Disney World and the heat

[JoyfulHeart]

So I have been reading on everything I can on the heat. We are going in late June, but have never been to the park in the summer. We went last March and YDD got overheated in line at Epcot and we had to go cool off and then left the park early ( she was 7, but never notices when she it too hot). It was 89, but not humid. We do live in the south, so my girls are somewhat used to it, but we have never traveled anywhere in the heat of the summer. I think we are going to try to take breaks in the afternoon and go to our hotel some. but what are ways (besides shows/ eating) do you keep yourself and littles cool?

I keep reading about neck fans, cooling towels, and handheld fan/misters, which one is better? Especially for a kid?
I have been looking into liquid IV and the like- My kids HATED them. We have found the itty bitty kids versions and they both like it. Has anyone had experience having kids drink similar items at the park?
I have hats for both girls as well. Any other thoughts? Things that have worked to keep cool?

My girls will be 8 & 11, but neither ever notices they are hot until they are too hot, so I am trying to be proactive and plan ahead.

Thank you!

 

[JBRB828]

You should be concerned because June can be hot and in the 90's, so I agree about planning ahead.

I'm not a kid, far, far from it, and I'm going in August and I'm prepared. I have 2 misting fans, cooling towels for everyone, party of 5,(granddaughter will be 6), and a UV umbrella for myself.
I see my DH and myself taking breaks from the heat in the afternoon.

 

[kanerf]

Remember to take advantage of indoor shows where you can cool off for a half hour or so. Also look at eating at a location that has indoor dining, again for another half-hour to an hour out of the heat. Keep drinking water all day. There will also be high humidity so bring towels so you can dry your face and hair.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

A sun umbrella is a life saver . I couldn’t handle the summer heat without it . I know the Disney misting fans are more expensive than some at $20 something but they are worth it to us . Also if it breaks they will replace it . Lots of water . Cold bottles for each person and free ice water as you go . Lots of slushes , kakagori dole whips , etc . Definitely an afternoon break at the hotel even if you think you are doing ok . Once you are beyond the point of heat and exhaustion it’s too late .

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

So I have been reading on everything I can on the heat. We are going in late June, but have never been to the park in the summer. We went last March and YDD got overheated in line at Epcot and we had to go cool off and then left the park early ( she was 7, but never notices when she it too hot). It was 89, but not humid. We do live in the south, so my girls are somewhat used to it, but we have never traveled anywhere in the heat of the summer. I think we are going to try to take breaks in the afternoon and go to our hotel some. but what are ways (besides shows/ eating) do you keep yourself and littles cool?

I keep reading about neck fans, cooling towels, and handheld fan/misters, which one is better? Especially for a kid?
I have been looking into liquid IV and the like- My kids HATED them. We have found the itty bitty kids versions and they both like it. Has anyone had experience having kids drink similar items at the park?
I have hats for both girls as well. Any other thoughts? Things that have worked to keep cool?

My girls will be 8 & 11, but neither ever notices they are hot until they are too hot, so I am trying to be proactive and plan ahead.

Thank you!

You can do all of the above as you mentioned, plus don't forget to wear light colored clothing. We do the misting fans and towels. There are portable AC insulated mugs but they're a pain to carry around unless you'll have a stroller. I've seen adults carry them but again, they're a hassle.

Breaks are key! We can go all day in winter and spring months but summer time, we do a ton of breaks. We shop more, we swim, we nap, we eat indoors and watch more shows.

We try to make lunch time ADRs at restaurants to guarantee AC. Also, the hottest "feels like" time of day is usually after 3pm so we will leave the parks around that and come back after 6ish or 7pm since it's still HOT. Also the umbrella advice is great since if it rains you can use it for that and sunblock. Ponchos are the worst in the heat, it's like walking around in a wet greenhouse.

 

[kwdw]

Kids like misting fans, but they are heavy if you get stuck carrying them!

My main advice though is to take the lead on this for them if they don’t notice. 1) Make sure their clothes are lightweight and breathable. 2) Make sure they wear sunscreen so they don’t get burnt as that makes this all worse. 3) Purposefully walk through stores to have an AC moment. 4) When stopping to read a map, phone, discuss a plan, stop in the shade, not the sun. 5) Make sure they are drinking enough. Appease their whims on drinks, don’t budget liquid intake. (I refused to drink warm water as a kid and I still dislike it!) 6) Restrooms have AC, encourage them to wait for all three of you to be done before wandering outside to wait. 7) Plan lunch in a location with AC. 8) Purposefully plan some longer indoor/seated things in the peak of afternoon heat. For example, group Peoplemover, Laugh Floor, and COP for a cool down period. 9) Avoid outdoor lines with no shade (ie, that SDD extended queue is a nightmare!).

And watch their crankiness! It’s often an early sign of either dehydration or heat exhaustion.

