Products to keep you cool while in the parks...Update 5/28 post 32

[bsbkmacgowan]

(Hi Caroline! It's been a long time!)

We bought 4 gel-filled neck wraps for our very first WDW trip (almost 5 years ago now! Where does the time go? ) We got ours from Tilley Endurables (where we also got our Tilley hats) and they really did work well, except for just one thing. Kellie couldn't wear hers as long as the rest of us could - she's got somewhat more sensitive skin than the rest of us. She never broke out in a full-fledged rash, but it could have been bad if we hadn't taken hers off.

So, in preparation for our next trip (whenever that may be... not soon enough, though!) I started looking for matching "western" style bandanas. Figured we could just tie them around our necks like we did the gel-wraps, and whenever we needed to, we can wet them down again in a drinking fountain or sink. The only challenge I had, though, was finding a bandana large enough to go around Brian's neck! Well, just the other day, I found large ones at Dollar General here in town. (2-pack for $2 - bought one pack of red, one pack of blue... figured he'd use one set, I'll use the other.) Then, I found some smaller matching ones at Hobby Lobby (87 cents each) for Bonnie & Kellie. Yeah, we kinda like to match...

Sandy (and Brian, Bonnie & Kellie, too!)

 

[mdntohara4]

I so agree with the misty mates. I purchased mine at Walmart last year on clearance for $1-$3 dollars. I think the regular price was $ 10.00. We used them in May of last year and they were perfect to keep the baby cool while in the stoller. The kids just loved them. No need for batteries and you can fill with water anywhere pump it and it rains a light mist. Add ice and feels even better. People kept asking us constantly where we purchased them.

 

[suezb]

I'm on the Misty Mate bandwagon myself! I just found them at Walmart for 13.88, but it was worth it. The cool thing is, you just pump it once, and it keeps spraying for what seems like forever. They have a lock you can turn to shut off the water, and one pump keeps it going for at least two uses where I covered my entire top half of the body. It seems kinda weird, but it really works great!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Can anyone that has used these bandana things tell me if they are really heavy to have around your neck? If we decide we dont need them that day are they heavy to tote around in your backpack?

The neckties are really lightweight, when dry they are flat, but when soaked in ice water the gel is activated and they plump up. Still, if you did take them off they will not take up a lot of space. The only down side is they never seem to dry out all the way in the Florida humidity, so after a week of using it - my Dhs was a little stinky. We bought new ones for our upcoming trip, and I bought extra so we can rotate them and give them a better chance of drying out in between uses.

The website we got ours from is www.craftywench.com

 

[momofbgtwins]

FYI - My CVS just started displaying personal sized Misty Mate-like pump sprayers. They are about $10. I bought one, and it works great. They are small enough for a fanny pack or purse. I also bought the bigger Misty Mate Sport at Walmart recently. My DH thinks I'm nuts (he isn't bothered by the heat) but when we were in Orlando last September I was miserable! And we are heading back this September, but this time I will be prepared! I'm gonna try the bandanas, too!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Thanks to you all who posted a reply to my question. They (the package of 6 CoolDownz) arrived from QVC and are packed away. Will let you know how they work. Caroline

 

[WISHIN4DISNEY]

My sister and me recently found a product called pool in a bottle at parisans which is a store like macy's. Its a really neat product, it comes in 3 different sizes. When you spray it its a fine mist and comes out very cold. Its something that anyone could definitely fall in love with. We are definitely taking it with us this year!

 

[cabanafrau]

Picked up the mistymate @ Wal-mart last week. Seems like it works great, let's just hope it handles August!

 

[suevee]

I just buy a package of cheap white wash clothes at WalMart. Then at the resort I fill up a large ziploc baggie with ice and put a few wash clothes in. The ice keeps our water cool and in the afternoon the washclothes are great for neck, face, and arms. Dump out the water and place washclothes back in. Also can get refills on ice at drink stands. Works great for us!

 

[maddhatir]

Ok all you heat experts- i bought the gel bandana things on ebay-- i now would like to "back that up" with a misty mate-- what size do you all use??

i see a 10oz one on the website, but i am not sure if that is too small etc? i want something small enough to fit in my small size purse but still do the job.

after this, i will need to look into some very lightweight rain-gear ( i have the ponchos, but i always feel "trapped" in it!) ...and then i THINK i am ready for september!

thanks everybody! this is great info!

 

[dbarker]

We get ours at WalMart. However, this year, we are carrying Bandanas. We will get them wet when needed and they dry fast and are easy to carry in our pockets.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Thank heavens for those neck coolers from QVC - it was over 100 degrees at AK today but we had a fairly easy time staying cool with them around our necks!!! Thanks to all of you who made suggestions, and I am sure many others will benefit from your suggestions too!! Caroline

 

[Twingle]

Caroline - I'm so glad that the collars are working for you! I've been thinking about purchasing them for our trip in June, but it says not for use by children under 10? Why would that be? I was thinking maybe if the bandanna burst, and there were little cooler things that kids could swallow?

Any ideas?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Are the ones with the Jell inside reusable? I'm looking into the ones from QVC or Craftywench.

Thanks

 

[TAKitty]

Thank heavens for those neck coolers from QVC - it was over 100 degrees at AK today but we had a fairly easy time staying cool with them around our necks!!! Thanks to all of you who made suggestions, and I am sure many others will benefit from your suggestions too!! Caroline

I am glad you are back. I have been waiting for your post before I ordered some. How heavy do you think they are? When I looked online they seemed really long. What do you do with the extra material? Thanks!

 

[fallon]

Subscribing.

 

[DebºoºS]

Are the ones with the Jell inside reusable? I'm looking into the ones from QVC or Craftywench.

Thanks

My Walmart gel scarf is absolutely reuseable. I've been using it for years. I got a new one (can't remember where) for the Nov. trip/cruise. I used it then and then again in March but when I went to use it in May it seemed the gel was oozing out of the material. I think if the outer material is stronger on the first one. The gel beads appear to be about the same.

It is tempting to squeeze these things and watch the gel come out If the children are of the age where they might play with it and suck on it I wouldn't suggest letting them have it.

When it's hot I'm not. I rather be cool. Here's a pic of one of my dorky WDW outfits. Gel scarf, waist pack, Tevas, baggy collar shirt and capris. The only thing missing from this pic is my hat another fashion faux pas

 

[lovingthemouse]

The pack of 6 I ordered from QVC are all gel in the center 2/3 - with fairly long ties at each end. The tie part does not contain gel. You can roll them on your neck when you feel it not as cool and it is instant relief! We kept them in the tub each night and they were ready to go each morning. The extra tie part can be wrapped like the tie on a scarf - we just let us hang down. Hope this helps - they were wonderful to use. Caroline

 

[Amyg]

Thank heavens for those neck coolers from QVC - it was over 100 degrees at AK today but we had a fairly easy time staying cool with them around our necks!!! Thanks to all of you who made suggestions, and I am sure many others will benefit from your suggestions too!! Caroline

About how long do they keep cool?

 

[disyady]

When it's hot I'm not. I rather be cool. Here's a pic of one of my dorky WDW outfits. Gel scarf, waist pack, Tevas, baggy collar shirt and capris. The only thing missing from this pic is my hat another fashion faux pas

I think you look great!