Coming from the west--how to deal w/ humidity?

[Bev1016]

Hi everyone,
I am planning a trip in September for me, DH, mom, dad, sister, and nieces (8 and 5).
Although DH and I have experienced the late-summer heat and humidity of WDW, the rest of the family have not. Since they're all born and raised in the west, they've probably never experienced the kind of heat they're about to feel!
Just wondering if there's anyone out there who came from a drier climate and needed to get accustomed to the heat and humidity. If so, do you have any hints or tips to help us make this an enjoyable experience for everyone?


Thanks!

 

[1rockinmamato2]

I'm not sure that the humidity in September will be unbearable. But, just in case it's high when you go, here is some information for you.

The humidity can be cruel because it prevents our bodies from cooling itself in the heat, but there are ways to combat its effects. When the humidity is high, it increases the heat index and since you've been to WDW before during a hot and humid season, you know how dangerous a high heat index can be. Here's a list of the things I can think of:

1. Wear 100% cotton clothing. It wicks away the moisture from the skin.
2. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help with any moisture loss from sweating.
3. Use a personal mister/fan.
4. Take lots of breaks and space out the shows evenly throughout the day so that you have a chance to cool off. You may even want to head back to the hotel during the hottest part of the day.

The last tip is important because, depending on just how humid it happens to be when you go, those not used to any humidity may have an especially difficult time breathing if they have an respiratory issues.

I hope that helps!

 

[me again]

For me I carried a change of clothing while in the parks. It was a welcome relief to change out of clothes literally sopping with sweat mid day.

 

[brergnat]

In September, it is going to be really bad, sorry!

I would suggest advising those with longer hair, plan to wear it UP, either in a ponytail or braids. There is nothing worse than having a sweaty neck/head in addition to the rest of your body. Wearing a hat makes it worse, unfortunately, so don't wear a hat if you're a woman! Men probably won't have the same issue since they have shorter hair usually.

Wear LOOSE fitting COTTON clothing. Now is NOT the time for snug fitting anything. Avoid WHITE clothing, though, as September is Love Bug season and those nasties are attracted to white.

If anyone wears glasses, prepare them for the fact that they will fog up whenever going from indoors/AC to outdoors. They may want to bring along a lens wipe to deal with this.

Plan for a midafternoon break to swim and shower. It is considerably less humid in the evening, usually. Also, plan on TWO SHOWERS per day. This means bring enough toiletries to do this, enough underwear and socks, and enough changes of clothes. Plan on 2 complete separate outfits/day for everyone. Plan to do laundry at some point to minimize the amount you need to pack.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I think it varies with the time of the month you are going to be there. The earlier in the month, the more intense that heat and humidity is. We go at the end of the month and into October and its livable. We are in NJ and we have that same nasty heat/humity up here in the summer, but we don't stand outside all day in it either, so its an adjustment for us too when we head to Disney. You definitely are thankful for all those COOL gift shops when its so darned hot out and I agree with the personal misters and plenty of drinks! Can't get around those!

 

[bumbershoot]

First thing I learned when I moved to South Carolina (from WA and CA) was to walk SLOWLY. If I walked at my normal speed, I was drenched inside of 10 minutes (at 7am!). I finally looked around, and the people around me were moving much slower than I was, wearing full makeup and hair, and much nicer clothes. So I slowed down. And stopped sweating as much.

Let any curly-headed person know to just embrace the curls, b/c there's not going to be time to figure out a new haircare regime. I personally LOVE the curls, so I love the humidity, but some people have real issues with curls that they normally straighten (or just flat out done have in dryer heat!), and they need to know in advance!

But as dramatic as it is for me to take a deep, WET, breath in the South, it was FAR more unpleasant for me to take the DRY breath of air when I stepped off a small plane in Phoenix. I was only a kid, but totally remember it...far more uncomfortable for me than the air-soup in the South. So it might not be SO bad for your friends. (OK unless they are from Phoenix!)

 

[maxtomsmom]

We loved going in Sept. It gave us an excuse to leave the parks each day and enjoy the pool. When we went in Sept. we got out every morning very early. Made it to the parks as they opened. Stopped by 3:00 every day and went to the pool. The hottest part of the day seemed like 5:00. By then we were showering or just getting out of the pool. We got dinner and were ready to head back to the parks around 6:30 - 7:00. My husband and I rotated napping with our kids. We even spent time as a family and took a family nap to get ready for MNSSHP.

We also brought our own water bottles and kept filling them up in the hotel. It can get expensive buying water. One more thing, although it is still quite hot and humid in Sept even the end of Sept. the lines are less. We really didn't have to wait long outside and most attractions have an indoor que set-up.