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Be Cool: Fun in the Sun at Walt Disney World
By Laura B. - June 2, 2003
Summer at Walt Disney World can be challenging because of the heat, however, for many people it's the best time for them to travel. This article will help you prepare for the hot weather and have a great time, even when temperatures climb!
Dress to be cool:
On top, start with tank tops or sleeveless shirts. Pair with quick drying shorts, or bathing trunks for boys. There are plenty of
opportunities to get wet at Walt Disney World, and they are a great way to keep you cool. So dress to be wet! As a bonus, if it rains
you won't mind, that, either! Pay attention to fabrics, look at items for athletic or sport categories. You may find tops that are
made for running with lightweight fabrics that made to keep runners cool, for example. Shorts made of nylon are great, and often sold
as water, sport, or trail shorts. Go for lightweight materials when possible. Keep in mind that lighter colored fabrics are cooler and
will reflect sunlight while darker colors will be hotter, but also think about how the fabric may look when wet. White tops may be
revealing when wet!
Comfortable footwear that is well broken in is always a must. During the summer, consider wearing sport sandals. These are cooler
to start with, allowing air to circulate around your feet, and also handle getting wet. Soggy, wet sneakers make walking around the
parks very uncomfortable. Remember that the hot months of summer are also the rainiest months, and when those clouds rain down, they can make mammoth puddles and it can be hard to keep your feet dry. If you're wearing sneakers, consider investing in some running or specialty socks to help wick away sweat, and try the old TheMouseForLess trick of applying some anti-perspirant to your feet
each morning. If you're wearing sneakers, you may also want to keep an extra pair of socks with you to change into during the day.
Top off your outfit with a hat or visor. I find a visor is cooler for me since it doesn't cover my whole head, yet still gives some
shade and sun protection. Again, a light-colored, lightweight hat is a better choice than a dark, hot, heavy hat. Add a pair of
sunglasses, too.
Cooling bandanas can be tied around your neck to help keep you cool. These are special bandanas which contain a water absorbing gel. You soak them in cool water and then tie them around your neck loosely. These are often sold in the sporting goods area of stores such as Wal-Mart or K-Mart. You can even make your own! Read more here: http://www.themouseforless.com/community/showcase/bandana.shtml
If you're using these, you can soak them in the morning in your room and put them in a zip top bag to carry with you until you need them.
You can also refresh them during the day by putting a bit of ice water in the bag with them. Aaaaah!
Mister fans are very refreshing. They are a hybrid water sprayer/fan, and provide a gentle, cooling, misty breeze. If you
have one, do be considerate of the people around you and make sure that you aren't spritzing them as well, unless they want to be wet also. These are usually widely available in the parks at about $15, or you can pick them up for about half the price at home (minus any Disney designs) before you go. One of these is probably fine for your group, they are a bit bulky to wear around.
You can also pick up small battery operated keychain type fans. These are great for individual use, kids can easily carry one on
their lanyard or a belt loop and enjoy a little breeze whenever they want.
But before you put any of this on, put on your sunscreen! Pick a high SPF and apply liberally to all exposed body parts. Don't
forget the tops of your feet if you are wearing sandals! A water resistant variety is a good idea. Also use a lip balm with sun
protection. Then put some sunscreen in your park pack also so you can reapply as needed.
Touring to be cool:
Drink plenty of water. To save money, bring bottled water with you. You can keep it in your room on ice, or even partially freeze it if
you have access to a freezer, and that will help keep it cool during the day. You can refill at the water fountains in the parks. Also
consider Brita filtered bottles if the taste of the water fountains bothers you. These special water bottles contain a built in filter.
You may want to bring an insulated water bottle carrier, or just a special strap to wear to carry your water easily. Most counter
service places will give you a free cup of ice water (or ice). Along with plenty of water, try some of the refreshing icy drinks or
frozen Cokes, frozen lemonade, and my favorite, the icy cappuccinos. Have one of these as a treat though, not your main source of
hydration. They are best in moderation, with water being the primary beverage you drink.
Hit the parks early, and use the relatively cooler early morning for attractions where you're outside baking. Know where the shade and
air-conditioned attractions are, and plan your day so you hit those when it's hotter, or when you need a break from the heat. Most
guidebooks will give you an idea what the attractions are like, including the queue. If you've ever wondered why they bother to
list than an attraction has an outdoor covered queue, for example, this is why! It's a great idea to take a break when the heat and
crowds peak. Go to your resort pool, or just relax or nap in your air-conditioned room. When the temperatures and crowds drop a bit
in the early evening, head back. Summer usually means longer park hours, so it's easy to do this.
While you're touring, make use of FastPass. If an attraction has a FastPass return time in 20 minutes and the standby line says 15, get
a FastPass and go sit in the shade with a cool drink. Even if it means a few extra minutes, it's so much better to spend that time
sitting and relaxing than standing in a hot, sweaty line. Consider making a Priority Seating for a late breakfast or for lunch, and
enjoy the coolness of the restaurant if you're not leaving the parks for a cool-down break.
Take advantage of the opportunities to get wet. Even standing near the fountain at Epcot during it's show provides a wonderful cooling mist. Don't miss Ice Station Cool at Epcot ö snow and cold drink samples for free! Keep in mind that fountains and water play areas may not be operating during times of drought. In general, the
Animal Kingdom has the fewest indoor, air-conditioned attractions. Most of it's attractions are outside, although they may be covered, and the design of the park tends to hold the heat.
Consider skipping the daytime parades, unless you find a shady spot to wait. Standing or sitting in the midday sun for two hours is not
a cool experience!
Summer is also a great time to enjoy the water parks. Don't overlook DisneyQuest or even going to see a movie at Downtown Disney on a hot day.
In addition to the icy beverages, enjoy some other cool treats. A Mickey Bar, or a Dole Whip, can be tasty and refreshing!
If you'll be in the parks all day, consider bringing body wipes, a change of clothes (or just a clean shirt) and deodorant. Bring an
extra pair of sock and sneakers if you're wearing sneakers. You can also rent a locker so you won't have to carry all this with you
all day. The lighter you can travel, the cooler you'll be.
Hopefully these tips will help you 'be cool' at Walt Disney World this summer. Maybe you'll see me there, standing by the fountain at Epcot, enjoying an icy cappuccino!
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