Strategies to Survive during the HOT HOT Summer...

Tomh · Jul 2, 2015

I find that taking my time in the afternoon, taking in long air conditioned attractions, and shows helps to keep us out of the afternoon heat. We generally take our lunch a bit late, towards 1:00 or so, and take our time at it. Lunch is at least an hour for us, that is time to sit, relax, and cool down.

LoveThatMouse! · Jul 5, 2015

Bumping for those who may find this information useful. :beach:

Hendercx · Jul 5, 2015

LoveThatMouse! said:
Let's start a thread for essentials on Surviving Disney when it's as Hot as ....

1. Socks and running shoes -or- your most 'tried and true' sport sandal etc. Pack band aids in case of blisters. Don't break in a new pair of shoes at Disney.

2. If possible, pack everything you need in a fanny pack. Carrying a huge backpack makes you that much more HOT. Honestly, you really won't need half the stuff you think you will in that huge tote bag or backpack.

3. Disney will provide cups of ice water anywhere you ask...

4. Carry a packable umbrella. You will be super thankful for the umbrella even when it's not raining. It's a LIFESAVER in the heat of the day for shade. We LOVE our umbrella more for shade than for rain protection. You will NOT regret this decision. PROMISE!

5. For women, Consider dri-fit capri leggings. I don't have thighs that normally rub together, but OH MY WORD they rub together during trips to Disney in the summer...sweaty thighs rubbing together & a hem on a pair of shorts make for a miserable day. The days that I wear a dri-fit tank & spandex leggings with socks and running shoes are my HAPPIEST. If you MUST wear shorts, buy some body glide. Others have noted that non-gel deodorant or diaper rash cream can also be applied to thighs to help with 'the rub'.

6. Use sunscreen and deodorant...enough said.
7. sunglasses
8. and if at all possible, a mid-day break with a nap, shower, or time in the pool

Please feel free to add additional tips for anyone who may not know just what to expect for Disney in the Summer.

**Disclosure**I started a similar thread that has gotten a good number of views but it was moved to Completed Trip Reports and may be a bit difficult to find for folks who are doing general research for upcoming trips. It can be found
http://www.disboards.com/threads/ju...to-survive-please-read.3423442/#post-53946673

We just got back from a two and a half week visit to Disney and one of the things that saved us immensely is freezing Capri sun, kool aid packs, water, Gatorade, Powerade, and anything else we like to drink the night before going to a park, Downtown Disney, or a water park. In the morning, I would also grab a few bottles of drinks out of the fridge. This way, we had cool drinks in the morning and as the day went on, the drinks that were frozen were cold because the ice melted during the day when we were out. I also placed the frozen drinks in gallon sized ziplock bags. This way, they were easier to put into back packs or at the bottom of the stroller. As we walked on and off of trams, busses, through bag checks, etc. it was easy for us to pick them up as well. I can't tell you all how nice it was to have cold drinks all day long

mandy200587 · Jul 5, 2015

I'll disagree with the fanny pack those to me are miserable, a crossbody is light enough but you won't feel as trapped.

If you have to wear tennis shoes look for socks that are made light weight and let your feet breathe somewhat.

Go to walmart and get the little mini fans and get a spray bottle from the travel section. Spray your wrists with the water and then use the fan helps cool you down.

Go to the parks early, take a break midday then head back to the parks.

Light weight, light colored clothing helps too with the heat

MinnieMeep · Jul 5, 2015

Saving this thread, as I'm going this September, eek! I'm obsessing over what kind of clothes to wear; definitely need something to help with dreaded chaffing. Been considering skorts, workout clothes, etc. How about underwear? What do you ladies recommend for the best underwear to wear? (Sorry if TMI)

CerysG · Jul 5, 2015

We carry little bottles of drink mix including some sports ones. Don't want to drink to much of that but considering how much you sweat it's a good idea to replace electrolytes.

mandy200587 · Jul 5, 2015

MinnieMeep said:
Saving this thread, as I'm going this September, eek! I'm obsessing over what kind of clothes to wear; definitely need something to help with dreaded chaffing. Been considering skorts, workout clothes, etc. How about underwear? What do you ladies recommend for the best underwear to wear? (Sorry if TMI)

I go in September and I've had good luck with some of Old Navy Athletic clothes. Underwear I've never had issues with Fruit of the Loom style.

