Going to WDW in July... must haves?

[hannah03]

We are going the first week of July, tell me what I CANNOT live without for the trip. Please keep in mind that I've never been to Florida, EVER, let alone WDW

 

[mmessler]

Misting fans. Those scarf type things that you can soak in water and then drape around your neck. (They have some sort of crystals inside the material, they keep you VERY cool, and you can always wet them again. I have a friend who worked in an outdoor garden center over the summer, and wouldn't go out without one.) Water bottle strap, since you will no doubt be going through LOTS of cold drinks. A whole lot of sunscreen, more than any other time.

Just be very mindful of the heat and its effects. Take breaks even when you don't think you need them, because by the time you do, it's too late. I've been to Florida in the summer before, and very nearly collapsed a few times from the heat.

 

[Mickey527]

PATIENCE
The 4th of July is one of the busiest times. Don't expect to get right on rides, but expect a good 1 hour or longer wait for the favorites. I enjoy going to see the fireworks but I hardly go on anything on the 4th. I usually grab a margarita and go on the Mexico boat ride. There is never any wait and it is cool. And I get to drink my margarita and enjoy some quiet time.
Get to whichever park you want to be in for the fireworks and plan on staying there. I have seen MK close due to being full as early as 10 am on the 4th. In 2003 the only park that didn't close to guests was Epcot, even AK was full to capacity.
As the last poster said, bring something to cool yourself off. I hate those misters, they seem to make me hotter. The immediate mist is cool but then I feel muggy and wet, not cool. I do like the cooling neck things. There are posts where people make them themselves. I bought mine at Walmart in the sporting area. They sell them on hangtags at the end of the aisles.
Bring in some water in plastic bottles or plan on buying alot to drink. It is important that you drink alot of water in the heat. Ask at counter service places for a glass of ice and or water. They are happy to give it to you. I usually freeze some bottles of water and carry them in a small cooler in my backpack. They thaw but stay cold most of the day. I usually stay at my DVC and have a freezer, and now most resorts have fridges free. The freezer is small but ok for 5-6 bottles.
Body glide if you are prone to blisters. Bandaids, or something to put on a sore. I don't like moleskin but alot of people do. It rolls off on me and then I have to pull it off the irritated skin and that hurts more. I prefer bandaids.
Crocs are the most comfortable shoes, but if you don't like them, make sure your shoes are well worn in. I haven't had a blister since I bought my crocs and I used to get blisters along the entire bottom of my foot by my toes every time I went to WDW.
Also, bring a few pairs, it rains alot and you won't want to wear wet shoes for a day or two, smelly, sweaty and prone to infection if you get a cut. That is another reason for Crocs, they dry out immediately and kids have the ridght idea, puddle jumping is really fun.
If your family is going to split up either bring cell phones or walkie talkies. I don't like walkie talkies because it seems everyone uses the same frequency. Or make arrangements to meet somewhere specific at a certain time. But give them a few minutes in case they were on a ride and didn't want to leave the line to get back on time. If you have ressies somewhere plan on meeting at least an hour before just in case.
I am sure I will come up with more soon, and others will be adding too this list.

 

[iggbees]

a high spf sunscreen! i can't tell you how many times i've been burned by the florida sun in july!

another good thing to bring along is a hat, so your scalp doesn't get burnt.

 

[hannah03]

Great advice!!! Get em coming

 

[Heluvsme]

A good pair of sunglasses.

A rain poncho.

Chapstick w/sunscreen in it.

Misting fan!! Can't say this enough, it is fabulous! We fill ours with ice water and the icy cold blast of water/air feels so refreshing on those hot summer afternoons at Disney.

Tylenol or Advil, sometimes that heat can really fester up a nasty headache.

And LOTS of patience, it's busy, but if you're in the right frame of mind, the hustle and bustle can add to your enjoyment!!

 

[mmessler]

A good pair of sunglasses.

I usually go to the local dollar store and buy several, that way if I break them, 1) I have extra and 2) It doesn't hurt so much. I usually leave my favorites from back home in the car...back home.

A rain poncho.

Personally, I find these more trouble than they're worth, and unless it's a REAL downpour and I can't find something inside to do for a little while - rain never seems to last very long in central Florida - I just go without. But despite this, I will usually pick up a copuple cheapie plastic ponchos in the sporting goods section of the local Wal-Mart, rather than the bigger, bulkier versions. They are a little more than difficult to fold back up and store again, but they're cheap and they serve the purpose I need. Also can be used to protect your belongings on wet rides.

Chapstick w/sunscreen in it..

Can anyone recommend a good brand? I usually just use whatever the highest SPF of sunscreen I can find that's onsale for regular sunscreen, but I have a terrible problem with chapped lips out in the sun. That I wouldn't mind spending the good money for.

Misting fan!! Can't say this enough, it is fabulous! We fill ours with ice water and the icy cold blast of water/air feels so refreshing on those hot summer afternoons at Disney..

Or just a plain battery powered fan, if you don't want the bulk or the moisture of the misting version. They're more portable, for the most part.

