WDW in the HEAT with small children? What to bring/do to protect them?

[emma'smom]

We are headed down for 5 days next week and it hasn't really been hot yet in Ohio until today- so heat has been a bit of an abstract idea. However, today I walked outside and it had hit 90 and it was HOT in the sun.

Now I realize I planned a June trip to Disney and should expect nothing less than hot, hot, hot. However, until today I hadn't really thought about what that meant. So, you experts, what do I need to do/take to really survive the heat and protect dd1 and dd4 from the sun while still enjoying ourselves.

This isn't our only trip to WDW ever- just a quickie so there might be some attractions to skip in the heat. What are these? When should we leave the parks to avoid the worst of the heat? What should we take to protect ourselves? Do mister fans really work? Help....

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

hi there have fun!!!

make sure they stay hydrated first and foremost!!

but get a fan that clips to the stroller adn those mister type bottles are great to keep them wet and cool!!!

 

[Microcell]

Drink water... ALOT!

Sunscreen, I kid you not 50+ SPF. I am fair skinned and didn't get enough on my back and after two hours I had the worst burn I have ever had- complete with blisters. So painful!

Take breaks and do lots of indoor rides. Rest, take breaks often inside places. If you want to leave the parks, the sun is the hottest between 3 and 5PM. Don't spend all that time in the pool at the resort either, they could burn quickly in the water. You should be okay with sunscreen, but keep in mind resting will help combat heat stroke risk.

Also be sure to wear hats to keep your heads from burning!

I am from Michigan so I know just how much of a novice you are! I had a friend babysitting my kids and she said "I wouldn't let them in the pool because it was only 75 degrees today and my rule is no going in the pool unless it is at least 78 degrees". I pointed out it does not hardly hit 80 in Michigan until August, so if I lived by that rule I never would have swam!

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Plenty of liquid, sunscreen, hats, and stroller with canopy protection from the sun are important. I find that a Misty Mate bottle from Wal-mart ($13) really helps keep the kids cool. They love the soft cool mist of water on their faces.

We get to the parks when they open, then take the kids back to the resort around 1:00pm to cool off and rest during the hottest part of the day. They are refreshed and ready to return to the parks for an evening of fun without feeling tired and cranky.

 

[lyzziesmom]

I agree, lots and lots of sunscreen. Remember that FL is closer to the equator and the sun, even on a cloudy and/or rainy day, is much much stronger than what you are used to. I lived in FL for 15+ years and would still get a burn if I sat outside to eat my lunch! Now in KS I can be in the sun all day and only get a slight tan.

Don't forget to slather the little ones entire bodies with sunscreen, especially if they will be in a stroller. Being closer to the ground, they will get a lot of reflected sun from the ground and their little feet and faces burn so easily. I like to use a sunscreen stick on their faces, it doesn't smear into their eyes. Also make sure the stroller has a sunshade on it and use it; be careful to never park the stroller in the sun with kids in it, even just for a minute to look at the map or whatever. Put the sunscreen on before you leave the hotel, it needs 30 minutes before it works effectively. And remember to reapply every couple of hours, especially if the kids get wet.

The misting fans are great for cooling off, but I would suggest buying one and bringing it with you rather than getting one at the park. I saw them at Target a week before our trip in May for $5 or $6 and thought that was a little much - then we got to WDW and DD goes off & buys herself a misting fan at MK.... SEVENTEEN DOLLARS!

Try to hit the outdoor attractions as early as possible, and go to the indoor attractions and shows during the hottest part of the day (noon - 3pm).

And my personal favorite way to beat the heat at WDW - eat lots of ice cream!

 

[tmt martins]

I found the floppy hats work best for the kids and adults.

You can wet them and the stay soaked for a bit and if you keep your head cool your overall body temp will stay cool.

 

[emma'smom]

These are great ideas! I bought that 50+ continuos spray sunscreen, a 50 portable sunscreen that clips on our bag, and I still have a facial stick. They are all designated as safe for babies and waterproof. I'm still looking for a hat for dd1. Also, what about sunglasses? Any hints on how to keep them on dd1?

