Surviving SW in the summer heat..

[nluvwithmickey]

Hello!

We are planning our first SW visit at the end of August when the heat and humidity are out of this world. I am a little worried about the heat. Are there alot of shaded areas in the park to try to cool off? Any places that are air conditioned (restaurants, shops, etc) you would recommend to take a break from the blasting heat? What kind of park touring would be the best considering we are arriving at park opening and wouls like to see as much as possible without doing any of the major rides.

Thanks alot, you guys are the best!

 

[yaytezIOA]

There are only two major rides, and if you hit them in the morning, first off, you should be able to get them done without a problem.
I never get why people insist on a touring plan, but I guess you have to at disney. My biggest advice is to get a park map and figure out the times of the shows you want to see and plan around those. The shows are all under shaded areas, and should provide some shade from the sun. The Stingray feeding area is completely undercover and should keep you cool. The dolphin area is out in the open, and very hot. There is a dolphin underwater area that is a/c. The Manatee exhibit is also two sections, one being outside, and one being inside with an underwater view. Journey to Atlantis....a big ride......is part dark ride so it is a/c. The queue line is completely covered and they have fans blowing the whole time, and you do get pretty wet. Kraken is the same way, minus the wet part. Penguin Enounter is a/c but it smells like fish. The Sea lion area is out in the open, but the Clyde and Seymore show....which is hilarious, is somewhat shaded. Shark Encounter is very cool, and you can feed the sharks outside the attraction, under the shade. The kids area is pretty much out in the heat, and not air conditioned. Then you get to one of my favorites, Wild Arctic. It is cold. They have a wall of ice. Its all indoors, its all a/c...alot.
Now my advice. If you are seeing a show, get there at least 15 minutes early. If you are wanting to do an attraction outside of a show...example, Wild Arctic is just outside of Shamu Stadium. Wait until the show starts....the exhibit will be dead. If you try to do it after you get out of the show, so will everyone else and you'll be back here complaining at how bad Sea World is, and how you love disney so much more......Have a great trip, take lots of pictures.
Oh, and make sure you check out the hospitality house.....a/c free beer, and good food.