Staying Cool at DL and DCA

[Laurieloo1414]

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!

 

[disneycat321]

We just did WDW in July. Florida heat and humidity is no joke, but we had a great time. Going in heat is very manageable if you plan well. We definitely had hydroflasks with us like you will and I made sure to drink more than I even thought was necessary. Both TS and CS places will give you a cup of ice water when asked. I found the cup to be just about the right amount to fill my 26 oz hydroflask. Rope drop will also really work in your favor since morning will be cooler.

What we found worked:
- Taking breaks in the afternoon. It's the hottest part of the day, the lines are longest, and people are crankiest. We went back and took a nap and rested and then returned to the parks in the evening. If you don't want to go back to the hotel, find a nice air conditioned spot. The Animation Academy at DCA is the perfect spot for a break like that - we've used it many times. It's fun to sit in there and watch all the scenes from different movies. I can't think of a spot at DL that stands out like that, but we've just ridden the train around the park to rest for awhile.
- Eating in table service or at least air conditioned spots. Don't underestimate the power of a good break in the AC to perk you right up.
- Bodyglide for feet. I have feet that tend to blister very easily, especially in hot and humid conditions. I used Bodyglide for feet every day we were in WDW and had zero issues. I wore socks and sneakers because of all the walking.
- Necklace fan! We used this one and it was really helpful, especially in lines and when going in an out of AC. We didn't wear them all day, but they were useful when it was extra hot.

Some people like cooling towels, but we didn't use them. WDW sells them on property; I'm not sure if DLR does. They're cheaper to purchase ahead of time, of course.

The good thing about Orange County is that even when it's hot, the mornings and evenings are still usually pretty pleasant.

Have a great trip!

 

[bardays]

don't forget the water rides! They were a lifesaver during the heatwave in October! We found some water bottles that also were misters. they were great!

 

[disneycat321]

don't forget the water rides! They were a lifesaver during the heatwave in October! We found some water bottles that also were misters. they were great!

Yes! Especially Grizzly River Run! But the lines get crazy long in heat, so MP or FP is the way to go.

 

[DLgal]

Wear lightweight, quick dry clothing. Then, ride the water rides! You won't care if you get wet. It will feel great. I like getting icees on really hot days. Try and take advantage of AC attractions. At DCA, this would be Little Mermaid, Toy Story, Philharmagic, Frozen show, Animation Academy, Monsters Inc, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Eat at Smokejumpers or Flo's so you can sit inside. If you get REALLY hot, pop into the Grand Californian lobby for a bit. It is always FREEZING in there.

At DL, it's a bit harder to cool off. Most queues are outside and the rides that are indoors with AC tend to be popular on hot days, like PotC, HM, Space Mtn. You can ride the train, which is a nice break even though it's outside.

Wear a hat and/or bring a UV blocking umbrella. It makes a huge difference.

 

[avalon451]

I just picked up a pair of Frog Togs Chilly Pad towels from Amazon for our upcoming trip. Got them the other day, cracked one open and tried it. You wet them down, wring them out, and put them around your neck. They really do stay quite cool for a long time, and they feel slightly damp but not wet-- no dripping after you wring them out. Overnight, it dried rock hard, which was kind of funny with the way it retained its shape when it was draped over the back of a chair... but when I wet it down again, it went back to cool and pliable. My DD17 says she doesn't like the way they feel... kind of like a chamois or something. But I think it'll feel good in hot weather.

 

[bardays]

I just picked up a pair of Frog Togs Chilly Pad towels from Amazon for our upcoming trip. Got them the other day, cracked one open and tried it. You wet them down, wring them out, and put them around your neck. They really do stay quite cool for a long time, and they feel slightly damp but not wet-- no dripping after you wring them out. Overnight, it dried rock hard, which was kind of funny with the way it retained its shape when it was draped over the back of a chair... but when I wet it down again, it went back to cool and pliable. My DD17 says she doesn't like the way they feel... kind of like a chamois or something. But I think it'll feel good in hot weather.

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?

 

[AcuraTL]

Walk thru stores as they blast the A/C so you can cool for a few minutes from walking thru.

 

[Iris1974]

I'm going to DLR on Sept 4th-8th and I just bought some cooling towels for me and my 2 friends on amazon. I signed up for amazon Prime so I could get that and some foot glide by Monday. I could kick myself, I was at a store Thursday and they had the mister fans like a spray bottle and I passed it up. I might go by there and see if they still have them on Tuesday. What's a couple more things to add to the suitcase? I splurged and got first class for my trip from Massachusetts to California and back. I get 2 free bags up to 70 lbs. So It can be a little heavier than normal. Can't wait!!! only 3 more days!!!

P.S> Thank you to Avalon for reminding me about the cooling towels in her post.

 

[WonkaKid]

Yes, the stores are always nice and cool. I find that there are two places in particular that are especially chilly: The Golden Horseshoe and Star Wars Launch Bay. Often I’ll step into one of those to take a break for five or ten minutes. It doesn’t hurt if there’s a show going on at GH as well.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I go in June every year, the temperature is not that hot as September but for me it is as my home country never reaches hotter than 70 F.