 

[annadreamsofdisneyworld]

We usually do our sit down meals for lunch to get a nice air conditioned break during the hotter part of the day. We've also attached stroller fans to our stroller to help cool the kids. Most of the lines have indoor portions, and those are good for cooling off. Sometimes we see a show just to cool off. Bring your own stainless steel water bottles and fill with water and ice at the hotel. Drink lots of water.

 

[maxiesmom]

Take portable fans with you. I have one that I wear like a necklace, my sister has one that goes around her neck. Cooling towels help too. Drink lots of water AND a vitamin water or other enhanced water. You lose more than water when you sweat, and the enhanced drinks help with that.

 

[Jennkneefir]

A sun umbrella is a life saver . I couldn’t handle the summer heat without it . I know the Disney misting fans are more expensive than some at $20 something but they are worth it to us . Also if it breaks they will replace it . Lots of water . Cold bottles for each person and free ice water as you go . Lots of slushes , kakagori dole whips , etc . Definitely an afternoon break at the hotel even if you think you are doing ok . Once you are beyond the point of heat and exhaustion it’s too late .

Im going in september and am a bit anxious about the heat. im not used to hot/humid. A sun umbrella super appeals to me, but ive seen some folks on the site expressing anti-umbrella sentiments. Did you feel like it was worth bringing? Were there many people with umbrellas? I would (of course) avoid using it in tight spaces and would be careful to not take someones eye out.

 

[loves to dive]

Im going in september and am a bit anxious about the heat. im not used to hot/humid. A sun umbrella super appeals to me, but ive seen some folks on the site expressing anti-umbrella sentiments. Did you feel like it was worth bringing? Were there many people with umbrellas? I would (of course) avoid using it in tight spaces and would be careful to not take someones eye out.

As long as you are careful with it, they are fine. 80% of the time I use an umbrella for the rain instead of a poncho or rain coat. Don't carry one of the huge golf ones if you are just using it for shade. We did carry a big one in the stroller and used it sometimes instead of the stroller cover for my grand daughter. She was 5 months old when we went in Sept. so it was hot and rainy and she spent 80% of her time in the stroller. Since at that point she wasn't sitting in a stroller but lying in it, being covered on 3 sides can be stifling. We had two fans blowing on her at all times, made sure the shade part was always pulled up and propped the umbrella over the stroller in the rain. My son and I did use the big one on a very rainy evening going to F&W booths, it covered both of us and the table but he held it the entire time and he was tall enough not to hit other people. Just use a little common sense and pay attention to the people around you and you will be fine. You see a lot of people using them for shade in the parks.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

I used just a regular sized sun umbrella from Amazon . (I try not to buy from them but I did for this ) . When I would be approaching crowds I just lifted it above my head to make sure not to impale anyone . It was easy to use and seriously saved me from passing out in the Florida summer sun ! Enjoy your trip !

 

[McCrae]

If you manage it correctly you will be fine.

Avoid spending all day in the park.
My advice would be get to the parks for opening and plan to leave around 11am… go back to the hotel, cool down a bit and spend some time in the pool.
Head back to the parks after 6pm.

If in Epcot take advantage of the DVC lounge if you can.

 

[DeeBee3]

Was there in August with almost 4 and 8 year old (at the time). We used handheld fans, hats, breaks at hotel, and forced drink stops. Hydration is key. We have refillable Brita bottles, but I would give drinks of any kind (decaffeinated). I hate the heat so they actually did better than me. Don't force an all day park trip - you need breaks. Hotel or at indoor dining. And definitely start early in morning.

 

[Anna131517]

The first thing to do would be to plan a trip during a cooler time of the year. If you can’t do that there are some things you can do but you will have limited success and still not get as much out of your vacation.

First, do parks in the morning and night and stay at the resort 12-6 pm. Avoiding the mid day heat is crucial. If you can afford to stay at a Delux resort to get extended evening hours - especially for HS - that would be perfect. Remember MK is still open after fireworks and there are way fewer people then.

Second, schedule a table service restaurant with A/C for lunch and dinner.

Yes, chilly pads work. Get the mini ones. I keep mine in ice water in double zip lock bags in a deep fisher price bottle bag. I had bell service keep freezer packs for me, and each morning throw a freezer pack into the bag to keep it all cool. I also always take a shower in the morning so I can wear wet hair in a bun to the park to help keep my head cooler. If we go back at night I reset my hair.

They sell fans you can wear around your neck. If your daughter can still fit in a stroller, use one with good sun coverage and bring clip on stroller fans or get her a misting fan.

They do sell cooling vests you can wear under clothes. I personally dislike wearing them, they make me really self conscious. I doubt your daughter would like them.

Finally, watch her water intake. Make sure she hydrated. My son is bad at remembering to drink. We fill our water bottles with ice before we go to the parks and the ice melts as we’re there but at least we have cool water to start.

You become more susceptible to heat injury after you’ve had one. Talk to her doctor. If there are medical concerns then consider requesting a DAS pass so she doesn’t have to stand in outside lines in the heat. That way she can go somewhere with A/C while she waits for her turn to ride.

