Handling the Florida heat

[lizzyb]

We typically go in either July or August and it is very hot. We make sure we drink water, take breaks in shops and we always go back to the resort for an afternoon swim and only return back to the parks after dinner.

 

[disneydeal]

One of the easiest tricks is to drink a lot of water the week before you go and stay hydrated while there. The frogg toggs towels get too heavy for me. Tried them one year and stayed cool for 5 mins.... threw it out after that. Moisture wicking clothes and socks if you wear shoes.

I've heard of drinking water few hours before going into heat do you think starting a week before will make a difference?

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I've heard of drinking water few hours before going into heat do you think starting a week before will make a difference?

Yes, I really do think it makes a difference if you are not use to high temps/humidity. Also, if you don't stay hydrated year long. By the time your body tells you that you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. It was 96 and humid at Orlando yesterday, high 80's here on the Space Coast...it's May. We are getting our summer day time heating storms. Think what it will be in Aug.

 

[MustangMike]

I'm also a big guy who is prone to heavy sweating. A lot of suggestions here are great & will help. I highly recommend moisture wicking shirts. I use the moisture wicking polo shirts from underarmour & reebok. Basketball shorts. I also recommend a pair of running shoes & running socks. They allow a lot of air flow & keeping your feet cool wil really make a huge difference in keeping your whole body cool. Frog toggs work but you really feel a huge difference with a breeze blowing over the frog togg. Before I go to Disney, I go to the dollar store & pick up one of those small hand held battery operated fans. They are small & fit easily into your pocket. Those fans are great when standing in line, or put the frog togg on the back of your neck & blow the fan across it. Lastly plan on going to Hall of Presidents & Ellen's Universe of Energy. Man the A/c in there feels good!

 

[CyndiLooWho]

What is wicking clothes? Is it mesh?

Can you get wicking clothes for woman?

Absolutely. JCPenney has a big selection of workout clothes that include casual options. I got myself 3 moisture wicking skorts with matching tops there last summer. They have shorts and capris and tees, and with coupons and sales I ended up paying $10-15 per piece. Again, I have 2 pairs of Keen Whisper waterproof sandals to wear with those, plus Hanes wicking ankle socks to wear with my sneakers. I even have some great Playtex underwire bras made from wicking fabric that are fabulous for the parks.

For a little dressier look, I have several wicking hiking shorts (LL Bean, Lands End, Marmot). This year I plan to add a pair of nicer wicking capris. Golf shorts/skorts and tops can really be your friend, too. You can also go the more expensive route and get REI and Athleta clothing, but my budget doesn't go that far, except for shoes. I won't skimp on supportive sandals, though I admit to buying Keens from ebay, esp for the boys, who change sizes too often for me to want to spend $100 a pop on hiking sandals.

As to your first question, wicking clothes are generally synthetic, lightweight fabrics that allow moisture to move away from your body. You can find them in hiking shops (most of my polos are from being a cub scout leader) and even Target and Walmart these days. They are mostly very casual, in the workout sections, but you can look around and find more. Names include Under Armour, Cool Max and others. Look for "cool" or "trek" in the name.

 

[Xennia]

Souvenirs shops between outside attractions.

This helps me out. I pass out when over heated. I recommend getting an slurpeee or ice cream to help cool yourself and go into the bathroom and wet your head. That always works for me. Heat stroke is no joke. I also carry an umbrella around with me and use a light weight breathable hat.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Wow, average temps in September (especially early in the month) are in the 90s and extremely humid - it's the same weather as summer! OP, don't be misled by this - I think most would disagree with the "pretty mild and beautiful" part. The big trade-off is the low crowds and short lines.

Well I've lived there and been there and it's been perfect. So perhaps I'm wrong but I'll agree to disagree because to me anything under 110 is nice even humid. LOL I've mostly been in oven temp Arizona but have lived in Florida 3 times. Yes early in the month it can be warmer some days but is really not that bad most of the month it is warm but not overly. Warm enough to enjoy water rides and water parks but not so bad you want to find the nearest a/c. If I recall this wasn't even for the OP. It was someone else.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I'm glad that the September you went was mild and beautiful, but for all the Septembers that I went, it was insanely Africa hot. And humid and one year had an onslaught of lovebugs, but that's a topic for a whole other thread...

