Staying Cool in Heat and Humidity?

[ZoZo]

What's your best tip for staying cool in the heat and humidity of WDW?

 

[perdidochas]

What's your best tip for staying cool in the heat and humidity of WDW?

Drink plenty of water. Buy a small fan.

 

[MomofKatie]

Go during wintertime!!

Seriously, the heat/humidity is a killer. We try to stay out of the midday heat by taking breaks between 12-4pm at the pool. We wear hats, and bring mister fans to the parks. Also, I move slooowly- I can't go at a fast pace in the heat. Just take breaks, take advantage of AC in restaurants, shows, and rides as much as possible, and drink LOTS of water.

 

[tacomaranch]

I agree with going before June and after September. We bought cheap little mist fans at Kmart and use them regularly, along with neck wraps that we soak in ice water. Find shade and get into the A/C as often as possible.

The heat makes people cranky so try to be kind.

 

[dsneygirl]

When I was a CM we had a list of cooler attractions to adivse guests who needed a break, things like the American Adventure, France movie, Country Bears, Hall of Presidents. Living Seas and the Land have multiple attractions inside. I think you really have to pace yourself and mix lots of indoor with outside attractions. It's nice to eat lunch inside the a/c on a really hot day.

And of course like everyone else already said, drink lots and lots of water.

 

[seashoreCM]

This one may be hard to plan but you could try to walk close to buildings on the shady side.

I heard of this cloth wrapped gel sausage you wrap around your neck that supposedly keeps you cool. But since it touches your skin, the places where it touches are covered and get sweaty and clammy I suppose. I haven't tried one of them yet.

Someone should start a fad of carrying umbrellas on sunny days. After all, "parasol" means [protect] "against the sun".

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[michelle1]

We tried carrying mist bottles, fans etc and found them to more of a pain to carry than it was worth. We try to carry as little as possible so a very small bag with a water bottle and ziplock bag with a wash cloth so we can wipe our faces, necks etc which worked out great! You can get ice water for free and you are pretty much in and out of A/C constantly with the exception of AK so I honestly didn't find it too bad at all. I love to go in the hot months because it makes packing so easy.

 

[wardfamily1]

The mist/fan bottle worked great for us. On our last trip to WDW, we left AK early because it was so unbearably hot and went to the local Walmart for some heat relief items. (You can buy 5 of those mist/fan bottles at Walmart for the price of 1 at WDW). We also got a couple of those personal fans too, they were only $1 each. We used them for the whole rest of the trip. What a difference they made!

 

[debdot]

fill a zip lock bag (we used a 2 gallon one) with ice (from the ice machine at the resort) and throw in some wash cloths (we put in four) -

you cannot believe how refreshing this is to put this on your neck - my husband had no problem carrying this in his backpack because he knew the reward of the cold cloth would be worth it!!!!

we always go to WDW in august and consider ourselves experts in "how to beat the heat"!

 

[Tasmen]

I would highly recommend that:

1) You stay hydrated. Water is key.
2) Take advantage of buildings with air conditioning.
3) Take a mid-afternoon break.
4) Bring some kind of mister along. A little dousing of water can do wonders.

 

[DisneyNeckCoolers]

I would highly recommend that:

1) You stay hydrated. Water is key.
2) Take advantage of buildings with air conditioning.
3) Take a mid-afternoon break.
4) Bring some kind of mister along. A little dousing of water can do wonders.

I agree. My list is very similar to yours:

1. Use Tour Guide Mike's advice in touring. You will get to do everything you want to do, plus have time for a midday break (see # 6 below).

2. Drink water. Bring a couple of frozen water bottles and a couple of cold ones to start drinking right away.

3. Use neck coolers! A few of us here make and sell them, or just google Disney neck coolers and find some sites offering them. They really do stay cold for hours! And, they keep the sun off your necks!

4. Bring some water bottle fans, especially for the kiddos. The kiddos love those!

5. Ditto on taking advantage of buildings with a/c.

6. Definitely take a midday break!!! BEST tip I would advise. It's not worth someone getting sick (heatstroke, etc.) over 2-3 hours of rest midday. Your vacation is worth much more when you can enjoy it and make those special magical Disney memories!