I bring a black umbrella , to shade from the sun. It needs to be black or dark navy so that it creates shade for you. I bring a small handbag sized one, which fits in my backpack when I'm on rides and in restaurants. I find an umbrella work better for me than a sun hat.

I bring face wipes and when ever I use the restrooms, I splash cold water on my face and freshen my underarms. I then reapply sunscreen. Also running cold water on the inside of wrists cools the body.

Where possible I eat inside at restaurants. I request an inside table at Carnation Cafe, and eat inside at Flos V8.

I schedule down time during the hottest part of the day, between 1pm and 5pm. During this time I will have lunch, go shopping, watch shows and stay inside as much as possible.

I make sure to stay hydrated, I bring a refillable water bottle and have a soda or 2 during the day.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water -- keep hydrating throughout the day! Most CS locations offer free cups of ice water. Just ask at the counter or at the registers. Some places will keep cups ready to go at the pick up windows. Take as many as you need for your group. Be watching your kids for signs of dehydration.
Know where First Aid is located in both parks. In DL: at the end of the cul de sac by Plaza Inn and The Little Red Wagon, off of Main Street. In DCA: on the right, next to Chamber of Commerce, on BVS. The CMs there are all RNs and are super nice and ready to help, If you start to feel unwell from the heat, head to First Aid for help. Don't try to tough it out. Even if you just need to sit in a/c for a bit and drink some cold water, the CMs there will help you.

 

[Aurora0427]

We are here now and yesterday was so hot. Today is supposed to be even worse. Even though we live in San Diego now, we are from Texas so acclimated to heat and humidity. We spent an hour yesterday in the Animation building at DCA, visiting Anna and Elsa and Olaf, and doing turtle talk with crush. Stay hydrated.... Gatorade. I’ve frozen water bottles and bring them in a soft sided cooler.... it is soooooo awesome to pop them open when they’re half melted. Literally ice cold water. I told my husband we should’ve stayed at the Courtyard Marriott with a nicer pool this trip... next summer we will, because a mid day break at the hotel with a swim is what we needed yesterday. I like the idea of hanging out in the lobby of GCH. They have cartoons for kids and it’s so pretty in there..... we may do that today. We also use time after lunch to check out shows and shops.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I will echo what everyone has already said. You'll be carrying water with you all day and that's the main thing. Avoid caffeine, sugar and alcohol or make it very minimal if you are going to have any of that. I make it a point to carry water all day, but also to ask for the cup of ice water anytime I get food because then I can carry the ice and munch on it for a few minutes.

All the indoor activities will be heavenly. You'll have very short wait times for rides. Most people will avoid the parks on the really hot days. If the sun is scorching, avoid the rides that are 100% outside as the ride seat will be burning hot.

I only really have seen issues with my own family in the high heat if they don't drink enough water and the eat too much junk food.

 

[midnight star]

Make sure to drink a ton of water! Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and sodas. Those dehydrate you quickly.

 

[AcuraTL]

And don’t forget to keep on consuming dole whip and dole whip floats.

 

[cari12]

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!

While hot, California is not humid like Florida. That said, our fave places when we need a break from the heat are:
DCA- Grizzly River Run, Ariel ride, Animation Studio (can even take a drawing class) and the show at the Hypherion theatre

DL - Splash Montain, Golden Horseshoe (timed with a show to sit and watch), eat inside like at Carnation Cafe.

Or just take a break back at the hotel

 

[tsumgirl]

A few more places with AC are Docking Bay 7, Alien Pizza Planet, Enchanted Tiki Room, and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Mickey's Magical Map is also a really nice break from the sun in the afternoon.

I purchased Way 2 Cool cooling towels, which feel more like a light scarf material and are comfortable to wear around your neck all day. I also used a sarong during the last heat wave to keep the sun off my arms and shoulders. It was like having my own personal shade everywhere I went.

And as others have mentioned, pick up some iced water at any QS that serves fountain drinks. I carried a refillable water bottle and stopped at pretty much every QS with a short line as I was passing by to get more water. If you don't have a refillable bottle, you can quickly grab a cup of ice at places like Rancho del Zocalo and use their water refilling stations.

 

[goodeats]

We did a commando day (no hotel) with some out of state relatives on a 90+ humid day in July and we survived. What we learned:

* Lots of water and ice are necessary - we had frozen bottles of Dasani plus refillable thermoflasks
* Cooling towels help too, but you eventually feel really gross. We had ice water in baggies where we stored them
* The air conditioned attractions mid-day are your friends! Small World and Mickey's House were amazing
* Think of the rides with indoor queues - Splash has a long air conditioned section and same with Space. Disneyland has so many outdoor queues unfortunately
* Eat smaller meals until the end of the day. We had lunch at Hungry Bear and kind of felt sick after. At 6:00 we ate at Naples and felt much better

It will be hot, but the cooler morning and evening hours are so much better than Florida.

 

[Laurieloo1414]

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?