Umbrellas in park for the heat?

[1974DW]

Hi, I am a freak about using sunscreen and finding shade for my fair skin. I was wondering, do you see people walking with umbrellas open giving them shade from the sun?

TIA!
Karen

 

[L&Lfan]

I've seen it but to be honest it was always people from other cultures; most often from South Asia. I think you should do it if you feel comfortable and don't mind lugging one around.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have seen it.

May I recommend SPF clothing to help?

 

[emeraldmom]

They make umbrellas with a special coating on them giving them increased sun protection. You can find them on Amazon or Ebay. I just recently got a couple. I'm kind of a nut about sunscreen, and these give extra protection. I wouldn't use them instead of sunscreen, but in addition too. I've only used mine a few times, but in addition to the sun protection, they also make you feel a little bit cooler.

I used mine a King's Dominion this year. If I got any looks I didn't notice. I think I've hit a point where I don't care that much what anybody else thinks.

 

[FencerGirl]

We used one just this past June. It was fabulous and came in handy for the afternoon showers.

 

[shyjade]

DD16 and I (Americans) do not handle the heat well. Last October we were walking around the World Showcase at Epcot and the afternoon sun was just overwhelming, even with our frequent stops indoors. Finally I broke down and bought a cute Panda umbrella at the China pavilion and I have to say, that cheap little umbrella sure helped us get through the day. Best $12 I spent on that trip. It was just enough shade to keep us from overheating.

I plan on packing 2 very small, compact umbrellas for our next trip. Hoping we won't need them in November, but tossing them in the suitcase "just in case".

 

[LaurenT]

It's not common, but I've seen it. I'm also fair - I know they say everything over SPF 45 is a waste, but I cover myself in SPF 100 head to toe ... I don't reapply unless I'm swimming, and I never burn - even when I've been sweating all day.
If you do use an umbrella, I recommend a small one .... Easier to carry and less likely to put someone's eye out when the parks are crowded.

 

[CounselorX]

My wife and I each carry our own umbrella (for rain, and I suppose it would work for the sun as well). I like having an umbrella more than a poncho because when we go in September, even though it may be raining, it's still way too hot for me to wear a poncho.

 

[Meriweather]

I've seen it a few times....not often though

 

[minnie mum]

I've seen them occasionally. They can be problematic in crowds though, either being jostled or getting complaints about being accidentally poked. Haven't heard any stories about eyes being put out yet, though.

Parasols (sun umbrellas) are sold in the pavilions in France and China. And Japan, I think.

 

[jsal318]

I think an umbrella is a bad idea - the parks are just too crowded and no one wants to get poked with an umbrella. How about a hat with a very wide brim?

 

[CounselorX]

Umbrellas are also sold all over the place in the parks and at on-site hotels so Disney has no problem with you using one.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

All the time. Did it myself only a couple of times while waiting around for Star Wars Weekend stuff. in fact there were several folks with umbrellas who kind of moved in to "pool" their shade so more folks could stand there.

it came up on a previous thread that you cannot use umbrellas on a moving ride.

 

[amyren]

We were at Disneyland Tokyo in June and pretty much half of the women there carried parasols. I believe they used them for both sun protection and to cool off a bit. It was considerably cooler in the shade there BUT I believe that in Florida with such high humidity the shade wouldn't make as much as a difference temperature wise. Regardless a parasol would protect you from UV rays. How about a hat? I wore one constantly at Disneyland Tokyo and it protected my face & neck from the sun. It was also easy to take off and sit on or hold onto during an attraction.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

BUT I believe that in Florida with such high humidity the shade wouldn't make as much as a difference temperature wise.

waiting outdoors for up to an hour in June in full sun it made a huge difference.

 

[North of Mouse]

I think an umbrella is a bad idea - the parks are just too crowded and no one wants to get poked with an umbrella. How about a hat with a very wide brim?

We have always carried and used umbrellas and have yet to poke anyone's eyes out! I have used mine for sun numerous times with no 'looks' that I'm aware of, and if so, as another poster said, who cares??

Way better than inconsiderate people rubbing up against you with wet ponchos.
I always watch where I'm going and am careful with my umbrella and if everyone would give others consideration and personal space there would be no problems.

 

[LBIJim]

I've seen people use umbrellas for sun protection at Disney in the past. Not many, but some do and nobody seems to have a problem with it. I would suggest a small folding type umbrella that's easy to carry in a bag when not in use.

Or if you want to go all out and make a statement, maybe the France pavilion sells fancy parasols with ribbons and all that jazz.

 

[Miskey]

I really wish I would have had one a couple of weeks ago while waiting for the Fantasy parade in the stupid fastpass area. It was in full sun and blazing hot. I will bring one for future summer trips, but I'm thinking more of a small parasol.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

We brought along two Samsonite Thin Lightweight fold up umbrellas when we went in June, 2011. I purchased them as part of our "arsenal" to beat the heat. These umbrellas weigh only a few ounces and slid easily into my backpack. We definitely used them.

I will tell you, though, when I posted prior to our trip asking your very question, you can't believe how many people replied saying umbrellas are dangerous in crowds, etc. I was pretty shocked by some of the comments. But, in the end, I think it was for the best because it made me be VERY cautious while using one, I made sure we weren't shoulder to shoulder with others, etc.....always lots of space around us....no poked out eyes.

Good luck! That WS was like an oven as was DHS with all the concrete there.

 

[desamnik]

to be sensitive to the sun. Some people use them for that reason. Being in the sun for hours on end can make some people sick. You never know what is going on with someone's body.