Accident · Jul 5, 2015

I wanted to add one little tip..

- If you're not looking for the rest room, you/the family is dehydrated and you need to start getting more water. Kids will get really cranky when dehydrated for no reason but it's nothing compared to the husbands/boy friends

LoveThatMouse! · Jul 6, 2015

MinnieMeep said:
Saving this thread, as I'm going this September, eek! I'm obsessing over what kind of clothes to wear; definitely need something to help with dreaded chaffing. Been considering skorts, workout clothes, etc

My worst day of chafing was at AK. I had the cutest adventure skort with spandex shorts underneath. Sadly, the hem of the short underneath rubbed the opposite leg raw. I was almost tempted to cut the short out of the skort by mid day. Thankfully, we ended our day early, went back to the resort for a dip in the pool, and I changed into my workout capris. I think if we ever go back in the summer, dri-fit capris and tanks will be the only park attire I take. I think sundresses would be another nice option but I would make sure to use body glide. It might be a good idea to give your park clothes a 'test run' by walking several miles on a hot humid day while wearing them.

LoveThatMouse! · Jul 6, 2015

mandy200587 said:
I go in September and I've had good luck with some of Old Navy Athletic clothes.

Agreed!
Old Navy has great work out clothes. My favorite park 'pants' were my work out capris from Old Navy! If anyone needs special sizing such as TALL or petite, they offer those sizes online.

LATJLP · Jul 6, 2015

Can anyone recommend an electrolyte that isn't flavored? Can't stand the flavor of things like Gatorade/PowerAde etc, plus would prefer without sugar. There are loads of electrolyte tablets listed online, but no clue how to tell a good from a bad.

Jennytoon · Jul 6, 2015

LATJLP said:
Can anyone recommend an electrolyte that isn't flavored? Can't stand the flavor of things like Gatorade/PowerAde etc, plus would prefer without sugar. There are loads of electrolyte tablets listed online, but no clue how to tell a good from a bad.

I have a friend who is an AMC guide and hikes a lot, she uses this brand (although with flavor):

http://www.amazon.com/Nuun-Plus-Tablets-Tube-Unflavored/dp/B00XYBE490/

It's not in stock through amazon, but you may be able to find it somewhere else. Almost all of them will come with sugar because usually that is beneficial when doing electrolyte replacement, and they don't know that you're sucking down Dole Whips at the same time LOL. If you buy the ones made for oral rehydration (in case of illness) though, the amount of sugar will be minimal and significantly less than what you would find in the popular sports drinks. Usually you can compare and see.

ETA: The same company does make a mix that comes without the sugars, but it doesn't come in unflavored.

mommy2mb · Jul 6, 2015

Thanks for the great tips... We'll be making out first summer trip in 30 days and trying to be somewhat prepared.

SRUAlmn · Jul 6, 2015

LATJLP said:
Can anyone recommend an electrolyte that isn't flavored? Can't stand the flavor of things like Gatorade/PowerAde etc, plus would prefer without sugar. There are loads of electrolyte tablets listed online, but no clue how to tell a good from a bad.

Jennytoon said:
I have a friend who is an AMC guide and hikes a lot, she uses this brand (although with flavor):

http://www.amazon.com/Nuun-Plus-Tablets-Tube-Unflavored/dp/B00XYBE490/

It's not in stock through amazon, but you may be able to find it somewhere else. Almost all of them will come with sugar because usually that is beneficial when doing electrolyte replacement, and they don't know that you're sucking down Dole Whips at the same time LOL. If you buy the ones made for oral rehydration (in case of illness) though, the amount of sugar will be minimal and significantly less than what you would find in the popular sports drinks. Usually you can compare and see.

ETA: The same company does make a mix that comes without the sugars, but it doesn't come in unflavored.

We LOVE Nuun tablets! We haven't used them in the parks yet, but will be next week. I think I'm going to WAY prefer them over Gatorade or Powerade. The last thing I want when I'm hot is the syrupy sweet taste of those!

sersee05 · Jul 6, 2015

ChelleFeegan said:
Drink Water. Drink Water. Drink Water. (you should be going to the loo every four hours, if you're not - there's is a possibility you could be dehydrated, be very careful - it can hit so suddenly. My DD9 was fine (then 7) when we first went, and randomly at Universal, she said she didn't feel very well. We asked what she wanted to do and she said continue on, and then within minutes she'd paled, was shaking, said her head was splitting and was crying with the pain - for a child that never complains it scared the life out of me. Thankfully, we caught it early, got her in a/c, made her drink loads of water and had staff give us cool compresses to bring her temperature down and within 30-45 minutes she was well enough for us to leave the park and back to the hotel for some needed RnR)

Buy a cheap misting fan.

