question about heat exhaustion

[5onadime]

Let me start off by saying that I know this is not a disability but I have a question. Two summers ago when we were hiking in the Great Sand Dunes my 11 year old son got heat exhaustion and got really sick. This is different then heat stroke ( not as serious ). Problem is since this time, his ability to handle heat has diminished. I AM NOT TRYING TO CHEAT. I am wondering if he is still having trouble when we go to wdw this summer if he could wait in the shade with a cool drink with either me or my husband while the other stands in line with his younger brothers and then join us just as we are getting on a ride. Would people get mad at us. Do we need to just avoid outdoor lines? We are planning on going 1st thing in the morning and staying indoors during the afternoons to avoid the most heat. Any help ( or suggestions )would be great.

 

[Schmeck]

Luckily, most of the queues are shaded, and a lot of them have fans and/or AC! Also, you could get one of those misting fans.

One of the problems with your plan to rejoin your party is the fact that the queues are very winding, and there may not be direct access to the end of it, without having to cut by a long line of people. Your best bet to avoid long queues would be to use Fastpass whenever it is available.

 

[5onadime]

Thanks, I just didn't want him standing in the direct sun. Also can you take drinks in line?

 

[sneezy1956]

Sure there is no problem with taking drinks in line. I would also make sure to carry a water bottle with you with a wide top. Then go to the closets fast food area and ask for a cup of ice you can keep it filled with water and Ice that way.

Typically Heat exhaustion is a combination of sun and not enough hydration.

 

[mechurchlady]

Water in a closed container like a bottle is allowed in lines but not soda pop, tea, coffee and other beverages. Food is allowed in lines if it is in your purse, pocket, backpack etc. I used to take a ziplock bag and dump popcorn and candy into the bag then put it in my purse. When I got to the sign that said no food or drink then my half eaten snack was safely stowed away. All restaurants offer free ice and water. Carts do not have water or ice to give away and do not allow guests to take the ice from the dump bins. I used to freeze a bottle of water for the parks.

 

[Grumpy23]

I have no suggestions as far as the lines. I agree, they can get long and wind around so it might be difficult.

I do suggest, however, looking into buying a camelbak backpack for him. You may know what they are already, but if not, you can fill the "bladder" that is stored in the backpack with ice and water. There is a straw that feeds to the front that can be sipped on periodically, to avoid dehydration. I have one and they are not heavy at all, have plenty of room for storage even with the bladder full of ice water. They even tend to cool your back since the ice water part is up against your back.

They are a little on the expensive side, but to me, was worth every penny to stay hydrated. I usually drink lots of water during the day at home and quickly became dehydrated in DW because I wasn't in my usual routine.

Here is a link to the one I bought. They have them for men too, this one is a woman's model.

http://www.ebags.com/camelbak/l_u_x_e_womens/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=86370

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

My son has issues with heat and we find it better to go when the heat down there is not as bad. Like definitely plan for Feb instead of august. Or plan the peak parts of the day in the pool and save the parks for early evening. We have made the mistake of going in the summer and it is like walking on the face of the sun.

 

[chaospearl]

A question about the Camelback... is that something like a normal backpack with the only difference being that it's designed to hold liquids, or is it an entirely different creature? By that I mean, can you put it on in the morning and just forget about it all day or do you have to keep taking it off anytime you sit down or board a ride and hold it on your lap, and then put it back on again afterwards? I ask because dehydration and staying cool in the parks is one of my biggest challenges while at WDW, but I'm not physically capable of putting a backpack on by myself, and I'll be traveling alone. If I could have someone strap the thing onto my back in the morning and just leave it there, that'd be great, but there's no way I'd be able to repeatedly take the thing off and put it back on throughout the day.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

A question about the Camelback... is that something like a normal backpack with the only difference being that it's designed to hold liquids, or is it an entirely different creature? By that I mean, can you put it on in the morning and just forget about it all day or do you have to keep taking it off anytime you sit down or board a ride and hold it on your lap, and then put it back on again afterwards? I ask because dehydration and staying cool in the parks is one of my biggest challenges while at WDW, but I'm not physically capable of putting a backpack on by myself, and I'll be traveling alone. If I could have someone strap the thing onto my back in the morning and just leave it there, that'd be great, but there's no way I'd be able to repeatedly take the thing off and put it back on throughout the day.

They come in differnt sizes and are like a backpak but you can keep them on since they have a bladder system in it (basically a plastic bag that you fill with water) and a tube that comes around the front for you to drink from. They are awesome. They only negative is to refill it you would need assistance so if you drink alot get the bigger sized ones. Since they are filled with liquid they are very comfortable to wear. Also they were made for sports like moutain biking, cycling etc so they are hands free when being used. Just refilling would be an issue but with assistance and I am sure a CM would help they are awesome.
http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm

 

[5onadime]

Thanks for the suggestion of the camel back. I do know what they are!!Great tip!! And also, thanks to all who answered my question with out thinking I was a complete nut for wondering about this.