First time, not used to this kind of weather - tips?

[FirstTimerFromEurope]

Hello,
This summer we will fly from Europe to Atlanta to do a roadtrip of two weeks. Then we end in Orlando on the first of August where we will stay for another two weeks at the Disney and Universal resort, because we are coaster enthusiastics! We will also go to Dollywood, Carrowinds and the Kennedy Space Center.

Because of flight anxiety I haven't been out of Europe before (I have had therapy last year), so now I will finally be able to make my dream trip, even while I'm still anxious of the long flight to the States and the flight back from Orlando to Atlanta and back to Europe....
Last year I went to Turkey with interrail. I thought the 45 degrees Celsius heat was unbearable to walk in the city after a nighttrain and just energybars as breakfast.... I became sick of the heat for like three days (nauseous, dizzy, no energy).

Because I work in education I can't take other weeks off work, so we are bound to the period in July and August. I really want to enjoy my time in the States to the fullest, so I am looking for tips and tricks to survive the heat and not become sick like in Turkey after the citywalk.

Ofcourse I saw the tips of going back to the hotel at noon to take a rest, but are there some essentials I should buy in advance (cooling towels, fans?). I would like to hear about it!

I'm also looking for tips for the best order to do the Harry Potter area's, with the shortings waiting times.

 

[Ben_since_1971]

Cooling towels and fans will help. Wide brimmed hats will also shield your face and neck from direct sunlight. However, the biggest thing you can do is to keep hydrated. Plenty of water and sports drinks. There are many places in the parks (shops, indoor attractions) that are indoors to get you out of the direct heat. The midday break is also a very good idea. Start your days early, take a break midday, and then go back late afternoon to avoid the worst of the day.

Good luck with it!

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Hello,
This summer we will fly from Europe to Atlanta to do a roadtrip of two weeks. Then we end in Orlando on the first of August where we will stay for another two weeks at the Disney and Universal resort, because we are coaster enthusiastics! We will also go to Dollywood, Carrowinds and the Kennedy Space Center.

Because of flight anxiety I haven't been out of Europe before (I have had therapy last year), so now I will finally be able to make my dream trip, even while I'm still anxious of the long flight to the States and the flight back from Orlando to Atlanta and back to Europe....
Last year I went to Turkey with interrail. I thought the 45 degrees Celsius heat was unbearable to walk in the city after a nighttrain and just energybars as breakfast.... I became sick of the heat for like three days (nauseous, dizzy, no energy).

Because I work in education I can't take other weeks off work, so we are bound to the period in July and August. I really want to enjoy my time in the States to the fullest, so I am looking for tips and tricks to survive the heat and not become sick like in Turkey after the citywalk.

Ofcourse I saw the tips of going back to the hotel at noon to take a rest, but are there some essentials I should buy in advance (cooling towels, fans?). I would like to hear about it!

I'm also looking for tips for the best order to do the Harry Potter area's, with the shortings waiting times.

We often go to WDW in summer. I actually like WDW at this time of year. A bonus us that all the water elements feel like they are supposed to feel. Like the Moana walk through is more fun when it is warm.

Prob #1 is to stay hydrated. While it is important to drink water, it is also important to get enough electrolytes. one option is to drink a Gatorade-type drink, another is to add hydration powder to your water (prob can bring some with you), another is to get electrolyte infused water (hard to find, esp if you won't have car). I also like to make a habit of drinking some apple juice and lemonade. Just be aware that much of WDW's is the low-sugar kind with artificial sweetener, which somewhat defeats the purpose of drinking lemonade. You may also be able to request/be offered a slice of lemon for your water at some TS. Some hotel lobbies have lemon or orange water available for everyone. If you see some, I suggest getting some. Fresh fruit is also great, like grapes. Tomato and other watery fruits veggies are all good to eat, plus foods that are popular in warm climates.

While you can request free ice wager at every QS, for us, that is not enough. We always carry water. With every meal, drink a good amount. Between meals, drink a good amount.

We also find it helpful to take afternoon breaks. In the morning and after dark are when the parks are best, but...

Do expect high humidity and afternoon storms. The rain is usually very heavy, but often short-lived. Carry a plastic poncho, but also you can often easily just wait it out. This may sound obvious, but when the rain ends, take off the plastic. Sadly, many people continue to wear their plastic shells long after the rain has ended.

Usually, I do not find any of the misting fans to be useful. Neckfans were even worse, very uncomfortable. The cooling towels sorta work, but all of the above mostly just made me feel clammy. Water rides are good, but in-between it is good to dry off. An afternoon swim is good, as long as it is not a stormy afternoon. We find the heat makes us a bit sleepy in the afternoon, and a break gets you out of the crowds. But a break does take time. So plan accordingly. You want to be close to WDW for your WDW days and close to Universal for your Universal days.

Before your trip, get outdoors in the heat as much as possible. I find it helps to avoid air conditioning. Going for daily walks is great.
They are better than sneakers in WDW in August. Something that has adjustable straps, no blisters even if your feet are wet. Though if you are prone to blisters, moleskin is a great product.

If you do start to feel ill, drinking lots of water is often helpful. Also both WDW and Universal have first aid areas, do not hesitate to use them.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

You have had some excellent tips from others.
I just wanted to add:

Because of flight anxiety I haven't been out of Europe before (I have had therapy last year), so now I will finally be able to make my dream trip, even while I'm still anxious of the long flight to the States and the flight back from Orlando to Atlanta and back to Europe....

I used to have severe anxiety of flying - to the point of being physically ill a couple of weeks before flying. It was awful and I know what you are dealing with. I did something I thought I'd never do, but after trying pills and other ideas, I gave it a try. I have a friend who is a hypnotist and she hypnotized me before the trip. It really worked. I could actually fly without any anxiety at all! I don't know if this works for everyone, but it is something to think about. I only trusted someone I knew very well to do this. To this day I am able to fly without any problems. I hope you find something to help you.

I can't add much to the great advice others have given you.
Except, we went this past May and it was in the 90's and humid. We would go to the parks early, then head back to the resort to the pool. We would lounge and then dip into the cool water, several times. We would then head back to the parks later. I found that ducking into air conditioned stores helped a lot during those hot days. Good luck and have a great time touring the US.

 

[HakunaMatata89]

I ended up buying a fan that clips to your belt and blows air up your shirt. That and neck fans are really useful. Hydrate often and don't be afraid to go sit inside somewhere for a bit to get out of the heat