UV hats or umbrellas?

kclark9830

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jul 28, 2014
Messages
1,097
We've been in the summer months multiple times and we always use cooling towels, ball caps, moisture wicking clothes--you know, all the things to stay somewhat cooled down in the Florida heat.

Has anyone used uv hats or umbrellas? Some can get pricey, so before I consider dishing out for our June trip I'm wondering if it's worth it.

Like I said, we know what it's like to go in summer. Besides that, we're from Alabama so we're kind of used to it. Just trying to beat the heat as much as possible. :umbrella:

Thanks!
 
I wear one of these every time we go to WDW or Disneyland. It's pricey ($80) but the hat is built like a tank and is still as good as new 7 years after I bought it. It has a 4" brim all the way around. I'm also bringing this solar/UV umbrella when we go to WDW in June later this year. It's ~$27. It's compact enough to fit in my purse and not too heavy. But it's wide enough that 2 adults can comfortably stand under it. My DH thinks that I'm a nut for wanting to use "one of those dorky umbrellas when it's not even raining," but I don't care...give it 20 min, and he'll be wanting to share the umbrella with me!
 
We've been in the summer months multiple times and we always use cooling towels, ball caps, moisture wicking clothes--you know, all the things to stay somewhat cooled down in the Florida heat.

Has anyone used uv hats or umbrellas? Some can get pricey, so before I consider dishing out for our June trip I'm wondering if it's worth it.

Like I said, we know what it's like to go in summer. Besides that, we're from Alabama so we're kind of used to it. Just trying to beat the heat as much as possible. :umbrella:

Thanks!

I use an umbrella in the parks for shade. It makes a big difference.
 
No idea if a UV hat actually works, but seems it would be more convenient then using an umbrella on a sunny day. You would always have to be aware of others around you to avoid poking someone. Using all day in the sun is different from using it during a brief storm.
 

I am not a fan of umbrella's in the park, so I will always vote for a type of hat.

Amen!!

i may be weird, but I do not understand the umbrella when it is not raining thing. It just makes me hot. It even makes me hot when it IS raining.
 
I have a friend who swears by her UV umbrella around town - but she's not a theme park person so she has never taken one there. The problem with umbrellas at Disney is the danger of hitting someone. I do take one sometimes for rain - but I'm not sure I could handle the "stress" of using it more frequently for the shade. Now - crowds are lighter right now - but we can't predict park capacity right now. And I admit to being jealous occasionally of those who have them at points. As for UV hats - I'm not sure you need to buy a UV branded one..... Lots of hat varieties can offer sun protection without being official UV ray repellent.
 
I do adjust my use of my UV umbrella based upon crowds, but I find it essential during the summer. I am much cooler under the UV umbrella than without it. Hats, even the UV hats made of cooling fabric, are too hot for me - I sweat from my head more than most it seems - YMMV. Another advantage of the umbrella is more sun coverage, which means less sunscreen. I do try to be considerate with my umbrella - for me that extra effort is worth it for the extra comfort.
It does sound, however, as if you are more acclimated to the heat and humidity than I am. I've lived in gulf-coast Texas for over 27 years now and have NOT acclimated to the humidity. I imagine that you'll do fine whichever you decide since you've done June trips before. Have fun.
 
Last summer, we spent about 20 days in the parks and for the first time, I added UV umbrellas to our bags. It made a huge difference. As summer advanced, I added a neck fan. The combo of shade and a breeze was a special kind of luxury. There were many 30+ minute waits just standing in the sun and I noticed the envious glances of others :)

I enjoyed the summer of 2020 despite the long outdoor queues and masks in part because of my umbrella and fan.
 
Last summer, we spent about 20 days in the parks and for the first time, I added UV umbrellas to our bags. It made a huge difference. As summer advanced, I added a neck fan. The combo of shade and a breeze was a special kind of luxury. There were many 30+ minute waits just standing in the sun and I noticed the envious glances of others :)

I enjoyed the summer of 2020 despite the long outdoor queues and masks in part because of my umbrella and fan.

What kind of neck fan did you use?
 
Amen!!

i may be weird, but I do not understand the umbrella when it is not raining thing. It just makes me hot. It even makes me hot when it IS raining.
If you lived in Arizona you would understand it lol. People use them here all the time to keep the sun off of them. Not only does it actually make you cooler here but it helps to prevent skin cancer which is why I'll have one that I'm using on my next trip. I honestly think it's more about the skin protection than keeping cooler. Gotta protect that skin especially if you have had skin cancer in the past.
 
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I have a friend who swears by her UV umbrella around town - but she's not a theme park person so she has never taken one there. The problem with umbrellas at Disney is the danger of hitting someone. I do take one sometimes for rain - but I'm not sure I could handle the "stress" of using it more frequently for the shade. Now - crowds are lighter right now - but we can't predict park capacity right now. And I admit to being jealous occasionally of those who have them at points. As for UV hats - I'm not sure you need to buy a UV branded one..... Lots of hat varieties can offer sun protection without being official UV ray repellent.
I am taking one but I plan to just mainly use it when standing in an outside line not for walking around. For that I need to find a good hat that can be folded up and won't obstruct my view.
 
I love my UV umbrella - I was devastated when I forgot it on the bus one trip. It is definitely cooler underneath it. An absolute essential for me - I have super fair skin, so I do SPF 50 and the umbrella with great success - never get any color. It’s great to carry your shade with you - many times waiting in long lines at La Choza it has kept me from melting 😂
 
We used our regular umbrellas for shade last trip and it helped a ton. People around us commented they wished they had thought of it. With social distancing umbrellas aren’t a pain anymore to use. Also was handy for the quick rainstorms that popped up.
 














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