Heat...am I overdoing it?

[Frozen2014]

Skip the fans, they are cumbersome and it is just as easy to get some free ice water to splash on your face if needed. As far as shoes go, what type do you usually do all of your long walking in? If you are a person that normally wears sneakers then wear those instead of sandals. Good walking shoes with support are essential, IMO. Your son will be just fine in t-shirts.

Thanks...funny enough I've gone ahead with most of the opposite.
Ended up ordering 4 fans off of amazon....2 are misting fans for our kids. I think they will actually really appreciate these. Also bought two mini ones for DH and I (a different one from the one posted above). Mine should even fit in my fanny pack (yeah, not very stylish but practical...lol). If we don't end up using everything, then we can leave stuff in our hotel room the next park day.
Took DS to the mall for sandals. Got him a good Teva pair with great support. They will be cooler than running shoes...plus will work better in a rain storm (vs soggy socks and runners). Bought them now so he can wear them in. But he'll have his runners with him too if he ends up preferring that.

 

[Disturbia]

The small O2Cool fans are pretty low power but very compact and easy to clip on. I usually flip the battery and the cover is just a slide in type (also put some tape so when it inevitably falls the cover doesn’t break). You can always pack them in a plastic container but they are very durable. Our teen always wants to have one on hand and they pass time misting each other in the queues. Many of the queues are outdoors and it gets hot waiting for fireworks/parades. Teens usually want to re-ride their favorites (eg RnRC and Big Thunder) and those queues are brutal.

If you don’t want to carry a fan, there are misting fans in the parks for sale but they are huge and now $25-30 each. I like the hands free aspect of the neck fans.

https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Licen...ocphy=9021702&hvtargid=pla-306862058065&psc=1

Weather can be unpredictable. We were there last June when the forecast was upper 80s. The actual temp went up to 95 (with a feel of over 100). In Nov it dropped down so low (unpredictably) that we had to buy a travel blanket at Epcot. CMs at the Creations Shop (formerly MouseGears) didn’t know where the blankets were and kept pointing us to full size blankets in the bedding section. We went to the Star Wars section and I found a really cute baby yoda blanket

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...tes-adorbs-baby-yoda-blanket-from-disneyland/

We always have some disposable ponchos on hand (one drawstring bag with them and travel size sunscreen/wipes in case family wants to split). We also carry some good quality zip up ponchos for downpours.

 

[Disturbia]

I would always get blisters walking at WDW in Nike shoes and even Saucony and my muscles would cramp and stiffen towards the end of our trips (combo of dehydration and soft shoes). I changed to Saucony endorphin pro (they push your feet up but the toe box was tight for me) and bought Eddie Bauer CoolMax Active Pro socks. I drink 1 packet of liquid IV electrolytes a day. The socks need to be snug and tight in the middle (loose and worn out socks cause blisters). I have not had any blisters even walking 25k steps a day at WDW.

We’ve spent hours with the hair dryer drying our kids shoes, so it’s not fun, but we can’t do without runners. We do carry flip flops for the pool.

 

[Lilsia]

I would always get blisters walking at WDW in Nike shoes and even Saucony and my muscles would cramp and stiffen towards the end of our trips (combo of dehydration and soft shoes). I changed to Saucony endorphin pro (they push your feet up but the toe box was tight for me) and bought Eddie Bauer CoolMax Active Pro socks. I drink 1 packet of liquid IV electrolytes a day. The socks need to be snug and tight in the middle (loose and worn out socks cause blisters). I have not had any blisters even walking 25k steps a day at WDW.

We’ve spent hours with the hair dryer drying our kids shoes, so it’s not fun, but we can’t do without runners. We do carry flip flops for the pool.

Well fitting shoes and socks is a must. I personally think that sandals are worse for when it rains then sneakers because with sandals, your whole foot will get wet. With sneakers, we scotch guard them and they stay pretty dry on the inside.

 

[Disturbia]

O2Cool has a new USB (vs battery) fan:

https://www.amazon.com/O2COOL-Recha...1&psc=1#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

 

[shh]

We are from Georgia so we know heat but WDW in summer is hot even for us. You will need at least one of those umbrellas because it is going to rain, guaranteed.

Yup. It's all that open pavement, plus it's smack in the middle of state, so far from any large bodies of water/open breezes. Back in the '70s/80s, MK had many more shade trees and benches to rest. They removed virtually all - incredibly short sighted given rising temps and growing UV intensity.

OP: August/Sept is the toughest heat/humidity wise over any other month of the year in Central Florida. June is hot, no doubt, but often not as "sticky" and oppressive.

