Need some encouraging words!

[Amyg]

Since July was the ONLY time my DH could take a vacation, we are booked for July 5-13. I just had a tinge of regret and was thinking maybe we should have planned for a trip somewhere else.

I have two concerns; the humidity and my feet! Although it does on rare occasion get into the drippy damp mid and high 90's here, I'm generally not walking around a park for the day. To top it off, I'm a bit worried about our feet! I have had problems with the ball of my feet on occasion (probably from dancing in 4 inch heels when I was single), I do have good walking shoes and plan on doing the shoe switch from morning to evening. Whine, whine whine!

I think I need some encouraging words!

 

[tmt martins]

Just take an easy pace hit some 3-d shows for a nice air conditioned rest.SSe and TTA are also Feet helpers as well as the railroad.

We will be going the week before and taking DM & DsF and know they can't go at our normal pace.So we will slow down some and take in the sights we are normally passing by.DsF will be at the resort Pool or the waterparks with us most of the time but thats OK it's his vacation as well and thats what he likes to do most of the time.He can just Hit us on the Nextels when he wants to come to the parks.


HYDRATE thats the biggest thing I can tell you to keep up with.

 

[Lileigh]

I have been in WDW during July, and the heat isn't unbearable if you prepare yourself. Make sure to wear comfortable, broken in shoes - ones you know will carry you through a day of extensive walking. Also, to try help keep your feet a bit drier and cooler, CoolMax socks are really great. I wear them while running or jogging and they do work.

Take lots of breaks and drink lots of water - a mister fan might also be something to look into. I think I have seen them fairly cheap in local department stores, and they aren't that big of a pain to carry around with you. Just be courteous of those around you when using it

There are enough air conditioned buildings (save for Animal Kingdom) that you should be fine if you stop in then for just a few minutes in between attractions. Pace yourself and you will have a great time.

Good luck!!

 

[jams]

Hi Amyg,

I hope you get some encouraging words because I am in the same boat. There are three families linking up for my trip and July had the only available dates to fit everyone. I have a 6 year old, four year old and 10 month old and I am dreading the crowds and heat. I am trying to get my kids prepared by talking to them about the crowds and long lines and the need for patience but whether or not it will help remains to be seen. I also take comfort in the fact that we will be there one week so there should be no pressure to do everything in a day. I have researched the tips and advice pages and I will do my best to have a good time. You just make sure if your feet need a rest you take rest. Maybe someone could give you some tips on nice shady areas to rest. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Mickey's Goofy Gal]

We went with our 7 yr old DS in July 1998. It was the year that the fires were raging in Florida and the weather and crowds were okay. It wasn't as crowded probably because the fires scared some people away. The weather was cooler than normal and it rained some which usually happens late in the afternoons in Florida. It was an enjoyable experience. We paced ourselves and took in shows when our DS got tired of walking or hot.

We went again in 2005 in July. (July is the month my DH always gets his vacation.) This time our DS was 14 and it was just as much fun! It was hotter and more crowded, but it was a wonderful experience. We took advantage of the fastpass and that helped on the more popular rides! During the hottest times of the day, we enjoyed inside shows and the water parks. Plan ahead and be prepared to wait. Another good thing about going in July, the parks stay open later and take advantage of the extra magic hours if staying on property!

 

[Willow25]

If you are getting pain in the balls of your feet I am wondering if you have plantars faciatis. I have this problem and it can be painful especially if you are walking alot. I would highly recommend seeing a podiatrist. If you do not want to do that then I recommend starting to ice your feet for about 20 minutes as much as possible.

 

[Lizzybee]

We survived late August and we are going back in mid August this year. Here are some tips that really helped us make it through:

The stores are air conditioned, in fact the stores at the front of both MK and MGM are mostly connected so you can walk right down mainstreet nice and cool.

All stands or CS that sell Coke will also give you free ice water, all you have to do is ask.

Go early in the morning before it's hot, either have a nice CS lunch in a cool comfy restaurant or go back to the pool at your hotel and then return to the park when the sun isn't so high in the sky.

Take advantage of air conditioned attractions/lines as a time to cool off. Philharmagic and all the 3-D movies, IASW, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Millionaire, Festival of the Lion King, ITTBAB, and Soarin are just a few. Both of the Innoventions attractions in Epcot and the stores of the WS area also have a/c.

