August Do's and Don'ts

[ZoZo]

Stay hydrated - it's very easy to become dehydrated before you realize it. Once you do get dehydrated, it's hard to recover from.

Use mister fans - you can even put ice water in them - very refreshing.

Wear light colors and cool clothes. Found some lightweight "hiker's" shorts for my trip last fall, and they were a godsend. Much cooler than twill, canvas, or denim shorts.

Take a break mid-day, even if you don't leave the parks. Go into an air-conditioned attraction (this is when it's great to ride something slow, like Carousel of Progress)!

Wear a visor, and use lots of sunscreen.

I use wet wipes to refresh my sweaty skin. I like the Kleenex "Splash and Go" wipes (available in the cosmetics section where they sell travel sized products). They're extra refreshing, not sticky at all. Others leave a sticky or uncomfortable residue.

 

[Minnie Lor]

Stay hydrated - it's very easy to become dehydrated before you realize it. Once you do get dehydrated, it's hard to recover from.

Use mister fans - you can even put ice water in them - very refreshing.

Wear light colors and cool clothes. Found some lightweight "hiker's" shorts for my trip last fall, and they were a godsend. Much cooler than twill, canvas, or denim shorts.

Take a break mid-day, even if you don't leave the parks. Go into an air-conditioned attraction (this is when it's great to ride something slow, like Carousel of Progress)!

Wear a visor, and use lots of sunscreen.

I use wet wipes to refresh my sweaty skin. I like the Kleenex "Splash and Go" wipes (available in the cosmetics section where they sell travel sized products). They're extra refreshing, not sticky at all. Others leave a sticky or uncomfortable residue.

Great tips! I'm making lots of notes. Never been when it's this hot.

 

[blondemom]

We always go in August, too. We are from northern New Jersey and don't see a big difference in the heat and humidity here versus in Florida. We are not a "commando" family. We let the kids wake up on their own, have a light breakfast and go. We do, however, take a 2 to 3 hour break mid-day and swim for a bit, and hang out in the resort for a bit. We have been to WDW a few times now, so we don't feel like we have to do everything. If we don't get to do something, we can plan another trip.

We drive to WDW, so we pack two cases of water. I stock up on the flavor packages for the kids - they will drink plain water sometimes, but they like it flavored as well. We carry our misting fans. We use sunblock and wear hats. But, we also move at a nice, comfortable pace. Since there are four of us - if one child gets tired or hot, I will go back to the resort with them and let dad and kid #2 continue to do the parks. Again, we are fortunate that we are able to visit WDW every 2 years so that gives us flexibility to take our time and to skips certain things.

Seriously, though, we don't mind August at all. The crowds are lighter, the lines are shorter, and the occasional rain comes as a relief!!

Enjoy!

 

[disneychic]

I put this on an other thread, but it makes sense for this one too -- don't forget to pack asprin! I forgot to pack asprin when we traveled to WDW in May -- it was hot and humid and after being in the hot sun all day while visiting the parks, by the time we got back to the room that evening we both had splitting headaches! We were able to buy some from the resort shop, but I wish I'd have packed a bottle with us. I'm sure drinking pleanty of fluids during the day will help combat this, but I will be sure to pack asprin in my luggage when I go to WDW in August!

 

[SHOREDAD]

Okay so as I have reviewed the thread. I wanted to know what kind of clothes should women wear. It seems like no cotton or denim. We are giong to get some of the quick dry clothes for us buys. What about DW!

 

[Lizzybee]

I wear cotton Shoredad. I usually wear lightweight capris and a tshirt. I also wear lightweight sports bras because they are designed to deal with sweat and they are comfortable. So actually I'm head to toe cotton lol.

 

[twinklebug]

Lizzybee has it right ... cotton's OK as long as the clothing's loose, light and the air can get through to your skin. Wearing heavy, long denim jeans is a mistake. But lightweight jean/capris or shorts are fine. Even 5" of air circulation around the ankles makes a world of difference.

I do avoid cotton socks at all costs though or at least carry a spare pair, otherwise I get blisters. Speaking of blisters, don't laugh, antiperspirant on the foot helps keep the moisture down.