We have a Joovy which we plan to take with us. This has some sun shelter for dd1, but not for dd4 (she'll be better about keeping her hat on, but still). We did buy one misting fan from wal-mart (4.97) that takes two batteries. DD4 liked the pink and orange colors. It has an orange strap. It seems a bit bulky, but not horrible. Will one be enough?

Also, should I pack some bottled water in our luggage? We didn't use much of it the last time we went, but it was in March and not as hot. Also, the DDP snack credits didn't offer as many options, so we did tend to use snack credits for water. Something I bet we won't want to do now that we have more snack options to try!

What about eating? Will we feel like eating with the heat?

Also, usually I pack two outfits per day and throw in a few extra for good measure. This covers changing clothes that have beend dripped on, drooled on and spilled on from morning so that they look "fresh" for evening adventures and also covers the inevitable potty accidents that come from dd (just turned four) not paying attention because she's too busy to stop and ask to use the bathroom.

Anyway, will I want to change their clothes more often because of the heat or am I on target with this?

 

[Jesussavedme]

Try to stay in the shade as much as possible.

I live here in FL and I get sun sickness when I am in the sun too long, I get migraines when I'm in the heat for too long.

Keep a cool rag packed in ice in a baggie and replace when it melts. This works wonders in bringing down my body temperature and making me tolerate the weather better.

 

[bartleby1]

We have always gone in the heat of the summer and although it is VERY hot, it is managable. We save long indoor rides and shows for mid-afternoon for a cool relaxing break. Definitely use the mister fans for your kids - mine love them. We have always brought just one, but last year my older two fought over it. I'm bringing two this year. I've never been able to get my kids to keep sunglasses on so I don't bother with that anymore but places like one step ahead and probably babies r us sell ones with a strap that velcros around the babies head that you could try. Try to keep a hat on them but if your kids are like mine, that doesn't last very long either. Target sells a great floppy hat for little ones that ties under their chin and dries quickly if it gets wet. Otherwise, the stroller will protect them from the sun while they are in it. You mentioned that your stroller doesn't have a sun shade for you 4 year old? Is there anyway to attach a hood somehow? I would definitely search for some way to shade your 4 year old, even if it required buying a different stroller or renting one. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day!! Also, make sure the kids ALWAYS have a cold drink to sip on. If they aren't big drinkers, try getting them to eat some fresh fruit or even ice pops. My kids LOVE to eat the fresh fruit bowls when they are hot. I remember buying the fruit in Toontown.

As far as change of clothes, I bring one extra outfit per kid to the parks. I don't change them unless we have a major problem (potty accident or LARGE drink spillage). Otherwise, I clean the kids up the best I can and we keep going! A little dirt won't hurt thm! Oh, and I do bring the disposable pampers bibs- even for my 6 year old, for messy, melting, mickey bars, lol! And don't forget LOTS of baby wipes! I pack a ziplock bag full of wipes every day. The travel size containers aren't enough for three kids (one in diapers) and this way I have plenty to clean off tables, strollers, etc.

Have fun!

 

[newtowdw1]

I bought neck coolers (called neck bandoos at www.badgersden.com) for around $7 each last summer. VERY worth it. Holds water all day without trickling down your neck. We used ours everyday for 10 days. I just bought new ones, and a couple for my parents, too. Made a HUGE difference. Much better than bandanas soaked in water.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

We got a "Protect A Bub" shade to tie onto our MacClaren stroller.

We also got a clip on stroller fan, but our ds18M tries to remove it. He won't leave it alone.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

So, you experts, what do I need to do/take to really survive the heat and protect dd1 and dd4 from the sun while still enjoying ourselves.

Not sure if this applies in your situation, but it's a good tip for breastfeeding moms...make sure to nurse on demand while out in the summer sun touring WDW, even if it throws off a schedule or seems like a lot. Keep those babies hydrated!