What does everyone do when they've been sweating in the parks all day...

[rosiebean]

then have to go to dinner in the evening but can't get back to the hotel to wash up?

We are going to be in the MK all day and since we will be there in August I know it's most likely going to be in the 90s during the day so we will be sweating something awful. I was thinking of making reservations at one of the monorail resort restaurants (we already are doing LTT on another of our MK days, and I'm not keen on the other places in the park for dinner) but since we are staying at the BWV, it's not feasible to go back to the hotel, wash up and change, then head back to the MK area. So how do people do it? Is there someplace we can cool down or freshen up? I hate the idea of being in sweaty clothes that we've had on all day to eat in a nice restaurant.

I'd make a dinner ADR closer to my hotel if I didn't want to go back in the afternoon for a break. My family are ok with taking 2 to 3 hours each afternoon at our resort before heading back to a park and dinner. If I didn't want to take a break from the park that particular day, I'd just spend all day at the park and then schedule dinner late near my hotel. And at BWI, you have several options within walking distance, either along the BW or at YC/BC or at nearby parks if you have hoppers. Otherwise, pack extra clothes (jersey type dress/outfit that won't wrinkle when rolled up in a backpack) along with wipes and do a quick change in a bathroom.

Also, cabs are a great resource for getting from a park to your hotel quickly (or from resort to resort) if you have the budget for them.

 

[AngiTN]

We just go eat. Figuring most of the rest of the guests have been in the parks right along side of us. If it works to freshen up before hand, we do. If it doesn't, we don't. Never stopped us from going though.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

For me I just would feel uncomfortable so I won't do this, but I am fine if other's do. Plus I know I will enjoy a costly dinner more if I feel nice

 

[Lisa F]

We just go eat. Figuring most of the rest of the guests have been in the parks right along side of us. If it works to freshen up before hand, we do. If it doesn't, we don't. Never stopped us from going though.

Hallelujah, I am no the only one, lol. I thought I was.

if it's a signature I build in some time to freshen up. I would not go crazy to take all of that time out of my vacation to go back to the boardwalk to change and freshen up and then go back to the MK area to doll up for the GF Cafe. I do have it planned in for both CA Grill and Narcoosees though. But I'd have no problem going to any of the lower tier/family resort restaurants the same way I'd go to a park restaurant. (I do bring extra deodorant and brush my hair before going to most restaurants).

 

[nco91590]

We went in August 2014 and the heat is unbearable. By 2pm I was exhausted and almost sick from the heat (and I lived in S. Texas for 5 years!). We had to go back to the room every day just to get in some AC and shower. I couldn't imagine going to sit in a restaurant damp with sweat sticking to all the booth seats LOL.

Our plan was to do RD in the am, head back to the resort (BCV) after lunch, relax, swim, shower and head back out for dinner at around 6p. It really wasn't a big deal and was absolutely necessary!

 

[isaboo]

We usually go in August and we always plan our day with a break. I highly advise this! We hit a park in the morning and always plan to leave after lunch, go back and swim, freshen up around 4:00 or 5:00. I usually plan our dinner around 6:30, then we close down the parks at night. Best of luck, but I would really recommend an afternoon break. That heat can suck the fun right out of the day.

 

[Hopefully]

Hallelujah, I am no the only one, lol. I thought I was.

if it's a signature I build in some time to freshen up. I would not go crazy to take all of that time out of my vacation to go back to the boardwalk to change and freshen up and then go back to the MK area to doll up for the GF Cafe. I do have it planned in for both CA Grill and Narcoosees though. But I'd have no problem going to any of the lower tier/family resort restaurants the same way I'd go to a park restaurant. (I do bring extra deodorant and brush my hair before going to most restaurants).

But your trip is in December, not in August. In the August heat, I would not go directly to a resort restaurant, even the Grand Floridian Café, without freshening up. An In Park sit down restaurant is different. Obviously, you are not the only one who doesn't always take a break. But based on the responses so far, you are in the minority.
But more than that, I agree with other posters, we need a break to relax and recover from the heat anyway. And we stay at the BCV and most evenings we eat in Epcot or the Epcot resort areas. On the nights we do venture afar, we do freshen up first.

 

[AshleeH]

We usually just decide to go back to the room, but we stay at MK resorts, so it's easier. Not sure what we're going to do when we stay at an Epcot resort next year, but my tentative plan is to take makeup wipes and a small deodorant in my bag, along with a little powder and mascara and other easy to carry (non-meltable) makeup and freshen up in the lobby restroom. I always carry a hairbrush with me and I'll bring a ponytail holder or clip - even if it still looks sweaty when it's pulled back, at least it will appear more sleek and neat and not disheveled and messy.

