August Do's and Don'ts

[Bembol_Rocco]

I think all these tips are applicable not just in August but starting in June.

 

[landshark]

The most important thing is to stay hydrated. Everyone needs to constantly be drinking water, even if they're not thirsty. Keep in mind this may slow you down a bit, though, as you'll get a bonus tour of the Disney restrooms!

Also, take it slow if you don't leave the parks during the afternoon. Try to walk in shaded areas if at all possible and take frequent breaks. Take shortcuts through air conditioned shops. I find AK, HS, and World Showcase to be the worst places to be when it's that hot out. Lack of breezes, insufficiently shaded areas between things, lack of air conditioned areas and foliage trapping heat make these areas miserable for me. Keep that in mind and plan ahead of time that you might need more time for such areas.

Bring a light, hooded rain coat. You'll never know when/how long it will rain, but a coat will be a welcome addition for those times it doesn't let up after a few minutes. A coat is also nice to stay warm with if it cools down after a long rain.

This is a personal preference, but I avoid getting "rich" snacks like ice cream, dole whips, etc... I find them to be nauseating in the heat and find things like frozen orange juice bars and frozen lemonade slushes to be much more palatable. Plus they also provide a little extra hydration.

 

[palmtreelover08]

-Get fastpasses early and then skip those rids *unless they are abosolute fave's which you want to do 2x). Don't use the fastpasses until you return from your afternoon break.

-Let your kids get wet (and Yourselves). Go thru the misters, go thru the water "springs" that come up out of the ground..let the kids spend some time there. Trust me.. they will be dry before you know it, and it really gives kids their second or third wind.

-Take a hat and put it in cold water, ring it out, and stick it on your head.

-Wear comfy sandles. I can't tell you the difference in body temperature between wearing socks/sneaks and sandles, but It sure feels significant.

-Try and leave the shows w/air conditioning for the middle of the afternoon (i.e. go into American Idol, Philharmagic, Nemo, etc. for a good break in the a/c.)

I have gone several times in August-it can be done, but water, breaks and sun-smarts are essential.

Oh--don't forget a cover for the stroller if you are using one. Kids hate getting put into wet strollers after those quick afternoon rain-showers/thunderstorms.

 

[twinklebug]

1) Don't let other's bad experiences with the FL weather get to you. Make up your own mind as to whether that time of year works for you after experiencing it. Chances are they didn't listen to common sense and good advise... you're being proactive which is a sign you'll have a great time!

2) Water. Sunscreen. Rest. Make sure your family takes all three in liberal doses. You will not OD on any of them, but not enough and it can destroy a vacation. I second the idea of a water bottle, even if you carry it empty there are plenty of places to fill it. Never get into a waiting line without it filled. Head out of the parks no later than 11am unless you have lunch reservations or plan on all indoor activities. Head back after 4pm, staying out of the heat until 7ish. Don't forget, just because it's evening, you still need to stay hydrated!

3) Pools are fun, but they're in the sun. Limit your family's time in the sun - get to the pools early to settle into a shady spot before they're all gone. Nap off the sunshine after your swim & start the evening refreshed. Pools are open late too... if there's resistance to leaving the pool area promise a night swim.

 

[jdd]

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but last year we bought Kool Neckties (not sure if that's the "official" name) from REI and they were awesome!! Similar to the water soaked washcloths, but they really stay cool. We kept them in our cooler (along with the mister bottles and lots of water like everyone else) and they were great.

I agree with everyone else's opinion about hydrating and taking midday breaks. We actually had a great trip - not nearly as hot or crowded as I expected it to be - and we're heading back this August as well

 

[wendy3]

Definitely be prepared for the rain! We also got hit by tropical storm fay too. I never saw it rain soo much at disney but it didn't deter us from going to the parks. We really made us of our disney ponchos. Parks were pretty much empty on most days during the storm. They even opened the parks an hr early one day too. Thanks to fay we got to spend an extra 5 days at disney bc of interruption in the amtrak service = the autotrain was cancelled!! It was the best trip ever.

