Sun exposure in lines

[ellataylor]

Hi there,

I am on a medication that significantly increases the risk of sunburn. I have been told to wear Factor 50 sun cream and stay in the shade. It’s 7 years since I last visited WDW and can’t remember if any of the lines are in direct sunlight, I presume the majority are indoors/covered but can anyone confirm this in order to put my mind at rest please?

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

Some of the longer queues do end up outside. Rides I've had issues with are Flight of Passage, Frozen, 7 Drawfs.

 

[Mamabun]

There are actually a number of rides which can have notable line sun exposure, especially if lines are long. Some that come to mind from our recent trip: slinky dig, rock n roller, astro orbiters, people mover, tomorrowland speedway, barnstormer, jungle cruise, expedition everest, splash mountain and big thunder, in addition to those mentioned above.

 

[loves to dive]

Yep, you are going to be standing outside at a number of lines. I carry an umbrella and just pop that puppy out especially when the sun is shining bright. Helps with the heat as well as keeping people a little distance away from you.

 

[JenBush]

I also recommend a UV umbrella or normal umbrella. Ride lines aren’t the only lines that you can experience direct sunlight. Food lines, restroom lines, and transportation lines can all result in significant time in direct sunlight.

 

[Bete]

First there are wide brim hats that will protect your face. If you go when it's cooler you can wear long sleeve shirts or a light jacket. My husband has the same issue and this makes a big difference. The hat he has can be tightened by the neck and not fall off. I use the same kind of hat for the sun myself. This way you are hands free.

Another trick is to alternate rides or shows that are not in the sun. That way it's not constant exposure.

Sunscreen is still a good idea even following the above recommendations.

 

[mamabunny]

I have a sun "allergy" (PMLE) that means I will start to blister in 15 minutes of direct Florida sunlight.

What I have found that helps in addition to large brimmed hats, lots of sunblock and a lovely silk parasol (hello, China Pavilion at EPCOT - I'm still rocking that beautiful silk parasol all these years later!) is that I travel to WDW in January/February when the SPF levels tend to be lowest. (along with the daily average temps).

When I do make my fall trips (typically October, sometimes late September or early November) I dress head-to-toe in long sleeves, long pants, big hat, all exposed skin is covered (including with gloves). In January, I can be a little less restrictive, and a lot more comfortable.

There are also clothing companies now that make UV protective clothing, like Coolibar.

 

[ellataylor]

Many thanks for your help all, I really have forgotten so much it seems!

We have a trip booked for next June due to various family’s work/school schedules so you’ll know its me if you see a fully clothed woman, white from sunscreen, wearing a wide brimmed hat and holding a parasol!

 

[Starwind]

I find my best defense is to wear quality long sleeve/long pant sun protective clothing with a wide brimmed sun protective hat (not all hats are) - all with UPF 50+. I am actually cooler and more comfortable this way, even in heat and humidity, as long as I choose the right fabric. For my top I will often wear a normal tshirt underneath a lighweight sun protective hoodie coverup or jacket.

There are many excellent brands of sun protective clothing. My favourite is Coolibar (https://www.coolibar.com/) but there are others, including brands that don't specialize in sun protective clothing but do have a line of it [LLBean, Lands End, many of the "outdoor" brands]. Whoever you go with, make sure they are reputable and that you can trust that the clothing actually meets its claims. Coolibar has many different styles and fabrics, including fabric "weights" and fabric purposes, to choose from.

Eclipse makes some great gloves (both long and short_: https://eclipseglove.com/ I use them at home too, e.g. when driving. Other brands make similar ones. I like them at WDW as it means less sunscreen on my hands.

I then only have to sunscreen what is left over exposed, which isn't much.

SW

 

[DisneyOma]

Just got back and I have to stay out of the sun because I've had melanoma (twice!) I wore my mineral block so I looked pasty white, and didn't get a speck of color. I had DAS for a totally different issue, but did do some stand by queues as well, and found most of them to have a row of umbrellas in the sunniest parts.

 

[Starwind]

Just got back and I have to stay out of the sun because I've had melanoma (twice!) I wore my mineral block so I looked pasty white, and didn't get a speck of color. I had DAS for a totally different issue, but did do some stand by queues as well, and found most of them to have a row of umbrellas in the sunniest parts.

Which sunblock have you had success with ?

 

[Selket]

Hi there,

I am on a medication that significantly increases the risk of sunburn. I have been told to wear Factor 50 sun cream and stay in the shade. It’s 7 years since I last visited WDW and can’t remember if any of the lines are in direct sunlight, I presume the majority are indoors/covered but can anyone confirm this in order to put my mind at rest please?

I also take medication that increases the odds of severe blistering after very little sun and I have trouble with suntan lotions irritating my skin (even the mineral ones) if I'm out in the sun a lot. I suggest Coolibar (they have a website and Amazon also sells some of their items). I have several of their pieces and really like them. You can wear a regular shirt and buy some of their long sleeve coverups, jackets, sweaters, etc. They also sell arm coverings and gloves and neck wraps and hats - you name it they have it. I like their stuff cause they have some versatile pieces that nice to wear anywhere - not just if you're going to be outside.

If you're thinking of swimming outside they sell pieces that are like leggings made for swimming. I have some that have a built in short skirt attached and I wear a long sleeve swim shirt. Honestly it's just easier to swim at night so that's what I usually do. No sun - no sunscreen. Perhaps take advantage of any late hours offered and late night after hours parties or events, etc.

Before taking that med I once got in the standby line for Slinky which ended up being longer than advertised and was the sunniest/hottest place on planet earth I think. That line would kill me now - haha! Be very careful getting in standby lines outdoors as you may have to leave. I used to use FP to avoid waiting in outside sunny lines whether short or long - otherwise I just wouldn't ride it. Watch out for cloudy days because you can still be burned.

 

[DisneyOma]

Which sunblock have you had success with ?

This time we used a cheap mineral block from Target, SPF 50, and I slathered it on so my skin was pretty white. I didn't use enough on my legs the first day and got that Disney rash - used the sunscreen as a rash cream the next day or so and the rash went away. We used to buy the expensive waterproof sprays, but the cheaper cream worked so much better! I think I looked a bit ghostly, but that's okay with me.

 

[mamabunny]

This time we used a cheap mineral block from Target, SPF 50, and I slathered it on so my skin was pretty white. I didn't use enough on my legs the first day and got that Disney rash - used the sunscreen as a rash cream the next day or so and the rash went away. We used to buy the expensive waterproof sprays, but the cheaper cream worked so much better! I think I looked a bit ghostly, but that's okay with me.

Way better to look like you belong as a "resident" at the Haunted Mansion, than to suffer my side effects of sun exposure. In addition to blistering, I get horrible, flu like symptoms that come on rapidly after exposure, and can last for up to a month nowadays.

With those symptoms aligning so closely to COVID-19 symptoms, I don't allow myself any exposure at all these days just to be safe.

 

[boop0524]

I too take medication that makes me extra sensitive to the sun. Hollywood Studios was the worst for sun. Even with good strong sunblock and a UV umbrella in standby rides I still got heat rash on my legs. The pavement was just so hot. Ymmv as you may not be as sensitive as me to it, but it definitely was a bummer. Maybe light pants would have helped