 

[Lisa F]

But your trip is in December, not in August. In the August heat, I would not go directly to a resort restaurant, even the Grand Floridian Café, without freshening up. An In Park sit down restaurant is different. Obviously, you are not the only one who doesn't always take a break. But based on the responses so far, you are in the minority.
But more than that, I agree with other posters, we need a break to relax and recover from the heat anyway. And we stay at the BCV and most evenings we eat in Epcot or the Epcot resort areas. On the nights we do venture afar, we do freshen up first.

well my last trip was in september which wasn't much different. we didn't take breaks. It was not as hot as it's been (in the 100's) but it was definitely in the 90's. We did less TS dining that time and as I said, for CA Grill we went back and cleaned up and changed - but changed into clean and neat park wear because we went right at 5 and went to the MK after dinner. For Kona Cafe on our last night we went straight there from the MK. I don't remember feeling out of place or dressed any differently and no one was staring or pointing or holding their nose. My son's milk did go poom though, and none of the other diners even seemed to notice that (especially given how quickly it was cleaned up and replaced.)

and I'm in the minority of the few people who responded here. I am not sure I'm in the minority of the people who go to the parks. But to be honest, I don't pay that much attention to other people unless they are being distracting in some way. if it fits into my plans I will freshen up but I will not take hours out of a day that I don't want to just to go back to a remote hotel room and then return for dinner. That's a lot of travel time and transitions for a kiddo who has a hard time with both.

 

[Hopefully]

well my last trip was in september which wasn't much different. we didn't take breaks. It was not as hot as it's been (in the 100's) but it was definitely in the 90's. We did less TS dining that time and as I said, for CA Grill we went back and cleaned up and changed - but changed into clean and neat park wear because we went right at 5 and went to the MK after dinner. For Kona Cafe on our last night we went straight there from the MK. I don't remember feeling out of place or dressed any differently and no one was staring or pointing or holding their nose. My son's milk did go poom though, and none of the other diners even seemed to notice that (especially given how quickly it was cleaned up and replaced.)

and I'm in the minority of the few people who responded here. I am not sure I'm in the minority of the people who go to the parks. But to be honest, I don't pay that much attention to other people unless they are being distracting in some way. if it fits into my plans I will freshen up but I will not take hours out of a day that I don't want to just to go back to a remote hotel room and then return for dinner. That's a lot of travel time and transitions for a kiddo who has a hard time with both.

I agree we are in different spaces . You have a kiddo with unique needs and we are an adult party. I'm not judging you, nor did I insinuate folks are holding their noses or pointing at you. If I was eating alone with a special needs child my focus would likely be different. If you were dining with an all adult party I think yours would too.
We choose to freshen up and eat later. As an all adult party it makes our evening nicer. To each their own.

 

[Lisa F]

I agree we are in different spaces . You have a kiddo with unique needs and we are an adult party. I'm not judging you, nor did I insinuate folks are holding their noses or pointing at you. If I was eating alone with a special needs child my focus would likely be different. If you were dining with an all adult party I think yours would too.
We choose to freshen up and eat later. As an all adult party it makes our evening nicer. To each their own.

yes, god I love showers lol. If I were there by myself or with another adult the pace would be very different. That said I would probably not plan my vacation around needing a shower before dinner except at signature restaurants. I'm not saying you'd point or anything but I'm just saying... I am pretty aware of my surroundings in general, although I filter out what other people are doing if it is not suspicious or doesn't affect me (annoying, obnoxious, offensive etc) and I have never felt out of place going to a Kona level restaurant without a shower first all times of year. Would not dream of it at a signature though. Disney is MOSTLY family oriented (although I sure as heck loved it before my kid too) and we were just discussing afternoon breaks vs. not on my happy dance trip group and for some kids it is absolutely essential... for some kids (like mine) it ruins the flow of the trip. I don't think it's just because of his special needs, I think it's just how some people are. I think many families just go with the flow and would not take a few hour break out just to shower before dinner if they wanted to hit a monorail resort restaurant after the MK. I think people should do what they feel comfortable with and what feels good to them on vacation unless they are offending others... what other people are wearing or how their hair looks doesn't offend me at all. If they had bad BO that would offend me!

 

[wdw4rfam]

We just go eat. Figuring most of the rest of the guests have been in the parks right along side of us. If it works to freshen up before hand, we do. If it doesn't, we don't. Never stopped us from going though.

Thank you, I was starting to think I was alone reading all the comments.

 

[wdw4rfam]

well my last trip was in september which wasn't much different. we didn't take breaks. It was not as hot as it's been (in the 100's) but it was definitely in the 90's. We did less TS dining that time and as I said, for CA Grill we went back and cleaned up and changed - but changed into clean and neat park wear because we went right at 5 and went to the MK after dinner. For Kona Cafe on our last night we went straight there from the MK. I don't remember feeling out of place or dressed any differently and no one was staring or pointing or holding their nose. My son's milk did go poom though, and none of the other diners even seemed to notice that (especially given how quickly it was cleaned up and replaced.)

and I'm in the minority of the few people who responded here. I am not sure I'm in the minority of the people who go to the parks. But to be honest, I don't pay that much attention to other people unless they are being distracting in some way. if it fits into my plans I will freshen up but I will not take hours out of a day that I don't want to just to go back to a remote hotel room and then return for dinner. That's a lot of travel time and transitions for a kiddo who has a hard time with both.