 

[goofy4tink]

We go in August quite often....very hot/humid. Here's my list for staying 'cooler' rather than 'cool'...
1. drink more water than you think you need. Be prepared to make lots of potty stops.

2. wear a hat with a wide brim. One that covers your neck is even better!

3. cover your shoulders. We tried sleeveless vs short sleeves and found we stayed cooler with short sleeves.

4. carry a wet facecloth in a zip-loc baggie. Add ice to it occasionally, then wipe your face and neck, hands..whatever with it. Wring it out, empty the ice/water and start again.

5. I did use the neck coolers and they worked quite well. After a bit they did tend to bother me though.

6. take mid-day breaks to swim and just hang out poolside.

7. eat!!! Book a table service meal each day, in the evening if you can. Gives you energy, gets you off your feet for a bit and gets you cooled down.

8. take your time. Don't rush around like a chicken with it's head cut off. You do and you'll drop!! Summertime at WDW is no place for speed.....try to be southern in your attitude...nice and easy does it.

 

[ZoZo]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone! I'm definitely going to try the ziploc bag with ice/washcloth one.

 

[suzimar57]

all these ideas are great!

for me, i'd just add that in the summer, i wear my hair pulled up on top in a ponytail off my neck/face, a visor and sunglasses, a white coolmax sleeveless flowy top, a lightweight tan or khaki colored skirt, tevas, a mini spray bottle with water and a mini fan - that's it - keep it light and breezy!

and drink lots of water!!!

 

[dbarker]

Drink lots of water--no soda. Caffeine dehydrates you.

The neck wraps really work. However, I can't stand the feel of them. So, I bring a bandana from home and keep it wet around my neck. It works wonders.

Drink lots of water--it's free. Just ask for ice water.

Wear a hat. Protect your noggin from the sun.

I wear dresses w/ bike shorts underneath.

Take a break and go swimming in the afternoon. Or ride the "water" rides and get good and wet.

Drink lots and lots of water. A good drink of cold water will cool you down better than anything.

 

[Rebecca12345]

http://www.triplejsportswear.com/co...facturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,3/

Here is something that will help keep you cool

they also sell wide brim ones

 

[alloyd1170]

Has anyone tried the Coolmax tee shirts? Thinking of getting something like this for our trip in Sept. Last Sept I was so wet so maybe this will help???

alison

 

[car55]

I drank alot of water. and wore loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. a light colored hat with alot of coverage helps. When I got too hot I would find a attraction to go into to cool off . Thats how I did AK in July.

 

[hezreck]

When you are really hot, find a drinking fountain or bathroom and run cold water over your wrists. I know it sounds weird, but it reallly works. It works good for "hot flashes" in menopause too.

 

[fla4fun]

Someone should start a fad of carrying umbrellas on sunny days. After all, "parasol" means [protect] "against the sun".

I often do this. The important thing is to make sure your umbrella is a lighter color (not black or navy) because the dark umbrellas absorb heat. I use a light tan one. In the summer, you have to be prepared for rain anyway, so I always have the umbrella with me.

Take advantage of any opportunity to walk indoors. Walk through the shops instead of up Main Street. Cut through the shops in Frontierland, or Tomorrowland.

Have some hand wash towelettes with you and when you stop in the restroom, wash your face, etc., so you'll feel refreshed. Running the cold water into your hands or across your wrists does help.

Always take a mid day break back at the resort. Take a cool shower and a nap, and you'll be refreshed and ready to go for the evening. I always have to do laundry when I travel in the summer, because I really need that shower and change mid day, but it's worth it. If you are staying off property and don't want to take a mid day break, book a TS lunch during the hottest part of the day and take your time dining.

Always, always, always, drink lots of water. Even those of us who live here and are used to the climate have to drink tons of water. If you don't, you'll start to feel sick in no time. Ask for a cup of ice water any time you go to a CS restaurant, even if you are ordering something else to drink with your meal. You can use it to refill a water bottle, and the ice will help it stay cool longer.