Dressing for the heat...

[RockyMtnMaria]

What is the coolest clothing for park wear? I know enough to not wear dark colors, polyester, or denim, but we are from CO and I rarely even wear shorts! Would sundresses or shorts be better for my daughter and I? And would the men and boys be better off in Tshirts, or lightweight button down cotton shirts?

Hats or no hats? I actually convinced my dh to buy a pair of sandals for the first time in his life, lol. The thought of socks and tennis shoes made ME boil.

Also, when you walk into air conditioning, is it COLD? I have a 5yo son who complains that he is too cold in a lot of restaurants. Should I bring something for him to throw on while we are eating or in airconditioned shows?

We are trying to spend a lot of time outside when it is hot this summer. I suspect it is a futile effort, lol.

I am sun sensitive, so I will be using tons of sunblock and trying to stay out of it as much as possible.

TIA!

 

[jennyl772003]

What is the coolest clothing for park wear? I know enough to not wear dark colors, polyester, or denim, but we are from CO and I rarely even wear shorts! Would sundresses or shorts be better for my daughter and I? And would the men and boys be better off in Tshirts, or lightweight button down cotton shirts?

Hats or no hats? I actually convinced my dh to buy a pair of sandals for the first time in his life, lol. The thought of socks and tennis shoes made ME boil.

Also, when you walk into air conditioning, is it COLD? I have a 5yo son who complains that he is too cold in a lot of restaurants. Should I bring something for him to throw on while we are eating or in airconditioned shows?

We are trying to spend a lot of time outside when it is hot this summer. I suspect it is a futile effort, lol.

I am sun sensitive, so I will be using tons of sunblock and trying to stay out of it as much as possible.

TIA!

I would stay away from dresses. There are some attractions (SM for one) that would be hard to get in and out of without giving people a show.

The resteraunt and stores are kept pretty cold. Sometimes too cold.

Hats to keep the sun out of eyes, but it will make your head sweaty. Don't forget sunglasses!

I usually wear a t-shirt or tanktop with a lightweight short. Be careful of light colored shorts and shirts and water rides. The boys wear t-shirts and shorts. Sandals are a must, but we all also bring tennies. That way if our feet get blistered or anything, we have something else to wear.

Drink TONS of water, even if you don't feel thristy. Make sure EVERYONE is drinking enough!

have fun!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

There are some amazing lightweight, quickdry fabrics out there. I bought some tropic weight capris and shirts from LLBean that have sunscreen built in. I'll wear a coolmax T under the shirt (the shirt is for sunprotection--I have worn it in Orlando in July/August in the past and it has been wonderful, also, two big pockets that velcro shut for all my stuff) I will likely wear my Crocs with coolmax socks and my Tilley hemp hat. A pair of shades and I'll be all set.

 

[BabyFu18]

I usually wear jeans, a tank top, tennis shoes, sunglasses and a hat (my scalp bruns easily). Some people say jeans are to hot, but I've done Disney in July and August and always worn jeans, they are more comfortable to me than shorts (bare legs from shorts on hot plastic/metal seat in a ride is a big no-no for me).

I'd say taking a light jacket for your son might be a good option, I find the restaurants and shops to be really nice and cool once you've been out in the heat all day but to a child or someone who stays cold they could need a little something on their arms.

I'm also not a fan of sandals in the parks because I have yet to find a sandal that is comfortable enough to walk around in, so I'll stick to my running tennis shoes that I know I can walk long distances in.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Make sure you wear a hat. If you're like I was, hats may feel hot and sweaty, so I wore a visor on my recent vacation. Big Mistake! I got a horrible sunburn along the part of my hair, and washing my hair the next morning was very painful. When it peels, I'll look like a candidate for dandruff shampoo I'm sure.

 

[english rose 47]

What is the weather like late April/early May? Would we need capris, shorts ,jackets. Any info welcome

 

[Tam1067]

We go in July (2 weeks from today in fact!) and we do wear tennis/gym shoes with socks. They're better, in my opinion, than sandals at protecting yuor feet from blisters and also at keeping you safe from the stroller brigades that seem to always step on my unprotected sandaled feet wherever I go (DS9 is really good at that too).

Shorts, shorts, shorts, really for all of you, and I learned last time not to waste the space in the luggage with any type of jacket at all. It's so hot even at night that you won't want to look at anything, and the air conditioning will make you feel really good even if it's on full blast. Last time, I brought capris which I wore to Cirque du Soleil, but I didn't even need them for that--shorts would have been fine.

Be careful of bare shoulders though, because they're prime target for sunburn--as are those feet in sandals (another reason we wear our gym shoes in the parks).

Have a blast!

 

[mytwotinks]

When I went last June I wore lightweight skirts and tank tops every day with my teva flip flops. I was really comfy! I usually get pretty cold indoors, but even I enjoyed the air conditioning when it was such a releif from the heat! My daughters also wore a lot of sun dresses and skirts and tanks. Much cooler than anything else. I really didn't feel like there was a problem with modesty. I am pretty used to being careful in a skirt w/ 2 kids you gotta be!

 

[RockyMtnMaria]

LOL, I guess everyone does their own thing! Definitely not a consensus among this group. Thanks for your answers, and it has given me a better idea on what to expect.

A couple things, I HATE tennis shoes, and don't wear them unless I am hiking in the mountains (and then I skip them if it is a shorter hike). Maybe my husband should bring his afterall. I have arthritis, and have had better luck with good sandals than any lace up shoe I've ever found. Sandals put the least pressure on my toes. But it sounds like we should all have two pairs along. I have two good pairs of sandals (Teva and Ecco) and did ok on our Disney trip last Nov. until I wore my Merrell shoes for an evening. Then my toes swelled up to twice the normal size and I hobbled around the rest of the trip.

