Best tips for dealing with the heat?

[khakismum]

We are headed for WDW in a week and I'm getting nervous. I have never, in my recollection, been to the parks in the summer. Too many people too much heat. However, never say never. :-/ We are going to be in WDW for a week in June and I need your best TNT tips for dealing with the heat and humidity.

Some I already know:

• Take AC breaks via rides, shops and restaurants
• Drink and stay hydrated (not just water, sports drinks too)
• Wear a hat
• SUNSCREEN!

Are there any other coping tips any of y'all have to beat the heat or at least come to a grudging understanding with it so it doesn't kick your a$$?
TIA!!

 

[Parker Clan]

Yes to all of the above! Those are key! We can only go in August & have survived so far lol In addition to those you've mentioned, we bring snacks (a few times I felt I was going to pass out ) I ate a salty snack, also something with a little protein like nuts. We take afternoon breaks by the pool and nap. The few hours break are key! We then go to early dinner and saunter through the parks at night. Those are just a few have a magical time!!!

 

[kmoore7]

I always take a small towel to wrap around my neck. Soak it at every water fountain I see. Really helps, especially when you go into a/c. And,not just a hat, but a wide brim one. I have a safari one I wear

 

[MPLsDad]

My wife swears by the cooling towel I picked up for her at the Bed and Bath store. Paid about 15 bucks and she dampens it and it keeps her cool.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Frogg Togg cooling towels and misting fans. Buy the latter before you go, $5 at CVS, 18 in the park.

 

[ArwenMarie]

You already said this but I think the most important thing is a good touring plan where there are real AC breaks mixed in. Not just short ones. This might mean going to see Tiki Room or Philharmagic etc at a time you normally wouldn't. I think the other important thing for the hot months is to be ok with getting less done than you could during the cooler, drier months.

 

[ZoZo]

Moisture wicking clothes are your friend! Shorts, shirts, socks, underwear - you can get moisture-wicking items in each category! I got a couple of pairs of quick-dry hiking shorts at REI. They were very lightweight and comfortable, and I could even hand-wash them at night and they'd be dry by morning! And Target carries a line of Champion brand moisture-wicking clothes in their athletic apparel departments. Be prepared to go through two outfits a day!

Frogg Toggs chilly towels. I haven't had a chance to use them yet, but people swear by them. You get them wet and drape them around your neck to keep you cool.

I love my mini mister fan. It's small in size, and easy to clip to a belt loop or the strap of my bag. Very refreshing. I bought mine at Walmart. If you can't find the mini-misters, you can get a bigger mister fan, but I find them heavy and clunky to carry around.

I also use Kleenex "Splash and Go" wet wipes. They're meant to use all over your body (face, too) and are really helpful when you're hot and sweaty. You can buy small travel-packs at places like Target, where they sell the small travel size items like toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

Sometimes, even if you don't plan to take a long afternoon break, just going back to your resort and taking a shower and changing clothes can make all the difference in the world.

And, as you've already mentioned, drink waaaaaay more water than you think you need. I thought I was staying hydrated one of my trips, and then I started noticing puffy ankles (a sign of dehydration). I needed to drink twice as much water as I thought I did.

Rope drop. Go early, when it's cool and uncrowded, then take breaks in the afternoon (which is the hottest part of the day). You'd be surprised how many people sleep in late on vacation, getting to the parks around 10:30 or 11:00 and suffer through hot, crowded afternoons, getting cranky and tired by dinnertime.

 

[MustangMike]

Agree with all of the above. Frogg togg chilly towels or something similar work great. Moisture wicking clothes (I like the stuff from Under Armor the best) really helps a lot. I also like to pick up a little handheld mini fan from my local dollar store. They are much smaller than a misting fan & easily slide into a pocket. You'd be surprised how cooling they can be when you're just standing in line.

 

[DizDaD7]

We are headed for WDW in a week and I'm getting nervous. I have never, in my recollection, been to the parks in the summer. Too many people too much heat. However, never say never. :-/ We are going to be in WDW for a week in June and I need your best TNT tips for dealing with the heat and humidity.

Some I already know:

• Take AC breaks via rides, shops and restaurants
• Drink and stay hydrated (not just water, sports drinks too)
• Wear a hat
• SUNSCREEN!

Are there any other coping tips any of y'all have to beat the heat or at least come to a grudging understanding with it so it doesn't kick your a$$?
TIA!!

Yes, Go during the WINTER....LOL..Sorry I couldn't resist..



On a serious note, pretty much everything that has been said already by PP's.
I think RD is the key, hitting what you can by 11 or 11:30, Then either having an ADR for lunch or bringing something or head back to the resort and eat there...This is the key.. And I'd say a minimum of 4 hours at least to cool/pool off, and just recharge your batteries....You'll never realize what a lil power nap will do for you. Shower then head back for dinner and sundown/cooldown times.

Also Remember this: Try and choose your AK day ahead of schedule when you are looking at the upcoming weeks forecast. I'd Co-ordinate the AK day with the day that's going to be the least hot/humid, because it's always waay hotter at this park then the others...

Also drink lots of fluids... Have fun!!

 

[isaboo]

Take advantage of the late park hours during the summer. Aside from the fact that it's cooler, we think the parks are even more magical at night!

 

[songkat]

If you need to quickly cool off, my tip is to pour some cool water on top of your head. For me, it's the quickest way to cool off.

 

[BillyBoy1304]

Drink lots and lots of water.

Also, this is the perfect time to sample a Mickey Bar or Dole Whip!

 

[nobellybutton]

I purchased some cooling neck wraps which helped us all survive July heat and humidity. I purchased on ETSY and was able to get them personalized and they were about $6-8 and dipped them in ice water and it was so amazing!!! It's been 3 yrs and I still remember the great feeling

 

[uccats97]

Frogg Toggs Chilly pads!
http://www.chillypad.com

 

[glassslippergirl]

We had good luck with cooling towels. Get extra cool by soaking them in ice water or putting wet towels in the refrigerator each time you are in your room. Bring a ziplock bag to store when you're not using them.

I'm not a huge advocate of mister fans this time of year. It will be really humid, and adding water to yourself just makes the humidity seem "heavier." I'd just stick with the fan.

Honestly, the heat is tolerable. The rewards for going this time of year-- longer park hours, more night entertainment, extra things to do-- make it a great time of year to go. Have fun!

 

[khakismum]

Thanks for all these ideas! I just ordered the Frogg Toggs neck wrap. I think this will help quite a bit.

DixDaD7, trust me, I'd rather be going in the winter like we usually do, but this a graduation college trip for our DD and a handful of her friends and this is when everyone could go. We go back in AUGUST! to take our DD back to check in/move in for the Disney College Program, I'll need all these ideas again.

I'll be doing my last minute trip shopping this week, I'll look for the personal fan then.

Rope drop.....heh heh heh.... you so funny! This is our vacation, we sleep late, arrive late and stay late. We are major night owls. We will start our day hot, and just let it cooler and cooler.

Please keep the ideas coming. If not for me, for other folks with the same question.