Cooling device suggestions? And DAS question.

[lalasmama]

Hello! I'm usually over in the DLR area on the Dis, but I figured I might get a better response in this area for my question, since it's not really park-specific.

I have MS, and one of my worst symptoms is the heat intolerance. Unfortunately, DH is a teacher, which means summer is vacation time for us, and going a different part of the year isn't really feasible. We went to DLR last summer for our honeymoon. Historically, I'm a rope-drop-until-closing kinda gal at DLR, and every other trip we've done, I've been able to handle such a schedule without any issues. However, on our honeymoon this last July, it wasn't fun. I mean, of course it was *fun*, it was our honeymoon and we were at Disneyland! But, we took frequent breaks because I would get too overheated, and I was miserable the whole time. The mister fan just wasn't enough!

So, we're going to be at DLR again this summer, for our 1-year anniversary, and I'm committed to making it a better trip for both DH, and our 10-yo DD who hasn't been during summer. Anyone have any suggestions for cooling devices to look into before we go, that would work well for touring the parks?

Also, a question on the new DAS system. I know I don't need a card for not doing stairs, but what about for steep inclines? Specifically, I'm thinking of Space Mtn at DLR, where you walk up a pretty steep incline, and then right back down again, to get to the loading area. At the top of that, I'm about as winded as can be, which starts the heat intolerance, which also affects my asthma. Wondering if this is something where I'm just supposed to go to the exit and tell them what accommodation I need, or if I need a DAS for it?

Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

There are wraps you can soak in cold water and put around your neck or head or shoulders (wherever is most helpful). DH bought some but we didn't end up using them last trip and I can't find them now for reference. They help keep you cool, and you can re-wet them as needed.

If you need more than that, there are cooling vests available online. I believe these use ice packs that can be stored at First Aid and switched out when needed.

I'd also suggest some basics if you don't already do these -- a big floppy hat, long sleeved light weight tops (yes, the long sleeves actually feel cooler than short sleeves or tank tops), frequent breaks, free ice water from CS locations.

As for the DAS, you are correct that to avoid stairs you do not need a DAS simply mention the need at each attraction. I never ride Space Mountain, so I'm not certain of challenges in the queue, but I suspect if there isn't an elevator available they may suggest you get an ECV because it sounds like stamina/mobility. Absent a DAS, though, I would think you'd first speak with the CM at the regular entrance about your concerns for that queue and see where they direct you -- I don't think the exit will allow you in without some sort of card (like the wheelchair return card) from the regular entrance. Hopefully someone with more at SM will respond.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Aristomommy]

I ordered towelettes (cool off brand I think) from Amazon as well as a hand held fan/mini air conditioner. Also look for a fan with a water spray attached to it, those keep us cool. Think of what type of clothing you take with you, alternate outdoor attractions with air conditioned shows.

 

[SueM in MN]

Before buying cooling equipment, you may want to look into assistance from the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. They have an assistance program for proving cooling items to people with MS. Here's a link to information about that program.

http://www.mymsaa.org/msaa-help/cooling/

Too late to post more.

 

[bocaj1431]

I can not stand the heat at DW so I made sure on previous trips that I would have ways to keep cool other than the generic suggestions, which work fine but sometimes you need a bit more to manage 90-100* temps with humidity.

First, the wraps that one of the posts spoke of are Frogg Toggs. They work really well and keep cool for hours. You can find these on Walmarts web cite.

There are also many types of neck scarves or bandanas that have cooling beads in them and when soaked in water will keep you cool. Check out Polar Breeze Bandanas web cite. They have the biggest selection made for women. They also make "**** Tubes." I know that sounds really weird but I have heard good things about them. It is a small cooling item that goes in your bra to keep you cool. Polar breeze also makes cute hats for women. They not only block the sun but they come with a cooling pad that fits on the inside of your hat to keep you cool.

One product I recently read about and will be trying out this June in DW are HotGirls Pearls. A woman who suffered from really bad Hot flashes came up with an idea to make a necklace that looked like a strand of large pearls that could be frozen and then worn around the neck. Check them out on line.

Lastly if you google RPCM cool vest you will see vests they sell for women with MS to help keep them cool.

My favorite way to keep cool is to bring a large ziplock bag (gallon size) to the park. Fill it up with ice, which you can get at the QS counters and add cold water and place on my neck or arms. It really cools me down. Once it melts, I merely empty the bag and either get more ice or put it in my backpack to use later in the day.

I hope you enjoy your trip and are able to stay cool!

 

[Bete]

I think you have received all excellent ideas.

To add, I would make sure you can get into air conditioned areas here and there. Take more breaks and use eateries and such to cool off. I would wear a very good sun hat and sunglasses.

Not sure if it would help but maybe if you did less walking you wouldn't feel as hot. In that case you could rent a scooter.

We have used the cooling bandanas around our neck and we love them.

I love the idea of the ziplock bags and using park ice and water.

 

[Jaya]

I took a relative to Epcot who could not tolerate hot weather. I took a gauzy long-sleeved shirt for her that we wet down in the restroom and wrung out. She put on the damp shirt over a tank top and it really helped her, cooling by evaporation. When it would start to warm up, she'd take it off and swing it around a couple of times and it would get cool again. When it dried out, we'd wet it down again. It was a fast and inexpensive solution for her.

 

[sksjasams]

I know your anniversary is in July, but when does your DH get out of school?

If you could bump your trip up by a month and go in mid-June, I think the weather would be much nicer for you.

