What are your "must-haves" for hot weather & the Theme parks?

[rjthkids]

We're going at the very beginning of May. Considering we're coming from a climate where we'll just be hitting upper sixties/low seventies on a consistent basis and NO HUMIDITY all year long, Floridian weather is going to be an adjustment.

What do bring to make the weather more bearable for little ones?

So far I'm thinking:

clip on fan for the stroller (plus sun shade)
wick away socks to keep feet from getting sweaty and blistery
lots and lots of water

Any other thoughts or ideas of little things that can go a long way to making the weather more enjoyable?

 

[dansyr2514]

Never been in May...but have been in June, August and September. I would say if it is hot, plan on taking a mid day break...take a nap, hit the pool.

 

[singingpixie]

The biggest thing, which I see you've already noted, is water. Do anything you can to keep everyone drinking pretty much constantly. Also, try to break up your touring with air-conditioned shows at regular intervals- taking a break in the AC is the best way to keep your body cool.

I bought a misty mate (travel sized thing that will produce a fine mist of water) but I actually didn't think it was as helpful as I thought it would be- I was already damp from sweat, so once the water in the mister warmed up from being outside, it didn't really make a difference.

Plan to take a break at midday to rest, refresh and swim at the hotel. Also plan a second set of clothes each day, because no one wants to put their sweaty clothes back on after swimming. This applies to underwear and bras as well- I brought every bra I owned and was glad to have done it.

As long as you're prepared and expect to be hot and sweaty (don't bother styling your hair or putting on much makeup, because it won't stay that way!), it's really not that bad. Have a wonderful time!

 

[NurseJamie]

The most important thing, of course, is keeping hydrated. I have issues with paying through the nose for bottled water, so I always bring a water bottle along and fill before we go to the park and refill at the water fountains. Disney has no problem with people bringing bottles of water into the park (as long as they're not glass) and no one has ever bothered me filling my bottle at the fountain.

Problem is - Orlando water tastes like burnt matches. The water from the fountains is usually warm-ish, which tastes even more sulfur-y. I always bring the "on-the-go" Crystal Light packets with me into the park. That way I'm not put off drinking by the water's nasty flavor. You mentioned you have kids, and I know some people are uncomfortable with giving their children artificial sweeteners, but you could also pack tiny tupperware containers or ziploc baggies of Kool-Aid or Iced Tea Mix powder.

There are grocery delivery services you could look into, too, which could deliver flats of bottled water to your hotel room. That way you could grab a few bottles before you head out to the parks for the day. Never done it myself, but it seems people have had good luck with them.

 

[rjthkids]

Yes--- I'm a huge water fanatic here as well. Every child of mine has a 1 liter Kleen Kanteen. For a day at the parks in early May, I've been presuming on bringing 2-3 liters of water for each of us. Hopefully that will eliminate the need to keep filling up, or finding places to fill up.

Good to know about the tap water there though. I'll probably go ahead and order several cases so we don't have to worry about that! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[dmthoma76]

Dress in light thin clothing that can breathe! I saw so many people dressed in black! Or with jeans on, or some other ridiculous thing! Fanning themselves about to have heat stroke!

Khaki shorts in a light thin material, t-shirts that fit (not oversized) in light colors are good bets!

I guzzle a bottle of water before we leave and carry one around, I also put on sunscreen...nothing like that florida sweaty glow! Also I would try that new clinical strength deodorant!

~Donna

 

[disneyfan61]

We went late May last year (also same time this year) & coming from NH I found it extremely HOT & was nauseous for 3 days because of the heat. That is when I discovered Vitamin Water & it really helped me a lot. I will be prepared this year!! Also a small mister fan.

 

[tiggertabi]

We went the first week of may last year and it was beautiful! Around 80 degrees every day. I loved every minute of the weather, except Animal Kingdom which is always like 20 degrees hotter I swear! Drink lots of water, space out seeing lots of shows for the shade/ac, etc. I try to eat a later breakfast, then a later lunch so I am eating inside for the hottest part of the day.

 

[Glencora]

A HAT! Especially if you have dark hair. It may sound counterintuative, but hats really do keep you cool, and they keep the sun off your face.

 

[its.just.ice]

Lots of water, one of the water sprayer/fan combos, and sunblock.

 

[yulilin3]

Apart from everything said before, I am an Orlando resident and visit the parks almost every weekend and one thing that is free is when you're in the parks and it starts getting really hot go to the restrooms, grab a piece of paper towel that you can wrap around the back of your neck and soak it in water, it feels really good.
Also remember the parks have water rides (rides where you get wet) and places for the kids and not so kids to get wet, so that would be another options, just remember to maybe bring a small towel and extra socks (like you already said.) Plan to go on the rides that are inside between 11 and 3pm (like MK: philharmagic, pirates, haunted mansion; Epcot:universe of energy, soarin, the seas w/nemo DHS: American Idol, voyage of little mermaid, animation station, great movie ride AK: festival of the lion king, finding nemo:the musical.)
Lots of water, you have no idea how manny people we see just fainting in front of your eyes because of the heat.

