How bad is the heat at SW in summer?

[mshanson3121]

We're going the last week of June. Just how bad is summer at SW? Are there many places with shade? Is it going to be really bad sitting in the stadiums for the shows?

I'm wondering what is a better plan - to just go for a whole day and get through the heat, say 9-4, if we should try and do more of an evening trip, maybe 3-9, or split it into two days doing 9-1 both days (though that's a lot of driving since we're about 30 minutes from SW)

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Summer in Orlando is unbearable (heat-wise) at the best of times.

That said..............

Misting fans at the outdoor shows are a huge help.

The aquariums (at Manta and Journey to Atlantis) are a nice escape from the burning sun and oppressive temps. Ditto for Turtle Trek, the Sky Tower (with the exception of the queue), Shark Encounter and Pets Ahoy (all indoors).

Journey to Atlantis is a great way to cool down.

Antarctica is VERY cold and a good place to beat the heat.

The restaurants all have indoor seating with a/c. Lots of gift shops to duck in and out of, too.

The all-day dining plan allows you to get a cold water bottle from any of the restaurants as many times as you like. Its a great way to stay refresh and hydrated....so that helps a lot as well!

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

I think how bad the summer weather feels depends on what kind of climate you are used to. If you are used to cooler and drier conditions, then Orlando in the summer is nothing short of brutal. I'm born & raised in New Orleans and have grown up with the same heat & humidity Orlando has. To me, it's not as bad as it is to Gina...to me it just really s*cks

I find it is much more the humidity that is the problem than the heat. The heat makes you sweat but the humidity doesn't let the sweat dry and cool you off. It's pretty rough in the summer, especially on days without a breeze.

 

[RabFlmom]

I think that age has an impact on how you can deal with the heat too. A lot of older people take meds that have sun and heat warnings on them so if coming with senior citizens be ready to do things indoors during the hottest part of the day. Try to wear comfortable clothes that let you breathe-none of those shiny synthetics and black clothes. Wear shorts or capris-you won't know anyone so who cares what they think of your legs. <g> I also never wear tennis shoes.....they are too hot so I wear flip flops or comfortable sandles. Bring mister fans, wrap a wet cloth around your neck if feeling too hot, drink lots of water, be sure to eat food because heat will get you faster if you skip breakfast etc. . My son works as a first responder and deals with a lot of heat stroke/exhaustion in his park and the first question they ask is what have you had to drink and eat today. Stay away from beer and sodas during the hot part of the day, they do not hydrate you. If you feel like you are really too hot- buy some bottled water and put them under your arms for a little while-cools your body down faster than a cloth on the head.

Even though it is hot, you will want to spend an entire day in the park. When you are there, Summer Nights will be on. The shows are different than the daytime shows and a lot of fun. Just try to do a lot of the indoor stuff during the hottest part of the day, take a long indoor lunch to revitalize. It is not a park like Disney where you have to run like mad to get it all in, you can relax and have fun.

 

[Mommy a Deux]

We spent yesterday at SW. It was pretty awful from about 2-4, and the lines for Antarctica, Empire of the Penguin were 60 minutes +, so we went to the drink "cart" to fill up our refillable drink cups and started to look for somewhere to sit and rest for a bit. There were some tables under cover behind the Expedition Cafe. Then we saw a building with four doors and no real obvious purpose. Lo and behold, it is an air-conditioned room of tables with condiment stations. Occasionally a team member comes in to clean the tables, but otherwise it is just left alone. We actually left my DH in there for several hours while the kids and I went around the park. We knew we had a cool place to go back to whenever we wanted. DH said it was really funny to watch other guests come by and stick their head in, then move on, for most of the time he was the only one in there. I almost hate to let the secret out, but if you need someplace to cool off, this is your best bet. The sign says Sub-Zero Recreation Center. Try it, you'll love it.