This sounds so superficial but I need some advice.

[DVCkidsMOM]

SPF umbrella? so you are saying the regular rain umbrella won't block the sun? Do I have to buy a new umbrella now?

I don't know if you need a new umbrella, but I seriously love my SPF umbrella and it really keeps me cooler. Theoretically fabric only has a limited protection from the sun's rays because skin damage happens across a broad spectrum of wavelengths, not just in visibile light wavelengths. If you don't have any skin affects that you worry about while in the shade, then any shade is fine for you. We have skin cancer in the family so I want the UPF protection provided by fabrics certified to block a certain amount of damaging sun rays, visible or not. Also, the reflective fabric of my SPF umbrella seems to keep me cooler while I'm under it than does a standard fabric umbrella which gets hot to the touch. YMMV, so do whatever works best for you - I was only sharing my personal experience of what works for me.

 

[gap2368]

SPF umbrella? so you are saying the regular rain umbrella won't block the sun? Do I have to buy a new umbrella now?

I use an unbrella at disney all the time ( and not no one has start at me at all) I am ver careful of my surrounding and if I am in a crowded area I will fold the umbrella so it is almost like a hat over my head ( I hope this make since) and most of the time I only open it if I will be sitting like for a parade or taking a break.

about the SPF and if you need one I find this work much better at keeping you cooler I have never gotten a sun burn at disney ( now where is some wood for me to nock on) but I would go out in the direct sun with the unberella that you are thinking of using do you fell a difference with it then with out it if you do then good if not I would really look into a new one. ( I have seen them at my local walmart Target CVS and other places for not much

this is my 2 cents I know others will not agree with me but this is what I do when I go to disney and I do know I am not the only person at disney.

 

[maryj11]

bring an umbrella.

This is what I was going to say.

 

[sunshine1]

Wear a white hat. White deflects the sun and it will help protect you from the sun.

Also wear 30 plus sun screen

Take a white umbrella if you have to.

 

[starsweeper]

I'm 41 and started getting dark spots. I wear a facial sunscreen (SPF 50) over my moisturizer, followed by IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50++ as my foundation. The foundation has Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Dioxide. It is light and can be layered for more coverage, so you can reapply it during the day, especially if you don't powder set it. If you decide to try it, don't buy the illuminating version, it's very shiny. For my neck and chest I use a Neutrogena sunscreen. I also wear a hat because my scalp tends to burn.

ETA: I read an article stating sunscreens from SPF 30-50 are most effective. Higher SPFs just have more chemicals but don't protect better.

 

[hammie59]

I've always had good luck wth Clinique sunblock and a hat.

 

[aggiedog]

Back to the big hat - they are no problems on rides. If you have one that is packable, they fit nicely behind your back on any ride. I'm light skinned with 2 skin cancer removals already. I go no where without my hat, but I have one specifically for travel that packs flat, the brim is stiff but the top is collapsable canvas. Love it, and it gives me somewhere to put my pins.

I also slather sunscreen regularly.

A good friend is a dermatologist. She'll say hat over just sunscreen any time.

 

[Eastern]

If you don't want a big floppy hat, a visor is better than nothing.

 

[ZoZo]

I don't like to wear hats much, but don't mind visors at all. I have a great one that fastens with Velcro; it's easy take off and hook around the strap of my park bag. It has a really big, wide brim and shades my face completely. Very lightweight and comfy!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I would also take advantage of late nights as much as possible. We prefer the parks at night in the summer time, and since you have teenagers I bet they'll enjoy staying up late.