How to keep cool in the heat?

WhenYouWishUponAStar · #1 03-29-2008, 06:50 PM

Hey everyone!
We have booked our next trip to WDW for the start of July as it was the only time we could go. I understand it's gonna be really hot and, being from not-so-sunny-Scotland, I don't cope very well in heat. We've been in April and in October and I found it very hot and I'm worried I won't be able to enjoy my holiday as much

So does anyone have any tips as to how I can keep cool in the glorious Orlando sun?

We have 1 - put bottles of water in the freezer the night before so that when you're walking round the park the ice melts and you get a very cold drink!

Thanks for your help!

merlinmagic4 · #2 03-29-2008, 07:12 PM

Those misting fans are really kind of nice! You can buy cheaper ones and bring them with you or spend about 15.00 to buy them in the parks. They really do cool you down.

I would also get to the parks early, take a mid-day break at your hotel or pool, and return to the parks for the evening/late night. There is nothing better than a hot Florida night - I love them!

Also, you can get inside air conditioned areas as often as possible. Some good breaks in air conditioning can really refresh you!

MMouse6937 · #3 03-29-2008, 07:41 PM

We have used the bandana type things that you get wet and they hold water for hours and you can tie them around your neck, arm, whatever. I don't really like the misters unless you fill the bottle with ice water. The fan is nice but I'm already soaking wet from sweat, not really interested in adding more water to the mix, but that's just my opinion. I do know when the CMs spray them on you when you're walking by they are refreshing, but then they have them sitting in a tub of ice!!

E-OR · #4 03-29-2008, 07:51 PM

We are from the Pacific Northwest where it gets really hot only a few days a year and we have almost no humidity. We went to WDW the end of June first of July. It was very difficult for us but we found that the biggest thing was keeping hydrated. We also used the misting fan and tried to get out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. Spend time by the pool and at the water parks during these times and do late nights at the parks. Even though the evenings were hot also, at least there is no sun beaming down on you. We did the water rides more that trip just to keep cool while walking through the parks.

merlinmagic4 · #5 03-29-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMouse6937

I don't really like the misters unless you fill the bottle with ice water. The fan is nice but I'm already soaking wet from sweat, not really interested in adding more water to the mix, but that's just my opinion. I do know when the CMs spray them on you when you're walking by they are refreshing, but then they have them sitting in a tub of ice!!

Actually, this makes me think of another tip. The CMs are happy to let you use the ice from the drink stands that are everywhere so fill up your mister fans as you are walking through the parks!

Dakota Rose · #6 03-29-2008, 08:33 PM

Wear breathable fabrics in light colors. Loose fitting clothes allow the breeze to pass through.

Pick shady spots to enjoy your snacks or consult the maps.

Pat down your face and throat with cool water when you wash your hands in the bathroom.

Look forward to the afternoon thunderstorms after which the humidity breaks a little!

elmjimmlm · #7 03-29-2008, 08:44 PM

The fans are great...We also bought a hand held fan at MK and it helped so much...Light colors are a must...Try to avoid Word Showcase durning the afternoon...The walk around there is terrible in the heat...Even the boat over was too hot...EMH are your best bet...Early or late it will help alot...We found if we would do the late night hours, it was hot but it was more tolerable...Water rides are a must...Try to get soaked...It does help...I think that AK is the best afternoon park because it has the best shading...

crazypoohbear · #8 03-29-2008, 09:07 PM

being Irish heritage I can totally identify with the heat thing! here is what I do.

Carry an umbrella, it really keeps the sun off you - light colored small compact one. It's better than a hat, I find with a hat the heat can't escape through your head making you hotter it is also better than wearing the rain poncho's ( like being in a sauna of plastic

)

Freeze the white face clothes from the hotel, place in a zip lock bag and wipe your self through out the day. When it gets warm again, soak it with ice cubes.

Light colored, loose fitting clothing.
Especially light colored shoes. the hot pavement can be a killer.

Keep a small container of baby powder- Corn starch to keep from chafing.

Drink every 10 minutes whether you are thirsty or not.

Walk through the stores on main street in the Magic kingdom - you can make it all the way to the end in Air conditioning!
Walk on the side of the street that has shade.

Keep tylenol/motrin/advil with you, if you start to get a headache from the heat you need to nip it in the bud right away.

Try not to carry everything you own in the park. I find back packs to be cumbersome and hot!

Have a Dole whip float

Take your time and don't rush through the parks

mook3y · #9 03-29-2008, 10:47 PM

I have Asthma and do not handle heat well at all.

