Let's talk heat...

[bunnysmum]

how do you deal with it? What are your strategies for summer at the World? I get miserable in hot weather and it tends to give me headaches, but I am having a real time trying to figure out when else I could go. Any words of encouragement?

 

[tinkerbell60]

We bought these cool neck ties before we went - you soak them in ice water for about 15 minutes, tie them on, and they keep your neck cool all day. The theory is if your neck is cool, you will feel cooler. They did really work - my DH does not do well at all in the heat and he commented so many times how well they worked. A few times we went without them and really noticed the difference. I ordered them from a website called "the crafty wench" because she had really cute Mickey Mouse designs, but I have read on these boards other places you can find them.

The other thing that helped was we planned a break into each day. Sometimes we went to the pool - although the water was not cool and refreshing it did help to get wet. Sometimes just lounged in the room.

 

[Lizzybee]

We wore hats/visors, not the norm for us but it sure helped keeping our faces shaded and cool instead of sweating under sunglasses.
When passing by stores, go through them they are air conditioned. From Casey's Corner to the entrance of MK you can walk clear through in the stores. Yes I took my kids through stores but they had souvenir cash for each day and knew that the purpose for going through the stores was to cool off and they should not pester me about this or that toy. There is a pretty good stretch like that at MGM too.
I know people have complained about the water at WDW, but I'm picky and I thought it was wonderful...yes I was terribly thirsty but it tasted great. The bonus is it's FREE at any soda stand. Try it, if it tastes funny you've lost nothing.
Go early first thing in the morning, leave midday if it's hot and swim or rest in the room. Then go back for evening activities. If leaving the park isn't an option, choose a TS meal for lunch instead of dinner so you are sitting in a cool comfy place during the hottest time of the day.
Wearing comfy cool shoes is important. I probably won't wear sandals again because I stubbed my toe on my son's shoe waiting in line for Kahli River Rapids and ripped most of the nail off. Now I know why that was used for torture . 5 months later and I still don't have a nail there.
Dress in lightweight clothes that will cover areas that may sunburn easily.
Honestly we didn't really do anything fancy and we survived late August. I hate hate hate really hot weather but keep in mind, lots of the ride lines are indoors and with a/c.

 

[mhingher]

Drink LOTS of water! I was started to dehydrate during our trip last March, and it wasn't even that hot out. I always carry my brita water bottle, and use it throughout the day when I see fountains. I also drink water with meals opposed to soda.

As for dealing with the heat--take "breaks" inside stores when you have the chance, they usually have the AC blasting! And also take breaks to relax at your resort... either mid afternoon, or relax by the pool before you head out to the parks...

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

We have been three times in June. Like the original poster, I cannot stand the heat either. But it's the only time we can go due to DS school.
We always get to a park at or before opening. The first few hours are not so bad heat wise or crowd wise. You can get a lot done before the big crowds start to arrive later in the morning.
We always go back to our room for a break during the middle of the day when the heat is the worst.
Later on we just head over to another park. As noted, drink, drink, drink a lot of water. We make a point to stop at just about every fountain. Even if you don't feel thirsty you do not want to get dehydrated. I understand that every food stand or cart will give you a cup of ice water for free. Never did this as we just use the fountains. As bad tasting as Florida water is in the room, for some reason in the parks it seems to be better....not great but better.
Also, don't forget sunscreen. The last advise I can give is to take is SLOW.
We have had great times in June so give it a try.

 

[goofy4tink]

1. drink lots of water
2. take it slow
3. take a break mid-day and swim
4. drink lots of water
5. have one table service meal each day..you'll cool off and be able to refuel
6. wear a hat with a wide brim
7. lots of sunscreen
8. short sleeved shirts...those tank tops let too much sun hit you
9. I used those cooling necktie thingies and they did work for me
10. drink lots of water
11. get to the park early, go back to your resort mid-day and head back to a
park for the evening
12. water misters...both the handheld ones and the big ones you stand in
in the parks
13. drink lots of water
14. get off your feet and just sit for a spell...watch life go by

 

[Greg K.]

We're about to head back for our third July trip -- the only time I can take because of my work schedule -- and it's not THAT bad. It's bearable.

Start your day very VERY early, before it's TOO hot, and try to get as much done before lunchtime. Then head back to your hotel for a break. Pace yourself. Stay hydrated.

And: try to take advantage of as many indoor attractions as possible.

To paraphrase Ben Franklin: air conditioning is further proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

 

[disnut8]

A couple more hints. I always take washcloths in a Ziploc bag. You can mush these things down very compactly so they don't take up much room. I use them in the restrooms to wash down any exposed part of me. Pure bliss with cold water. Plop them back into the Ziploc until the next time.

My husband always takes at least one extra T shirt along and will change halfway through. It really picks him up. The stinky one goes into another Ziploc.

We take one water bottle and fill it up from the fountains all around the parks. Great money saver (the water at the Disney parks doesn't have the flat taste like the resorts do - or at least that's my opinion).

Take advantage of any air conditioning. One very overlooked spot is the waiting area for the China film. Blessedly cool and you don't have to go see the film. There's an exhibit in there so you can enjoy that and the marble benches. Really nice break in an area with little or no shade.

Also take advantage of shade. The temps can be 10 degrees cooler without the sun beating down on you.

Slow your pace.

Don't try and look your best. Avoid doing up your hair so it looks perfect. It'll fall the minute you walk outside. Pull it back or just don't worry about it. Don't wear makeup if you can help it. You'll be dripping.

If you have a camera or video, make sure you have it outside at least five minutes before you try to take any footage. The difference between an air conditioned room and the outside will make the camera mist over.

Best of all - have a sense of humor and know it's going to be hot. Mind over matter.

 

[JulielovesDisney]

Always keep a fresh water bottle in hand. Buy frozen drinks and ice creams. Walk through the stores every chance you get. The stores usually all connect, so you get a nice refreshing break from the heat. You can also browse through all the Disney goodies

 

[FromVatoDisney]

We went last July and we had a fabulous, FABULOUS time by using the tips that folks posted above. The water bottles with fans attached are absolutely key. They helped us so much. If at all possible, buy them before you go. I know they have them at Bed, Bath and Beyond, and other large stores with a home goods section. One brand name is Squeeze Breeze. They are about $8. If you go in summer, you will see them all over the parks, but there, they were $17 last summer. At the resorts, they were $16. Don't leave home without them!

Also, remember that there is so much in WDW that is indoor and air-conditioned. At MK, you can cool down very nicely at Mickey's Philharmagic, for example. Peter Pan, Pooh, and IASW are also inside. At PoC, it's an inside ride, and the queue is also inside. There's Hall of Presidents, there's seeing Woody and Jessie in Frontierland, there are just all kinds of places to go in and cool down. Epcot has even more, and MGM has plenty as well. AK has fewer, but still has Tough to Be a Bug and FotLK, among others.

The other great thing about summer is there is still so much park time left after the sun goes down. I found evenings to be fantastic. The whole key to summer is to be prepared, and not to try to go commando. Enjoy, relax, you're on vacation. You will be amazed how doable summer is when you have a good plan and you stick to it. I sure wish I was in your shoes and in the position to go again this summer. Hopefully 2007.