When you feel you must rest, rest. It's completely free to go into a CS, sit down and have an ice water (for 10 bucks more you can have a couple of cokes ). My kids have a set amount of non negotiable spending money per day so going into a store is also a good option.

Don't worry be happy, you are going to the Happiest Place on Earth after all!

 

[KathyRN137]

Try to wear light-colored clothing that is a cotton/polyester blend. 100% cotton takes longer to dry. If you can make the $$ investment, purchase clothing with wicking properties, such as "cool-max" material. (Think exercise shirts/shorts).

A "good walking shoe" is not enough if you have ball of foot pain. Go to a running store--no one knows feet/shoes like runners! I found out my foot pain was due to high arches (always thought my feet were "normal"!) Got insert soles for my running shoes (Power Step-$20.00), and never had foot pain again. A lot cheaper than what a podiatrist would prescribe. Try it!

Have a great time!

 

[Skroops]

I'd go EVEN if July was the ONLY time we could go!!!

It is hot and crowded, we went last year the second week of July. I'd definately plan on getting to the parks early, grabbing fast passes and hitting the shade or an air conditioned area (dining?) while waiting for your fast passes. You'll do less this way, but we feel it is more enjoyable. We are big on the afternoon break for pool time or a nap. The fans are a "must", and they sell them all over the parks if you forget to bring one.

You'll have a great time! You are one step ahead of a lot of travelers and you know what to expect in advance, so you'll be prepared!

Enjoy!

 

[Sonno]

Wow, I'm sorry to say this, I know these words aren't exactly encouraging but... there's no way in hell I'd go in the summer, even if it was the ONLY time I could go. Melting in the HOT FL sun with 80,000 other people... no thanks. Take a cruise or something.

 

[traviesojmt]

We (DH, myself, DS7 and DD2) were there for two weeks last July. We came in after living in Alaska for 3 years, so the heat was a big change for us. It was fine though. A large number of rides are indoors. You are not outside the entire time. We made sure that we were at the park when it opened (we love early entry parks). After we ate lunch, we took an afternoon break back at the resort. Sometimes we went swimming, DD took a nap, or we just cooled off in the room for a little while. After feeling refreshed, we headed back to a different park for the afternoon/evening. Yes, it was hot. BUT, it didn't affect our enjoyment at all. Be prepared to drink lots of water. Take breaks when you need it. And take advantage of all the indoor rides.

 

[AStamm]

Don't forget that you don't have to see EVERYTHING either. I'd recommend skipping the afternoon parades altogether. By using Fast Pass, you should be able to maximize the number of attractions you can see and the amount of air conditioning you can plan into the day.

Drinking lots of water is no joke--be sure to keep liquids with you at all times.

I'd also recommend you give up any ideas of wearing makeup (if you're a makeup wearer) so that you can buy one of those misting fans and drench yourself on a regular basis.

Have a great time. We really enjoyed our July trip last summer!

 

[Fitswimmer]

I have done Disney in July twice, once as a kid (when there was just MK and EPCOT) and once with my niece was 8 years old.(12 years ago) Both times we stayed on property, got up EARLY and did the parks til about 12 or 1, then spent the afternoon at the hotel or a water park and went back to the parks about 5-6. It wasn't bad-and that was before FastPass! Prepare everyone in advance, there will be crowds, it will be hot and it will likely rain every afternoon. You're staying long enough that you can take your time, which is a big advantage.

 

[Corryn]

Whenever we go down, I always bring my Misty Mate. You used to see them on infomertials. Let me tell you, it works! Even in the humidity. The light mist touches your skin and when the wind blows, even ever so slightly, you are cooled off. I purchased two mini-misty mates for my daughters and they work just as well as the big one. My big one finally broke after years of use, so I'm just gonna buy a small one for myself. Does the same job.
You open it up, add water, close it up and then pump all the air out. There is a thin black coil hose that delivers the water/mist from the unit and you can attach the hose to your clothing and leave it on for a constant mist or you can just mist yourself quickly and turn it off. I swear I will never travel down to Florida again without it!
I have to say they are much, much better than those fans that squirt out water - The Misty Mate has a gentler mist and the unit is much smaller also.
The fans also need a battery. We used to have one, and then I saw someone with a Misty Mate. When you're standing on a line and misting yourself, you'll see people crowding in closer to you to get a hit of the mist, too!
below is a link to ebay so you can check them out. BTW, I don't sell these(I don't sell anything ) Have Fun!!!!!!!
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=misty+mate

 

[cxcelica]

Since you asked, I would personally never go during the summer. The crowds and the heat would just be unbearable to me. But just because I would not go does not mean that you would not enjoy it!!!

