Are we going to die of heat exhaustion in Sept?

[mickeyluv'r]

I'm glad you responded. I try hard to post helpful information when DISers post reasonable questions.

If you live in VA, then FL will actually be quite similar! It tends to be a bit more humid, but temps tend to drop off a bit at night. Compared to VA, FL gets more thunderstorms, but not much different than VA. Though it depends a little where in VA you live. The VA mountains are cooler than the low lying areas of VA. VA's a big state.

In your first post, you said you previously used the phrases, "crap weather," and that you were afraid of being, "miserable in the parks". Those aren't happy descriptions. I'm glad to read you are more optimistic than that.

December/February and September are pretty much the two extremes, both in temps and price. Every time of year at WDW has pros and cons, but if prime weather matters to you, then the more temperate months make a whole lot more sense. March, April, and October are all nice! But WDW = being outside more than many other destinations.

For many years, we only went in late Feb/March. Then came the internet, and threads saying WDW in summer was like being on the sun.

Guess what? When we actually, visited WDW in the summer for ourselves, we realized all the exaggerations we'd read just weren't true. We now have a fair number July/August/September trips under our belt. We didn't melt. In fact, we've even worn long pants in the summer!

We were especially surprised to discover how comfortable the FL beaches are in summer! We've been to ME, and many between ME and FL. Guess what? They are remarkably similar! ME water comes from the north, so the water is a bit cooler north of Cape Cod. South of Cape Cod all the way to FL though are remarkably similar. Currently: Bridgeport, CT is 78. Norfolk, VA is 88. Nags Head is 85. Daytona, FL is 89. Friday's predicted highs are even closer: 85 for Bridgeport, CT and 88 for Daytona, FL!

That's a difference of three degrees!

 

[Sagginit]

If it makes you feel any better in the recent heat wave we had up here (I am in NYC but I heard it was worse a little further south, especially if you are near DC) it was hotter than it was in FL. I think with all the AC and time spent in doors it is bearable. I have done end of Sept and for me it was like summer in NJ/NY. People say it's humid but we get a lot of humidity up here too, its mostly if you are from the west coast desert area its new to you.

One thing I do is I always bring two outfits per day, including socks and undergarments. Its so humid you sweat easily and you want to feel fresh at one point. I typically plan my day so its park in the morning, late TS lunch, pool/hotel break, and then back to the parks between 4-6 (depends on dinner time). This makes it easy as I easily spend between 1pm and 4pm not touring the parks each day. Also a lot of people mention losing time going back to the hotel, if you are staying onsite its not really that bad and you will at least want to shower/change if its humid. "I feel like I am going to die" on days I can't change out of my sweaty clothes by midday. We also do QS at the food court. I find it is way less crowded and we get sometimes more options to choose from. After that its back to room or over to the pool.

Oh and one more tip is if you do character meet & greets look for inside places or do it at night. I never forget my first day on my trip a few years ago in Sept. We hit midday and I wanted to meet Pooh so we got in line in MK near the ride. It was full on sun and heat for 20 minutes, it was terrible. Much to my surprise I found the while Pooh crew in Epcot toy shop the next night in AC and got to hang with them. I always strategize my character meets now to get out of the sun or at night.

 

[NicholeB630]

I'm glad you responded. I try hard to post helpful information when DISers post reasonable questions.

If you live in VA, then FL will actually be quite similar! It tends to be a bit more humid, but temps tend to drop off a bit at night. Compared to VA, FL gets more thunderstorms, but not much different than VA. Though it depends a little where in VA you live. The VA mountains are cooler than the low lying areas of VA. VA's a big state.

In your first post, you said you previously used the phrases, "crap weather," and that you were afraid of being, "miserable in the parks". Those aren't happy descriptions. I'm glad to read you are more optimistic than that.

December/February and September are pretty much the two extremes, both in temps and price. Every time of year at WDW has pros and cons, but if prime weather matters to you, then the more temperate months make a whole lot more sense. March, April, and October are all nice! But WDW = being outside more than many other destinations.

For many years, we only went in late Feb/March. Then came the internet, and threads saying WDW in summer was like being on the sun.

Guess what? When we actually, visited WDW in the summer for ourselves, we realized all the exaggerations we'd read just weren't true. We now have a fair number July/August/September trips under our belt. We didn't melt. In fact, we've even worn long pants in the summer!

We were especially surprised to discover how comfortable the FL beaches are in summer! We've been to ME, and many between ME and FL. Guess what? They are remarkably similar! ME water comes from the north, so the water is a bit cooler north of Cape Cod. South of Cape Cod all the way to FL though are remarkably similar. Currently: Bridgeport, CT is 78. Norfolk, VA is 88. Nags Head is 85. Daytona, FL is 89. Friday's predicted highs are even closer: 85 for Bridgeport, CT and 88 for Daytona, FL!

That's a difference of three degrees!

