try out this summer - don't really know how well they work but worth a shot. I think the mister fans are useless LOL.

When my frozen water bottles melt completely, I usually get a cup of ice water from the counter service - pour half on my head and half on my feet - cools me down very quickly! I know where all of the splash and play areas are at every park and plan them into my day.

I figured out the soaking method for heat when I was in Thailand hiking through the bush - haven't found anything else that works as well yet.

Have a great trip!

 

[Ninja Mom]

Another suggestion would be to flip your trip and stay out late at night instead of during the hot day time hours. The parks used to be open late at night in the summer. This year we will have to check the schedule and see where Disney is cutting back.

There are also products like this: http://www.theemsstore.com/store/product.aspx/productId/1047/Shafer-Enterprises-Cool-Shirt-Personal-Cooling-System/?gclid=COu90LiU6bYCFchM4AodiWwAIQ that you might want to consider. I don't have any experience with this type of rig so I can't tell you how well it works.

Good luck and have a cool trip,

~NM

 

[bek]

Wicking clothing is also sold for golf and tennis. I think almost all of the men's golf shirts are now sold with some kind of high tech sun protection and wicking.

The big thing is to stay hydrated. In the hottest part of the day, 11-4, plan something that is air conditioned. The worst part of that time is about noon to 3, so it's a good time for an ADR, indoor rides/shows, swimming or napping. Early morning and evening after 6:00 PM will be the "coolest" times of the day. All the parks are lovely after dark.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Dude, I live in Florida and can't handle the heat.

We typically avoid Disney (and, really, most of the outdoors) throughout the summer, but we'll be there the first week in June. I'm already panicked about it.

Posts like this make me think I am really going to regret this upcoming August trip lol...

And pictures like this...

Looking forward to reading more tips from everyone.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Another suggestion would be to flip your trip and stay out late at night instead of during the hot day time hours. The parks used to be open late at night in the summer. This year we will have to check the schedule and see where Disney is cutting back.

There are also products like this: http://www.theemsstore.com/store/product.aspx/productId/1047/Shafer-Enterprises-Cool-Shirt-Personal-Cooling-System/?gclid=COu90LiU6bYCFchM4AodiWwAIQ that you might want to consider. I don't have any experience with this type of rig so I can't tell you how well it works.

Good luck and have a cool trip,

~NM

Thanks for this - got me looking at some options - I think I may want to try. Sorry OP I don't have any experience with them yet but may be someone else will chime in.

Here is something else I found -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D49030/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=hi