I had forgotten about the day they opened an hour early! I just remember TT being closed, Wishes being cancelled, Fantasmic being cancelled, parades cancelled, and the FLOOD of water everywhere. On the upside, the parks were definately lighter because of the rain. Plus, the rain in FL is warmer than the rain in Oregon Seriously, even if the rain closes a few attractions or cancels a few parades, there is enough to do at WDW that you don't need to let it ruin your vacation. Work around it and go with the "flow" so to speak!

 

[twinklebug]

I forgot to mention Animal Kingdom is the hottest park. Although there is plenty of shade, the lush greenery keeps the humidity in and the park has fewer breezes. Be sure to hit AK early early. The animals are also more active in the cooler morning temps. I always start off with the safari when the animals are more active or the Jungle trek to see the tigers playing instead of snoozing.

As the park heats up gravitate toward the indoor places - the shows, the indoor rides (I can only think of Dinosaur) and indoor eating. Kali river rapids is very popular as the temp rises, it'll cool you down if you're lucky/unlucky enough to get soaked, but I've seen people come close to passing out in line waiting. Again, don't forget to fill your water bottles before getting in line. Our July trip I'm planning on grabbing fast passes for the kids and myself for Kali early so we might have a shorter wait time. Typically we'll use them on Everest but there's the single rider line there the kids are fond of.

 

[lroger01]

The advice so far is great. I just want to add one. Several times a day take time to get into air conditioning and stay there until you stop sweating.

Just walking through a store for a minute doesn't cool you enough to be a benefit. So wether it's a ride, shopping in a big store, a meal, or time in your hotel room, stay inside until you stop sweating and the AC starts to feel too cold. It makes a big difference.

 

[bdpa]

We are from Oklahoma and even the humidity got to us! But it is do-able. Just take things slow and if you go back to your rooms - take a nice cool shower. It will refresh you. Also - try to take extra shoes so you can switch out when one pair gets wet. Just relax and take it easy. Remember you are at Disney World!! Have fun

 

[mickeysaver]

I am not a big fan of summertime heat in Georgia or Florida. I would normally NEVER EVER plan a trip to WDW in that heat, but Summer Nightastic happened and our anniversary happened at the same time, so we made a pact with one another. I won't gripe about the heat, if she doesn't gripe about the busses.

The first rule is HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE! Even if you are not thirsty, drink! Be careful with sodas because the caffiene will not help you to stay hydrated and be careful with alcohol too.

The second rule is sunscreen and cover. Sunburn isn't fun. Sunscreen must be reapplied often, like 5 or 6 times a day to prevent you from burning. Hats are almost a must, even if you aren't bald.

We always take an extra shirt with us to the parks if we are staying out most of the day. I found that being all sweaty in a white shirt lead to a nasty dirt stripe across my shoulder blades due to the dirty seats on KS. I was so glad that I didn't have to walk around dirty all day!

We always take extra clean socks too. It's always nice to have a fresh pair of dry socks to keep the blisters away.

We try to make the most of air conditioning and shade. Basically, we attack the park with a pattern that allows us to maximize both.

If you are tired, take a break. Cranky people can certainly kill the pixie dust. Enjoy the pool or the waterparks. Never underestimate the power of cool water on a hot day.

Don't forget to have fun. Attitude is everything. If you focus on the negative you will find it for sure. Focus on the pixie dust and don't forget that the best memories are not of the rides, but of the moments that are shared together.

 

[Tomh]

My family has been to Disney World twice in August, and will be making our third trip in August this year (also staying at POR).

The first thing I can tell you is that things are different for each family, so what works for us might not work for you.

Important things to remember for us are sun screen, and sun glasses. Drink LOTS of water. We carry aluminum water bottles, and single service drink packets. We get ice water (for free) from CS locations, and fill up the bottles with it, then add in the flavoring. Staying hydrated is top priority!

We are at rope drop pretty much every day, and do our hustling early before the crowds and heat build too much. In the middle of the day we have a leisurely lunch, and take our time touring. We take advantage of long shows and rides where we can sit and be cool, and look through shops in the afternoon.

We have a nice leisurely supper as well, often at at TS restaurant. Those meals are our mid day break. We don't bother returning to the resort, as it takes so much time, and the kids don't ever really settle down for rest.