 

[Yngpreacherman]

WATER, WATER, WATER! We went at the end of June last year and my mother had a heat stroke. She is in pretty good shape, in her mid fifties, and has no health problems (takes no meds either). However, only after about an hour in MK she had a heat stroke. She had nothing to drink all morning (this was around 11:30am when it happened). All she had was an ice cream float (which of course did not help). I can't say it enough, make sure you drink water and drink it often! If you feel abnormally hot and sick (I say abnormally, because you will constantly be hot, sweaty and tired-lol), then just take a break (sit down inside a cold area and rest for a few minutes). My wife and I are night owls so we love the nights. Of course, this year, we are going in November...I CAN'T WAIT!

 

[2TxAgs]

We are not big hat wearers, so we found that all of us needed sunglasses. In 2007 my DD13 had a constant headache, water did not help - turns out she was squinting from the glare all day long. Bring sunglasses, even for the little ones.

Relax - sit on the curb, drink lemonade, take extra long in any air-conditioned show. Be pro-active so you don't lose time having to recover.

We swore we'd never go back in August (and we're from Texas), but we've got reservations for this August again...

TxAg

 

[DizzyFORDisney]

I figure that if you go, expecting the worst as far as heat is concerned, you might have one of those "wow-that-wasn't-as-bad-as-I-expected" experiences.

This is exactly what I am doing! This is a last minute trip for us and I am just sooooo very grateful to be going at all that I don't care! I am going to expect the worst and hope for the best!!

 

[DizzyFORDisney]

Our plan for AK is to go in at RD and stay until we have had enough, then off to the pool for the rest of the day maybe DTD.

We have a similar day planned for AK. Get there early, and leave when we've had enough (just like you said), then pool or whatever. I made an anniversary dinner that night at the WL so that should kill the evening for us.

Can't wait!!!

 

[Zokita]

My mom's sworn off letting us ever go in August again, but here's what I learned in August 2007.

-Water is your friend! Drink it, spray it, have a cloth soaked in it at the base of your neck. That last one really helps. If you feel yourself getting dizzy or a headache coming on, it's time for a drink.

-Know where the air conditioned indoor attractions are. If you're getting overheated, go to one! (I'm not familiar enough with the parks to make a list having only been there once, but I'm sure someone else can.)

-Resort time! Take a nap in mid-day or visit the pool when everyone's likely to be at the parks.

-If it starts to rain, stay outside for the free shower and suddenly empty streets! Be on the lookout and run if a dangerous thunderstorm rolls in though.

-If you can get evening EMH or any special events that let you stay in the park at night, go for it. I think they're discontinued now, but we went to a Pirate and Princess Party and the pleasant night air combined with walk-on rides was magical. Even if the lines are longer, I think it's much more bearable in the dark.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Okay so as I have reviewed the thread. I wanted to know what kind of clothes should women wear. It seems like no cotton or denim. We are giong to get some of the quick dry clothes for us buys. What about DW!

There are plenty of quick dry clothes for women as well. That is what I am planning on wearing.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

We live on the Virginia peninsula and we deal with oppressive humidity and heat all summer and we find Florida weather in August to be no different than that. We love it in August.

Do: Drink lots of water, Take mid day breaks, Go in the morning and night

Don't: Over do it!!!

 

[LAS321]

We've been going in August for years. It's the only time both DD and I can get away. All of the suggestions have been great so far. I think the most important thing to remember is that you have to take it slow...no easy task at WDW. Get to the parks early and then spend midday at the pool. If you're overheating find an attraction with great A/C...take frozen lemonade breaks. Make sure you have "emergency ponchos" on hand for the sudden storms....I love going in August....yeah, it's hot and I have no idea how a person can sweat so much, but we always end up going back.
Have fun!!!

 

[carone0318]

I wear my Crocs Cleos on my feet the whole trip, no sneakers for me anymore.

I now have 4 pairs of the Columbia Sportwear Sandy River Cargo Water Shorts that are the nylon material that is quick drying. They are super light weight and seem to dry instantly. I do also have a few pair of Levis cotton shorts that are also light that I plan to wear (they're cute plaid prints so how can I refuse those!)

For shirts I do own quite a few of the C9 shirts from Target that are the quick dry type, but also have quite a few cotton tanks from Lands End that I'll be wearing.

