July Visit

[markwitt]

As a family of six, we are travelling to Orlando in the first three weeks of July, as this is our first trip to Florida, there are many things that we would appreciate advice on.
The Children range from 17-9 years of age, and as we have been warned of the expected temp and humidity for this time of year, we want to make sure that everybody is well protected and catered for during the time in the 'parks.' Each child is to be responsible for a drinks container, 'water-fan,' poncho, snacks and hat etc, but we can't decide upon the best way for the kids (and ourselves) to carry these items backpack/bumbags?
Also we have rented a villa near Boggey Creek (backing onto a lake,) and are concerned of the probs associated with mosquitoes and the best way to deal if they are present?

Any further tips would be greatly appreciately,
many thanks Mark.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Welcome to the DIS boards Mark. I try to fit all my day's needs into a bumbag if possible as wearing a backpack makes me too hot and sweaty.

If you are concerned about mosquitoes try insect repellent with DEET. Boots sell a range of creams and potions with this as the active ingredient. I've never been bothered by insect bites when in Orlando (although I've not stayed near a lake), but a friend of mine who suffers a lot from insect bites swears by DEET as the only thing which can protect her.

As a first time visitor I would recommend you get a good guidebook as there is such a lot of choices that it can all get a bit bewildering. The book which is probably the best if the Brits' Guide to Orlando, by Simon Veness who regularly contributes here. Well worth buying, and styudying in great detail...

Regards

Rob

 

[matty624]

Before we had children and experienced the wonders of strollers with cup holders, we always found bum bags (fanny packs in US) to be the best alternative. We never really bothered with fans etc, but I can see why kids would! I'm not sure whether a water bottle and fan would fit, especially if they have a whole host of other stuff aswell. We never bothered with ponchos (we cover our kids because they don't like being wet?) because you dry off so quickly in July/August anyway, it cools you down for a while...
Insect are a slight problem throughout Florida, there is a huge amount of standing water in the Orlando area, infact all of the state (look out of the plane window as you approach the airport!) However, apart from on one occasion when we decided one evening to take the ferry from MK to the transportation centre and were surrounded by billions of black flying things, we've never really had a problem. I suspect Disney spray the parks regularly to keep them at bay! I'd advise wearing an insect repellent whilst out at night though, just to be on the safe side.
Ian

 

[markwitt]

Many thanks for the useful info, will get some insect repellent, only three weeks to go!!! Mark

 

[UKMel]

Just wanted to say be very careful with these with kids sensitive skins, they love using them, but can get really horrible "chaps", and the water can magnify the sun.

My kids walked around with heads like bright red oranges after using these for a couple of days!

 

[signtalker]

We found the best thing was hand held fans, that fitted into a bum bag around DS's waist, the rest we managed in one back pack that me and DH carried round. Weve been in July and didnt have any problems with the heat or humidity. The worst thing is the afternoon showers!!!, we were told half an hour and that would be it, lets just say the rain really did ruin our holiday, it was torrential!!!.
Definate hats for the children, there are plenty of water fountains round the park so it isnt necessary to carry water bottles,we just took any empty one in the bag, and filled up once we went past a fountain, that way if i was waiting for the boys to go on a ride,or we were people watching we always had a drink with us.

Jules

 

[Disney owl]

hi & welcome to the boards

As your youngest is 9 I'd go with bumbags.

we all (5 ) intend to use one when we go in August. If you starting looking around now you'll find they come in lots of different sizes. My DH has one which comes from Nike is big enough to hold our video camera.

One on you can forget about them. We only take them off on the really wet rides & put them inside a large carrier which has been folded up in my bumbag.

The only other things we carry is an insulated water carrier plus bottle of water of course! And into a which our tube of suntan cream also fits. And I carry my camera.

have a great holiday.

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

I must admit, I'm a bumbag girl myself. Although everytime we are watching the videos of our trips I always say, "I'm never using a bumbag again....makes my bum, and everything else, look big(ger)" LOL but I always do because they are so conveniant, and everything is safe inside.
Because we always have a stroller, we usually have additional items like video camera, cool bag, small backpack for essential kiddie items.

This will be our second trip in July, and our first trip back in July in 2000 I was not a happy bunny with the heat.
I didn't expect it to be so hot and humid. But I'm more prepared this time and have spent the last six months getting fitter and losing weight (4 stones) to have a more pleasant trip. The mister fans are brilliant - but cheaper to buy in Wal*Mart etc than the Disney ones.

Cath

 

[Sue F UK]

Hi Mark,

As you are staying in a villa make full use of it. The pool/patio area will have a netting 'cage' over it which will keep out the insects and also will deflect some of the sun's rays.

Try to plan your days so that you can go back to the villa during the afternoon (when the sun is at it's hottest) Most of the parks stay open until later at night in the summer so that you can go back in the evenings when it is cooler and not miss out on anything.

Have a great time!!