I understand not wanting to lose several hours back at the pool, but if you'll be there all day, maybe plan for 2 nice 60 min meal breaks under AC, with other shorter breaks every 2 hrs max? Even with fans, cooling towels and all the other gizmos, many can start feeling sick from this kind of heat fairly quickly, ruining the day.

 

[Frozen2014]

@Disturbia thanks for the notes and links. The Mickey fan looks big, unless it's just the picture. I ended up ordering two misting fans that fold or can be worn around the neck and only 135g https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09WMNBRB7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
...and then two mini ones without the mist only 75g. It also has a lanyard. Thanks for the feedback on the O2Cool. In the end, I didn't select this one as it seemed flimsy from the reviews (and you had a comment as well about needing tape). I do have time to still order though if I change my mind. (We're Canadian but often Amazon CA has same stuff as US)
Good point. Will pick up some disposable ponchos at the dollar store.
Our kids will have runners (wear on the plane) and sandals so can even flip between them. For myself, I have feet issues and can't even wear runners anymore so sandals it is. That's good you've found a way to avoid blisters. Thanks for all your help!

@ssh thanks. Yes will take a break. One day we have an ADR on one day (although wish it was about 1-1.5 hr later) and on another we have one as well (but may cancel it as it's Space 220). Will definitely find indoors or something at the park to get out of the heat...but at moment, not planning on returning to our resort (perhaps MK day since we are close). Nothing is in stone so can always return to swim if we change our minds when there.

​

 

[Disturbia]

@Disturbia thanks for the notes and links. The Mickey fan looks big, unless it's just the picture. I ended up ordering two misting fans that fold or can be worn around the neck and only 135g https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09WMNBRB7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
...and then two mini ones without the mist only 75g. It also has a lanyard. Thanks for the feedback on the O2Cool. In the end, I didn't select this one as it seemed flimsy from the reviews (and you had a comment as well about needing tape). I do have time to still order though if I change my mind. (We're Canadian but often Amazon CA has same stuff as US)
Good point. Will pick up some disposable ponchos at the dollar store.
Our kids will have runners (wear on the plane) and sandals so can even flip between them. For myself, I have feet issues and can't even wear runners anymore so sandals it is. That's good you've found a way to avoid blisters. Thanks for all your help!

@ssh thanks. Yes will take a break. One day we have an ADR on one day (although wish it was about 1-1.5 hr later) and on another we have one as well (but may cancel it as it's Space 220). Will definitely find indoors or something at the park to get out of the heat...but at moment, not planning on returning to our resort (perhaps MK day since we are close). Nothing is in stone so can always return to swim if we change our minds when there.

​

I think the misting fan you ordered is really good.

Space220 is extremely difficult to score. I wouldn’t give it up unless you secure a lounge reservation. You can’t modify it either (I had to give it up and try Topolinos but we lost both; MDE kept freezing and logging me out while booking Topolinos). We had a mediocre experience at Space220 but I believe it’s improving (drinks were too sweet, appetizers great; desserts were ok; atmosphere relaxing, unique).

Topolinos breakfast (around noon) was the best meal on our June trip. Cinderella’s Royal Table upped its game (Topolinos level steak, large serving of mussels appetizer, 50th flight extra special) and felt truly signature although Cinderella never showed up and we didn’t miss her (ADR after 9 pm); they went above and beyond for allergy accommodations (in the past our kids have left hungry). Each ADR is taking about 2 hrs everywhere now (staffing issue).

Flights were cancelled on our day back (April 2nd) we and we had to drive 20 hrs back, bought car seat, booster, car chargers, groceries (hotels sold out and took 1.5 hr to book one king bed in Georgia for 5 of us). Do not check in bags (some people report not having luggage for 5 days) unless you’re sure flights are flying and carry 1-2 days of necessities in a carry on.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/southwest-cancelled-our-flight-with-less-than-12-hours-.3878174/

 

[Frozen2014]

I think the misting fan you ordered is really good.

Space220 is extremely difficult to score. I wouldn’t give it up unless you secure a lounge reservation. You can’t modify it either (I had to give it up and try Topolinos but we lost both; MDE kept freezing and logging me out while booking Topolinos). We had a mediocre experience at Space220 but I believe it’s improving (drinks were too sweet, appetizers great; desserts were ok; atmosphere relaxing, unique).

Topolinos breakfast (around noon) was the best meal on our June trip. Cinderella’s Royal Table upped its game (Topolinos level steak, large serving of mussels appetizer, 50th flight extra special) and felt truly signature although Cinderella never showed up and we didn’t miss her (ADR after 9 pm); they went above and beyond for allergy accommodations (in the past our kids have left hungry). Each ADR is taking about 2 hrs everywhere now (staffing issue).