Thanks for your advice.
Well when picking our Disney trips we go with the lightest crowd seasons thats our top priority not weather. When we went in December 2014 we went the second week so we could enjoy the holiday stuff but also enjoy the lower crowds. I was disappointed in the cold weather. I had heard it can get cold but was hoping for the best. It just was hard in the ams when it was 40 and windy. I didn't expect that at all. So this trip lowest crowds was top priority. Even though there are no low seasons anymore this week in Sept seems to be the lowest still by all the crowd calendars so we decided to try the heat. I am excited to be able to use the pools and ride things like splash mountain. I am just mostly worried about being so uncomfortable. Walking around dripping in sweat and clothes rubbing etc. But we are going to take lots of advice and hope since were at Disney it wont see so bad We've had it hot the past couple weeks in VA and I keep telling myself its just preparing us for FL. Our front yard faces the afternoon sun and I swear when we stand in the driveway at our house it feels 10 degrees hotter than down the street. Its not fun. So I told my husband we should dress in pants and long sleeves and just stand there as long as we can and then FL wont see so hot at all. I am excited and I hope we don't mind the heat. At least we can try and see how we like it. I know my kids are going to love the pools at AKL and we have much more down time this trip. With lots of TS meals and breaks on some days. Some days we are done with parks by 2. Other days were breaking and a couple days we are not starting till later in the day. I am a tad worried about hurricanes and one popping up. But nothing I can do. Hopefully nothing comes up and it being inward and not getting hit to hard often I hope were safe. I can deal with rain showers daily but non stop rain would obviously put a bit of a damper on our plans.

 

[NicholeB630]

If it makes you feel any better in the recent heat wave we had up here (I am in NYC but I heard it was worse a little further south, especially if you are near DC) it was hotter than it was in FL. I think with all the AC and time spent in doors it is bearable. I have done end of Sept and for me it was like summer in NJ/NY. People say it's humid but we get a lot of humidity up here too, its mostly if you are from the west coast desert area its new to you.

One thing I do is I always bring two outfits per day, including socks and undergarments. Its so humid you sweat easily and you want to feel fresh at one point. I typically plan my day so its park in the morning, late TS lunch, pool/hotel break, and then back to the parks between 4-6 (depends on dinner time). This makes it easy as I easily spend between 1pm and 4pm not touring the parks each day. Also a lot of people mention losing time going back to the hotel, if you are staying onsite its not really that bad and you will at least want to shower/change if its humid. "I feel like I am going to die" on days I can't change out of my sweaty clothes by midday. We also do QS at the food court. I find it is way less crowded and we get sometimes more options to choose from. After that its back to room or over to the pool.

Oh and one more tip is if you do character meet & greets look for inside places or do it at night. I never forget my first day on my trip a few years ago in Sept. We hit midday and I wanted to meet Pooh so we got in line in MK near the ride. It was full on sun and heat for 20 minutes, it was terrible. Much to my surprise I found the while Pooh crew in Epcot toy shop the next night in AC and got to hang with them. I always strategize my character meets now to get out of the sun or at night.

I def plan on bringing extra clothes and numerous pairs of shoes for all of us. I really don't want to wear socks but I horrible feet and I don't even think I can walk all day in my orthodic flip flops. My kids have croc sandals and keens to wear. We have a lot of TS meals planned. I bought misting fans and we'll have big water bottles for each of us I'm going to attach to the stroller.

 

[abolanwoski]

Have your kids wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits (with rash guard top) and then let them get soaked whenever possible. There are water features in every park and we get into every one. It's my favorite time of the year. Also break right after lunch and to back to the hotel pool. Come back in the afternoon after the thunderstorm has cooled things off.

 

[NicholeB630]

Have your kids wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits (with rash guard top) and then let them get soaked whenever possible. There are water features in every park and we get into every one. It's my favorite time of the year. Also break right after lunch and to back to the hotel pool. Come back in the afternoon after the thunderstorm has cooled things off.

Ive read a few things about the places to cool off. My only issue with clothes is almost everyday they are wearing things that are custom or themed for the park. All comfortable of course but mostly tanks and tees and shorts but almost all cotton. My kids are 7 and 4 though so yes they can get uncomfortable but honestly I don't think they will notice as much as say a teen or adult would. Kids just kinda go with the flow at least mine do. They are not to picky with clothes. But we will def take breaks. My only concern is were at AKL so breaks take up so much time. It just seems like a waste to spend 5 hours of our days traveling to and from and breaking. But like I said before our days are broken up a lot and I think we have a good plan.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Ive read a few things about the places to cool off. My only issue with clothes is almost everyday they are wearing things that are custom or themed for the park. All comfortable of course but mostly tanks and tees and shorts but almost all cotton. My kids are 7 and 4 though so yes they can get uncomfortable but honestly I don't think they will notice as much as say a teen or adult would. Kids just kinda go with the flow at least mine do. They are not to picky with clothes. But we will def take breaks. My only concern is were at AKL so breaks take up so much time. It just seems like a waste to spend 5 hours of our days traveling to and from and breaking. But like I said before our days are broken up a lot and I think we have a good plan.

