Anyone here use an umbrella as a sun shield at the parks?

[Carrie in AZ]

This will be our first ever visit to the parks in the hot summer months. I'm thinking about bringing a couple ultra compact travel umbrellas to use as sun shields. Does anyone else regularly do this, too?

We'd also have them in our backpacks to use in case of rain.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[suemom2kay]

I haven't but I've seen people with them in the World Showcase only. One of the countries (China I think) even sells Parasols, which are mostly what I see people walking around with.

I think if it is crowded they would be way too much. But if it is during a quiet time would be fine.

 

[ancestry]

Usually others don't do this much even in the rain. Umbrellas quickly and easily become a hazard in a crowded park. Most people use ponchos in the rain and sunscreen and/or hats in the sun. As you will see people do not pay attention to where they are going. Someone will end up walking into your umbrella and injuring themselves.

 

[TDC Nala]

I generally see a few people using umbrellas in this fashion, especially at Epcot. I carry one for rain but don't use it as a sun shield (I dislike ponchos)

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) MrsRustyScupper carries her parasol when in the parks.
2) She bought it in France pavilion in Epcot years ago.
3) It really does help in the heat.

 

[atp]

That's very interesting! I was wondering about that too. I went last year in June and while the heat wasn't THAT big of a deal as it's usually hotter and more humid where I live, the sun was intense.

I felt like I was inside an oven or something, it felt like my skin was on fire at times and I skipped on doing quite a few things because of it. An umbrella would most likely have helped...I don't know why I didn't think about that until recently...though I'm not sure if it's ok to use since it doesn't seem to be very common at all.

But if I ever go during the summer again I'm going to use one, even if it's just on downtown Disney, that's where it was the most unbearable as you have to be outside a lot. It would have been fine there I think, as it was empty anyway (wonder why, it was such a nice day to go out and bake some cookies out in the sun).

Anyway, I'm curious to see what others have to say about this!

 

[YodaGirl]

We've used one before. Mom and Dad did so a lot when we were growing up...especially in July and August.

As a plus, it works great for a 2-3 year old to hold while in an umbrella stroller to shield themselves from monsoon-type rains. Just make sure that they can actually hold it and it's not falling on the ground or on others.

 

[Liltx]

They are an absolute must for us when waiting for shows or parades to start in the afternoon. Like the castle show, Disney Channel rocks, afternoon parades. They shield my kids from the baking sun like no hat can. Of course we always go in June. We don't use it while walking around though.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Usually others don't do this much even in the rain. Umbrellas quickly and easily become a hazard in a crowded park. Most people use ponchos in the rain and sunscreen and/or hats in the sun. As you will see people do not pay attention to where they are going. Someone will end up walking into your umbrella and injuring themselves.

Even a small one is more than I want to carry. It would be a huge hassle at WDW keeping others from getting poked. (I have experience with strollers, and it is amazing the number of guests who oblivious!)

Another BIG advantage of plastic ponchos is they fit in your pocket, and they protect you better. In WDW, when it rains, it's often QUITE WINDY. An umbrella is nearly useless for WDW rain.

Even in the summer, you aren't really in the sun all day long. You are under cover far more of the day than you are exposed, except maybe if you go to the pool all day. And if you are at teh pool all day, you'd have plenty of opportunity to snag one of the many shaded tables.

At WDW, one dose of a moderate SPF in the morning is basically all we need unless we go to the pool. In which case we apply a second coat. I could also see needing more if you were going to play golf or something. WDW is not like the beach.

I can't imagine trusting a small child with an umbrella at WDW. Wow!

Beyond that, it's not THAT hot at WDW. Humid yes, but not all THAT hot. Once the humity hits 100%, it rains. After the rain, it's usually more mild. But really temps only go into the low 90's for a HIGH. WDW is less than two hours from coast on two sides - so considering how far south it is, it's not all that bad. I think the states a little to the north of FL are hotter, because they don't have the ocean.

There are a number of ways you can further reduce your exposure. Instead of walking between two points, you may be able to take a boat (Epcot, resorts behind Epcot). In MK you can take the train around the perimeter of the park. There are lots of covered walkways, trees, gift shops to cut through. (Plus the gift shops have AC!)

Summer also means plenty of available evening hours. You can further reduce your sun exposure by maximizing after dark park hours.

