Summer Heat Strategies

No doubt about it -- Summertime heat in Florida is not for the faint of heart. Combine the subtropical heat with the ever-present humidity, and you have the ingredients for some pretty uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous weather. People on vacation at Disney World are at even greater risk, since the temptation to do too much, too fast is always there. Below are some strategies you can use to beat the Summer heat on your Walt Disney World vacation.

Got Water?

The most important way to prevent heat-related problems is to increase your fluid intake when you're out under the hot sun. For otherwise healthy people, that means 2-4 glasses of cool water every hour. (For those with chronic health conditions, it is always best to consult your doctor about how much you should drink.) You don't have to break the bank to buy beverages at Disney World. Water is absolutely the best liquid to drink to avoid dehydration, and many people bring water bottles to the parks and just keep refilling them at drinking fountains or concessions all day. Try to avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine as they can actually dehydrate your body.

Pace Yourself:

If you are unaccustomed to being active in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually (easier said than done at the most Magical Place on Earth!) If exertion is causing your heart to pound and your head to ache, then slow down.

Do a Balancing Act:

Alternate periods of outdoor activity with indoor (as in air-conditioned) activity. While it may be tempting to go right from waiting in line at the Indy Speedway to a Mickey Meet and Greet in Toontown, it would probably be a better idea to take in the air-conditioned line at Space Mountain first.

Take a Breather:

The strategy many Disney World visitors use is to visit the theme parks early and late in the day, with a trip back to the hotel room (or better yet, the hotel pool or water parks) in between. This is a very effective way to cool off and also avoid the worst of the afternoon heat and crowds at the parks.

Catch a Breeze:

Or create one, if necessary. Standing in line with bunch of folks briskly fanning themselves with their park brochures may look funny, but even that small breeze is effective in helping to evaporate sweat on your skin and keep it cool. Even better, bring along a few inexpensive collapsing fans (or buy them at the China pavilion at EPCOT) and do it right! In recent years, the use of mini-fans/spritzers have become an unofficial Walt Disney World obsession. You can purchase them at the theme parks, but you can also buy them at many discount stores.

Made in the Shade:

Disney World is pretty good about offering shaded queues for their attractions, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye out for every opportunity to make use of shade. Not only will it keep you cooler, but it will also keep you from getting sunburned (of course, you should use plenty of sun block when out in the sun, but that's another story!) You can also carry around a small portable umbrella to make your own shade. True, some people may look at you funny (just before they start sidling closer to your man-made shade), but this can be very effective.

Chill Out:

There are various other things you can do to keep cool. Splash your face with water every time you use the restroom. Make good use of Splash Mountain (need I say more?) My favorite way to keep cool is by taking a few ice cubes, rolling them up in a bandanna and tying it around my neck. As the ice melts and wets the fabric, it cools the pulse points in neck, which makes the rest of my body feel cooler. Plus you can use it over and over again all day. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in light colors, which will reflect sunlight and feel cooler (dark colors absorb sunlight, making you feel hotter.) Whatever methods you use to keep cool at Disney World, use them consistently.

One additional note --

Children younger than four years of age and adults older than 65 need to be monitored even more closely in hot environments and should avoid being outside in the hottest part of the day whenever possible. Their bodies cannot adapt and control their internal temperatures as well as other age groups can. So stay safe, keep cool and have fun at Disney World!