Question about sun

[myselle]

Hi,

I am considering a trip to disney world this summer. I have moderate/severe systemic lupus that really flares up with sun exposure and also have diabetes insipidus (its basically a problem with fluid regulation in my body). I can become really dehydrated in a very short amount of time in an overheated place even if I am drinking water constantly. So my question was, if I get a GAC with the "no sun" accomodation, does anyone know realistically how many rides would have an alternate waiting area for me? I know that a lot of the rides have their regular line ups shaded, but being in close proximity with other people for too long can also make me overheat. Has anyone had experience with alternate waiting areas for these rides (with covered line ups).

Thanks a million!

 

[SueM in MN]

the specific wording for the GAC is something like 'shaded place to wait when the queue is in the sun for a significant length of time.'

Most of the queues are shaded though. Some are not shaded if the line extends outside of the actual queue, but you could have some of your party wait in the line and join them once they have entered the actual marked line.

 

[myselle]

That is exactly what I did last year when I visited Disneyland. I didn't even feel like I needed to get GAC and it worked out great!

The only thing is that this time I am only going with my fiance, and its not a good idea for me to be alone for too long without someone there who would know what to do if I got really sick. I have never been to disneyworld.. and I hear that Orlando's weather is more extreme than California's.

 

[Schmeck]

If summer is the only time you can go, make sure you're going when the parks have extended hours - that way, you can avoid the severe heat of midday hours and enjoy the parks late into the night. That's what we do, so that I can avoid as much time in the sun as possible (melanoma survivor).

Another strategy is to get to the parks as soon as they open (or even before they open!) and ride as many outdoor attractions as possible. Save the inside attractions for later on in the day. Use FP as much as possible as well. So far I haven't felt the need to get a GAC for sun avoidance, as these tricks seem to work better than anything else.

Also, have you looked into getting a camelbak backpack? It has a large bladder on it and a tube/straw so that you can have lots of water available all day.

 

[myselle]

That camel backpack is a great idea! I am looking into it online and am definately going to order one.

Does anyone know if the evenings cool off very much in Orlando? Is there usually a breeze or something? I am definately planning to spend my afternoons back at the resort napping (for energy levels as much as sun avoidance). I totally wish I could go some time not in the summer, but I am a university student and this is the only time I really will have off when it won't be super expensive (like christmas break).