Flights were cancelled on our day back (April 2nd) we and we had to drive 20 hrs back, bought car seat, booster, car chargers, groceries (hotels sold out and took 1.5 hr to book one king bed in Georgia for 5 of us). Do not check in bags (some people report not having luggage for 5 days) unless you’re sure flights are flying and carry 1-2 days of necessities in a carry on.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/southwest-cancelled-our-flight-with-less-than-12-hours-.3878174/

Oh thank you. I wasn't actually originally planning on booking Space 220, but I saw it last week when my 60 day window opened, and so booked it. It's the restaurant...and great time of 12:45pm to get a break from the heat. Hesitation is that it's expensive for what you get (not even dessert at lunch) and we weren't really planning on booking many ADRs for the cost and time it takes (2 hours? yikes).....But on the flip side.....the place looks really cool from an atmosphere and something different. (Did the same with booking Steakhouse 71 dinner on our arrival day....so debating on which one to keep of those two and which to drop - or maybe we'll end up keeping both).

Don't think our teenage son would tolerate CRT...lol....but we did get there last trip when our kids were younger (our only other trip to WDW). My daughter was in the princess phase then so it was perfect.

Oh my gosh...so sorry you had a 20 hour drive back. That's so rough. And sounds like you have little ones. Am really nervous about that too. Flying WestJet from Toronto to Orlando....so think it would be similar drive. Good tip about keeping basics on us. (Don't think we could not check in our luggage, which I estimate 3 suitcases for a week long trip)

 

[Disturbia]

Oh thank you. I wasn't actually originally planning on booking Space 220, but I saw it last week when my 60 day window opened, and so booked it. It's the restaurant...and great time of 12:45pm to get a break from the heat. Hesitation is that it's expensive for what you get (not even dessert at lunch) and we weren't really planning on booking many ADRs for the cost and time it takes (2 hours? yikes).....But on the flip side.....the place looks really cool from an atmosphere and something different. (Did the same with booking Steakhouse 71 dinner on our arrival day....so debating on which one to keep of those two and which to drop - or maybe we'll end up keeping both).

Don't think our teenage son would tolerate CRT...lol....but we did get there last trip when our kids were younger (our only other trip to WDW). My daughter was in the princess phase then so it was perfect.

Oh my gosh...so sorry you had a 20 hour drive back. That's so rough. And sounds like you have little ones. Am really nervous about that too. Flying WestJet from Toronto to Orlando....so think it would be similar drive. Good tip about keeping basics on us. (Don't think we could not check in our luggage, which I estimate 3 suitcases for a week long trip)

Steakhouse71 has gone downhill (loved it in Nov; Filet was triple salted and tough in Mar) and you can get the cake to go (mobile order). We special ordered a custom cake which they did a great job on. I would keep Space220 and keep check in day open esp. given the mess that flights are nowadays. I would read recent reviews/videos and consult with family on which ADR they would like. Steakhouse71 takes walk ins as well. Be our Guest has been our favorite for years on MK day (we booked CRT this time for the 50th and it exceeded our expectations; mediocre in the past)

We have 3 kids - 13, 5 and 2. It was hard but kids were mostly ok considering we had been in Epcot on check out day till 12:30 pm (except the last 3 hrs). We were supposed to fly out 5:30 pm on Sat and arrived 4 am on Monday.

Flights still have issues-Air Canada cancelled a few flights a week ago as you’re aware. Also getting luggage at MCO took 35-40 mins (short staffed). The ride on Mears was barely 35 mins to AOA (someone had a VIP booking). Then the Skyliner broke down 35 mins so we missed our first Genie+ LL.

 

[Suzabella]

We love our fans. Used them numerous times when we were there in a July just after parks reopened.

We also bought Mission hats/visors. You wet them and they cool as they evaporate.

We bought several wicking shirts and those were a big help.

We also did Mission neck gators instead of cooling towels because you don't have to worry about losing them.

Planning to take these things with us in September.

 

[Frozen2014]

Steakhouse71 has gone downhill (loved it in Nov; Filet was triple salted and tough in Mar) and you can get the cake to go (mobile order). We special ordered a custom cake which they did a great job on. I would keep Space220 and keep check in day open esp. given the mess that flights are nowadays. I would read recent reviews/videos and consult with family on which ADR they would like. Steakhouse71 takes walk ins as well. Be our Guest has been our favorite for years on MK day (we booked CRT this time for the 50th and it exceeded our expectations; mediocre in the past)

We have 3 kids - 13, 5 and 2. It was hard but kids were mostly ok considering we had been in Epcot on check out day till 12:30 pm (except the last 3 hrs). We were supposed to fly out 5:30 pm on Sat and arrived 4 am on Monday.

