Tips for Keeping Cool Around the parks!

[surgefest]

What are some tips that you and your family do to try and keep cool on those hot and humid days in the parks??? You can give examples of things you do in each park if you want... Thanks for all info!

 

[goNsoon2WDW]

Misters and fans!

I bought a personal mister (that does NOT run on batteries) for us to use. It works quite well as we have tried it out to make sure we like it.

We also bought a small fan that can hang around your neck. Unfortunately, it does run on batteries (we will be bringing extra), but is it really great for those hot, humid days of Central Florida.

If all else fails, try a water ride!

 

[wendyinaustin]

We went last summer and brought those cooling neck-ties with expanding gel beads in them. You soak them in water (we used iced water) and the gel expands and stays cool. It really made a difference for us. You can buy them at walmart(cheaper) or camping stores.

 

[LimeGreenEd]

Take time out from the thrill rides to do some of the shows. It's amazing how much better you feel after 15-20 minutes sitting in the dark and cool (Disney AC seems to be set on "Arctic") theater. Also drink plenty of water.

 

[jayandstacey]

We just ducked into air conditioned places as often as possible. Our last trip was 90 degrees plus and we did a 14 hour day without leaving.

The worst part was actually heading to Tom Sawyer's in midday. We had no change (for vending) and while there we 'ran out of steam'. We were grumpy and sluggish waiting to get back off, but we survived

 

[jtopp]

misting fans and cooling gel ties from walmart. Also, there are misting areas and squirt fountain areas in each park, a quick way to get cooled off. If not, a quick walk through an attraction or store is sometimes good just to cool down, if only for a few moments

 

[twinklebug]

Take time out from the thrill rides to do some of the shows. It's amazing how much better you feel after 15-20 minutes sitting in the dark and cool (Disney AC seems to be set on "Arctic") theater. Also drink plenty of water.

Don't worry about how you look for the pics. Keep your hair tied back, Avoid makeup, replace it with suntan lotion. You can modify the pics on your computer when you get home

Drink. Drink. Drink. Even when you think you're not thirsty - drink. Nothing will ruin a whole day of fun faster than dehydration. Keep a bottle clipped to you and have it at least 1/4 full so you have something there if needed.

Put a washcloth in a ziplock (you can freeze these the night before) and wipe down your face & neck when needed.

Go slow. Take advantage of all the connected stores in MGM and MK to walk in the AC. Hard part... keeping the wallet closed

This last tip is easier if you're staying onsite... in the summer particularly, LEAVE the park before noon. Go back to the room, relax, get in a quick swim, stay OUT OF THE SUN (unless swimming of course). Head back in around 4ish. The rains may still be going on or just starting, but the parks clear out a bit when they do.

 

[bluejasmine]

Water, water, water! Ride TTC or train in MK when you need a break to cool off, take in a show in EP World showcase. Misting fans and I have brought a wet washcloth in a zip lock bag that I can wet and cool off with..

 

[Cool-Beans]

Get a lot of sleep, drink a lot of water. Know when enough is enough.

 

[jayandstacey]

Put a washcloth in a ziplock (you can freeze these the night before) and wipe down your face & neck when needed.

I second this emotion. I kept mentally monitoring my "core temperature" to see if I felt like the heat was coming from inside me. When I felt like I was warm inside, I'd stop and wet my hair. I'd actually wear a baseball cap and soak it with cold water.

We'd then look for a shop or show and really cool down.

 

[surgefest]

great tips!

 

[Dizneycrazy3]

Eat lots of Mickey bars

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Those wet neck tie things are soooo good.

 

[lissiesmum]

We went last summer and brought those cooling neck-ties with expanding gel beads in them. You soak them in water (we used iced water) and the gel expands and stays cool. It really made a difference for us. You can buy them at walmart(cheaper) or camping stores.

does anyone have the exact name for these cooling neck ties? I did a search on walmart.com and had no matching results??? sounds like a great way to stay cool

 

[Kick Save]

Underarmor!

Also, and this will sound WAY counter-intuitive, I typically wear two t-shirts (or a t-shirt over the underarmor). Why? Same reason you layer up in the winter, to insulate from the cold. Only this case insulates you from the heat. Wouldn't believe it myself, except I've done it the last three summer trips and have stayed much more comfortable than just one shirt or even the tank top approach.

 

[wendyinaustin]

does anyone have the exact name for these cooling neck ties? I did a search on walmart.com and had no matching results??? sounds like a great way to stay cool

Sorry - wish I could remember the brand name but we threw them away - ours got yucky after a few uses. I bought the originals at REI - an outdoor/camping store - brand is Kafka's. They were $10 a piece. (maybe the more expensive brand would have lasted longer)

I took them back after I found some at Walmart for about $3. I searched and found www.sparklingearth.com - they have some on clearance (Arctic Bandana), but you would have to pay for shipping. I would check a local Walmart - they might have some left in the store. Good luck! If you can find them, I would get them. They work!

 

[mysparky]

We were there mid-late August and followed many of the tips already provided.

Here's what we did:

#1 rule - stay hydrated!!! Prior to the trip, I purchased camelbaks for all of us (kid-sized and adult sized). I had no interest in being the water carrier for everyone and the kids bags were light enough that they were only carrying a few lbs when filled We filled them up every morning and the kids were more than willing to drink the water because we added propel mix. We'd refill the pouches before we went out each evening. Excluding other beverages with meals, etc, we had an average of 2-3 liters/day.

#2 - Get the park at opening and leave everyday by 1-1:30. We spent 2.5 - 4 hrs each afternoon relaxing, laying low, and staying cool. As much as we had wanted to go mini-golfing one afternoon, we all realized that we needed a break from the sun and heat!

#3 - While in the park, we pretty much tried to get to something indoors (A/C) by every 3rd ride. Those waits and rides inside did a lot to keep us in good shape.

We also had the misters that you pump (got ours from Walmart) and they helped keep things more comfortable.

The right clothes can help too. Finally, definitely no dark shirts! My kids have a few duo-dry/quick dry shirts (Champion brand from Target) which are lighter-weight and better ventilated than 100% cotton. They also had light-colored hats.

I thought it was going to be so much worse, but we were definitely ok. We'll take the hot/humid weather and lower crowds anyday over the Thanksgiving crowds (the only other time we've been able to go)!

 

[RllngRckBrw]

Look to do the air conditioned attractions mid day in the heat. This also helps because many of these (Hall of Presidents, Universe of Energy, etc) ususally have shorter lines. Also take into consideration what cues are indoors, thus being better options for a mid day break. I would rather wait in a hour line indoors than a 30 min line outside in the blaring sunlight.

 

[lrdgrifter]

Dress in layers. Wear tighter "underarmor" style shirts with a loose cotton t-shirt over that.

Water, water, water.

We actually use camping water bottles. Katadyn is the brand, I think. They work like a Britta or Pur pitcher. They cost about $30, and all you have to do is find water in the park. No more lugging around warm icky water all day!

We also try to eat lunch a little late in the day - when the afternoon sun is the hottest. Getting out of the sun at 2-3pm really helps recharge you for the rest of the day!

 

[The Sweetness]

Squueze Breeze (misting fan) and frozen Cokes, baby