Make sure you use a TON of sunscreen! especially on heads and tops of ears!!! So important, don't forget to reapply after water rides! I can't stress this enough. No matter where you are from, that Florida sun is brutal on skin! If you can get them to wear hats, all the better, they can wet them down and put them back on their heads wet to cool down.

 

[JimmyMartin]

September is the best time to go if you don't have to do one of the night parties. Later in September is better but it is very manageable and the lower crowds will make the heat bearable.

 

[FirstTimeDisneyVisit]

We are going Sept 8th for 9 nights. We have two kids 7 and 4. We're really looking forward to using pools but I'm so afraid we'll be miserable in the parks. We've only been in Dec & Feb and both times we had crap cold weather. Like super windy and 40.

We are going the same day !! we go every September and its Hot and humid ! If you drink plenty of water and take breaks you will be fine... We dont head back to the resort but for our breaks we do some shopping or just take an extra long lunch and recharge ,, The crowd level is usually lower so it helps you get through the heat as well
Enjoy!

 

[chigirl]

Ive been twice in September: 2005 and 2012. Im from Chicago and the humidity is awful here in the summer, so Florida never shocks me. It rained 2 times only in 2012, for like 20 minutes. On my multiple trips to WDW, I only experienced rain in 2012 and Nov 2014. It is hot...though we went in June 2009 and it was 100 every day. We use misting fans and put ice on our pulse points. Wear hats. We didnt take afternoon breaks in 2012 due to the travel time, but we are going August 28-Sept 3 and we are older...hmmm. Just me and DH this time. I think we will take breaks. I handle heat well, but he is bigger and has high blood pressure, so we will take it easy. We drink lots of water. He swears by Gold Bond powder, too, for comfort.

 

[Fiddysmum]

We went the second week of September last year and it was hot and humid, but with all the indoor attractions to cool you off, MK was totally manageable, the only park that I found to be especially hot was AK and around the world in Epcot.

 

[keishashadow]

We are going Sept 8th for 9 nights. We have two kids 7 and 4. We're really looking forward to using pools but I'm so afraid we'll be miserable in the parks. We've only been in Dec & Feb and both times we had crap cold weather. Like super windy and 40.

When in Disney last week found myself thankful for the streak of 90 degree weather & high humidity we've had most of summer. Believe it acclimated us all just a bit better.

Make sure everybody drinks regularly, before they are thirsty, to avoid dehydration that can sneak up on you.

Bought the cooling towels, hats and one of those misting fans, all helped to some degree.

Scheduled a few ADRs for late lunch, gave a nice opportunity to cool down as did scheduling indoor AC attractions for heat of the day.

Took a slower pace and dressed in wicking clothing. The princessy outfits stayed in a bag in stroller and came out for photo ops. Easy to pop on over the lightweight rompers I brought for the 5 yo. Comfort matters to kids

On our pm EMH day in Epcot, waited to enter park around noon. Spent the am cooling off in the pool, it seemed to help. Nearly deserted, we tend to schedule that way for adult trips. If anything, everybody in group seemed to enjoy the stress-free start to the day and security line was a breeze.

 

[stephd219]

We are here now, and the weather is hot,but not as bad as I expected. It's been very hot in New England, and the ousted temp is hotter in Orlando, but it does not feel as oppressive as home. We are doing just fine in the heat. We do take a break each day, but we do that whenever we visit

 

[NicholeB630]

We are here now, and the weather is hot,but not as bad as I expected. It's been very hot in New England, and the ousted temp is hotter in Orlando, but it does not feel as oppressive as home. We are doing just fine in the heat. We do take a break each day, but we do that whenever we visit

Thats good to know. Ive been checking the weather and honestly its been about the same as VA lately so its not like it will be heat that we aren't used to. Just not used to spending all day in it unless were at the pool or beach ha. But were prepared and I think being at Disney will just make it even more bearable

 

[Satchmo128]

We have been the week surrounding Labor Day (in 2010) and we are from Seattle - so we are REALLY not used to crazy high heat AND high humidity. It is important to drink water all day long. When you think that you don't need water, DRINK. When you are standing in line, DRINK. When you get off a water ride (even if you are wet from the ride), DRINK. I felt sweaty and gross the entire trip, though we were grateful that Hurricane Ike was sitting off the coast in the Atlantic for the first half of the trip so we at least had somewhat cool breezes. Once it moved north, it was just that much worse. Rain for at least 30 minutes every afternoon, too.

BUT, the crowds are usually very low in early September. So, that is the trade-off!

 

[ErinInCT]

Pretty much! We had O2Cool spritzers and the Frogg Togg towels and STILL died! EVEN AT NIGHT! The only good thing is that during the week the crowds were very low so we did everything we wanted (and then some) for about 3 hours in the morning, came back to the room and took a swim/shower and then went back in the evenings. Honestly, even the major rides had less than a half hour wait without a FP. So we did everything we wanted multiple times and still ended up with more free time than expected. We could have slept in, used the pool and went in the late afternoons through close and done everything we wanted.