I'm pretty much set.... Funny it's only June and I'm getting to test out my outfits because it's 90 and humid in NJ, so I'm getting a taste of Summer. I should have my tolerance built up for the heat and humidity by the time August rolls around!

 

[jpolak]

Do: Get to the parks early, leave for a mid day break, bring the ponchos no matter how sunny it may be when you leave the resort, drink plenty of water, re-apply sunscreen.

Don't: Bring the inlaws, despite how much DW might say "They'll be better this time".

 

[StrwLady]

Ok I haven't read all the post so I don't know if anyone does their days like this.

I am a night owl. Getting up early is like the plague to me LOL. So what we do is sleep in. When we get up I might do some laundry or maybe my son goes swimming. Then we head out to the parks around 2:30 or 3:00. Now yes we are there when it is still hot but we are not in the heat for to long before the temps start to cool a little. So we are not so worn out by the heat/sun. Plus we are not there for noon when the sun is at its strongest. Then we do evening hours. We have been in the MK until 2am (I even think 3am once). The only exception to this is the AK because of it's tropical nature it gets so much hotter than the other parks. So we either we skip it or try to do it one of our first days before we go on our late hours schedule

Now I recommend...

Lots of water!!
Personal fan. Wal-mart sells one that has a rope on it so you can hang it around your neck and it blows the air in your face.
Stagger your inside and outside shows/rides
Do not hesitate to stop inside somewhere to cool off or get a drink if you are starting to feel weary.
Don't try to "go commando" on your trip. You have to take things slower.EW
When you go to the rest room take a towel and wet it, Wipe your neck. It cools you down.
I also find that baby powder cools the body. So carry some and power away when you go to the rest room. It will also absorb some of the sweat.

Ok this next tip is to my fellow Chesty dissers I think many of you will agree that it can get quite hot and sweaty under the "Girls" well this is what I do....(don't ask me how I figured this out cus I really don't remember LOL) Take nursing pads and cut them in half. Place on pad between each "Girl" and your torso. The pad will absorb the sweat making it much more pleasant in there LOL. Change them out as needed Again I have no idea what made me think of this but I had a big box of the pads left over so for some reason one day I tried it

( Oh my goodness I have never told that to anyone before!!! I am blushing now HAHA )

 

[StrwLady]

2 - late start (our preferred method). we like to have the entire morning to stay at the resort to sleep in/swim/veg out, etc... then we have lunch ADR's at diff resorts around 1:00. By the time lunch is done and we are in the parks it's 3:00'ish. this gets us past the scorching 10am - 2pm hours. We then get to enjoy half our time in daylight and half our time in the evening. we like to stay till close, so the late start allows us to have a leisurely morning.

Weeee another person like me

 

[NHDisneyMom]

We will be heading down for our 1st August trip this year to celebrate my son's birthday. We will be visiting The Mouse from the 28th through Sept. 4th. Hoping for small crowds so we don't have to do a lot of waiting in lines. A few things we are planning on ...

1. Garden Grocer - we have used them in the past and they were GREAT!! A case of water is a must along with breakfast stuff so we can get going in the morning. Get those waters good and cold and then find a cooler backpack. We got ours from Target: http://www.target.com/Igloo-Maxcold-Maxpack-Cooler-Blue/dp/B002NGBGHU/ref=sc_qi_detaillink It's a Igloo Maxcold Maxpack Cooler - Ice Blue (18 Can). We used it when we were there in Dec. 2008 and it was great. Water, juice boxes, wet wipes, and we are using the Kool ties from REI. I'll keep them in the cooler until we need them and then pull them out to cool us down.

2. I am not a hat person. I just think a baseball cap is going to make my head sweat more. We are trying the Buff's with UV protection this year. Just picked 2 up from my local REI and I like them. I also like the idea that it pulls sweat away from my head so it's not dripping down into my eyes. I have a lot of hair and my head gets HOT! Here's a link: http://www.rei.com/product/736217 There is also a cool little video that tells you how to use it.

3. We picked up a couple of the Kool Tie's at REI as well. Kids have a swim meet in Aug. that is usually long and HOT. I'm going to bring them along and see how they work before trekking them down to Florida. I have high hopes so my fingers are crossed. Here's a link to the Kool Ties: http://www.rei.com/product/691097

This is a great thread and I'm taking notes on all the great ideas! Thanks for all those contributing!!!