Staying Cool at DL and DCA

[theluckyrabbit]

...Does anyone know if you have to purchase something at the quick service places to get a cup of ice water or can I just walk up and ask?

The cups of ice water are free at most CS locations (including Starbucks -- Market House at DL and FF&P at DCA). Just ask! And at some locations, you'll see the cups of ice water ready to go at the pick up windows -- just ask and take however many you need.

 

[hyperminimalism]

WATER, WATER, WATER, WATER! Drink that water. Seriously, you need to be replenishing your body's water supply as you're roaming the parks, walking and standing/sitting in the heat. If you're not drinking water, you're going to feel it. Also, stay in as much shade as possible. Go into rides that have closed off queues or ones that are air conditioned. Wear a hat! This will obviously help to keep the sun off your head and away from your eyes. Plus, it could work as a fan if you need something to cool yourself down with. Bring a cool gel or some kind of freezable pack that isn't against Disney's rules. Or better yet, just bring a rag you can douse in water from the sinks in the bathroom and wrap it around your neck. Go for tasty frozen treats: Dole Whip, any kind of ice cream pop, sundaes, etc. SPLASH MOUNTAIN! And if you're over at DCA, Grizzly River Rapids, too.

 

[mamapenguin]

yeah, they get crusty and my DS refused to wear it. I tie it around my head so, it dries in place and looks kinda cute?

I never thought of that! My pink Mickey one will make it on this trip after all.

 

[momto3boysillbe]

I’ve been checking the weather and the forecast just keeps getting warmer and warmer for this upcoming week (park days Sept 3-Sept 7). What are some of the best ways to stay cool while visiting the parks in hot and humid weather? We’re used to the heat but not the heat/humidity mix that’s being forecasted. We plan on being there at rope drop every morning and staying full days. We also plan on bringing our hydroflasks so cold water is within reach all day.
Any suggestions of other ways to stay cool would be greatly appreciated!

We are going then too and I have been so disappointed at how the forecast has been trending hotter and hotter. Not exactly the weather I was looking for in CA. I’ve been dealing with it here in AL and was hoping for that perfect CA weather I’ve always heard about.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Does anyone know if you have to purchase something at the quick service places to get a cup of ice water or can I just walk up and ask?

They expect and encourage you to drink lots of cold water. DL doesn't want anyone to get heat stroke. You never need to buy anything to get a free cup of ice water at the quick service stations.

 

[DLgal]

Awesome! I appreciate the replies! I’ve added cooling towels and mini fans to the packing list. I’ve also planned for the cooler, indoor rides during the warmest hours of the day. Does anyone know if you have to purchase something at the quick service places to get a cup of ice water or can I just walk up and ask?

You can just walk up and ask. Some give large cups, some give small cups. Flo's V8 cafe consistently gives large cups. They have them prefilled and sitting on the counter. Most others give small cups.

Also, you can use self serve soda fountains in the following areas to get ice/water if you have a bottle to fill:

Pizza Planet
Rancho del Zocalo (ice only from the machine...water spigot is outside in the dining area)
Red Rose Tavern (they will give you cups of ice at the counter, there are 2 filling stations in the dining area)
Boardwalk Pizza/Pasta
Coke Freestyle Machine across from Soarin (they will give you an empty cup that they want you to use to fill up a bottle)

 

[DLgal]

We are going then too and I have been so disappointed at how the forecast has been trending hotter and hotter. Not exactly the weather I was looking for in CA. I’ve been dealing with it here in AL and was hoping for that perfect CA weather I’ve always heard about.

You have to take the temperature forecast with a bit of a grain of salt. Yesterday, for example, was cooler than forecast. We were at the parks all day, ready for the worst. It was actually quite pleasant. I think the high was 84. I had been ready for 90s. There was a bit of cloud cover and a nice breeze. We never had to use the cooling towels or UV umbrella and were there from 9am to 5pm. We did ride GRR and Splash, but had to wait to do GRR because it wasn't quite warm enough at 11:30. We did it at 1:30.

The forecast for this entire week is "partly cloudy." That's a good sign.

 

[momto3boysillbe]

You have to take the temperature forecast with a bit of a grain of salt. Yesterday, for example, was cooler than forecast. We were at the parks all day, ready for the worst. It was actually quite pleasant. I think the high was 84. I had been ready for 90s. There was a bit of cloud cover and a nice breeze. We never had to use the cooling towels or UV umbrella and were there from 9am to 5pm. We did ride GRR and Splash, but had to wait to do GRR because it wasn't quite warm enough at 11:30. We did it at 1:30.

The forecast for this entire week is "partly cloudy." That's a good sign.

Thank you. You have given me some hope!

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

I agree with drinking lots of water. We also go on water rides and get soaked as much as possible. Another tip is we drench our hats with water and wear them

 

[dieumeye]

Thank you. You have given me some hope!

Even if the high is very... high, it’ll only hit that for a few hours in mid to late afternoon. Morning thru lunchtime should be substantially cooler, as will late afternoon into evening. I’m originally from a different part of the country where if the high is, say, 95 then you can basically count on it being miserably hot from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed. But that’s not really the case here. Maybe take in a show or late lunch around 2pm-4pm to get out of the heat of the day.

 

[mickeymom22]

Go to the Animation Building in California Adventure and soak up the AC while having fun! Animation class, Sorcerer's Workshop or just sit in the lobby and relax! Another great idea is enjoy the Frozen show.

We were there in July and took the entire loop around the park on the train. It wasn't AC, but we were off our feet for a bit. (Shh...don't tell anyone I almost fell asleep...)

 

[Rey Del Suicide]

Stay away from sugar/caffeine. Water is key but you need more than water. You need to replace the vitamins and minerals you sweat out. What I do while I’m at work (UPS Driver) is add a little Gatorade/Powerade to my water. That way you cut the sweetness in half and when you dilute the GA/PA mix it helps break down the electrolytes so your body can absorb them faster. And fresh fruit will also help with the heat, oranges work really well.

 

[hyperminimalism]

Stay away from sugar/caffeine. Water is key but you need more than water. You need to replace the vitamins and minerals you sweat out. What I do while I’m at work (UPS Driver) is add a little Gatorade/Powerade to my water. That way you cut the sweetness in half and when you dilute the GA/PA mix it helps break down the electrolytes so your body can absorb them faster. And fresh fruit will also help with the heat, oranges work really well.

I love munching on some of the fresh fruit they offer at the parks. It can get a little pricey, but for a hot day with a tall glass of water and some watermelon or strawberries...man, I'm craving that now.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

On really hot days, I've found that an early afternoon break at the hotel is an absolute must, even though I hate losing park time. But it just wasn't worth it to stay in the parks feeling gross, not wanting to be outside, and with everything being crowded at that time. I would go back to the room and lay in the dark with the AC on blast for 2 hours, then head back into the parks feeling refreshed. If you can't/don't want to do this, at least spend that time doing something inside like the Frozen show or a leisurely meal at Blue Bayou.

 

[mrsw94]

We are headed down to the Parks next week and the current temps are making me a little scared. I soooo appreciate all of the great tips here! I've made several lists and notes in my phone!! Thank you!

 

[montreid]

Santa Ana winds and heat. Typical for SoCal Sept -- it's our summer season. Those cooling towels: B073RXT38B work GREAT in the heat. used them throughout the summer on travel this year and life savers.