The ave highs in Anaheim for mid-June are near 80. Plus I have read about June-gloom, where in June the mornings are overcast and cooler.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

My son has heat intolerance and he has a StaCool vest. It has worked very well at Disney World.You would need a freezer to store the packs in. We take ours down to luggage hold and they store them there. (at ASM)

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Hello! I'm usually over in the DLR area on the Dis, but I figured I might get a better response in this area for my question, since it's not really park-specific.

I have MS, and one of my worst symptoms is the heat intolerance. Unfortunately, DH is a teacher, which means summer is vacation time for us, and going a different part of the year isn't really feasible. We went to DLR last summer for our honeymoon. Historically, I'm a rope-drop-until-closing kinda gal at DLR, and every other trip we've done, I've been able to handle such a schedule without any issues. However, on our honeymoon this last July, it wasn't fun. I mean, of course it was *fun*, it was our honeymoon and we were at Disneyland! But, we took frequent breaks because I would get too overheated, and I was miserable the whole time. The mister fan just wasn't enough!

So, we're going to be at DLR again this summer, for our 1-year anniversary, and I'm committed to making it a better trip for both DH, and our 10-yo DD who hasn't been during summer. Anyone have any suggestions for cooling devices to look into before we go, that would work well for touring the parks?

Also, a question on the new DAS system. I know I don't need a card for not doing stairs, but what about for steep inclines? Specifically, I'm thinking of Space Mtn at DLR, where you walk up a pretty steep incline, and then right back down again, to get to the loading area. At the top of that, I'm about as winded as can be, which starts the heat intolerance, which also affects my asthma. Wondering if this is something where I'm just supposed to go to the exit and tell them what accommodation I need, or if I need a DAS for it?

Thanks!

Polar breeze, Darry's a line we use. There are hats, wraps, packet for bras. The ideal situation I'd not going when it is so hot. No matter what I did to keep cool, I was still red in the face overheated and miserable until nighttime.

I went in AM, back to the pool to cool off and head back after 4:00 pm. I accept I can't go from rope drop all day.
It just doesn't happen.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Frog Toggs work great! I wilt in the heat and a few years ago I got one of these towels and man it is a life sent. You can get them in the camping dept at WalMart for $12.00

I carry mine in a gallon size ziplock bag to keep from getting other things wet.. I wet it when I need it and it stays cold for 4 hours. after 4 hours simply rewet the towel and it turns cold again. At night hang it in the shower to dry. It will dry stiff as a board but once you rewet it, it becomes bendable.

Don't forget to ask for free ice water and the CS locations. I add the individual propel packs to my water to replenish the electrolytes lost from being hot.


If you have a fridge in your room freeze bottles of water at night to carry with you too.

Taylor your park visits to early in the morning when it cool, so take advantage of the EMH. Then in the heat of the afternoon return to the resort to relax at the pool Then when the sun goes down go back to the park.

 

[infopurposesonly]

DD and another family member use these vests. They seem to work better than the evaporative vests in high humidity. http://www.coolvest.com/

 

[mickeygirl14]

Another for FroggToggs! We've used them the last two years and they are wonderful. And if you go on their website, they have all sorts of stuff, from bandanas, wraps to hats.

 

[cynzilla]

Hi. The Polar Cool Company http://www.polarproducts.com/polarshop/m/index.asp
has many products that would work for your heat intolerance. I own several and have used them all at Disney. Some they call "vests" are really belts that fit around the waist with 4 ice packs in them.

You cannot refreeze them in the parks!!!!! The First Aid Centers only have a small room size fridge for meds, if it is filled with medications they won't even chill them and certainly have no room to freeze them in the small compartment!

Which also makes it difficult to keep frozen. I have found two solutions:
One:is to ask bell services to freeze in their large fridge they have in their luggage storage area. Bring ziploc bags and clearly write your name and room number and cell number.
Two: request from the hotel a "dessert freezer" which is the same size as an in room fridge but it ONLY freezes. You may have to swap your reg fridge out depending on the hotel and manager on duty. You will have to go back to hotel to switch out during the day.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

Frog Togg Chilly pads work great!! You can get generic ones at Five Below if you have one close by. Walmart is reasonable as well. They are in teh sporting goods section. I cut mine into 2-3 strips lengthwise and kept the extras most in a ziplock bag so that I didn't have to keep running to wet them. They lasted 3-4 hours in the July heat last summer.

 

[VioletYoshi]

I was browsing Super Soakers the other day and noticed they sell a cooling vest. The thing is they want you to buy a water clip separately, they're really trying to make the guns seem "real" so they're using gun terminology for ammo. I'm not really all that happy about it, but this is cheap, it's $20 for the vest and $10 for the clip.

I don't have enough posts apparently to link so go to Nerf's website, click products, and click Super Soaker and you can browse until you find the vest which should be on the 2nd page.

 

[Demetrius Brown]

Wondering if this is something where I'm just supposed to go to the exit and tell them what accommodation I need, or if I need a DAS for it?

Thanks!

The DAS would be perfect for you because it would allow you to wait in the shade or even an air conditioned area while you wait for your appointed time.

 

[DVCJones]

I took a relative to Epcot who could not tolerate hot weather. I took a gauzy long-sleeved shirt for her that we wet down in the restroom and wrung out. She put on the damp shirt over a tank top and it really helped her, cooling by evaporation. When it would start to warm up, she'd take it off and swing it around a couple of times and it would get cool again. When it dried out, we'd wet it down again. It was a fast and inexpensive solution for her.

Ooooh, I love this idea for my DD!!! She gets overheated easily due to nerve damage. This idea sounds perfect. Thank you!