 

[YodaGirl]

I can't imagine trusting a small child with an umbrella at WDW. Wow!

She was sitting in the stroller, and it was one of the small ones. She held it on the inside up toward the top and held it in front of her face rather than holding it by the handle and having it above her head. Never once did we have an issue. How hard is it to hold an umbrella?

To the OP: I say bring one! I highly doubt that you would regret having one. I definitely wouldn't NOT bring something that I feel that I may need just because someone else may not pay attention to where they are going.

 

[Vivianne]

Personally, I prefer wide-brimmed hats. In addition to the sunscreen I apply
on my face.

I wore one and bought another at one of the hotels.

It's my new collection

When I went back home, someone told me I didn't get a tan.

I see that as a good thing. Since I had a facial injury and the plastic
surgeon I saw recommended I avoid getting too much sun on my scar
which is minimal but would be permanent if I got too much sun..

 

[smw]

i definitely wouldnt. and as a guest at the parks id be annoyed trying to dodge them, either while walking or standing in line.

 

[C & L Shaw]

I have used them in the past and have plans to use them next week if needed. They are a big help if you are sitting and waiting for a parade or even if you just need that little bit of shade.

My wife is pregnant and I know that she will use one to help keep her from being too hot and help her to be more comfortable. I can't see where they would be any more dangerous than some of the strollers that will be there.

 

[jjdig]

i definitely wouldnt. and as a guest at the parks id be annoyed trying to dodge them, either while walking or standing in line.

Totally agree. Use a hat and sun screen. Try to be considerate to other people around you.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

No one has ever said that they aren't allowed, but when the park is very crowded, they can become a hazard. Imagine walking and someone poking you in the eye with the spoke from their umbrella It would be by accident & they might not even realize that they have done it to you.. and kept walking.. Me personally, I would wear a large rimmed hat for the heat/sun protection, not the umbrella.. beside, my arm would get tired of holding it up after awhile
For the rains, I always use a poncho.. living here with our thunderstorms, I don't trust an umbrella with the lightning we get.. I don't want to be holding the lightning rod...

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Personally, I prefer wide-brimmed hats. In addition to the sunscreen I apply
on my face.

I wore one and bought another at one of the hotels.

It's my new collection

When I went back home, someone told me I didn't get a tan.

I see that as a good thing. Since I had a facial injury and the plastic
surgeon I saw recommended I avoid getting too much sun on my scar
which is minimal but would be permanent if I got too much sun..

smart!! I live here and my family and friends from up north ask me why I am so "white" I tell them, I hate cancer & am not about to help my body get skin cancer.. my DD's on the other hand, they worship the sun, so does my sister and her family.. so did my mother (she had skin cancer) and died from lung cancer. me.. no thank you.. and I live less than 30 minutes from a beach... I am proud to say that my skin sometimes is a white as Snow Whites..

 

[Mrsjvb]

umbrellas/parasols are standard issue at Tokyo Disney and Tokyo Disney Sea.

I learned a lot of nice habits from the Japanese. including parasols

 

[nytimez]

I've seen women carry parasols in the parks and I have no problem with it. As already pointed out, I believe they're sold in both China and France.

Inconsiderate? Ridiculous. To anyone who's afraid they might be poked with one: You're allowed to watch where you're going, too, y'know -- you don't HAVE to walk into someone's parasol.

 

[YodaGirl]

I've seen women carry parasols in the parks and I have no problem with it. As already pointed out, I believe they're sold in both China and France.

Inconsiderate? Ridiculous. To anyone who's afraid they might be poked with one: You're allowed to watch where you're going, too, y'know -- you don't HAVE to walk into someone's parasol.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Thanks, everyone. Wow, I had no idea this could be such a debated topic. It never occured to me that I would possibly poke someone in the eye with my umbrella......

I guess I pictured myself using one if we needed to wait in line for a while at an attraction or CS restaurant, etc. For those interested, I'm thinking of this very ultra-lightweight umbrella or one similar. It could slip into my backback without an issue.

We definitely bring ponchos each day. I just thought I could pull out one of these mini umbrellas quickly until we could duck in somewhere to get situated with our ponchos on.

Can't stand hats so a wide brimmed hat is out. I wish it wasn't the case, though, because I know they are such a great choice. Especially the ones from Coolibar and other sun protection companies.

Thanks again!