Flights still have issues-Air Canada cancelled a few flights a week ago as you’re aware. Also getting luggage at MCO took 35-40 mins (short staffed). The ride on Mears was barely 35 mins to AOA (someone had a VIP booking). Then the Skyliner broke down 35 mins so we missed our first Genie+ LL.

Good point. Our ADR for Steakhouse 71 is dinner but with flights, we could miss it (esp if cancelled as you had on your return). Will definitely discuss with the four of us about the restaurants. Space220 does seem neat and has many pros.
Good your kids managed with the drive. Hopefully the younger ones slept for a lot of it.
Appreciate the warnings about flights and even luggage. Sounds like a good plan we didn't book a park on arrival day.
We stayed at AOA on our first trip. It's so cute, and love the two full bathrooms (if you were in one of the suites)

 

[Frozen2014]

We love our fans. Used them numerous times when we were there in a July just after parks reopened.

We also bought Mission hats/visors. You wet them and they cool as they evaporate.

We bought several wicking shirts and those were a big help.

We also did Mission neck gators instead of cooling towels because you don't have to worry about losing them.

Planning to take these things with us in September.

Great to hear fans worked for you. Will look into wicking shirts. Good idea.
Thanks for the tips. Enjoy your September trip!

 

[DL1WDW2]

Disney has cut back on the AC … so I would not count on that anymore. And they aren’t running the trams at all locations .
And when you do have a tram , they drop off in one centralized location only creating a long walk on the hot tar . Back to your auto sitting in the hot sun all day.
But the absolute worst line to stand in was the one for Tough to be a Bug …I did not know I could sweat that much . Walking path to hell?

 

[SofornichOniss]

I think you're doing the right thing. When traveling with children, you need to be safe.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think you're doing the right thing. When traveling with children, you need to be safe.

IDK why your comment made me chuckle a tad but I remember in 2005 when my dad and stepmother just dropped my sister and I off at the parks each day, we were 18 and 15 respectively. OP just said teens so not sure their age but we had fanny packs and that was it, minimal other stuff (had sunscreen, disposable camera, etc). I think there's safe and then there's anticipating what you're unsure about. OP is the latter unsure how the weather will affect but I will say the times I've gone throughout my life we've not been unsafe. Even back when I was a toddler with a basic umbrella stroller, parents weren't being unsafe then

 

[Frozen2014]

IDK why your comment made me chuckle a tad but I remember in 2005 when my dad and stepmother just dropped my sister and I off at the parks each day, we were 18 and 15 respectively. OP just said teens so not sure their age but we had fanny packs and that was it, minimal other stuff (had sunscreen, disposable camera, etc). I think there's safe and then there's anticipating what you're unsure about. OP is the latter unsure how the weather will affect but I will say the times I've gone throughout my life we've not been unsafe. Even back when I was a toddler with a basic umbrella stroller, parents weren't being unsafe then

Kids are 17 and 13. I'll have a fanny pack, and prob kids too. Dh will probably carry a backpack with left items not in our pack or hands (uv umbellas)

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Kids are 17 and 13. I'll have a fanny pack, and prob kids too. Dh will probably carry a backpack with left items not in our pack or hands (uv umbellas)

And fanny packs are back in style too

These days (well we got it in 2019) we use a 20L Eddie Bauer packable backpack (but then have water resistant pouch from a previous trip for those types of things). It folds into itself for easy storage and easy packing in the luggage but can be used at the end of the trip for you know when you have extra stuff you now have They also have a 30L one Eddie Bauer sells although I don't know if that one would fit in the lockers over at Universal which we also go to.

Backpacks are good to have just make sure your husband is aware of his surroundings..it's surprisingly easy to accidentally be whacked in the head by one lol

 

[westie55]

I go every summer with small children. We don’t bring umbrellas or fans or cooling towels or special drinks. A hat, sunscreen, and water has always worked fine for us. We don’t spend a lot of time outside in the heat of the day. The attractions are largely air conditioned and the stores and restaurants are all air conditioned, so really we are only out in the sun walking from place to place. Any attractions that are outdoors we do either early in the morning or in the evening. Is it hot? Absolutely. But we’ve always been fine. You won’t want to carry a bunch of stuff everywhere.

 

[Ciyra]

I have carried an umbrella but stopped after I realized there weren't many times that I was actually using it. I usually bring a cooling towel, a giant hand fan, and a little spray bottle that I use to mist myself before using the hand fan. This is my go to hand fan. It's huge and heavy duty nylon so it can handle a lot of use and abuse. I've tried a few battery powered fans, but I feel like they always break or I'm going through a million batteries which I hate.