I've been in Florida through several Septembers and they were mild compared to June/July so I guess I just had the lucky years.

Actually, Sept can often be the hottest month of the year temp and humidity wise - hotter than July/Aug...and I speak as a Floridian for the past 35+ years. That often shocks many visitors who are already in Fall mindset back home. Don't let all the pumpkins and "end of summer" sales fool ya! We're still cooking down here.

I've missed those years, I guess. Spent many living and or visiting. So probably just that many people have different views of "beautiful" As someone that spent the majority of my years in dry 110 plus half the year. OKay not quite but close. I'll take 90 and humid any day. At least in the shade with a breeze its decent and not oven no matter where you go. SO yes even at 90 and humid I'd take it any day and think it's mild and beautiful warm but not horrible. And yes I've experienced Florida June to August too and know what that humid hot is like too.

 

[Hikergirl]

What is wicking clothes? Is it mesh?

Can you get wicking clothes for woman?

Not mesh, I think its mostly polyester blend materials. Yes, you can definitely get moisture wicking clothes for women. Look for work-out, yoga, golf, or hiking clothes. I've gotten some cute moisture wicking dresses from Kohls and Eddie Bauer.

 

[maltdizzy]

The average temps June through September are all within a few degrees, but humidity is usually highest in August going into September and I think that's what really gets to people who aren'[t used to it.

I love it. I grew up in hot and humid...to me, it feels like "summer vacation." What I hate is walking from hot and humid outdoors into ~60°, blowing A/C. It makes it impossible to stay acclimated to open or the other. I'm relishing the other threads that have mentioned the WDW has been raising the thermostats on their A/C throughout the parks.

As to the OP, I think they received some of the best advice they can. Lots of wicking, breathable synthetic clothes. Male or female, there are lots of golf shirt and short options available. And, I agree, take a break during the 2-4 PM hours on hotter days.

 

[maltdizzy]

What is wicking clothes? Is it mesh?

Can you get wicking clothes for woman?

Not mesh, I think its mostly polyester blend materials. Yes, you can definitely get moisture wicking clothes for women. Look for work-out, yoga, golf, or hiking clothes. I've gotten some cute moisture wicking dresses from Kohls and Eddie Bauer.

Yep. Good ol' polyester.

Also google "women's golf shirts wicking", look into companies like Ex-officio, LL Bean and others. Many can be bought pre-heated for suncreen and bug screen (permethrin) as well.

A nice thing about these fabrics is they are relatively quick-dry when caught in rain or water rides.

 

[hooch11bear]

Ewe!! I can't believe someone would actually suggest to put your arms in the tubs with the ice that hold the misting fans!! Gross

 

[rance]

The moisture wicking shirts seem to trap a lot of bacteria and can really stink...here is a way to prevent it...(also don't use fabric softners on moisture wicking shirts)

As it turns out, the very attributes that make technical synthetic fabrics such winner at wicking away moisture from the body is what can makes them such a prime destination for bacteria and odor too. Synthetic fabric is constructed with tiny microscopic notches that collects sweat and moves it from the inner layer of the garment (next to the skin) to the outer surface, where it can evaporate more easily. The problem is that these microscopic nooks and crannies are also a perfect place for bacteria to collect.
So it’s true that synthetic fabrics are great for running because they wick away your sweat but, unfortunately, bacteria (which causes the smell) easily gets trapped in the fibers and can be very hard to get out. Even after washing! Unless the synthetic fabric is treated with some type of odor block technology you will find that your shirt can quickly start to stink. Also, keep in mind that many brands claim that their garments have “odor block technology” since their garment has “wicking properties.” However, “wicking” should not be confused with technologies that actually prevent odors by eliminating bacteria on contact.

• Using baking soda helps. Pre-soak your clothes in a solution of water and Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (or just use water and a cup of baking soda). You can use the pre-soak setting on the washing machine or do it in a separate container. Then wash and use Arm and Hammer laundry detergent.
• Try using a special detergent formulated for technical wear, such as WIN High Performance Sport Detergent. Those types of detergents will remove the odor, but won't degrade sweat-wicking or water-repellent properties.
• Plain white vinegar is an inexpensive and cheap odor remover. Soak your running clothes in a cup or two of vinegar mixed with plain water. Then wash as usual. Or, pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the wash (along with your regular detergent).

