Waterpark or not? Sunburn problem

[dis314]

We're planning a WDW disneymoon in September, and put Water Park Fun and More option, since we love water slides, and the theming at the Disney waterparks seem to be great. It's a 6 nights, 7 days trip, and our first visit ever to WDW. We wanted to experience everything. But I belatedly noticed the sunburn we could get from the waterparks may ruin our trip. Both of us are very prone to sunburn, and our effort to avoid sunburn at the waterparks has been total failure so far. We usually apply and reapply sunscreen, try to stay in the shade as much as possible, treat with aloe afterwards, etc, but the result is usually still nasty

We're currently thinking of making one visit each to the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach during our trip, but considering the sunburn problem, I'm thinking of dropping the Water Park option and concentrate on the main parks, or maybe just making one visit to either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on the last day so that the sunburn won't affect the trip itself. But my df is very excited about the waterparks, so I'm torn. Any thoughts? Any tips for avoiding nasty sunburns at waterparks would also be appreciated. Are there a lot of shades? Can we wear T-shirts over bathing suits outside of the pool? Am I too paranoid ?

 

[Christy729]

You can't wear t-shirts on the slides, but you can wear those bathing suit tops that look like shirts. They usually have sleeves too. You could also wear hats throughout the day, except for on the slides. Get a wide-brimmed straw hat, they're breathable. Also, reapply sunscreen often. Make sure you are dry when you reapply, and let it absorb for a few moments before getting back into the waterl

 

[chartle]

We're planning a WDW disneymoon in September, and put Water Park Fun and More option, since we love water slides, and the theming at the Disney waterparks seem to be great. It's a 6 nights, 7 days trip, and our first visit ever to WDW. We wanted to experience everything. But I belatedly noticed the sunburn we could get from the waterparks may ruin our trip. Both of us are very prone to sunburn, and our effort to avoid sunburn at the waterparks has been total failure so far. We usually apply and reapply sunscreen, try to stay in the shade as much as possible, treat with aloe afterwards, etc, but the result is usually still nasty

We're currently thinking of making one visit each to the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach during our trip, but considering the sunburn problem, I'm thinking of dropping the Water Park option and concentrate on the main parks, or maybe just making one visit to either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on the last day so that the sunburn won't affect the trip itself. But my df is very excited about the waterparks, so I'm torn. Any thoughts? Any tips for avoiding nasty sunburns at waterparks would also be appreciated. Are there a lot of shades? Can we wear T-shirts over bathing suits outside of the pool? Am I too paranoid ?

Of course you can wear anything outside the pool and you can also wear t shirts inside the pools.

I haven't been to BB in awhile but people always comment that it has less shade and all the white snow makes it even brighter.

 

[TandLMommy28]

My family is prone to sunburn as well. When we went when I was 14, we did parks during the day, water parks at night when the sun wasn't as strong. It worked out great.

Also, since you tend to burn easily, I recommend packing a big blue jar of Noxema on your trip. It soothes the burn and helps it heal. I never knew it until recently, but Noxema was created to heal sunburn first. It was later found to be great as a facial cleanser. I recently had a bad burn and rubbed it all over and the pain disappeared and it healed without peeling--that never happens!

 

[moongirl]

Buy rashguard shirts for both of you. You should be able to get them from Lands End or LL Bean.

Near the ski patrol area of BB there is plenty of shade. Hang out there, eat lunch and chill out around the middle part of the day when the sun is the strongest.

Go around 2:30 pm and stay until closing. That way you avoid the most sun intensive part of the day.

 

[skier_pete]

OK, I would say if you love water parks - you should check them out. Disney water parks kick all other water parks' butt.

I disagree with "go late". The parks close at 5 PM in September...the sun might tail off a bit by 4 PM, but really the whole time they are open (10 AM - 5PM) is "the heat of the day".

What I would say, assuming you can afford that option - is to just go to the water parks for a few hours each. There are not a ton of slides at each park - if you get there at opening, you can pretty much check everything out by 1 PM or so. This would limit sun exposure, combined with using sun screen and shade, you should get away without a burn.

And don't forget, the regular parks you can spend quite a bit of time outside - especially AK and somewhat MK. We use sunscreen every day in our September trips.

 

[mwerner2]

I don't know if you can wear T-shirts on all the slides, but I wore one two weeks ago on the family tube ride at Typhoon Lagoon and no one said anything about it.

I also wore it riding around the Lazy River with no problem.

Staying covered up as much of the time as possible is your best bet.

 

[jcriket]

I saw a lot of people wearing long sleeve under armor type, water shirts the last few times i've been to the water parks. I was thinking about looking for some of these, and i'm not one that burns easily.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

As PPs have said, get rash guard shirts. You can even get them long sleeved. Land's End has them for men and women in all sizes. Buy a good waterproof sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection - we really like Neutrogena, but there are many others. Make sure you are using about an ounce per person (so says my dermatologist friend) -chances are you are not putting nearly enough on. Reapply every couple of hours or whenever you have rubbed your skin with a towel to dry off or have been wet for a prolonged time (like in the wave pool). Find a shady place in the middle of the day.

