Summer Tips

[holden]

I didn't read this whole thread so maybe this was mentioned already, but...

we always bring flip flops to the parks. We wear sneakers (great for all that walking), but change into flip flops for water rides. Also, we bring a change of clothes for the kids in a small ziplock bag. You never know what might happen...

 

[dblr]

We have something we wear around your neck, my ML made them but you can buy them( craft fairs sometimes) you soak them in water and leave in fridge overnight they stay cool all day. We stay in a RV or DVC units most of the time so we have fridge to use.
I would not wear a real bright shirt as I was told by a cm that they use them to decide wear to stop the line when letting people on rides, they say it is easier to remeber then counting guests.

 

[pooh2001]

Going for the first time during summer in 2011 - late June to ealy July.

Please keep the summer survial tips going.
I love this thread !

Thank you to all the DIS'ers

 

[Cdn Gal]

So this is the first time that we will be going in the summer- we usually wear running shoes and socks- should we still? We are not croc people so it is out of the question- any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[enchanted_moonstone]

These tips are great! Thanks everyone!

 

[braylan]

Great Tips!

 

[DisGeebs]

For many years, the only time we could go to WDW was in the summer so I know plenty of ways to handle the heat.
As hard as it may be get to the parks early in the morning do it and then go back to the resort around 12-1 pm. Not only do you get out of the heat and sun, you get a break from the crowds. Use Extra Magic Hours at night once the sun has gone down. these 2 things can get you on a lot of rides in the shortest amount of time.

If you do stay in parks all day.. make your big meal of the day lunch.. but make it a later time after 1 or 2 is even better. This will get you out of the most intense heat/sun of the day. Plus, lunch is cheaper than dinner. For us, we usually have breakfast in the room, our big meal is lunch and then something small for a snack/light dinner around 7 or so. I know that may be late for some.. but it is vacation and schedules might be off anyway

If at all possible, take a day away from the parks. For example, if you go to the parks Monday and Tuesday, take Wednesday off to enjoy the resort, pool, etc. Again a more low key day away from crowds... it will seem cooler!

Stay hydrated and get into the shade if possible. Be careful to just rush into buildings. My body doesn't like to go from really hot to really cold (other than Test Track) I have to gradually move from the warm into cold. So, before I go into a building I will stand in shade for a bit before moving in.

Take breaks. Try to find attractions that can keep you inside and that are longer.... spaceship earth, TTA, Railroad, great movie ride, shows, conservation station, etc.

 

[mnlibzi]

Thanks, for all the posts and helping add on ideas.

 

[DisGeebs]

I just remembered that I have some more tips for beating the heat.
Take a small travel size bottle of Gold bond powder and a travel deoderant. It helps to refresh you a little and they don't take up too much room. Plus, when they are done you can just toss them out.

 

[Grandmouse]

bump

 

[millmom]

I love my fit-flops, wore them every day inthe parks, were soooo comfy. Thicker sole means feet don't always get wet in puddles, but who cares as they dry quickly too.

not a crocs person either they just don't offer support I need, but DD loves hers!!

 

[kmccartney]

Since I am so close to my summer trip, I thought that I would bump this back up for more summer tips on staying cool.

 

[mnlibzi]

Thanks guys for all the great tips!

 

[Amunet]

I love this thread The first and last time I went to WDW was for my honeymoon, at the end of July. I don't really remember the heat because I think I was too fascinated with the magic all around me ^_^

This year, we're going back for our 3rd anniversary ... July 26-31st. This time, I'm much more aware and have since become a lot more ... disliking of sun. I have SPF 100 sunblock :whooh: and amazing shoes that I used during a summer in Japan.
My concern is hats. I have normal baseball type hats (the bill in front, adjuster in back) and I'm worried that they might make me too warm on the heat (heat rising and such). I know I need something to cover my head though, as I have black hair and DH has skin on top to burn.
Any suggestions?

 

[mnlibzi]

I love this thread The first and last time I went to WDW was for my honeymoon, at the end of July. I don't really remember the heat because I think I was too fascinated with the magic all around me ^_^

This year, we're going back for our 3rd anniversary ... July 26-31st. This time, I'm much more aware and have since become a lot more ... disliking of sun. I have SPF 100 sunblock :whooh: and amazing shoes that I used during a summer in Japan.
My concern is hats. I have normal baseball type hats (the bill in front, adjuster in back) and I'm worried that they might make me too warm on the heat (heat rising and such). I know I need something to cover my head though, as I have black hair and DH has skin on top to burn.
Any suggestions?

I would consider a visor. They don't completely cover your head but it will still shade the sun away... As far as your DH, I would consider a hat with more mesh in it, that's what I have in mind. Anyways congrats on your 3rd anniversary! Have a great time!

 

[ZoZo]

You don't have to buy bottles of water at WDW! You can get free cups of ice water at any CS restaurant. If you want, you can even pour that water into your own refillable water bottle (I have a refillable bottle with a wide, screw-off top that allows me to pour it in, ice and all). It's good-tasting, filtered water. Don't pay for water!! (And be a friend to the environment - don't buy disposable water bottles!)

 

[kjs1976]

Know which attractions are good "relax and get cool" ones; such as Carousel of Progress at MK and Mickey's Philharmagic. This is such a nice break from the heat! The Land Pavilion and Living Seas in EPCOT are good also. Our DD appreciates it too! She's amused by anything at WDW so if it's cool and she's entertained, we're good to go. We hit gift shops when we need a heat break also. 10 min. does the trick to shop and cool down.

We usually have Go-Gurt sticks and grapes we freeze the night before and store in a small soft sided cooler when we go to the parks. Good cold snacks at your finger tips.

Since it is a vacation, after all, we schedule an ice cream break some time in the afternoon and evening Dole Whips are our fav at MK!

If you have kids, know where the baby care centers are at each park. They have restrooms, water coolers, and areas for kids to color and watch a movie. It's perfect for the kids to just be kids for a half hr. and for all of you to cool down. Plus, if you have little ones who need to be changed or fed, the changing tables, high chairs, and breast-feeding privacy rooms are invaluable!

 

[mnlibzi]

Wow, such good tips...! Another tip is: get to some of the parades early, I remember when we went we got stuck in a place with no shade at the parade. :/ But it also depends on the parade too!

 

[dopey67]

I love this thread keep them coming please.

 

[mnlibzi]

Another tip, maybe someone else has mentioned this, but don't forget the rain gear...! Florida weather can get bad, in a hurry! When we were there on day at a park it just started downpouring! So I would suggest to always bring something for the rain just in case!