 

[Duffywannabe]

In a word....seersucker.

I can't afford that. I wear nearsucker, no one knows it's a knockoff.

 

[nilla]

I handle it by remembering the Pennsylvania winter.

 

[Ziggie]

We're trying September for the first time this year (we usually go in February), and this entire thread is terrifying me now. I really hope we don't end up regretting this decision!!

February and September temps are like night and day. As a southern Floridian, trust me when I say this lol We've been known to light up the fireplace in February on occasion but we've *never* done that in September. Most of our Disney trips are during August & September and there is really no way to describe the brutal heat other than you will literally feel like you are melting.

Too much to carry if you ask me for something you can get free all over the parks at any service counter. No worries Sept is usually pretty mild and beautiful weather. One of my favorite times to go. Early on might be warmer but its also a lot less crowded so you can get on/off rides and not worry so much about standing in heat for long lines and more time to take cool area breaks.

Sorry, but no. The weather is not mild in Florida in September (unless you consider 89/92 degrees mild).

To the OP... you've received great recs here! My 6'5" tall hubby wears a "neck tie" that is frozen and then slowly thaws over time. I haven't found one similar to the one he owns to show you, but there are products that perform like a cooling neck-tie of sorts.

 

[Zoesmama03]

February and September temps are like night and day. As a southern Floridian, trust me when I say this lol We've been known to light up the fireplace in February on occasion but we've *never* done that in September. Most of our Disney trips are during August & September and there is really no way to describe the brutal heat other than you will literally feel like you are melting.



Sorry, but no. The weather is not mild in Florida in September (unless you consider 89/92 degrees mild).

To the OP... you've received great recs here! My 6'5" tall hubby wears a "neck tie" that is frozen and then slowly thaws over time. I haven't found one similar to the one he owns to show you, but there are products that perform like a cooling neck-tie of sorts.

Yep that is what I said later. 89/92 is mild in honest opinion. I live in Phoenix where average summer temps are 110+ where it stays over a 100 past midnight. So yes to me upper 80s is perfect. 92 a little bit but it cools off in Florida in the evenings so its not bad. Sept and Oct are my favorite time to visit. To me I guess beautiful weather can be that warm.

 

[Ziggie]

Yep that is what I said later. 89/92 is mild in honest opinion. I live in Phoenix where average summer temps are 110+ where it stays over a 100 past midnight. So yes to me upper 80s is perfect. 92 a little bit but it cools off in Florida in the evenings so its not bad. Sept and Oct are my favorite time to visit. To me I guess beautiful weather can be that warm.

You can't compare Phoenix to Florida, imo. They are two totally different areas with totally different climates. Phoenix has a subtropical "hot desert" climate whereas we have a "humid" oceanic subtropical climate. Our weather is moist, not dry. Even the altitude of the sun is different. It's quite brutal here in August/September. If you enjoy hot heat, then Phoenix is perfect for you Also, August/September is our hurricane season (not always so beautiful, to be sure lol).

 

[Zoesmama03]

You can't compare Phoenix to Florida, imo. They are two totally different areas with totally different climates. Phoenix has a subtropical "hot desert" climate whereas we have a "humid" oceanic subtropical climate. Our weather is moist, not dry. Even the altitude of the sun is different. It's quite brutal here in August/September. If you enjoy hot heat, then Phoenix is perfect for you Also, August/September is our hurricane season (not always so beautiful, to be sure lol).

I've lived in both states. Trust me I do not like heat. I just think that 89-92 is mild even when humid. I know the climates are different trust me. I just happen to be one that would prefer a more humid 92 over the really brutal June to August upper 90s and 100% humidity that I do very much know from there. AFter living in both I would take living in Florida any day, any month, over here.

 

[maltdizzy]

No use arguing about temps, it's relative. I watch people in the Palm Springs area of Ca. put on sweaters when the temps drop to the '90's.

I love the heat and humidity (said it above), but still tried to offer suggestions for how the OP (and others) can "off set" it.