We also listen to our bodies, and our kids. When they start to act cranky, we know it's time to sit down, have a drink, have a snack, let DS play in a fountain for a while, and just generally recharge ourselves a bit.

August really isn't that bad, as long as you plan ahead a bit, and don't push yourselves too hard. If you are feeling a bit tired, sore feet or legs, thirsty, hungry, what ever, take the time to address it immediately. The longer you push yourself, the more miserable you'll get, and the harder it will be to rest back up and get going again. I've found that if I sit down for 20 minutes, or half an hour as soon as I feel that my feet or legs are unhappy, I'm ready to go again usually for hours before I need another break. The same is true with kids. The heat really gets to them, and they don't think to drink as much as we do. Every time one of the adults drinks, we make sure the kids take a drink too, and really pay close attention to how they act, especially the younger ones. They aren't so good at telling you when they are too hot, or too thirsty, but their behavior almost always tips you off if you are paying close enough attention. Don't dismiss them as being ridiculous if they complain about something trivial, that is usually a sign that something else more significant is bothering them. Take a time out, find a bench with some shade, or a fountain, or an air conditioned restaurant, and let them rest. Give them a drink, and if that doesn't do it, then you might need to consider calling it an early day for them.

 

[SHOREDAD]

when are u going to be there?

We will be there the 16th to 23rd.

We are flying. I keep reading about this grocer shopper thing. Can i order a cases of water to be delivered to the room?

Our biggest problem may be getting up early in the morning to go. I am an early person as is DS 10. DS4 and DS2 are hit or miss with waking up early. I am thinking we will have to get them to bed at a decent time.

I have already begun to look at touring plans for their plans that include breaks in the middle of the day. Our ADR's are for times after 5:30 in the parks we will be in that day. The plan is definitely to go in early, have lunch in the park we are in(inside of course) then we will head back to our resort for naps and some pool time. We will then go back into the park anywhere from 4-5:30. We will then just see how long the kids last after dinner. If they are cranky and hot we will just go back and enjoy a late night swim. We are not going to try to get on every ride. We will do what we can do. As most of you said this is a vacation we will not try to do a marathon through each park. We want to have fun and enjoy WDW and each other. If we miss something oh well! If August turns out to be the wrong time for us we at least tried. The positive is that we got FD and a really great airfare.

I have definitely taken many notes about all the stuff we may need for our trip from all your responses.

Now a few questions about the items.

I see a lot of you bring in a cooler. Any suggestions (website links, stores, names of product) aprreciated.

Best water bottle fan?? (Saw one at Walmart seemed cheaply made but may do)

Necktie things?? Where can I find them

If anyone already posted the links I apologize i will backtrack the thread.

Thanks for all the advice this is great stuff

 

[Bearybear]

As for early bedtimes, while I don't know your children, with my DS, who was 5 when we were there in August, bedtime was no problem at all. At home, he whines and wants to stay up late and every opportunity for excuse to get out of bed is utilized. However, at WDW, he was usually asleep as soon as we tucked him in. Between the heat and all the excitement, he got plenty tired.

We ordered from garden grocer www.gardengrocer.com and got cases of water, as well as snacks and breakfast for the room.

We brought those misting fans, and didn't find them very helpful, plus it was just another thing to carry around.

 

[CanadianPaco]

We're doing our 3rd August trip this year and have been in July as well. I would love to try another time of year but schedules only seem to work out for the summer. For us, WDW means HOT and HUMID.
Afternoon breaks.
Lots of water.
Body Glide.
Patience.

 

[SHOREDAD]

As for early bedtimes, while I don't know your children, with my DS, who was 5 when we were there in August, bedtime was no problem at all. At home, he whines and wants to stay up late and every opportunity for excuse to get out of bed is utilized. However, at WDW, he was usually asleep as soon as we tucked him in. Between the heat and all the excitement, he got plenty tired.

We ordered from garden grocer www.gardengrocer.com and got cases of water, as well as snacks and breakfast for the room.

We brought those misting fans, and didn't find them very helpful, plus it was just another thing to carry around.