Tylenol or Advil, sometimes that heat can really fester up a nasty headache...

Amen! I'm glad someone brought that up, because I think I forgot to throw some in my box. I might have to do that today so I don't forget. As often as I get headaches for various reasons, I don't want to find myself forking over Disney resort shop prices for it, or making an unplanned grocery/drug store trip.

 

[sthnbell19]

Can anyone recommend a good brand? I usually just use whatever the highest SPF of sunscreen I can find that's onsale for regular sunscreen, but I have a terrible problem with chapped lips out in the sun. That I wouldn't mind spending the good money for.

Bath and Body works has a chapstick with SPF 45 that works really well and is really moisturizing. I used it last summer and loved it.

 

[hannah03]

This is good to know because my daughter and I both get chapped lips very easy

 

[3mickeymom]

Make sure you take a strap for your sunglasses. My husband likes the neoprene kind like the volleyball players wear. I got his at the surf shop near us. I belive they are called croakies. I have a very pretty beaded one from Panama Jack that I got in the sunglass section at Walmart. You are forever taking off and putting on your sunglasses in attractions and stores and the straps make it so much easier and you always know where your sunglasses are. Also , We freeze wet washclothes and then put them in baggies. They feel great on the back of your neck. As for sunscreen, I really like Banana Boat Sport Spray SPF30. It makes it easier not to miss spots and it feels lighter to me than the creams. Make sure you put it on 30 minutes before you go out in the sun.

 

[mmessler]

Bath and Body works has a chapstick with SPF 45 that works really well and is really moisturizing. I used it last summer and loved it.

Ooo...a practical reason to go shopping at B&BW?!? All over it. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll keep an eye out next time we're in there.

 

[mmessler]

Make sure you take a strap for your sunglasses. My husband likes the neoprene kind like the volleyball players wear. I got his at the surf shop near us. I belive they are called croakies. I have a very pretty beaded one from Panama Jack that I got in the sunglass section at Walmart. You are forever taking off and putting on your sunglasses in attractions and stores and the straps make it so much easier and you always know where your sunglasses are. Also , We freeze wet washclothes and then put them in baggies. They feel great on the back of your neck. As for sunscreen, I really like Banana Boat Sport Spray SPF30. It makes it easier not to miss spots and it feels lighter to me than the creams. Make sure you put it on 30 minutes before you go out in the sun.

Just wanted to point out that you will be especially glad you brought something like this to a water park. I used a plain generic eyeglass holder when I went to TL last trip, my prescription glasses with sunglass clips got ripped right off my head! I'm thinking had I gone with something better, I might not have been buying new eyeglasses once I got home.

 

[SGMCO]

I always bring Powder like baby powder or Goldbond
to absorb mosture for shoes, undergarments (inside bra)
It helps you feel cooler when you are dryer.
I have just found moisture wicking underwear and socks
at Target and have stocked up.
I also bring diaper rash cream to use
behind knees between legs to help prevent
chaffing, Heat Rash (it really helps to be prepaired).

MOM
DAD
SON
=s
1 Happy Family!!!

 

[iggbees]

if you're going to a water park it might be good to get one of those credit card/money/key holding lanyards that are waterproof. my mom has been using those things for years this way she always has some money and keys on her in case of anything.

 

[PittypatBR]

I usually take some of the towelettes in the individual packs. Most of the time the mosquitos aren't too bad (they must have a good spray system) but if they or the little gnats are out, you want to have some kind of repellant handy. This year I have a small spray bottle that I am taking also.

 

[mysparky]

Body Glide so that there's no friction between your feet and your sandals

 

[belle8306]

Crystal Light packets (for WDW water).
More than one pair of shoes.

 

[AD711]

I always bring Powder like baby powder or Goldbond
to absorb mosture for shoes, undergarments (inside bra)
It helps you feel cooler when you are dryer.
I have just found moisture wicking underwear and socks
at Target and have stocked up.
I also bring diaper rash cream to use
behind knees between legs to help prevent
chaffing, Heat Rash (it really helps to be prepaired).

MOM
DAD
SON
=s
1 Happy Family!!!

I agree with bringing a diaper rash cream/paste, Bring a tube of Butt paste! It works the best! Also there are a lot of post about the (Bandoo's), the things you place in water and wear around your neck! Don't buy them from Walmart or anyother place. Google Bandoo on the web and buy it off their site! That way you don't have to worry about them breaking on you from a dept. store. They are very much worth it! Also bring a few plasic covers for your money and ID's/tickets. They are definately worth spending the $1.99 at Target especially if you are going on a lot of Water rides!

 

[asa'smom]

I second patience.
Go knowing its going to be hot and busy. We been twice at this time of year and loved it. As long as we knew what to expect. We were able to handle it. We were able to do everything we wanted to do. So with that being said go and have a GREAT time!!!!

 

[Rustysmom]

Also bring a few plasic covers for your money and ID's/tickets. They are definately worth spending the $1.99 at Target especially if you are going on a lot of Water rides!

I was in Target the other day and couldn't find these. What section are they in?