 

[LaTalentueux]

Sandals are a must for us! You gotta let that air flow around your extremities! Comfortable sandals don't have to cost a day's wage. I got some "Earth"-type shoes (I honestly can't remember the name, but they were comfy-looking ones) from Wal-Mart for $15, and my feet were feeling fine the whole time.

 

[ChuckGA]

Patience and calm. Being able to ignore the umpteenth group that just cuts in front of you because "they have to catch up to their group (of one) in front" and make light of the most stressful situations will get you farther than a bottle of water, although I recommend you drink the water also. Stress and focusing of the negative will wear you out much faster than walking in the sun and heat. This is coming from a type A+ person so I know how hard it can be and it cannot always be followed. As I tell my kids, "If we didn't make big mistakes and get into bad situations, we wouldn't have such great vacation stories to tell."

 

[landshark]

Water would be my #1 thing. Bring wide-mouthed reusable bottles that you could fill with ice from hotel ice machines. Even better if you have a way to insulate them or plan on making trips back to your hotel during the day. I went late June last year and needed to be drinking even more than I was--even then I found myself close to passing out more than once. If you're not in the habit of drinking lots of water, now would be the time to start getting used to it.

Air conditioned areas are great, but even if they're not make a point of at least getting into shaded areas whenever possible. Just taking a break in the shade can be a huge relief. This is especially important at AK where the vast majority of it is open air, even shops and CS dining areas, and the park can be much hotter than the others.

If you're staying on-site, don't forget to take advantage of EMH, especially those at night. You could easily go back to your hotel for the hottest parts of the afternoon and go back later in the day without missing anything. Plus, the parks will be far less crowded at these times.

In general, just take your time. Doing too much too fast in that heat can really take it's toll on you.

 

[luckytobeme88]

It might have already been suggested, but when my son was small(years ago), we have always encouraged him to go for the water fountains/shots. The water will be a fun and cool way to keep the little ones fully charged and cooled on those hot days. Make sure you bring change of dry clothing. Or better still, let the kids wear their bathing suits underneath. JMO.

 

[WriteDisney]

There are grocery delivery services you could look into, too, which could deliver flats of bottled water to your hotel room. That way you could grab a few bottles before you head out to the parks for the day. Never done it myself, but it seems people have had good luck with them.

I heard lots of folks on the boards recommend Garden Grocer. We didn't do this last year but we will this year for sure. We're going to get at least a case of water so we have bottles to bring into the parks (this can be done right? does it have to be unopened?). Anyways we didn't last year and regreted it.

Bring a hat and sunglasses! Even if people in your party don't usually wear them. If you plan on getting some pictures.. its nice to have some in sunglasses (so you aren't squinty in all of them).

Wear light clothing, but pack a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for indoor attractions. I wore tank tops and capri's last September and was very comfortable.. however inside attractions I was freezing. I'm definitely going to be bringing a sweater for inside attractions.

Have a great trip!

 

[BostonRob]

As I just wrote in the other thread, a straw hat is wonderful in these conditions. Other hats will provide protection from the sun, but a straw hat will breathe and leave you even cooler that a normal hat.

 

[disneyfan61]

I heard lots of folks on the boards recommend Garden Grocer. We didn't do this last year but we will this year for sure. We're going to get at least a case of water so we have bottles to bring into the parks (this can be done right? does it have to be unopened?). Anyways we didn't last year and regreted it.

Bring a hat and sunglasses! Even if people in your party don't usually wear them. If you plan on getting some pictures.. its nice to have some in sunglasses (so you aren't squinty in all of them).

Wear light clothing, but pack a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for indoor attractions. I wore tank tops and capri's last September and was very comfortable.. however inside attractions I was freezing. I'm definitely going to be bringing a sweater for inside attractions.

Have a great trip!

Yes you can bring water in no problem. We do it every year. Garden Grocer is wonderful!! We have used them twice now & will be using them again in May. I buy some breakfast items, water, Gatorade for the boys (beer for the husband) & they always deliver everything no problems whatsoever. They do seem to deliver early on the day we arrive & they leave it with guest services
& we just pick it up when we get there. We also buy milk & the resort will keep all things that need refrigerated for you in their fridges so all is good!!

 

[rudy7696]

I always pack my Under Armour shirts they are a life saver. They work really well pulling the sweat away from your body and they are pretty think material so it is quite comfortable and cool. Also take plenty of water, or money for water and drinks. Even if I am not thirsty I will sip ona water all day. It's really helps. Also whenever possible take breaks. If you're staying on Disney property it might be a good idea to head back to the hotel during the heat of the day and return to the park when it cools off a little later in the evening.

 

[sharadoc]

Search on Google for "Cooling Scarf". It's a scarf filled with little pellets that soak up water and keep you cool for hours! We will all have one. You can put them in the refrigerator for extra cooling power. Lots of online stores have them, and you can probably find them at a sporting goods store.

These really do work great. There are many organizations that sell the supplies and folks makes these in bulk for the troops in Iraq. If a solder likes it in the desert, then I think it should be great at Disney World.

I have used mine and have actually felt chilly even though it was hot outside.