Also, I plan to buy a hair gel with sunscreen that TGM recommends. He says it keeps bald guys from burning and so I figure it will work on my part and my dh's thinning hair. So I don't think I need to worry about sunburns, but still might try the suggested visor for eye shade.

I'll also check out the LLBean tropical clothes! I used to live by an outlet and loved their stuff.

 

[RockyMtnMaria]

What is the weather like late April/early May? Would we need capris, shorts ,jackets. Any info welcome

Have you looked at the Weather Underground website? Their "Trip Planner" section (button near the top right corner) is good at giving an idea of what to expect when you travel. Just input Orlando and your travel dates. www.weatherunderground.com

 

[aubriee]

Make sure you buy a really good sunscreen with a high SPF. I live in Texas where it's been HOT for months and would never go out for any significant length of time without a sunscreen with a 60-70spf. They have some really good sport brands (waterproof/sweatproof) around here. Be sure to cover your feet (if you're wearing sandals) as well as the back of your neck. I also make sure I carry a travel size tube with me into the parks, wash my face periodically through the day and reapply. Coppertone also makes a little tube with a dauber thing on it that works great for hair parts. I went to visit family in West Virginia a few summers ago couldn't find a sunscreen with a spf higher than about 25, so if you live up north you may need to order some.

As far as clothing I'd go with cotton underclothes, dri-fi t-shirts, cotton tank tops, thin cotton shorts, teva mush flip flops, Teva Pretty Rugged Leather sandals, Crocs, Reef flip flops, and carry washcloths from the room in zip lock bags to wash face and arm's with periodically throughout the day. You'll be surprised at how much better you you'll feel. The only time I've ever felt cool in WDW is in Dec. I can't see anyone needing a jacket during the spring. If your hair is long be sure to bring some scrunchies or clips (just don't forget to apply sunscreen to ears and back of neck. I can't wear hats as they are just too hot.

 

[abeyst]

These are all such wonderful ideas - thanks!! I'm looking for sun/heat tips, too, for our first August trip (we usually go in October or Jan/Feb).

 

[NJDad18]

If the guys are wearing sandals, make sure they put sunblock on their feet. Sunburned feet is not a good thing.

 

[FirstTimeCruiser]

Also, I plan to buy a hair gel with sunscreen that TGM recommends. He says it keeps bald guys from burning and so I figure it will work on my part and my dh's thinning hair.

What's the name of this hair gel sunscreen? I would love to get some for my husband. Thanks!!

 

[Donald is #1]

One more comment on wearing tennis shoes. Personnally, I always wear them down at Disney with socks because I like the protect & support. i.e. I am afraid of getting my toes stepped on or stubbed with sandals on. However when choosing tennis shoes, my recommendation is to wear shoes with some mesh. If you wear tennis shoes that are all leather, your feet can get very hot & sweaty. If you buy shoes that have some (doesn't have to be all) mesh or cloth, then your feet will breath. I personnally buy ones that are a combination of leather & mesh. Also, if you buy any new shoes, make sure that you break them in before you go.

Have a great time!

 

[jetstrip19]

What is the weather like late April/early May? Would we need capris, shorts ,jackets. Any info welcome

We went in May, I wore shorts and tanks every day, it was hot, but not humid, not unbearable at all I would def go back in May again.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We are going in August, and I have been preparing for the sweltering heat and humidity!

I am bringing a MINIMUM of 18 outfits per person for our 9 night trip. We will be coming back to the room each afternoon for a break so we will change clothes. I am bringing mostly T-shirts and lightweight shorts for me. I have bought a couple of golf polos for DS (Nike) and myself (Claiborne) with built in moisture wicking and anti-microbial fibers. We'll see how that goes!

DH will be wearing a combination of T-shirts, polos, and light cotton button front shirts. I am not washing laundry, but I am bringing the supplies so if DH wants to wash he is welcome to!

We all have sandals to wear. DS doesn't like sandals, and he also doesn't like his Crocs. I imagine he will be in tennis shoes unless he is walking to and from the pool. I have Crocs, Birkenstock sandals, and Easy Spirit athletic shoes. I also have Teva Hurricanes but I don't think I can wear them in the parks - they hit my toe funny. DH got a serious sunburn on the tops of his feet at the lake a few weeks ago - I don't think he will make that mistake again. He has Ecco and Rockport sandals and some athletic shoes.

We all wear baseball caps.

DS and I are always cold, and if DS is too cold in a restaurant he won't eat. I bought jackets for both of us at Target last week that will roll up into almost nothing. Mine will fit in a sandwich bag. DS's was on sale for $8, mine was $6. I'll toss them in the backpack along with the ponchos so we'll be ready for whatever. I really only like air conditioning for the first few minutes, then I have had enough!

 

[snyderla]

I agree, the a/c in the buildings feels great for about a minute and then gets cold! I think it would be a good idea to bring a jacket. Thin shorts are better than jean shorts. And I always wear a hat due to the glaring sun, the sweating doesn't bother me as much as the glare.

Lori

 

[mickeymousemom]

In October I wear tanks and shorts or capris with flip flops. Also, I just finished buying a pair of Nike flip flops that are the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever owned. Even more comfy than the Crocs I tried on and walked around in at the sporting goods store. I think I'm headed back for at least one more pair. These beat the heck outta tennis shoes! My DD's dress the same and DH wears t-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes every day.

 

[Mr._The_King]

Don't forget to look into light colored under armour like clothing. It really helps.