Attire for an August trip?

[eerst5]

We are headed down to WDW the first full week of August (from beautiful Maine, crazy us!) and I'm a little scared about the heat. There will be me, DH, DD (3) and DS (6). We are planning on midday breaks. What are thoughts on the items to wear? Light colored and wicking I'm assuming. Hat? Brands? Other suggestions to keep our Yankee bodies from self-destructing? I've heard it rains nearly every afternoon as well, so ponchos? Thanks for all advice!

 

[dprincessmom]

Light cotton material for shorts and tshirts are our typical wear. Hats whatever is comfortable. I am not a big fan of the poncho for this trip (an other times too) I have invested in lightweight rain jackets. The ponchos act like a "hothouse" in my opinion.

Also, in the heat pack extra clothes or prepare to do laundry. You aren't going to want to put on the same sweaty clothes when you go back in the evening.

 

[podgirl]

You might notice the humidity too. As in you will feel damp as soon as you step outside. Carefully consider your footwear, as your shoes are likely to get wet. We like Keens for that kind of weather. As long as you go with the mindset that yes, it will be hot and humid, you can still have a super time!

 

[ElizabethG]

I'm from Minnesota and will be headed down in August too. This will be our second August trip. My favorite clothing brand for the heat is Athleta. For hats, I go with Wallaroo. They are lightweight, offer great coverage, and are packable.

Here is a recent thread about the same thing. There are lots of good ideas.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3263342

 

[monorailsilver]

I agree with a PP laundry!!

I bring as little as possible so about 4-5 outfits/undergarments (we do 8-10 days). I do laundry either daily or every other day either during our mid day break or on our non park day before anyone is awake.

Even if our kids clothes aren't sweaty they sure are wet since they love the water. No need to change them in a bathing suit as it is summer and 100 and humid (just like CT) at the parks plus they don't care if their clothes are wet.

They also get a new hat (if they want) and that is their autograph 'book'. It is one less thing for me to carry around and shove in a closet when we get home and the hat serves as a dual purpose. My son just used his Yankee hat because he got a Mickey sorceror hat.

We don't bring anything that comes to our ankles or wrists, ie long sleeves/pants.

Shoes are minimal too-keens, flip flops, etc... I won't let my kids wear sneakers and socks in the park because they do get wet. And who wants to walk in wet shoes? They do wear the shoes that they wear all summer so their feet are used to them.

Last year I think it rained one afternoon/early evening...ok it poured, thundered, lightening. Of course that was the day I decided we didn't need to bring the rain ponchos...ok dh said to not bring them. We do check the weather prior to going out for the evening.

I do wish I bought the frogg togg thing. It was hot at times. I mean every ride does have a/c but there were some spots outside I wish we had one. I didn't use mister fans because one less thing to carry.

Go earl, leave mid day, return at dinner time. I know people say the don't take mid day breaks but that mid day sun tires you out and makes everyone miserable! A quick nap makes mom and dad happy because there is no moody pre teen or younger siblings...

 

[mm1971]

We are headed down to WDW the first full week of August (from beautiful Maine, crazy us!) and I'm a little scared about the heat. There will be me, DH, DD (3) and DS (6). We are planning on midday breaks. What are thoughts on the items to wear? Light colored and wicking I'm assuming. Hat? Brands? Other suggestions to keep our Yankee bodies from self-destructing? I've heard it rains nearly every afternoon as well, so ponchos? Thanks for all advice!

We are from MA so in the same area. We will be going again this August and were there last year. We brought light colored tanks and more of the sports type shirts. T-shirts and Polo's (dinner attires) were the light wicking material and were comfortable with the heat most of the time.

Both DD and Ds wore ball caps that they brought from home, cheap sunglasses and we brought 2 pairs of sneakers (rain and wet shoes are not great), flip flops or sandals for when we planned to be wet or by the pool.

We brought ponchos, but honestly never used them. The heat and humidity make it boiling hot under those things. We just brought an extra set of clothes in a backpack, rented a locker at the front of the park and off we went. If it rained, we would just keep on having fun. When the rain was done, we headed to the locker and got changed for the remainder of the day. If you don't want to be wet, then yes have ponchos at the ready for the afternoon showers.

We found the heat to be tolerable. We head out in the morning and take afternoon breaks if it gets too hot or crowded in the park. We then head back after dinner.

Have a fun time!

 

[Kimosabe]

Not sure of your plans for strollers, etc., but with two kids at 3 and 6, you might also get a little relief from renting a double stroller inside the park for them (particularly in DAK or EPCOT, which can seem quite large on a hot day). They are pretty good sized and even if 6-year old wouldn't typically care to ride in a "stroller," it can suddenly seem like a very good idea when it is 90 degrees and sunny (or worse, 90 degrees and raining, which is a virtual guarantee for about 20 minutes each day!). From your perspective as a parent, it's also nice to know the kids have a place to rest and possibly even nap, which can keep them in a much better mood as the day goes on. And frankly, it also gives you a place to set a backpack or store a few purchases.

I realize that's not an answer to what-to-wear, but thought it might be in the general category of surviving-the-heat.

 

[wcurry66]

We'll be coming down from new hampshire around the same time

My main strategy is to begin getting accustomed to the heat now. So, minimal ac this summer

 

[rachael95]

Hydrate!

When you are thirsty, that means you're already de-hydrated. We make sure to bring bottles of water and drink on them constantly. I took DS (2) to the zoo yesterday. It was high 80s. He didn't think to drink his water but every time I asked him to take a sip, he ended up guzzling because he realized he was thirsty.

