What extra things do you pack for summer trips?

[tzolkin]

We didn't care for the Body Glide because we found it to be too sticky. I pack a can of spray deodorant. Spraying it on your feet really helps to avoid blisters.

If you have different shoes/sandals to wear in the evening, it will give your daytime shoes a chance to air out.

Carry as little as possible. I take the smallest purse possible, just big enough for tickets, band-aids and a small sunscreen. Nothing is worse than lugging a back pack when it's a hundred degrees outside. Take advantage of indoor shows and attractions at reasonable intervals to cool off.

The first person I've seen on the DIS who also thinks Body Glide is too sticky! I bought it for our first trip and put it on with my Crocs flip flops. It was so sticky that I didn't even make it to the bus stop before I had to wipe it off with a wet wipe. I was miserable at the parks with the stickyness and couldn't wait to get back to the room to change into socks/sneakers.

I usually swap out my shoes in the afternoon. Rotating also helps to avoid blisters.

We use a backpack, but it's a hydration backpack that we fill with ice at the resort in the morning and then refill with free ice water in the parks throughout the day. DH likes that it keeps his back much cooler than a regular backpack and it's handy to give the kids a little drink throughout the day.


As for all the chafing comments/suggestions, I would recommend anti-chafing gel. (Monistat and Lanacane both make one) It dries to a powder soft feel but would avoid any powder meets water issues I don't usually have chafing, but I like to wear skirts/skorts and I really just don't like the feeling of my legs sticking together in the heat when I sit down.

 

[Lorelai]

You're going to need a U-Haul to get around the parks with frozen water bottles, spray fan misters, non-misting fans, cooling packs, extra clothes, ponchos, baby powder, vaseline, visors, etc.

We will be there the last week of June and will be traveling light. t's, tanks, shorts, havaiana's for the girls, addidas slides for the guys and shades.

When it rains, you can duck into a shop, but if you don't make it, you will already be so wet from the heat & humiditity that rain will be a blessing. Plus, there is nothing worse than wearing a poncho in 98 degrees. It will make you feel like you've trapped all the sweat inside with you. Then, when the rain subsides, you will have wet ponchos to tote around.

Honestly, the people who travel the lightest in the summer can move about more freely and quickly...do not weigh yourself down too much. Most of all, have fun! We LOOOVE Disney in June...it's the way Florida is meant to be, tropical! (Hey, need a palm tree "smilie" right here)

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Another point to perhaps consider- cars get hot. An obvious point perhaps, but it's easyto forget and leave something in your car. Kids also can be sensative to very hot metal.

On a srping trip - not summer- spring -on our last day, we put the luggage in the trunk and went to DTD for about an hour. I forgot all about the chocolates in my suitcase. That litttle bit of time, even in a suitcase in the trunk, was enough to ruin the chocolate gifts!

If you leave bottled water in a hot car for several days, it may acquire a kind of 'plastic' taste.

Consider the color of your rental car when picking one off the lot. Lighter colors, inside and out - help. Cloth seats are also wise.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Another point to perhaps consider- cars get hot. An obvious point perhaps, but it's easyto forget and leave something in your car. Kids also can be sensative to very hot metal.

On a srping trip - not summer- spring -on our last day, we put the luggage in the trunk and went to DTD for about an hour. I forgot all about the chocolates in my suitcase. That litttle bit of time, even in a suitcase in the trunk, was enough to ruin the chocolate gifts!

If you leave bottled water in a hot car for several days, it may acquire a kind of 'plastic' taste.

Consider the color of your rental car when picking one off the lot. Lighter colors, inside and out - help. Cloth seats are also wise.

Great posts. Never thought about picking a light colored car, and you're right about the water having a plastic taste from being in a hot place so thanks for the reminder. My back always gets sweaty from the backpack. I always pack a suitcase worth of stuff in there lol, so maybe I'll pack lighter and smarter this year.

 

[Axel]

One thing about the mister fans is that they're a huge pet peeve of some people (like me). There are those of us in the parks during the hot months that do not want to be misted, but sometimes have the misfortune of having somebody inadvertently spray us in the face.

Not saying you shouldn't get one, but that you should be courteous when using them. Tight spaces like the lines for rides or even the outdoor theaters for shows like Beauty and the Beast at DHS or Flights of Wonder at AK tend to mean other people will get sprayed, too.

That said, I survived several trips in August without a fan at all.

And I wouldn't buy water ahead of time. Just bring a reusable water bottle (like a Nalgene) and ask for ice water at any counter service restaurant or place with fountain drinks. They'll give it to you for free. Thus, you only carry one water bottle which you refill throughout the day as opposed to carrying a cooler with multiple bottles in it which can be bulky and uncomfortable to have.

 

[Maniacmous]

Second those that suggested Body Glide (put it anywhere that rubs) - I even put it on before I put on moisture wicking socks and didn't have a single hot spot in a week. Also take moisture wicking socks - cotton holds sweat which lubricates the socks and helps them move (rub) easier. Take 2-3 pairs of shoes - I recommend 3 - alternate daily or whenever you get back to the room if you split days - each pair will rub at your feet differently, so any irritation you do get will get a break in a new pair. The third pair is in case a pair gets wet and can't get dried out fast enough to swap it, you have a reserve.

 

[dledger]

Even though I haven't been in the summer, I wanted to chime in and suggest that if you're looking to order cases of bottled water, costco.com is where I ordered my from last may and it worked perfectly! I forget what brand it was, but it will tell you on the site what you will most likely be shipped....

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Do you have to have a costco membership?

 

[Inspire&Imagine]

I'm going to go off the beaten path and tell you something you definitely SHOULDN'T bring. Sneakers.

I know what you're thinking. "Wouldn't comfortable sneakers be the best option for Disney?" The answer is yes... in the fall or spring. Florida summers are characterized by oppressive heat stippled with torrential downpours lasting for several hours, and then disappearing just as they came. My brother and dad made the mistake of wearing sneakers last time... first day, it rained and they were walking around with soaking wet feet all day long.

I recommend strap on sandals. The kinds with velcro or buckles. Crocs would work too, if that's your thing. Basically, just a sockless, comfortable shoe that breathes well and dries easily.