I hope your foot feels better by the time the trip comes around.

 

[Mousecrazy22]

My family (DH, DD17, DD16) and I have been going in July for the past three years. Although it is hot and humid, you can still have a great time; we always do!!!

Since we stay right on grounds (GF), we make quicks trips in the morning to the parks and then come back and enjoy the afternoons swimming at the pools or going out on the little boats. We head back into the parks either in the late afternoon (depending on dinner plans) or early evening.

Take advantage of the EMH (if you're staying on grounds). We find the lines to be shorter during those hours. Also, try going to various attractions during the evening parade (around 9 pm) at MK. We have had a lot of luck hitting Splash Mountain, Thunder Mtn., and some of the other rides while everyone else seems to be watching the parade and fireworks.

As far as foot pain goes, whatever you plan on wearing to the parks, be sure the sneakers, etc. are broken in before you go. Buy something now and wear them before you leave in July so that they conform to your feet better. (I should add that I'm no expert here , but know what it feels like to be uncomfortable when you're trying to walk around the parks!!)

Lots of people give us strange looks when we say we're going to Disney in July, but I find it to be just as magical as any other time of year (we've also been in Nov., March, and April). As long as you pace yourselves, know when to leave and then return to the parks, and drink plenty of water, you'll have a great time. You're in Disney; how can you not have a great time!!!!

Hope this helps!! By the way, we'll be there July 19th - 26th!!!

Have a wonderful trip!!!!!

 

[JulyGirl]

I can only get away on any vacation in July, hence my name. My cousin took a trip to WDW in late January and I found her pictures to be "sad". I don't like WDW deserted. She, of course, thinks I'm a loon. Somehow, the craziness of summer agrees with my personality. Maybe, it's because I've been to WDW so many times that I don't have that "must see it all" pressure. I also like it hot outside. I don't want to have to worry about it being too cold to swim. The parks are open later. There is plenty of people watching to be done. I could go on and on about the benefits of summer! Anyways, you will be surprised how much fun you will have in the summer.

 

[ariel77]

My DD and I are going in July because I didn't want to take her out of school and I thought July would be better than August. I can't wait!
I plan on taking breaks to swim in the afternoon and have have adrs for ts restaurants every day. Don't worry you're going to Disney World!

 

[Amyg]

Try to wear light-colored clothing that is a cotton/polyester blend. 100% cotton takes longer to dry. If you can make the $$ investment, purchase clothing with wicking properties, such as "cool-max" material. (Think exercise shirts/shorts).

A "good walking shoe" is not enough if you have ball of foot pain. Go to a running store--no one knows feet/shoes like runners! I found out my foot pain was due to high arches (always thought my feet were "normal"!) Got insert soles for my running shoes (Power Step-$20.00), and never had foot pain again. A lot cheaper than what a podiatrist would prescribe. Try it!

Have a great time!

Where can I get these Power Steps? Are they Dr. Scholl's? Thanks!

 

[Flora Fan]

I agree with the other posts, if you plan on getting to the parks early and enjoying the hottest part of the day (1-3) at the hotel pool, shopping in downtown disney, or enjoying a nice lunch (then have a quick dinner), you should be fine. Then you can plan on spending your evenings at the parks. While everyone who stayed all day in the heat leaves, you will be arriving refreshed and ready to take on the fun.

This schedule should also help immensely with your foot as you will be able to rest it. Don't forget about the rental ECV's or wheelchairs. If you need that little extra help, they can be a trip saver.

Oh yeah, remember when you pack that white reflects the sun and black attracts. Pack the lightest colors you have.

Enjoy your trip and soak up the magic!