Sun issues

[winnapooh]

I have been diagnosed with a form of lupus that causes major sun sensitivity for me (I get a really bad rash, even with sunscreen). We normally go in the cooler months, but we decided to try June this year for my birthday. I have some SPF-protective clothing (and am looking for more, any suggestions?), but I'm trying to remember if there are any attraction lines that are out in the sun? I know I still have to walk from place to place in the sun, but I was thinking about getting a GAC to allow a place to wait for attractions in the shade. However, I'm having a hard time remembering if there are even any attraction lines in the sun (other than Dumbo)? Since we normally go at slower times, does anyone have advice on whether lines that are typically shaded might extend out into the sun due to higher crowd levels?

I have been to Disney World a few times, but for some reason my memory isn't working today!

Also, how does a GAC work for this type of issue (needing to wait in the shade). Do they "save" a spot for me in line where I would have been, and I just wait until I would have been at the front of the line?

Thanks

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The main answer to your question is "It Depends on the Attraction". If you come to an attraction where the queue is mainly in the sun there should be a CM near the start of the queue. Show them the GAC and ask how it is handled at that attaction.

 

[livndisney]

I have been diagnosed with a form of lupus that causes major sun sensitivity for me (I get a really bad rash, even with sunscreen). We normally go in the cooler months, but we decided to try June this year for my birthday. I have some SPF-protective clothing (and am looking for more, any suggestions?), but I'm trying to remember if there are any attraction lines that are out in the sun? I know I still have to walk from place to place in the sun, but I was thinking about getting a GAC to allow a place to wait for attractions in the shade. However, I'm having a hard time remembering if there are even any attraction lines in the sun (other than Dumbo)? Since we normally go at slower times, does anyone have advice on whether lines that are typically shaded might extend out into the sun due to higher crowd levels?

I have been to Disney World a few times, but for some reason my memory isn't working today!

Also, how does a GAC work for this type of issue (needing to wait in the shade). Do they "save" a spot for me in line where I would have been, and I just wait until I would have been at the front of the line?

Thanks

I have sun issues too. One important thng to take into consideration is not just the line. You may want to consider the ride in the sun. Example the cars you drive in tomorrowland. The unloading process takes time and you are sitting directly in the sun. The same thing with Dumbo, Aladdin, many characters lines, show in the countries of Epcot, a good bit of AK, Streetmosphere shows in DS, parades.........

Off the top of my head in MK Dumbo, Aladdin, JC (depending on where you are in the boat), race cars, Goofy Coaster, and the line for LM all put you directly in the sun for a period of time.

In my experience GAC does not really help, since the rides themselves are in the sun.

During a busy time, almost any line normally shaded may extend into the sun. And most do not have another place to wait and are not set up to allow you to join the line later. Your best bet is Fastpass and a good touring plan. Plan rides like Dumbo in the evening after the sun has gone down.

 

[winnapooh]

Thanks for the responses!

 

[Schmeck]

I have to avoid the sun (melanoma) and we go in August - sounds crazy, but WDW actually has great late night hours in the summer, and we go back to our room late morning to nap, have lunch, etc, then hit the parks again when the sun gets a bit less intense (around 4PM). Also, we've found that it can be quite rainy and overcast in August, which also helps get us extra time in the parks!

The queue for haunted mansion can be very sunny, even though a good stretch of it has a covering. We try to ride that one in the evening (it has a better spooky atmosphere at night too!) We plan a lot of of indoor shows (3d shows, mermaid, indy) for the sunniest times, as long as the queues are not outside when we walk by.

I also spend a good deal of time walking through the shops - gets me some good AC and out of the sun. I haven't gotten a GAC yet - I've found I'm able to tweak my touring plans to accomodate my needs myself.

 

[SingingMUA]

I have Lupus. I was diagnosed in January of 2008, and I've made quite a few trips to WDW since then. My biggest saving grace has been finding Neutrogena sunblock in SPF 70 and SPF 100. They really help me out. I can't do sun protective clothing because I can't STAND to be hot (yet I make countless trips to WDW... ). The thought of wearing layers of clothing that completely cover my arms in 85-90 degree (+) weather makes me want to pass out...