Regular breaks to shops and take advantage of a/c in shows.

Afternoon breaks. We usually leave the parks about 1, and head back about 6 - we swim, nap, rest and can stay till close.

I live by my go walks when I am over there and sports socks that wick the moisture from my feet - however if you feel a "hot" spot, stop, taking off your shoes and socks, inspect the damage, go to First Aid and get a plaster or moleskin...

BodyGlide

Slow Down.

Go walks! they are skechers right? I always wear flip flops to the park. I don't like sneakers or socks in the summer ...ever. Im usually comfortable walking around in my flip flops. I was at Kohls last night and was saying how I would really like padded type flip flops . I tried on a flip flop..it was a little small . I need a half size up but they were go walks solstice or something like that. It was like I was walking on a cloud! They are awesome! The only had one pair left so I am ordering them.

My husband says for guys and boys to bring "ball powder" . That's what they call it ...they all use gold bond non medicated. He said it is important that it isn't medicated...lolol..a mistake that has been made..LOL..sorry I digress. Anyway guys have the same problem with chafing. I remember we were with friends in universal. Our friend was the one who introduced the gold bond after seeing the way my dh was walking. I remember he told me to pay attention to all the men walking and you can see who did not have their ball powder on. Sure enough! My dh introduce my ds to it when he had the chafing. Works wonders.

Raidra · Jul 6, 2015

We did a two week trip last September, and now we live here. We're not fans of taking breaks (wastes so much time traveling), so we would get to the park for rope drop and do as many rides as possible before 11am or so. Then we'd have lunch somewhere indoors. The early afternoon we did indoor, air conditioned shows - you know, the ones most people skip. We had our FPs for the later afternoon/early evening, and headed out of the park around 6pm or so. That left us time to have dinner and swim, and still get to bed at a reasonable hour so we could get enough rest to be up for rope drop the next day. That worked really well for us. We also paid close attention to the kids, and whenever anyone showed the slightest bit of crankiness, we got into the AC (usually a store) as quickly as possible and made him/her drink something.

I'm a huge fan of Frogg Toggs, as are the kids. We put some ice in the ziploc baggies whenever possible, and that makes them even more refreshing. We had a misting fan that we all really liked, too.

We also used most of the tips already mentioned, too, with great success. The only place where the heat got to be too much was at Animal Kingdom one day, and then one day at Epcot (World Showcase) when we came down with colds. Everywhere else we were able to manage it okay.

si-am · Jul 6, 2015

I would also add: bring two outfits per day, that includes undies and bras. If you go back to the resort for a swim or midday break, you will NOT want to put on your sweaty clothes from the morning again.

sersee05 · Jul 6, 2015

I did not have good luck with frog toggs. Maybe I used it wrong but ours always got mold.

LoveThatMouse! · Jul 6, 2015

si-am said:
I would also add: bring two outfits per day, that includes undies and bras. If you go back to the resort for a swim or midday break, you will NOT want to put on your sweaty clothes from the morning again.

YES YES! Great advice on the extra bras and panties! I was SO thankful that I had packed extras! As for your dri-fit tops and bottoms, you can bring some detergent and wash in the sink and roll in a towel and they are dry in a jiffy. Once I found my 'mo-jo' when it came to my most comfy park outfit, I had it on wear, wash, repeat.

LoveThatMouse! · Jul 6, 2015

sersee05 said:
My husband says for guys and boys to bring "ball powder" . That's what they call it ...they all use gold bond non medicated. He said it is important that it isn't medicated...lolol..a mistake that has been made..LOL..sorry I digress. Anyway guys have the same problem with chafing. I remember we were with friends in universal. Our friend was the one who introduced the gold bond after seeing the way my dh was walking. I remember he told me to pay attention to all the men walking and you can see who did not have their ball powder on. Sure enough! My dh introduce my dd to it when he had the chafing. Works wonders.

Ladies, let's be real....
Take care of the men in your life...get them the above mentioned product.

Strategies to Survive during the HOT HOT Summer...

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