8 year old at the parks

[DonnaO]

We are traveling with our 8 and 4 year old in May. It will be very hot and my 8yo is extremely heat sensitive. I want to make the trip enjoyable but I am afraid she will be miserable with the heat. We did it before with a stroller but she is too old for that now. Any "creative" suggestions beside hydration and shade?

Thanx

 

[Perditamarie]

Don't forget to bring a fan that spritz water....check at Walmart (they also sell them at the parks for $$), or a personal sized fan and also check out some neck coolers, something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...=aps&hvadid=2846413171&ref=pd_sl_1mwvx9v9xp_b

 

[Chuck S]

Be sure she has a comfortable hat, and maybe one of those cooling bandanas that go around the back of your neck, they help a lot. Also, rather than just walking around between attractions, duck into a shop for a few minutes to cool off. Of course, indoor theather shows during the hottest part of the day, along with water rides will help.

 

[3happydancers]

You can also try enjoying the parks in the early AM or later in the evening when the sun is not in full swing.

 

[shoney]

My kids hate the heat...they got that from me! Nothing will change that, but to help:
1. like others said the mister fan is a must!
2. We break in the afternoon for a long sitdown lunch...nintendo ds's are welcome to join us.
3. I dress them in bathing suits w/t-shirts (I have boys) and let them get wet every opportunity they have. I always have an extra suit and t-shirt with us, so they can change (in bathroom...not in public). They also hate wet suits...tactile issue!
4. Free cups of ice at carts...never had someone tell us no...and they can play with them, dump them on each other, etc...

The heat can be brutal...take breaks and enjoy!

 

[okeydokey]

A washcloth soaked in ice water and then rubbed on the face and neck is an instant cool down. We also alternate outdoor time and indoor air conditioned shows.

 

[carj]

I would avoid the middle of the day and make sure that when you take a mid-day break that you have them shower or swim and get totally cooled off.
Use the mister fans,
Get wet in the water play areas
Tour the parks with some thoughts about the heat. Ride a few rides, then take in a show and cool off.
Every time we see a show, we get something COLD to eat or drink.

Return in the evening as late as you can.

Don't over-do it. That is probably a bigger issue.

This isn't really a heat issue exactly but I found that I really liked having our rental car to get in at the end of a long, hot day. We could relax as soon as we got in the car and not after the added 20-30 minutes on the bus. We also kept a cooler in the car with capri suns and water. They were cool at the end of the day, not cold.

Some days we did the bus, as DH had the car for a work conference. I will never visit WDW without a car again. Maybe it is because we are not used to public transportation around here, but I really liked having the car.

 

[Kimmumum]

I pass out in the heat so I totally understand.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Start pushing liquids several days before you go. Do not wait until she is overheated. I start drinking water and gatorade about 3-4 days before we go and do not stop until we get home. I really helps. We love the mister fans too.

 

[woodkins]

My dd is 6.5, despite what other's (on board or off) may say....if you feel your child needs a stroller....get one! I bring my own stroller for my dd (don't judge people LOL) she has some "issues" so it gives her a safe/quiet place, but my friends also bring a stroller for their "normal" child who is also 6.5.

 

[sigmasal]

I carried ziploc bags with me and would ask for ice at the counter services. I could make instant ice packs for cooling off my son and dump them when they melted.

 

[jinia]

I think your getting great advice here! DS7 has asthma and is def bothered by the heat. We went last Aug. Having the plans in place is huge - no scrambling while there having a melt down! We use the pump misting things, wicking clothes (target has them for kids), you can rinse them out in the sink - hang dry - good to go, good hat. IMHO the number 1 thing to do is be at the park when it opens and out by 2 or earlier. Go back in the evening if you want. Have fun!

 

[teachallday]

It will be very hot and my 8yo is extremely heat sensitive. I want to make the trip enjoyable but I am afraid she will be miserable with the heat. We did it before with a stroller but she is too old for that now.

How heat sensitive is your daughter? Is this a diagnosed medical condition? What effect does the heat have on your daughter? At what temperature does she start to be impacted?

- If you have successfully used a stroller before as an accommodation, it is still possible to use a stroller even though she is too big for baby strollers. They make strollers designed for older kids, called Special Needs Stroller. An off-site stroller rental site rents them for guests at Disney. Check out the special needs stroller at Orlando Stroller Rentals: www.orlandostrollerrentals.com

- If the issues are severe enough, you might want to look into a cooling vest.
http://www.silvereagleoutfitters.com/shop/vest/Special_Order_POV.html

- many people have found success using cooling cloths like this one:
http://www.froggtoggs.com/store/choose.asp?ItemNum=CP100&ItemType=%

I hope you find a solution for you that lets your little princess have an enjoyable trip.