But, I do make sure I always wear a hat to shade my face. I try not to spend too much time just hanging out in direct sunlight (sitting on a bench people watching for hours, etc). I usually get a GAC with the "wait out of the sun" (or whatever it is) stamp. I also usually plan our park days so that I'm up early and hit the parks in the morning and leave around lunch time, leave and go back to the room for a little while for a nap/rest, then hit the parks again after 5pm or so... OR... sleep in a little... hang around the room/resort for a little while, go have lunch, resort hop, etc... and then hit the parks around 2pm or 3pm, and stay through the evening.

I also have a Misty Mate, which helps to keep me cool, and I always take the time to visit shops and indoor attractions for a break. So for every time I may have spent 20 or 30 minutes waiting in an uncovered portion of an attraction queue or walking around, I will walk around a shop (yay shopping!) for 10 minutes or so, or hit an indoor attraction like CoP and Philharmagic at MK or the Land Pavillion at Epcot, etc.

Also, whenever I'm at the resort pool, I make sure and keep a wide-brimmed hat on and cover most of my exposed skin with a coverup/towel. I will NEVER just lay out and sunbathe while at the pool. I would pay for that dearly if I did. The most I will do while at the pool is lay out and feel the warmth of the sun for maybe 5 minutes, then I cover up.

When I spend too much time in the sun, I get the dreaded Butterfly rash, joint pain, fever, and fatigue. Most times when at WDW, I rent an ECV for at least one day so that I can get a break from all the walking (which will bring a flare on for me). I also have vein damage from a DVT that causes me pain and swelling in my leg when I spend too much time standing/walking, so having an ECV and taking breaks throughout the day help me there, as well.

Anyway, that's my input.... break up your day so that you are out of the sun during the time when it's strongest, get a GAC for use at attractions that have (not all do) a place to wait out of the sun, USE FASTPASSES, and walk through shops (and actually take your time and browse... even if it has the same merchandise you just saw an hour before at another shop).

 

[blessedmom4]

I also use umbrellas for those that need to be shielded from the sun...our umbrellas can actually fold down to less than 6 inches and have been invaluable to protect us. We also go early in the AM and come back when the sun is less intense, as several others have suggested. Rockin Roller Coaster was the absolute worst for us due to the wait in the sun.

 

[KPeveler]

If you check out www.butyoudontlooksick.com, I believe there are reviews of sun protective clothing there. The site was started by a woman with lupus so there may be some ideas there (for general sun sensitivity stuff, not disney stuff)...

I also have sun problems (new - still figuring it out), so I have found info there that is helpful

 

[winnapooh]

I forgot to check back here until now...thanks for the responses. I'm looking for some more sun protective clothing (I wish it wasn't so expensive!!), though I'm not sure how effective it will be if I can't stand to wear it in the heat, but I'm going to try. I'll also look for the high SPF neutrogena sunblock. I've not seen the umbrellas, but I will look into that as well.

Unfortunately, I now have another reason I have to avoid the sun (a recently discovered and, according to my family doctor, a very likely possibility that I also have melanoma; going to the dermatologist today). So I'm going to be even more worried about the sun now.

 

[cm8]

When we venture out into the sun, I make sure to bring along some Evian mineral water spray. It is for the face, but it refreshes my whole body and makes me feel a lot cooler. It really helps to have on hand while waiting for anything that is sun related. It was expensive to purchase online but if you can get it for less on the web it is well worth the trouble. I also use my hat when we go out and I am used to the stares when it comes to seeing me with my long sleeves and hot weather. I also break out when I am in the heat/sun so having protective clothing is the way to go for me. I can not change what the issue is with my body, but I don't mind just as long as no one accuses me of being the suicide bomber, anyways, hope that helps!!

 

[scrapnmom]

I have ordered sun protective hats and swimsuits before from coolibar.com, and I was very happy with them.