There are a lot of great tips here.

For me, I almost always take a break during the hottest part of the day. Taking a dip in the pool is the best way to cool off quickly for me.

When your in the parks, you can cool off by stepping into a shop for several minutes.

DEFINATELY drink a LOT of water. freezing a bottle of water is fine, but you need to drink much more than 1 bottle of water per day. I agree with the person that says drink every 10 minutes. Realize that caffeine dehydrates you too, so you shouldn't drink too much coke.

cajunbaby1 · #10 03-30-2008, 12:59 AM

Breaks, breaks, breaks are a must. I know you feel like you must see everything; but if you and the kids are hot and crabby then no one has fun.

Drink lots of water.

Sunscreen and more sunscreen.

And if you are staying on property..take a break midday and go back for a swim or even a nap and return to the parks in the afternoon or early evening.

Main thing is if you feel tired or lightheaded that's a sure sign you need to just stop for a while.

mrsgaribaldi · #11 03-30-2008, 01:56 AM

Try not to drink alcoholic beverages in the heat of the day. The light colored umbrella is a great idea. Rest alot. Make sure ff you have any babies or little ones to apply sunscreen often to them too. And check feet for blisters that are starting that they might not complain about

chicklittlemom · #12 03-30-2008, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhenYouWishUponAStar

Hey everyone!
We have booked our next trip to WDW for the start of July as it was the only time we could go. I understand it's gonna be really hot and, being from not-so-sunny-Scotland, I don't cope very well in heat.

Hello in Scotland! The DH and I love Scotland and can't wait to go back again

I loved all the tips and just wanted to add mine..Planning! Plan your lunch or dinner around the hottest time of the day so you are in air conditioning.

We went beginning of July. You can always plan on a storm after lunch, usually between 1-3pm (it seemed like it was always the same time each day). We would go to the parks in the a.m. We'd eat lunch, then go back to the room or go to the pool. Head back again in late afternoon.

After the storm, I think the humidity is worse

Try to get out of the park before then or maybe eat an early dinner to avoid the "after storm" steam.

Also, at Epcot, we took in every theatre in each country...Not that we had a huge desire to see them, but again...air conditioning. We would go in just to cool off, rest and then we were ready to move on again.

Have a great trip!

Ed · #13 03-30-2008, 06:37 AM

Some people feel that the drinking water at WDW 'tastes funny'. Consider carrying some of the small tubes of Crystal Lite iced tea (or lemonade, or whatever) that contain just enough powder to flavor a 16 or 20 ounce bottle of water. They are very small and light, and go a long way toward eliminating the taste of the water. Very refreshing, too.

PAYROLL PRINCESS · #14 03-30-2008, 08:28 PM

The parks will be open later for the most part, so if you are staying on property take a break and go back to the resort & swim or take a nap.
And drink LOTS of water.

Speedy1998 · #15 03-30-2008, 09:03 PM

Drink lots of water, stay away from sodas, and alcohol.

Use lots of sunscreen!!!!!

take advantage of the early morning hours and the late evening hours when it will be cooler.

This is a link you may find useful, it is a thread I started last summer about surviving the summer heat.
http://www.intercot.com/discussion/s...d.php?t=106376

katzctkpt · #16 03-31-2008, 02:55 PM

A lot of bottled water!!! Light weight and color shades of clothing comfy shoes a water mist bottle and they are $18 you can purchase them from Walmart for $5. They also make like a gel pack that can be refrigerated to place around your neck to help keep you cool. A couple of our softball players uses them. Take advantage of the early hours to visit the parks leave around 1 for swim in the pool and an afternoon nap. Go back for dinner at one of the parks around 4:30 then do what ever you can that evening. It will be extremely busy during the 1st part of July. Was there last yr and absolutely amazed at how busy it was.

azdisneymom · #17 03-31-2008, 04:59 PM

Welcome! My grandparents are from Scotland and I definitely take after them. I live in the desert and burn very easily. The heat in Florida is draining because of the humidity. As others have said, drink lots, wear sunscreen, take a break in the afternoons but I would add one specific suggestion - wear sun protective clothing.

There are several manufacturers - I buy from Solumbra. The fabric itself will help with burning and I have found it to be lighter and cooler than regular t-shirts and shorts. I always wear a long sleeve Solumbra shirt. It is much more comfortable than anything I have found for the Floriday heat. As I said there are several different manufacturers. A Google search should bring up several.

We also plan our day so we go to a lot of indoor shows in the afternoon. Have an enjoyable trip!