Talk to me about Disney in the heat!

[todzwife]

We've never done Disney when it wasn't just a little bit chilly (end of November, first of March). It was PERFECT weather, add a jacket and we were good in the morning.

I'm looking at the forecast for next week and Monday-Wednesday is looking pretty warm. We're mid 50's here, so going to 89-90 w/ humidity is going to be a jolt. Other than doing the usual- lots of water, sunscreen hats etc. What do I need to know.

Where are good places to escape the heat? I've heard DCA is hotter than DL because there aren't as many trees...which makes sense.

DH gets migraines in the heat so I've got to keep it under control for him, even if it means taking a few hours of our already shortened schedule to head back to the hotel for a break.

 

[Mel522]

The best places to hide out from the heat are Pirates of the Caribbean, Innoventions and really any of the indoor rides, shops, or restaurants. The Grand California Hotel Lobby is probably the best though. It was a 100 degrees when we were there and I was heading back to the Disneyland Hotel because I started feeling odd. I cut through the Grand, and never made it back to my hotel. It's like a freezer in there.

 

[Carolwoodpr]

At DCA you can go into Blue Sky Cellar, the Animation Building or Soarin to cool off. I always get cold on Soarin but the queue is all in the sun, so use a FP.

 

[arthur06]

We are in the same situation as you. Mid 40's to 50's here and we leave on Saturday.

We are just going to be smart, take mid day breaks, swim and sunscreen up. We love the parks, but naps and swimming is a nice relaxing vacation in the heat.

 

[ImDMous]

With humidity around 30%, that really won't be a concern. Just duck into a shop or show every once in a while and you should be fine.

In DCA, we always like the Aladdin show and definitely fast pass Grizzly River.

In DL, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Small World, etc. Lots of indoor rides to choose from there. You can eat inside at Carnation Cafe, Pizza Port, Golden Horseshoe. Hungry Bear Cafe is not indoors but is nice and cool and shady by the River.

I definitely recommend the Hearthstone Lodge at GC, great place to relax and get a drink. They have a yummy chicken quesadilla too.

 

[PigletSeeker]

We were there just a few days ago and it was around 90 in the afternoon. It really didn't feel that bad. The mornings and evenings are considerably cooler (although we normally wear a jacket at night, we didn't need them this time) so the heat is really just an issue from around 1-5. Do indoor stuff during those hours- at DCA: Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Soarin, Monsters Inc, Muppets and our favorite cool spot- the Animation Building. At DL: Pirates, Haunted Mansion (get FP), IASW, Mr. Lincoln will all provide a nice break from the heat.

 

[dana278]

I saw Aladdin three times (in two days) last month because of the heat. LOL

 

[jetskigrl]

At this time of year, the high is generally only the high for an hour or two. Mornings and evenings will be much cooler. Also, I doubt you will experience much humidity right now either (when we do get it, it is generally more from the mid to end of summer, during monsoon season). Most times we experience very little humidity.

Keep an eye on the forecast because it may change before next week. I have learned that anything more than 2 or 3 days out will definitely change And I would suggest being prepared to layer (a light jacket or sweatshirt for evening, short sleeves during the day, etc).

 

[Rhonna]

We are in a similar situation OP and watching the weather. We will be there in less than a week. But I don't think it will be so bad. Shorts, capris (probably wear these more than anything else) one pair of long pants, tevas and tennies, a light jacket or sweater for late evenings if you can't go back to your hotel. I'm actually not overly worried since this time of year the sun isn't as intense. Just a small tube of SPF in my purse. Sunglasses. We don't wear hats but if you do, take a baseball cap or something.

We're from Oregon, lots of rain and cool weather and fair skin and we don't care for intense heat. I'm thinking around 80 should be fine since it doesn't stay that temp. all day.

edit: Good grief, when did weather.com shoot up to 90 degrees on Monday the 5th? Man, I hope they are wrong.

 

[todzwife]

We are in a similar situation OP and watching the weather. We will be there in less than a week. But I don't think it will be so bad. Shorts, capris (probably wear these more than anything else) one pair of long pants, tevas and tennies, a light jacket or sweater for late evenings if you can't go back to your hotel. I'm actually not overly worried since this time of year the sun isn't as intense. Just a small tube of SPF in my purse. Sunglasses. We don't wear hats but if you do, take a baseball cap or something.