Take a few minutes to stop, sit on a shady bench and take your shoes off to let your feet cool down, this is good for sneakers or sandals.

 

[mdinme]

We go in august a lot and we're Mainers. Lots of t-storms in August so carry the ponchos and the rain is nice since it cools it off. Maybe the toughest part is footware on a hot day when you walk lots, the right sox can help.

We spend lots of time at water parks on in the pool at beach club. See you all in three months!

 

[Aliceacc]

I LOVE Disney in August!!! Yes, it's hot, hazy and humid...exactly as summer should be Especially coming off the winter we just had--- Disney in August is the "anti- Polar vortex"

OK, down to details.

My first suggestion is to purchase 2 of these: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Misty-2.5-Personal-Mister/19715437 They'll keep all 4 of you comfortable when it's most humid. They don't need batteries, weigh next to nothing, and can fit inside a ziplock bag in your purse or park bag.

Next, my husband and son swear by sneakers. Not me. I LOVE my Teva mush flip flops, and have converted both my daughters too. I walk all day long in those things! http://www.sierratradingpost.com/te...String=s~teva-mush-flip-flops/&colorFamily=20 (in fact, that's a good price... I may just pick up a spare pair for our upcoming WDW trip )

The best suggestion, though, is to be at the parks for rope drop-- about half an hour before they open. Spend those first 2 or 3 hours hitting all the rides you really want to see-- the lines are minimal and it's the best part of the day.

Then, at around lunch time, you hit the point of diminishing returns. It's hot, crowded, and time to head back to the resort to spend the afternoon swimming. It's a family vacation, and no fun if everyone is cranky.

Then get dressed for dinner and head back for a much more relaxed evening at the parks.

Honestly, it's rare that we have an issue with the summer heat at WDW. There are lots of air-conditioned rides and attractions.

Oh, and I agree about the ponchos. Stock up ahead of time. We normall figure about 3 apiece for our weeklong trip. I like Walmart's better than the ones in the dollar store-- they come 2 to a pack and are more compact. (If you can't find child sizes, just tie up the sides of an adult sized one.) Some years we don't need them, but more often than not we do. When you do, remember one- in a bright color!!-- for the stroller. (A dollar store table cloth and some clothes pins works just as well for an empty stroller. Just cover it before you park the stoller. Lots of times we returned to the stroller, surprised to see that it had rained while we were inside.)

And mdinme, we'll see you at Stormalong Bay!

 

[mm1971]

Not sure of your plans for strollers, etc., but with two kids at 3 and 6, you might also get a little relief from renting a double stroller inside the park for them (particularly in DAK or EPCOT, which can seem quite large on a hot day). They are pretty good sized and even if 6-year old wouldn't typically care to ride in a "stroller," it can suddenly seem like a very good idea when it is 90 degrees and sunny (or worse, 90 degrees and raining, which is a virtual guarantee for about 20 minutes each day!). From your perspective as a parent, it's also nice to know the kids have a place to rest and possibly even nap, which can keep them in a much better mood as the day goes on. And frankly, it also gives you a place to set a backpack or store a few purchases.

I realize that's not an answer to what-to-wear, but thought it might be in the general category of surviving-the-heat.

Great point about the stroller Kimosabe! As mine are older now it didn't even cross my mind. I agree that if you are not bringing one with you, RENT ONE! It is so much more enjoyable when the kids can rest up when needed instead of getting exhausted. We had one until DD was 8, I believe. At that point she decided no more resting. It's also a good way to bring extra water, ponchos and storage for whatever you need. Beats carrying everything all day.

 

[BandontheRun]

Subscribing - we will be there August 14-22 at the BCV and BWV. This will be our first ever August trip because we didn't want to miss school for DSs 11 and 8.
Thanks for the tips!

 

[NotUrsula]

Sneakers are NOT your friends in a Central Florida August. Invest in some quality amphibious sport sandals; you will be very glad that you did.

Different members of our family like different brands. DH is a TEVA purist, DS16 likes both Tevas and Keens, I prefer Merrell or Privo, and DD6 prefers Nike or FILA. Try some on and get the ones that work best for YOUR feet. They probably won't be cheap, but believe me, they will be worth it.

One other point, not so much for you but for the males in your family: invest in some wicking underwear. Traditional mens (and boys) briefs are very heavy cotton, and if they get wet, they stay wet for a long time, and that is uncomfortable. Tech fiber underclothing is more comfortable in humidity, and also dries quickly when you are doing laundry, thus saving time. (They also are much less bulky when packed, saving weight and space in your luggage.)

 

[BandontheRun]

Misting fan, Frog Toggs or both?

 

[amomma23]

Sneakers are NOT your friends in a Central Florida August. Invest in some quality amphibious sport sandals; you will be very glad that you did.

Different members of our family like different brands. DH is a TEVA purist, DS16 likes both Tevas and Keens, I prefer Merrell or Privo, and DD6 prefers Nike or FILA. Try some on and get the ones that work best for YOUR feet. They probably won't be cheap, but believe me, they will be worth it.

One other point, not so much for you but for the males in your family: invest in some wicking underwear. Traditional mens (and boys) briefs are very heavy cotton, and if they get wet, they stay wet for a long time, and that is uncomfortable. Tech fiber underclothing is more comfortable in humidity, and also dries quickly when you are doing laundry, thus saving time. (They also are much less bulky when packed, saving weight and space in your luggage.)

My family would agree with ALL of this. We frequent in August/September. DD and I prefer to wear a casual sun dress instead of shorts and t's. (We both have Under Armour heat gear shorts to wear underneath for a little modesty on rides.)

 

[Lisa71]

Both fans and frog toggs