Trip in August...need advice on heat

[Anna Chassereau]

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are taking our son to the parks for three days and then a Disney cruise on the Dream heading to the Bahamas in August for his birthday...we've come down the past two years to Disney but we've always come in the fall so heat hasn't been an issue really.

Has anyone been in August? Can you give me any tips on surviving the heat? We're from SC and it's hot as blue blazes up here during the summer too...I've just heard the humidity is unreal in FL in the summer.

I bought us some handheld misting fans, some Froggy Toggs cooling towels, a fan for my sons stroller and we plan on obviously hydrating as much as possible and heading back to our resort from around noon until the sun goes down and then coming back to the park. Is there anything I'm missing?

I'm honestly pretty nervous about doing the parks in such extreme heat...anyone who's traveled down there during the summer tell me we'll still have an awesome time even though it's super hot!

 

[glassslippergirl]

I'm a life-long Floridian. August is as bad as it gets. My advice is that it's all about mindset. If you go in thinking that it will be awful, then it will be, no matter how many frog togs you pack. You've got to go in to each day focused on having fun, not focused on how hot it's going to be. Be like your little one-- he's not fixated on the weather; he just wants to get to Dumbo.

Now, my thoughts on the best cooling devices. We do like cooling towels. Make sure you get one for everyone, including the little one; we didn't the first time we used them, and he kept taking mine so he could look like daddy. I don't know if this is manufacturer recommended, but they are like a personal air conditioning if you dip them in ice water throughout the day. I don't like the spray fans because in high humidity, evaporation is slow; often the spray of water makes me feel sweatier, but ymmv. My husband likes personal fans with a lanyard that you wear around your neck that blow air constantly to your face.

This isn't mentioned a lot, and I know it's not considered by sellers on etsy who make all the cute Disney trip outfits, but what you wear really will decide how comfortable you are each day. The best choices are light colors, natural fabrics. I like to wear shorts-- not capris or pants-- that fall well above the knee and sleeveless cotton shirts. Don't try to put together cute Disney outfits. These are invariably in thick, dark colored tees that will easily make it feel 10 degrees hotter. Also, bring a wide brimmed hat, wear good sunglasses that don't slide down your nose when you get sweaty, and choose a sunscreen that feels light when you put it on.

I think you're making the right choice with an afternoon break. The pool feels really good that time of day. Keep in mind that late afternoon thunderstorms are common (like everyday common) that time of year. Using an hour-by-hour forecast app each morning can help you choose the best time for your break (although a bonus if you're in the park during the rain is that crowds clear out). The storms move on quickly, and you'll easily be able to enjoy the parks most evenings.

Bring clothing changes for the little one and carry water shoes. The splash pads for kids are so much fun, but you need to change clothes after most splash sessions. My last piece of advice is, if you're really feeling like the heat is too much, choose an air conditioned ride, something lengthy like Hall of Presidents or Ellen's Energy Adventure-- very refreshing.

 

[LaurEm378]

glassslippergirl gave excellent tips above. Sometimes in WDW in August I feel like I'm vacationing on the sun itself.

The humidity is killer but taking that afternoon break is key. We get up early, do the parks until 11 or 12, then rest and relax in the room, or in the pool in the shade. Usually have a TS dinner around 5 pm and head back to the parks afterwards when the sun is going down.

Definitely protect your stroller from rain every time you leave it outside, even if it doesn't look like rain. Most stroller parking areas are not sheltered. I've been known to cover mine with the rain cover and some garbage bags or cheapie ponchos. Ours got soaked one day when I didn't cover it properly, and it took a day or two to dry out completely due to the humidity.

I highly recommend the Dark Sky app for up to the minute weather info.

You'll do fine as long as you're prepared! Happy planning!

 

[Anna Chassereau]

Thank you both so much for the great advice!! I've only bought two of those cooling towels thinking we could all share but definitely buying two more after reading this! I also hadn't thought about covering up the stroller so thank you for that too!

 

[Hootch]

We have usually gone in June and July. Maybe not as hot as August but close. I'll a couple of things.

I pack a change of clothes for each day. Going back into the parks with a fresh set of clothes for the evening is revitalizing. We drive so luggage is not an issue for us.

Save some of the air conditioned attractions; Mickey's Philharmagic, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, etc; for early afternoon before you head toward the break.

Since we drive so I load in a couple of cases of water. (We also go to the beach after Disney.) Starting out in the morning and evening with cold water will help with hydration.

 

[jen73]

I couldn't agree more with having 2 separate outfits a day, including underwear and a fresh bra! Lol We took mid day breaks, swam and took cool showers and completely changed into fresh dry outfits before heading back to the parks in the evenings. I would definitely start my day as EARLY as possible to get as much in before you start melting. I would also be very flexible with my schedule, don't be upset to have to change it. Have some room for leeway. I also recommend ordering some cases of water to have in your room. Our twins when they were younger LOVED the water bottle fans, lifesavers!

Also I'd ask housekeeping for as many fresh towels as they are willing to part with. And when you leave in the morning, set the AC to the coldest setting so when you get back, it'll be chilly

 

[JerseyGirl]

We have gone twice in August...I agree with everything said previously. Stay positive, planned right it will be just as much fun as in cooler months.

I know denim shorts are popular but are hot and take forever to dry...I like a cool knee length sundress for DD and I and light colored tshirts and athletic/thin shorts for DH and DS. There are lots of air conditioned rides, stores, eateries. Not sure how strongly you feel about the daily parade...we have found skipping it works for us...you sit and bake in the sun and we are taking an afternoon break usually around 3:00. If you don't want to miss it be sure to have a cold beverage, hat, shades and cooling towels...wet paper towels sitting on your wrists help cool you immediately. Start drinking lots of water a week before your trip so you start really hydrated.

We are going this August too...I just keep telling myself it is just as hot and humid in NJ in August...and everything is always better in Disney!

 

[happymommy]

I go often the last two weeks of August, and actually it's much better than July!

Heck, it's hot at home as well, so we always have a great time.

I count on an afternoon storm pretty much any day, but it's a nice thing as it can cool things off a bit. I always have an umbrella (and need to get some of those $1 ponchos at Target again for my next trip - nice to have a few in my purse as they're disposable - my husband bought four ponchos from Disney last trip as it rained a TON and all day a few days, but I hate having to lug around a wet poncho).

I wear nice Chacos sandals that can get wet (matter of fact I rinse them off in the shower). Nothing like wet socks in sneakers - yuck.

We take LOTS of breaks - Epcot pavilions have a lot to do in the air conditioning.

I always have a light sweater - sometimes the air conditioning is WAY too cold! Nothing like stepping in out of 90 degrees to a freezing restaurant or bus!

 

[Barbydoll8]

Not born and bread but been here 20 years and glassslippergirl hit some of the most important ones. Mid day breaks being huge.
I would also add 2 things. Sunscreen and OFTEN. I mean often. Like every 3 hours. You will sweat it off.
Food & water. you can not and I repeat, you can NOT drink enough water. Water is free at any quick service location. Take advantage of it. Norther/western folks I find just don't drink like we do here and are often dehydrated quickly. If you are thirsty, it's too late.
And finally - food. Don't skip eating because you are hot. Ok, I get not wanting a bit meal but keep snacking through the day. It's very important that you keep blood sugar normal.
Enjoy.