Good shady spots in each park?

[BradyBrenMom]

We'll be in WDW in a few weeks for my sister's wedding trip and my mom, who is undergoing chemotherapy right now, is coming along but needs to stay out of the sun as much as possible. I realize this is nearly impossible in Florida, but I am trying to come up with as many ideas as I can to help her adapt so she can still be part of the celebration. When the family is in the parks, she will go to some of the indoor shows and meals, but sit out most of the rides. Please share your favorite out-of-the-sun spots for MK, EP, and HS with me so I can plan out good places to bring her. I don't want her to spend the entire time in her room apart from everyone if there are ways for her to be in the park for at least short periods of time. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[Kathryn777]

Hs the honey I shrunk the kids playground is very shady. Epcot the little garden to the side of England is fairly shady. Not sure about mk

 

[DisneyWishes14]

When we need a break from the heat in MK, we head to the indoor playground at Dumbo. You don't need to ride the ride, simply go in the stand-by line and let them know you just want to go to the playground. You can also exit through the back emergency exit when you are done if you don't want to ride the ride. She could sit at the train station on Main Street. She could even ride the train! It's a great way to get around the park without walking in the sun. There are also benches in the train station in Frontierland. In Adventureland, she could sit in Tortuga Tavern. In Tomorrowland, riding the Peoplemover would get her out of the sun. When walking down Main Street, you could simply walk through the shops on the left-hand side (as you face the castle), to stay out of the sun. In Fantasyland, she may want to sit in Pinocchio's Village Haus.

In AK, there is a shady spot with chairs right outside the Tusker House check-in area.

EP is mostly inside attractions and you can get from pavilion to pavilion without encountering too much sun.

I agree with Honey I Shrunk the Kids in DHS. I would avoid walking down Streets of America.

 

[Accident]

How long can she be out in the sun? While there is generally a good amount of places to get shade or duck into, there is also large areas with nothing and that might include a line they are waiting in. We saw a lot of people using umbrellas for shade on the trip we just came from. if she would be using an ECV, the third party rental companies do offer a shade canopy as an option with it. I almost see nobody using them but I do occasional see them and do get slightly jealous.

 

[BradyBrenMom]

How long can she be out in the sun? While there is generally a good amount of places to get shade or duck into, there is also large areas with nothing and that might include a line they are waiting in. We saw a lot of people using umbrellas for shade on the trip we just came from. if she would be using an ECV, the third party rental companies do offer a shade canopy as an option with it. I almost see nobody using them but I do occasional see them and do get slightly jealous.

She can't be in the sun very long at all before she gets a blistering sunburn--the chemo makes her skin extra photo-sensitive. There is no way she'd even attempt this if it wasn't for my sister's wedding. I really like the umbrella idea! Also, she has refused to even consider using a wheelchair or ECV, although she has pretty low stamina, but maybe sharing that information about the ECV canopy could change her mind. I had no idea that was an option, so thank you for sharing this!

I am really stressed out about making sure she is well enough and able to spend at least some time with family on this trip and I am so thankful for everyone's suggestions.

 

[Spork24]

You can get out of the sun at almost any quick service restaurant near whatever ride the other family members are doing.

Also you can always get complimentary ice water while you wait. They really don't mind if you just order water and sit at a table while you wait.

 

[MataHari22]

My suggestion would be an umbrella or parasol to keep her in the shade, too. I went through radiation for stage four head and neck cancer, and my neck was a burned mess. I used an umbrella to keep the direct sunlight off of me. It's still difficult to hold up in the heat, but at least the sun is not beating down on you. I understand her reticence to use an ecv or wheel chair, but it could really make a big difference with her stamina and having an enjoyable time. There's so much walking.

 

[loves to dive]

I third the umbrella/parasol option, I think it's kind of jaunty too. My mom had lupus and couldn't be in the sun and was a bit weak. We talked her into getting a wheel chair (no evcs back then) just to make it easier for us. She didn't have to sit in it all the time so would push it when she felt like walking. She always wore a big ole floppy hat, long sleeve loose white shirt (I know it's hot but trust me it helped and the white wasn't so bad).

 

[Accident]

There is no way she'd even attempt this if it wasn't for my sister's wedding. Also, she has refused to even consider using a wheelchair or ECV, although she has pretty low stamina

My mother is like this also, I would probably just rent an ecv in case she finally decides once there to ensure we have one. It's a lot of walking just to get to the park, forget the extra walking in the park. I used a fitness band a couple trips and we were averaging well over 10 miles a day, even when it was a resting around the resort day. Some times of year it's impossible to get an ecv on short notice so plan for the worst and hope for the best.