 

[maxiesmom]

Im going in september and am a bit anxious about the heat. im not used to hot/humid. A sun umbrella super appeals to me, but ive seen some folks on the site expressing anti-umbrella sentiments. Did you feel like it was worth bringing? Were there many people with umbrellas? I would (of course) avoid using it in tight spaces and would be careful to not take someones eye out.

I bought a purse size umbrella and used it during a 4th of July Disney trip. It was so nice having instant shade. And it fit in my park bag when I didn't want to use it.

 

[Jennkneefir]

I bought a purse size umbrella and used it during a 4th of July Disney trip. It was so nice having instant shade. And it fit in my park bag when I didn't want to use it.

Amazing! Thank you. Thats the size im planning on bringing. I found a small sun/rain umbrella from Uniqlo that would fit into my purse. Seemed like the perfect option to provide some sun cover (as well as rain for the pm rain showers).

 

[butterscotchcollins]

As long as you are careful with it, they are fine. 80% of the time I use an umbrella for the rain instead of a poncho or rain coat. Don't carry one of the huge golf ones if you are just using it for shade. We did carry a big one in the stroller and used it sometimes instead of the stroller cover for my grand daughter. She was 5 months old when we went in Sept. so it was hot and rainy and she spent 80% of her time in the stroller. Since at that point she wasn't sitting in a stroller but lying in it, being covered on 3 sides can be stifling. We had two fans blowing on her at all times, made sure the shade part was always pulled up and propped the umbrella over the stroller in the rain. My son and I did use the big one on a very rainy evening going to F&W booths, it covered both of us and the table but he held it the entire time and he was tall enough not to hit other people. Just use a little common sense and pay attention to the people around you and you will be fine. You see a lot of people using them for shade in the parks.

Any other tips for traveling w a 5mo? Packing must-haves for baby? We’re planning Labor Day Weekend which we know from experience is oppressively hot and I’m worried about keeping my baby from overheating to the point of illness.

 

[loves to dive]

Any other tips for traveling w a 5mo? Packing must-haves for baby? We’re planning Labor Day Weekend which we know from experience is oppressively hot and I’m worried about keeping my baby from overheating to the point of illness.

We were there about that time last year with her. Make sure you have at least one portable fan you can clip to the stroller, there were times we actually used two. Make sure you have a change of clothes and plenty of diapers and such in your diaper bag. We also carried wet wipes which were for diaper changes but also used to wipe her little face and arms when it was hot. We took long afternoon breaks back at the resort in the hottest part of the day. I would say we were probably in the parks from about 9 or 10 in the morning to just after lunch then back again around 5 to around 7. Not a lot of park time but we had to work around her sleep schedule. She was still on formula and her mother wouldn't give her anything else to drink except that but thankfully, she didn't like her bottle cold so the bottled water we carried to make the formula was fine. Her mama used the dry formula you just make as you need it. Personally, I would have had a small bottle of petalite and mixed some water in it to give her something other than formula but not my child. We always had the shade up on her stroller and most of the time she just wore t-shirts and a diaper. She was really good about wearing a sun hat, not all kids will. We used a lot of sun screen on her as well, even in the stroller the sun can sneak in. We are from Georgia so the heat wasn't that new to her.

 

[butterscotchcollins]

We were there about that time last year with her. Make sure you have at least one portable fan you can clip to the stroller, there were times we actually used two. Make sure you have a change of clothes and plenty of diapers and such in your diaper bag. We also carried wet wipes which were for diaper changes but also used to wipe her little face and arms when it was hot. We took long afternoon breaks back at the resort in the hottest part of the day. I would say we were probably in the parks from about 9 or 10 in the morning to just after lunch then back again around 5 to around 7. Not a lot of park time but we had to work around her sleep schedule. She was still on formula and her mother wouldn't give her anything else to drink except that but thankfully, she didn't like her bottle cold so the bottled water we carried to make the formula was fine. Her mama used the dry formula you just make as you need it. Personally, I would have had a small bottle of petalite and mixed some water in it to give her something other than formula but not my child. We always had the shade up on her stroller and most of the time she just wore t-shirts and a diaper. She was really good about wearing a sun hat, not all kids will. We used a lot of sun screen on her as well, even in the stroller the sun can sneak in. We are from Georgia so the heat wasn't that new to her.

Thank you! I feel better knowing it’s doable with the right prep And thankfully we’re AP so we really milked those this year and have a short to-do list for parks, honestly this trip is really for me bc our last 4 trips was while I was pregnant

 

[maxiesmom]

Any other tips for traveling w a 5mo? Packing must-haves for baby? We’re planning Labor Day Weekend which we know from experience is oppressively hot and I’m worried about keeping my baby from overheating to the point of illness.

Walk thru the shops as much as possible. Leaving MK? Walk out thru the shops.