The sun, the sun in August (long)

[newtowdw1]

Having never been to Florida, I understand that the sun's rays are much more intense, particularly in the summer. I have two children of white European descent. I am the sunscreen queen up north, and have managed to get DD8 through so far with only one sunburn. Also, DD8 is very susceptible to heat, and has fainted in school because she was too hot.DS just tans, and seems to hold up better, but that's up here, not down there!

What are your best strategies to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion. My plans so far include:

SPF 50+ hats from Leap and Bounds
Slathering with sunscreen
Brita Fill-n-go water bottles (forcing DD to drink if necessary)
Touring before 12 noon and after 5 pm.
SPF suits (block 99% UV rays) that give extra coverage to the arms and legs (CWD $22.00)
Lots of time to hang out in the shad and AC as needed
Playing in the fountains
Getting hats and shirts wet in the bathroom

Please don't tell me to go in the Fall. I wish!! DH and I are both teachers so this is the best we can do!

Also, has anyone tried to get a base tan on their kids before they went to FL? DS will be 'brown as a berry' by the end of May, but DD will not get real tan. Anyone tried 'tanning'?

And, no, we're really not vampires!!

 

[hipporina]

The base tan thing is a myth! A tan is just another form of sun damage and won't prevent anything. I'm very, very pale and have had quite a few sunburns in my life. However, over the last 5 years or so, I have gotten really good at protecting my skin, largely out of fear of skin cancer. (I am pale with red hair, blue eyes, and a family history of skin cancer, so I take no risks!)

Anyway, I can usually avoid sunburn by just using sunscreen and common sense. I use SPF 45 most of the time and reapply throughout the day. The biggest mistake people make is not using enough. An average adult needs about a shot glass full to cover their body well. Use more than you feel you should and don't rub it in. The white streaks will go away as it dries.

I also make sure that my shoulders are covered (they burn very easily) and I wear a hat. The hat does wonders for keeping the sun from getting to your eyes from above, which is great in the afternoon. On our last trip, we all came home burn free (my kids are pale too).

Heat isn't really a problem for me though. I'm used to being outside in the heat since I live in TX. I would buy a misting fan before you go. They are way cheaper at Walmart and they do work well. Also, light colored clothing will keep you cooler than dark clothing.

Your plan looks very aggressive and should leave you without any problems I bet. The only thing I would watch is that wet clothes often let more sun through than dry ones.

Have fun and don't stress out about it too much. It really shouldn't be that bad.

 

[NotUrsula]

As a very fair redhead who grew up in the Deep South and was hospitalized 4 times with heat stroke before I turned 21, I feel qualified to comment on this one. My mother thought it was all in my head, but as an adult I have learned to be proactive about sun protection.

Your plan is good, but realize that you'll sometimes forget the rules sometimes if you are having fun. Here are a few general tips to make it easier: Be sure to keep their blood sugar up with small meals eaten often, rather than big heavy 3X day meals, which tend to be hard on the system in extreme heat. Carry snacks, and feed them anytime they say they are hungry. Minimize caffeine, and push the water HARD; get ice from counter-service places and they will drink more. Buy sunBLOCK instead of sunscreen, and it's best to go with the spray-on type (Coppertone Sport Spray is a good one); sprays are easy to reapply often, and you should reapply every hour. If you are doing it right you will go through at least two 8-oz bottles per day. We reapply every time we stand in a ride line at WDW. Sunblocks literally help keep you cool, as they prevent the slight cooking that your skin is suffering in the sunlight. Also, have them wear sunglasses anytime they are outdoors before sundown, the glare will cause headaches in anyone who is sun-sensitive. (Carry headache meds, too, though you can buy them in WDW shops; they keep them behind the counters.)

Stick to pale-coloured clothing; wovens will be cooler than knits, unless the knits are wickaway synthetic fabrics made for outdoor activity. No black, navy, etc., unless it's bottoms with a long light-colored shirt hanging over.

Be sure that your misting fan has a hole big enough to allow ice to be added to it; ice-water sprays work best for people who are heat-sensitive, as it cools surface blood faster. (Does your DD perhaps not really sweat much? That is my problem, and I was forever fainting when I got overheated as a child. Now I know I have to PUT water on my skin when I'm hot.)

Remember that looking oddly pale is also a warning for heat exhaustion, and get indoors instantly if you see it, or if a child seems confused or nauseated. Carry a couple of absorbent cloths, and use these to wet down pulse points if anyone gets overheated. You don't have to try to get to first aid; just get indoors and alert a CM that you may have a heat exhaustion situation, the first aid crew will come to you. Be careful with wetting down clothing; that may cause chafing, as you will be walking so much.

Here's a little rule that people tend to forget; always walk on the shady side of any street or pathway, and cut through shops and restaurants wherever possible. Any time you can get out of direct sunlight, do get out of direct sunlight.

 

[newtowdw1]

The base tan thing is a myth!
Anyway, I can usually avoid sunburn by just using sunscreen and common sense. I use SPF 45 most of the time and reapply throughout the day. The biggest mistake people make is not using enough. An average adult needs about a shot glass full to cover their body well. Use more than you feel you should and don't rub it in. The white streaks will go away as it dries.

I also make sure that my shoulders are covered (they burn very easily) and I wear a hat. The hat does wonders for keeping the sun from getting to your eyes from above, which is great in the afternoon. On our last trip, we all came home burn free (my kids are pale too).

The only thing I would watch is that wet clothes often let more sun through than dry ones.

thanks! Taking notes! And I didn't think about the wet clothes issue, but it does make sense.

 

[newtowdw1]

As a very fair redhead who grew up in the Deep South and was hospitalized 4 times with heat stroke before I turned 21, I feel qualified to comment on this one. My mother thought it was all in my head, but as an adult I have learned to be proactive about sun protection.

