5 Tips to Help you Keep your Cool in the Disney Parks this Summer
We here in the Orlando area have entered what I am henceforth referring to as “warm and sweaty season.” Summers here in Central Florida are no joke, and if you’re traveling to the Magic soon, it’s time for a refresher on how not to lose your cool.
Made in the Shade
It’s a given that you’ll need to stop off and on throughout your Disney park day. From glancing at your phone to double check your Lightning Lane time to deciding which decadent snack you’d like to try next, you’ll be standing still in the blazing sun for minutes on end. Those sneaky minutes here and there will add up, leaving you sunburned and weary in no time.
At the times when you need to stop and take care of something, take a second to look at the ground. Find the nearest patch of shade and head toward it. Decisions are so much easier to make when you’re not boiling in the sun, and you’ll give your body a much-needed timeout in temps that are just a bit cooler. It seems like common sense, but when you’re in the hustle and bustle of the Disney parks, finding shade isn’t always the first thing on a guest’s mind.
A Plan for Rain
Ahh, the daily afternoon thunderstorm. Welcome to Florida in the summer, friends. You can set your watch by the occurrence of the daily gully washer, and it’s best to plan ahead. Are you an umbrella kind of park guest or is a Mickey poncho more your style? How fast-drying are those super squishy sneakers of yours? Do the kids need you to pack an extra change of clothes in the family’s day bag? And which attraction will you make a beeline toward at the first crack of thunder? It’s good to pack a truckload of patience and an extra pair of shoes if you’re visiting the Magic during the summer.
Me? I’m an umbrella kind of gal. The ponchos aren’t pretty in humidity. Ahem.
Keep your Cool with Resort Days
I know, I know. Your time at Walt Disney World is limited and precious. It might be hard to think of giving up a day – or even an afternoon – of being in the parks, but you’ll thank me if you do. We all need a timeout occasionally. It works for toddlers, and it stands to reason that it just might work for park-loving adults, too.
Savor some time in the cool waters of your resort’s pool. Hunt down that fan-favorite snack that you’ve seen all over social media. Take a nap in the air-conditioned quiet of your room. You’ll be shocked to discover how refreshing even a short break away from the heat of the parks can be. Plus, you just might discover something about your resort that you never knew existed (hello, daily roasted marshmallows by the campfire).
Go Go Gadget(s)
We live in a glorious time where online shops and storefronts are packed to the gills with gadgets to help you keep your cool during the Central Florida summer days. Some of the most popular in the Disney parks are UV umbrellas and handheld fans. These ‘lil babies will provide you with much-needed respite from the blazing sun in the standby line, and you might just be thanking your lucky stars that you did a little research and made a purchase before your vacation.
Your Mom Told you to Drink your Water. She wasn’t Wrong.
Friends, this one also falls into the common sense category, but all common sense seems to fly out of the window once we step into the Disney bubble. Please bring a refillable water bottle with you to Walt Disney World. Yes, I’m an advocate of asking for water at counter service locations within the parks, but there’s just something comforting about having my own bottle of H2O whenever I need it. There are refilling stations throughout the parks; take a peek by the restrooms or do a quick search in the My Disney Experience app to pinpoint their locations.
Hydrate before you come to Disney and throughout your busy park days. Even better, throw some electrolytes in that water bottle and increase your chances of staying clear of dehydration. You’ve poured too much time and energy into getting to Disney; there’s no need to feel crummy while you’re here because you haven’t had your daily water intake.
Whatever your summertime park preference, with just a little proactive planning and awareness, even the hottest of days can be filled to the brim with Disney magic. Happy summer!
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