Apply sunscreen while you are still at your resort - don't wait until you get to the water parks.

September Florida sun is still very strong - don't think you can get by with less just because summer is over.

We routinely spend 4-5 hours at the beach here (not as strong as FL sun, but still intense in the summer) and generally escape without any pink as long as we are diligent. I tend to burn easily as well.

For $250, you can rent a cabana with chairs, a large umbrella, a cooler of water and an attendant to get your food. But for about $40 you can rent two chairs and an umbrella. You can also stake out your own for free, but if guaranteeing a shady spot is a necessity, it might be worth the $40.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I was at BB last week and I wear a swim shirt as do DS and his family. Mine is this one:
http://www.sundayafternoons.com/store/womens-swim-shirts/

Bobbi

 

[dis314]

Wow, thank you very much for all the great tips! I understand we don't have to skip waterparks if we're well-prepared

I didn't know about the rash guard shirts, and it would be a great idea to buy them. Reserving the shady place may also be worthwhile, though it's a bit expensive. I'll think about it. I also will make sure to be careful not to get burned at the other parks. I really appreciate all the advice

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Wow, thank you very much for all the great tips! I understand we don't have to skip waterparks if we're well-prepared

I didn't know about the rash guard shirts, and it would be a great idea to buy them. Reserving the shady place may also be worthwhile, though it's a bit expensive. I'll think about it. I also will make sure to be careful not to get burned at the other parks. I really appreciate all the advice

If you get there early, I'm sure you can find a shady space on your own, particulary at TL. Word is that there is much more shade at TL than at BB.

 

[elgerber]

The swim shirts are wonderful! A couple years back we were in Cabo in August, dumb, but it was free. My kids got fried the first day in the pool with multiple high SPF applications. We drove to the local mall and paid a pretty penny for swim shirts with built in SPF, but it made a HUGE difference!!!!!!!!!!!! Kept the sun off their sunburns and prevented any further burning.

 

[heatherwillmom]

We always do a water park. I burn very easy & DS sometimes does too. We love the rash guard shirts. I also get a good waterproof sunscreen like Bullfrog. We use one of the strong sunscreen sticks, like a SPF 50, on our face, especially under our eyes, & the top of our ears. We get lip balm with SPF too

 

[ZoZo]

Great advice from others about wearing "rashguard" shirts.

I also recommend using the best waterproof sunscreen you can find - I use either Bullfrog brand (used for many years by scuba divers because it's so waterproof) or that Coppertone Sport Spray in the blue can. That stuff goes on like glue, and you have to scrub and scrub to get it off.

Also, try going earlier in the morning, right at opening, and only stay for a little while. Experts recommend staying out of the mid-day sun, so perhaps if you go as early in the day as possible, it will help.

 

[donipan]

You are not using the right sunscreen and/or not using it right .
But rashguards are a great help!

 

[goin' again!]

I just bought new 'swim shirts' for both of my boys from Land's End. They're on sale at the moment and are SPF 50. We have a pool and the boys are outside constantly and have never burned the areas where the shirt covers. They have burned their noses and ears though!

We swear by them!

 

[DreadpiratK]

Natural red head here, so I know all about sun burn. The two best things ever are rash guards (get them slightly large as the tend to cling and be uncomfortable) and spray on sunscreen I use the SPF 100 for babies in the morning, and the SPF 50 spray on during the day to maintain. Plus I wear a rash guard all day, and longer shorts. Haven't had a bad burn since I bought my first rash guard. It's nice to be able to enjoy the sun again!

 

[BigKid45]

Irish, pasty white, red hair, blue eyes...I've learned to live for SPF. Try to hit the water parks after 2PM if you can. The most intense burning rays are 10AM to 2PM. We do morning parks, then hotel, then TL on our water park days. TL has more shade IMO and I think it has less of a strain on the eyes even without sunglasses. We use SPF 50+ swim shirts purchased from Solartex.com and SPF 50 waterproof sunblock on face, neck ears and legs...don't forget the ears. Reapply, Reapply, Reapply. Take a break in the shade when you can. TL Lazy River is fairly well shaded and a nice break from the direct sun of the wave pool. Don't forget, H2O+Fun gets you into Disney Quest too....a great fall back adventure if you get a long rainy day.

 

[sissy_42]

How often do you re-apply sunblock? And what SPF do you use? And do you apply at least 15 min before going in the water? I see so many people at water parks, pools and beaches put it on then jump right in the water. Even if you are using water/sweet proof sunblock you need to wait.