 

[Harambe]

Out of the sun and into AC to boot! Took me a while to figure this trick out after waiting for my ride-loving family at the exit to each ride, but if you go to the exit of most rides and kind of walk into the exit there is usually a bench or two and it is air conditioned! It might require her to walk through the gift shop at the exit of most rides, but for example, Test Track and Tower of Terror has benches available. Splash mountain has benched when you come out of the ride all along the gift shop. Chemo can zap your energy altogether, so not only getting out of the sun, but sitting with a cold drink on a bench while you guys ride the rides will do her a world of good. In Epcot, she will be safe inside the Pavilions in Future World (The Land has tons of seating). World Showcase has lots of indoor theming also. Best of luck to her - it takes a while to go thru chemo then build back up but she can do it!!!

 

[Marbel]

MK - Town Square Theatre porch has many rocking chairs. Wonderful spot for people watching. Across from Splash Mountain, there is an ice cream wagon right at the entrance of a bridge. Behind it is a shady area with benches. It's not obvious. I didn't notice it despite passing it multiple times until I went to use the bridge and stopped for ice cream. I also spent some time on the porch of the Frontier Trading Post. There is a rocker or two there.

 

[glassslippergirl]

Behind the Christmas store in Liberty Square is a shady spot, albeit not air conditioned.

Your mom may change her mind about the ECV when she gets there. If so, I'd avoid renting from WDW for two reasons. The first is price-- very steep. The second reason is that she must get to the park entrance to get one and must surrender it at the exit. That's still a lot of walking. An off-site rental is yours to take everywhere. Maybe call around to a few, and get a feel for prices and last minute availability. Also see which ones have canopies. And have the numbers in your phone ready to call around if she gives the go ahead. They will deliver right to your resort.

I wish her the best on the trip. Don't be afraid to tell cast members her situation and ask them to point her to a good seat. Most are very accommodating.

 

[Jarmo]

Tomorrowland Terrace was our go-to spot to help the kiddo nap in MK. Fairly cool, lots of shade, and hardly any people this time of year

 

[disnut8]

My suggestion would be an umbrella or parasol to keep her in the shade

That's my suggestion as well. I would also suggest an ECV not just for her but for all the people who will be worried about her. Peace of mind so everyone can enjoy the event.

 

[MischaOz]

I'm not sure of the makeup of your group, but you could also consider an afternoon break. We are afternoon break people. We like to take a break during the hottest most crowded part of the afternoon and then enjoy a kate night when it's less hot and crowded.

 

[andiraye]

Future World in Epcot in general could be a great place for you to spend your time. All of the pavilions are indoors and there are multiple things to do in each pavilion. World Showcase is also a great place to wander at night so depending on your mom's energy level you could spend the morning or afternoon at Future World and the evening at World Showcase.

I also wonder if you could get a disability pass that will let your mom get on rides without waiting in line outside. I don't know much about this but you can find lots of info on the disabilities board.

 

[andiraye]

Oh! Another thought. If are standing at the entrance to MK and are facing the castle, the left side of main street is shady during the festival of fantasy parade. So maybe you can stake out a spot on the sidewalk on that side and your mom can hang out in the air conditioned stores and then come sit next to you when the parade is about to start.

Other non park things your mom might enjoy would be riding the monorail and seeing the lobbies of the monorail resorts. There are some really fun, girly shops in the Grand Floridian.

 

[BradyBrenMom]

I'm not sure of the makeup of your group, but you could also consider an afternoon break. We are afternoon break people. We like to take a break during the hottest most crowded part of the afternoon and then enjoy a kate night when it's less hot and crowded.

We will definitely be going back to the resort for an afternoon break every day but one, when we have a 4:20 reservation at Be Our Guest.

I am practically in tears as I scroll through and write down everyone's suggestions. I knew if anyone would know what to do in this situation, it would be DISboard members. Thank you all so much!

 

[BradyBrenMom]

Oh! Another thought. If are standing at the entrance to MK and are facing the castle, the left side of main street is shady during the festival of fantasy parade. So maybe you can stake out a spot on the sidewalk on that side and your mom can hang out in the air conditioned stores and then come sit next to you when the parade is about to start.

Other non park things your mom might enjoy would be riding the monorail and seeing the lobbies of the monorail resorts. There are some really fun, girly shops in the Grand Floridian.

Great reminder about the GF shops! I didn't think of that and we are definitely all about the shopping!

 

[My Briar Rose]

My favorite place to get out of the sun in MK is Tom Sawyer's Island So many people forget about this haven with plentiful trees, benches, and ... rocking chairs! Another way to catch some shade is on the Liberty Square River Boat. There are some shaded rooms with seats on board the boat, and I have always found this little cruise relaxing.

Of course there is also Mickey's PhilarMagic, The Carousel of Progress, The Hall of Presidents, and that space near the bathrooms by Space Mountain which always seems to have a bit of shade somewhere.

Happy Travels and Best Wishes!