Another joining your "minority". I'm sure we will be taking breaks on our MK and Epcot days this year because we're staying on the monorail. But in the past, way too much hassle to leave MK, go to resort to shower to go back to ohana for dinner. A quick refresh in he bathroom is all I can handle without feeling like we just wasted half our day just to shower, so I can be all sweaty again just waiting for a bus to go back ( or walking from the bus to monorail)

 

[AngiTN]

But your trip is in December, not in August. In the August heat, I would not go directly to a resort restaurant, even the Grand Floridian Café, without freshening up. An In Park sit down restaurant is different. Obviously, you are not the only one who doesn't always take a break. But based on the responses so far, you are in the minority.
But more than that, I agree with other posters, we need a break to relax and recover from the heat anyway. And we stay at the BCV and most evenings we eat in Epcot or the Epcot resort areas. On the nights we do venture afar, we do freshen up first.

It doesn't matter if we go in Aug or Feb, if it's DH and I or DH, DGD and I, we don't plan around freshening up before dinner. If it works to, we do if it doesn't we don't. I can't imagine most anyone else even notices. And if they do, I won't see them again so really don't care what they think.

And I think we can all agree the habits of avg of Dis posters are far different from the habits of the majority of park goers anyway.

Even if we do go back to the resort I don't shower. Takes me 90 min or so to get ready. I'm not about to do that twice a day.

 

[wdw4rfam]

It doesn't matter if we go in Aug or Feb, if it's DH and I or DH, DGD and I, we don't plan around freshening up before dinner. If it works to, we do if it doesn't we don't. I can't imagine most anyone else even notices. And if they do, I won't see them again so really don't care what they think.

And I think we can all agree the habits of avg of Dis posters are far different from the habits of the majority of park goers anyway.

Even if we do go back to the resort I don't shower. Takes me 90 min or so to get ready. I'm not about to do that twice a day.

Exactly!! Not to mention if you have 4 people in a room and usually only one shower.....that's a whole lot of time. Plus, I flat iron my hair every day- the thought of that twice per day plus the sun scorching...my hair just fell out at the thought

 

[MammaMoe48]

I'd make a dinner ADR closer to my hotel if I didn't want to go back in the afternoon for a break. My family are ok with taking 2 to 3 hours each afternoon at our resort before heading back to a park and dinner. If I didn't want to take a break from the park that particular day, I'd just spend all day at the park and then schedule dinner late near my hotel. And at BWI, you have several options within walking distance, either along the BW or at YC/BC or at nearby parks if you have hoppers. Otherwise, pack extra clothes (jersey type dress/outfit that won't wrinkle when rolled up in a backpack) along with wipes and do a quick change in a bathroom.

Also, cabs are a great resource for getting from a park to your hotel quickly (or from resort to resort) if you have the budget for them.

We're already eating at the Yachstman, Beaches & Cream and a couple of EPCOT restaurants. DH won't do buffets so it's not even an option. I guess we'll see how much we get done in the morning then decide whether to go back to the room or do indoor things a couple hours before dinner to keep the sweating down to a minimum.

 

[LovesTimone]

I live here, so as local as it gets. It has been 95 + this week, not including the humidity, and August is the hottest time of year. I don't go anywhere not unless I have to, not anywhere and when I do go, I try to get out early and back as soon as possible.

I would make time to shower, you will enjoy your dinner more. Just the thought of sitting through dinner, with a layer of sweat, clothes sticking to me with damp under garments with a side of dried on sunscreen just doesn't seem like the recipe for a relaxing meal.

 

[rosiebean]

We're already eating at the Yachstman, Beaches & Cream and a couple of EPCOT restaurants. DH won't do buffets so it's not even an option. I guess we'll see how much we get done in the morning then decide whether to go back to the room or do indoor things a couple hours before dinner to keep the sweating down to a minimum.

Have you thought about restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin area? We're at BC in December and planning on going to the 'Swolphin' for dinner more than once (haven't been there in years, but have done many BC/YC/Epcot restaurants and want to try something new). We're particularly interested in Kimonos, as we love sushi. Il Mulino and Garden Grove also temp me, as does Bluezoo.

I think your plan on doing indoor things in the parks before dinner (if eating nearby) makes perfect sense. And bring wipes! They really do help a lot, as we learned during one particularly hot October trip.

 

[Disneylover99]

Taking a break to go back to my room to take a shower before dinner has never even crossed my mind.

We go in August and sometimes we take a mid afternoon break. Usually I spend my time supervising the kids in the pool. We take the bus so even if I showered, I'd be hot and sweaty by the time I reached my dinner destination anyways.

 

[Churchladychurchlady]

The last time (and only time - we've only been once before) we hit the parks and didn't come home until dark. With one exception for the Halloween party, DD (then 5 yo) needed a nap. Otherwise we didn't want to stop our adventure. Paper towels and a comb were good enough for us, even though it had been in the 90s.
I'm assuming that this next trip will be very similar. Maybe folks who go more often don't feel like they're missing out if they go back to the resort? I would LOVE to go every year, or even 3 years, and have what I consider the luxury of taking time for showers during the day - but DH would never agree to it.