I think my kids will be like yours! I will be the only one not able to sleep. I never do when on vacation. I am always exhausted when I get home!

 

[lbklyn]

SHOREDAD, just want you to know you live where I DREAM of living! Have been going to Cape May every year for about 11 years now! Might have skipped one year. Two favorite places are Cape May and Walt Disney World! If you ever get a chance to go to WDW in late Oct. or Early Nov. do so! Weather and crowds are good! Have a great trip!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Just wanted to throw in one more:
Do be prepared to do laundry during the vacation. If you do take a mid-day break and swim or shower (which is very refreshing; Ialso used to refresh the kids with a mid-day bath when they were little), there is no way you are going to want to put back on the same clothes to wear for the rest of your day. Of course, laundry is pretty easy to do at Disney since the laundry is right by the pool.

 

[jdd]

I see a lot of you bring in a cooler. Any suggestions (website links, stores, names of product) aprreciated.

Best water bottle fan?? (Saw one at Walmart seemed cheaply made but may do)

Necktie things?? Where can I find them

If anyone already posted the links I apologize i will backtrack the thread.

Thanks for all the advice this is great stuff

Here's the link for the Kafka Kool Tie: http://www.rei.com/product/691097. These are the ones we got - from REI. I think this is the online ordering page, so if you don't have an REI near you, you can order. Or, they're probably sold elsewhere.

We found a small soft sided cooler at Giant Eagle (local grocery store) that holds a six-pack of water plus some juice pouches, our spray bottles and the Kool Ties. You can actually carry it like a purse (although all filled up it was too heavy) but we just hung it on the back of the stroller. It was really easy for security to look through too - they never had a problem with us bringing water/juice into the park.

Have a great trip!

 

[mrbghd]

Do:
1. Get to park for opening
2. Take a break mid-day-either napping or swimming (necessary for adults too!)
3. Eat your meals in air-conditioning
4. Stay hydrated (we brought along singles packs of Kool-Aid for our kids and added it to FREE water from the CS places, this way we could keep a drink with us at most times)
5. Use snack credits for cool treats like ice-cream, dole whip floats, and frozen lemonade slushies
6. Carry a mister, one for the family is fine, keep spraying everyone to keep cool
7. See the night-time entertainment : No sun beating down on you!
8. Tour AK and DHS in smaller doses; we find them to be much harder to tour in the summer than Epcot or MK (World Showcase we do in small doses too, Mexico is great for cooling off)
9. Get park hoppers so you can visit different park in evening if you want to
10. Use FP and baby swap to minimize waiting around
11. Take advantage of places to get wet
12. Bring a poncho with you in the afternoon
13. Use strollers for the little ones; you will be wishing you could fit in one!
14. Carry sunscreen with you to reapply
15. Carry large ziploc baggy in your bag to protect things like cell phones, cameras etc... when the downpours start
16. Wear sunglasses and have the little ones wear hats to cut down on the glare

Don't:
1. Worry about seeing the afternoon parades; we only watch them if we happen to stumble on them and can get a viewing location last minute; it's too hot to sit and wait in the sun; we concentrate on evening entertainment instead
2. Use your TS meals at breakfast, you should be touring the parks in the morning; we find a nice sit-down lunch or early dinner to be quite refreshing
3. Push anyone past their limit; as soon as someone is cranky, take a break!

I think this is the best advice to follow! We go in late July/ Early August and we follow the same basic advice as above. I would only add limit sugary drinks, such as pop and the like. Not only drink plenty of water but also some type of sports drink to help replenish electrolytes.

 

[dschultz]

OP, This thread has real advice!!!

I grew up on Long Island, It would be amazing what a difference the costal breeze would make! Those hazy, hot and humid august days at the beach could either be refreshing with a breeze or brutal without.

We were at WDW last august, It was 100% humidity at WDW and here when we got back. But I swear the air feels heavier down there!!!!!!

The one other tip I forgot about was to get some waking in before you go. Make sure you use the shoes on these walks that you will use at the parks. I think I read this in UG, and its a good tip saved our feet from a world of pain and got the kids use to walking in the heat.