Here's a little rule that people tend to forget; always walk on the shady side of any street or pathway, and cut through shops and restaurants wherever possible. Any time you can get out of direct sunlight, do get out of direct sunlight.

Wow! Thank you so much! This is exactly what I need for DD. DH and I both suffered as kids, and I'm trying to keep DD and DS from burning and heat prostation too. Your break down will make it so much easier to catch DD before she falls! I'm pretty good about the sunBLOCK(didn't realize there was a difference until now!), but all the avoiding heat stuff will really help. And, yes, she does not sweat enough. So putting water on her will be the biggest help. Great tips and I really appreciate it.
I've copied it into a word document that I can print and take with me.

 

[jdk5672]

Someone else mentioned but I wanted to reinforce, that Coppertone Sports Spray is a miracle! I'm one of the pale ones. I can get a sunburn in the car! During summer, I spray on the Sports Spray every morning. If I'm outdoors or active I reapply it. It works wonders, isn't greasy, and smells good. (I've had people ask what perfume I'm wearing!). I know this sounds silly, but lots of the other sunblocks make me hot. That greasy lotion doesn't let my skin breath right! The sports spray is lighter and doesn't leave the grease. Also, you don't miss spots rubbing it in. I'm also fond of the Bull Frog brand. It has the same qualities but doesn't smell as pretty. My DH prefers the Bull Frog for that reason.

I've also been known to carry an umbrella to provide my own shade. Think southern ladies and their parasols.... It really helps for those times when you are stuck standing in the open sun. I always walk on the shady side, stand under cover, etc. but sometimes you don't have a choice.

The spray bottles work wonders! too!

I also carry instant cold packs (I buy at Academy sporting goods). They are chemical packs that when you squeeze them to activate turn into cold packs. They are made for sports injuries, but are great for times when you are overheating. I put one on the back of my neck etc to cool down.

Have a great trip!

dl

 

[newtowdw1]

thanks jdk. I hadn't thought of the cold packs. Have you used those neck wraps that you wet and they release 'coolth' for a day? Maybe I'll try to find those. And, yep, I like the spray sun blocks. I'll check into the sports spray. If it let's skin breathe better, we'll all be better off.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

This probably won't go over big with the kids, but if you could pack some very light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants (maybe gauzzy-type material) and have everyone wear them, you would cut down on the chances of sunburn tremendously. I've lived in Florida for the past 15 years and try very hard to avoid the sun if possible. I hate looking pale but I do like keeping my skin healthy and looking younger than my age.

 

[jdk5672]

Haven't used the neck wraps. I started with the chem. ice packs several years ago. We live in central Texas and are AP for Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn so we're used to trying to beat the heat. I'll keep an eye out for the neck wraps and give them a try. I'll let you know!

 

[susy]

I live in FL (for 28 years now) and just wanted to let you know-it is sweltering in FL in August from about 7am-10 pm. After 5pm makes no difference at all. Even at 8pm you will still be dripping sweat. I live indoors all summer and would not even DREAM of going to Disney at this time. Besides, it thunderstorms every afternoon so there goes your afternoon pool break! Since you are both teachers, I recommend going in Dec. It will be just as crowded, but with the cooler temps it makes a difference.

 

[Ahrizel]

I live about an hour south of you and don't take the heat well at all, so I understand what you're getting into. The heat is August is hellish, no way around it. Take some of the worst summer days we have, then make it hotter and considerably more humid-and that is Orlando in summer everyday. I have have done WDW in summer several times and it can be done. Sunburn is curiously not my biggest issue even though I'm very fair. Good sunscreen applied often and getting out of the sun into attractions help a great deal. The heat is another issue. Dress in lightweight, light colored clothes in natural fabrics-cotton and linen are best choices. Drink water all the time, by the time your thirsty you're already starting to dehyrate in summer there. We freeze our water bottles and carry them on our fanny packs in insulated carriers, works well. Stick to water if possible, if not then non caffeinated drinks. As for general strategy go to the parks at opening, leave in midday and come back in evening. Not that it's cool then, but it's a little better. Many shows and rides are in deeply air-conditioned buildings, take advantage of this. Use a stroller for both kids if necessary, allowing dd to sit some may help her deal with the heat better. Go to firstaid at the first sign of trouble, they are very good at dealing with problems and it could save your trip. I wouldn't suggest Christmas, it is more crowded, assuming you can go at the holidays, will make August look dead in comparision. Hurricane risks starts to pick up in August, but shouldn't be a major issue. Pray for rain, overcast rainy days are great for dealing with your issues and almost everything still goes on. Remember above all with care and planning that you are doing you can still have a great trip regardless of the heat and sun problems!

 

[Ahrizel]

double posted by mistakel

 

[newtowdw1]

I really appreciate all of the advice. I've posted it all to a word document. August really is the best time for all of us. We're not commando tourers, ever! I'm disabled and will need to use an ECV at least part-time. One of the reasons we are staying at FW is to experience WDW even if we aren't in the parks. We're going for the whole experience. If DD8 is feeling poorly, no one can have fun. And as a child I had heat issues and so did DH. His mother made him feel guilty, he tried too hard and ended up in the hospital. Who wants that

From what I can tell from all you wonderful Disers, the magic permeates the whole World. We're going to enjoy each other in a Magical place. All of us are so excited that I'm trying to be responsible NOW!!! not in August when GOGOGOGO kicks in. I'm creating an itinerary now that will take the heat into account. That way we'll all be more likely to follow it and not go Type A when our sneakers hit Main Street

Oh, one last worry they're doing the Pirate Cruise. I'm thinking I should warn the CMs about her and make sure she has a cold pack and water bottle.

Thanks again for all your great ideas!