How important is insect repellent?

[Seadams]

How important is insect repellent? I've read on multiple websites it's a must for your day bag into the park. But I've also read that Disney doesn't have a problem with insects due to strong repellents they use!

 

[Seadams]

I've read that Animal Kingdom is not a good place for a child 2 years old. Will she get bored? I only planned on spending 1/2 of a day there. I've heard it seems extra hot there too. Will my daughter like the Boneyard or is it just a big sandbox?

 

[all4fun]

I would say bring some but you probably will only need it (if at all) in the evening.

Mosquitos love me and I find that it's kind of hit or miss whether or not I need repellent. Honestly I can't remember when it was a big issue for me there but then again, I usually just pack some repellent because Murphy's law always seems to apply... if I don't bring some, then I'll definitely need it! Same goes for a little anti-itch ointment. LOL

It could also depend on what time of year you're going. Sorry I can't be of more help!

 

[all4fun]

I've read that Animal Kingdom is not a good place for a child 2 years old. Will she get bored? I only planned on spending 1/2 of a day there. I've heard it seems extra hot there too. Will my daughter like the Boneyard or is it just a big sandbox?

First, I really think you should start a seperate thread on this subject you might get more responses...

My Passporter book says it's for ages 1 & up, however I didn't think the Boneyard was really appropriate for a 2-yr old. It was really built for bigger kids IMO. Although there is sand, and ds did like that part! But overall we just avoided it because of all the bigger kids running around and some of the larger structures I was a little fearful of ds getting hurt.

AK is kind of like a zoo on steriods. It's a truly beautiful park (IMO) and they really tried hard to make the animals appear as if they are in their natural environment as much as possible. If your dc likes visiting the animals at the zoo then she should enjoy AK. My ds also loved the shows there (esp Festival of the Lion King) and the parade. There are lots of character greet opportunities at AK if it turns out she likes that.

hth.

 

[badblackpug]

I can't ever remember being bit @ WDW, and I spend the majority of the summer eaten alive in NJ

 

[Stephres]

You might need insect repellent if you are out at dawn or at dusk. We live in Tampa and I am scratching bites I got at my son's bus stop! During the heat of the day the bugs are not bad.

My son loved animal kingdom when he was little, but he did love magic kingdom more at that age. He was frightened in the festival of the lion king (too loud) and was not really old enough to appreciate the animals on the safari (most were too far away). He did like the petting zoo at the wildlife station and he did like the boneyard as well. Oh, and we didn't even make into the tough to be a bug movie because he was too scared. It really depends on your kid and what she can take.

Hope this helps!

 

[mom_of_5]

I brought two small cans of Off and we never once needed them. I have more of a problem here in North Carolina. They must do a great job with getting rid of them. So less to pack huh?

 

[ColleenLovesMinnie]

The only bug we ever saw last week was a dead ant floating in our pool. I think the Disney "magic" keeps the bug population under control. I didn't bring any insect repellent and never missed it!

 

[Cinderella_68]

We packed it last trip and we used it. Always at dusk, and after starting being bitten to death! I don't know if we're an unusually sweet family or what, but we put the spray on! We are bringing the wipes version this time. We did notice lots more bug action when near greenery and on the beach at the Polynesian.

 

[llqool]

we have had some bug issues at AKL and WL. this was in the evenings. At WL, the bug issue was also present on the boats to and from the MK. I'm guessing that anywhere there is water and greenery, dusk can bring on the skeeters. no matter how much spraying Disney does, mother nature will always win out in the end!

but to be honest, I don't think I actually brought the repellent into the parks with us. We happened to be staying at those resorts, and if I knew we would be outside at night, i would spritz everyone w/the spray before leaving the room.

 

[jennifer293]

The only time I ever saw bugs while there was at the Fantasmic show and they were EVERYWHERE!!!! I am guessing it is because of all the water around. So if you plan to go to that show you may want to carry some!!

 

[kowalchicky]

I was actually cracking up reading your question about bug spray because we always joke that when we are in Disney we are in some kind of plastic bubble or something...........We could honestly look up at the street light at our hotel and not see one bug flying around....that's crazy! I've never seen such a thing..........Here in Jersey the mosquito's are out at 3 pm
The only place we did run into a bug problem was waiting for the ferry boat after the hoop dee doo revue at fort widlerness.

 

[minniebeth]

We've brought insect repellant every time we've gone and never used it.
Next time, I won't even bring it, one less thing to pack!

 

[tacomaranch]

I am going to pack it along just to be on the safe side. We like to take the boat to DTD each nite and don't need bites the next day to ruin the fun by scratching all day.

I have a small liquid spray off so it won't take up much room. Who cares with all the other crap I pack!

 

[eeyoregon]

I have been bitten in the evenings on each trip (we visit in April and the late fall). It was really bad the night we went to Fort Wilderness Lodge and walked down by the lake to watch the water light parade.

Now that I know there are skeeters and that they really like me, I bring the Off wipes. Our Target is closing them out right now for under $1 a box!