We're from Oregon, lots of rain and cool weather and fair skin and we don't care for intense heat. I'm thinking around 80 should be fine since it doesn't stay that temp. all day.

edit: Good grief, when did weather.com shoot up to 90 degrees on Monday the 5th? Man, I hope they are wrong.

THIS is what I was talking about. High 70's is great. Low 80's, fine. 90. Not so much. I didn't think it could be that hot in NOVEMBER!

 

[Rhonna]

THIS is what I was talking about. High 70's is great. Low 80's, fine. 90. Not so much. I didn't think it could be that hot in NOVEMBER!

I've been watching hurricane Sandy for the last two days so I was shocked to see the forecast is up to 90 for Disneyland. More incentive to go in early before it climbs mid-day. Sigh. Well, we need some sun - it's wet and cold where we live. Hope it's only the one day.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We were at the parks over the weekend when the temps were in the upper 80's. In the shade, it was actually pleasantly warm. But in the direct sunlight, it was too hot for me. Not that the heat itself was overwhelming, but the bright glare and intensity of the sunlight were really uncomfortable. I would recommend sunglasses and a hat, even if you aren't usually a hat person, and sticking to indoor shows, rides, and attractions during the peak heat hours. Once the sun started to go down, things were really nice. No jackets needed. Drink lots of fluids, take things slower if you need to, and enjoy getting some vitamin D.

 

[BigCheese]

We were there a couple of weeks ago during an unusual heat wave where the high temperatures were around the mid 90s. It actually wasn't as bad as I expected. As many have said, there are a lot of ways to cool down. Take things slower in the afternoon and take intermittent breaks in the shade, shops, and cooler attractions. But a great thing Disney provides is free cups of ice water at every restaurant. CMs are all open about this and remind folks to stay hydrated and that you can get free cups of water at any CS restaurant. On hot days most CS restaurants have cups ready to go to hand out when requested. No purchase necessary.

 

[disneychrista]

With humidity around 30%, that really won't be a concern.

If you are used to that yes. But for those of us coming from areas with low humidity 30% is a factor.

 

[todzwife]

If you are used to that yes. But for those of us coming from areas with low humidity 30% is a factor.

Yeah, we live in New Mexico...no humidity here unless it's raining.

 

[Twinprincesses]

We are usual WDW vets. Just went to DL a few weeks ago and it was mid to high 90's. It did not feel that hot at all. Just sitting in the shade for a few was all the relife we needed. Completly differnt from mid 90's in Forida.

 

[jetskigrl]

30% humidity in Southern California is fine. If it goes too low, you end up with the dry, itchy skin and chapped lips (we experience that more in Jan and Feb when combined with the lower temps).

When it is hotter, I don't think you need to worry about the humidity unless you are getting to 60 or 70% or more. That is when you really feel it in terms of sweating, etc.

I have lived in So Cal my whole life and the only time humidity is an issue is during late summer when the monsoons from AZ spill over to CA. Or in the middle of winter when the humidity is too low and my skin drys out (that is more miserable than sweating).

 

[DisneylandDeeDee]

I just got back from DL. I agree, you will feel the heat for 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Otherwise it is pleasant. One afternoon, I saw The Voices of Liberty and Lincoln. It was cool inside the theater. I had lunch outside at Cafe Orleans....with the breeze it didn't feel like 90.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you are used to that yes. But for those of us coming from areas with low humidity 30% is a factor.

If the weather reports say that the wind will be off shore (like Santa Anas) during the next few days, then the humidity will be very low. In fact, you may have more problems with the dryness (static, itchy skin, chapped lips, etc.).

 

[bumbershoot]

Lots of water. Sunscreen, hats, cooling fans if you have them. Lots of breaks; the cafe with Starbucks in it is nice for a break at DCA. Don't be afraid to call it quits in the middle of the day and go back at night, or just call it quits.

During our trip at the beginning of OCtober, when it was hitting 100+ at least once, and wasn't that far away from it on the other days, we found ourselves doing half-days and not feeling bad about it because we felt so physically bad from the heat!

If you find yourself getting overheated, head to a First Aid location. If DH gets really bad you could ask if he can lie down, but at the very least ask if they can make you an ice pack. They make the BEST ice packs, and when you put one on the back of your neck it's like heaven.