-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Tips for beating the July heat?
- Thread starter redfive13
- Start date
Beacon Joe
Well-Known Member
That's the month when we usually go.
My top recommendation, beyond having a basic and level of fitness? Acclimatization.
Ranger & Airborne School Heat Acclimatization Guide
NIOSH Heat Stress Acclimatization Guide
What does this look like for us?
For a July trip, in May we start making sure we're exercising as it gets warmer where we live: leisurely walks around the neighborhood, hikes, quick bike trips. In June we start doubles. Basically, a walk in the heat around lunch time, and one in the early evening on most days, and long weighted hikes, runs, or paddles on the weekend. Weeknights, I lift in a gym with an unsat air conditioning system which works wonders for acclimatization.
Beyond that? The usual recommendations while at the parks during the summer: duck into air conditioned shops whenever you have the opportunity, stay hydrated, take advantage of water fountains or free cups of ice water at counter service spots. We typically stay on the resort loop, so we head back to the hotel around 1 or 2 to relax in the room or the pool, and then return to the park after an early dinner. Also, don't do an all you can eat lunch, like I did at Liberty Tree.
Editing to add: consider typical Florida Summer weather and prepare for rain storms. At times, these are very cooling - the last two years, we went through morning storms which actually made me shiver. But soggy clothes as the sun returns can be a disaster. So I'm a big fan of wearing wicking clothing that will dry (and cool) quickly: hybrid board shorts (these are board short material, but cut and colored like regular chino shorts) and a wicking golf shirt. I don't like the shiny look of most wicking t-shirts, but the Hanes x-temps, while a cotton blend (70 poly/30 cotton) wick extremely well but still look like normal non-shiny cotton shirts.
My top recommendation, beyond having a basic and level of fitness? Acclimatization.
Ranger & Airborne School Heat Acclimatization Guide
NIOSH Heat Stress Acclimatization Guide
What does this look like for us?
For a July trip, in May we start making sure we're exercising as it gets warmer where we live: leisurely walks around the neighborhood, hikes, quick bike trips. In June we start doubles. Basically, a walk in the heat around lunch time, and one in the early evening on most days, and long weighted hikes, runs, or paddles on the weekend. Weeknights, I lift in a gym with an unsat air conditioning system which works wonders for acclimatization.
Beyond that? The usual recommendations while at the parks during the summer: duck into air conditioned shops whenever you have the opportunity, stay hydrated, take advantage of water fountains or free cups of ice water at counter service spots. We typically stay on the resort loop, so we head back to the hotel around 1 or 2 to relax in the room or the pool, and then return to the park after an early dinner. Also, don't do an all you can eat lunch, like I did at Liberty Tree.
Editing to add: consider typical Florida Summer weather and prepare for rain storms. At times, these are very cooling - the last two years, we went through morning storms which actually made me shiver. But soggy clothes as the sun returns can be a disaster. So I'm a big fan of wearing wicking clothing that will dry (and cool) quickly: hybrid board shorts (these are board short material, but cut and colored like regular chino shorts) and a wicking golf shirt. I don't like the shiny look of most wicking t-shirts, but the Hanes x-temps, while a cotton blend (70 poly/30 cotton) wick extremely well but still look like normal non-shiny cotton shirts.
Last edited:
Upvote
1
John park hopper
Well-Known Member
Go in January (Kidding) drink plenty of water stay away from sugary drinks, wear light airy clothing, wear a hat, take a break at noon go back to resort and rest or swim in pool, go back to parks late afternoon, don't eat a heavy meal, use one of those water mist spray bottles, plenty of sun screen, bring a small towel you can wet. Try to have fun
Upvote
0
If this isn’t a once in a lifetime trip or something I highly recommend taking an afternoon siesta. A shower and a nice nap in the heat of the day goes a long ways. I realize that doesn’t make the most of your sizable investment of a WDW trip but it really is a wonderful thing. When the kids were younger I would be a park commando with the kids. My wife would leave, and meet you with us again for dinner. We just did our first trip kid free in 19 years. It was amazing how great it felt to be clean, fresh, and recharged for the evening. We are blessed to go often enough and long enough to not feel guilty. Not sure what your situation is but food for thought.
Upvote
0
JIMINYCR
Well-Known Member
Our best tip is... dont go in July. Or August.
But if you must.... Bring cooling towels. Some on these boards in the past have claimed they are useless but we have felt a definite difference when using them.
I carry several bottles... 2 filled with water and mio to flavor the taset of the FL water. The 3rd is insulated and filled with ice to be used later as it melts.
Strategize your park time so you ride attractions that might have the longest waits in the sun early to get past them. Also plan the attractions where you are inside for shows or longer times that have cooler a/c during the hottest times of the day.
But if you must.... Bring cooling towels. Some on these boards in the past have claimed they are useless but we have felt a definite difference when using them.
I carry several bottles... 2 filled with water and mio to flavor the taset of the FL water. The 3rd is insulated and filled with ice to be used later as it melts.
Strategize your park time so you ride attractions that might have the longest waits in the sun early to get past them. Also plan the attractions where you are inside for shows or longer times that have cooler a/c during the hottest times of the day.
Upvote
0
Pace yourself. Take breaks. Stay away from excessive amounts of sugar (i.e. soda). Pick a few rides where you can go inside and enjoy cool or at least comfortable temperatures - like CoP, Bears, Pavilion shows at EPCOT, etc. Drink lots of water.
And very important. Keep yourself in check. So, so, many "meltdowns" happen due factors that don't mesh well with "Hot and Humid". You don't want to be "Those People". It'll take away from your trip.
And very important. Keep yourself in check. So, so, many "meltdowns" happen due factors that don't mesh well with "Hot and Humid". You don't want to be "Those People". It'll take away from your trip.
Upvote
0
EnjoyingLife
Member
All these suggestions are excellent, but I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference it makes to wear only moisture-wicking clothing (undergarments included), as opposed to cotton. Significantly cooler, drier, and more comfortable. (If you opt to wear hats/caps, keep it light and breathable so heat can escape.)
Upvote
0
yensid67
Well-Known Member
Buy MISTING FANS FROM WALMART!!!!!! The are way chaper than in the parks and come in handy, but it is a little bothersome to carry around. You could spend $10ish at Walmart compared to $30ish at WDW!
Buy store brand HEAVY PONCHOS...you will need them for the daily rainfalls! Get different colored ones and personalize with each favorite character!
Buy store brand HEAVY PONCHOS...you will need them for the daily rainfalls! Get different colored ones and personalize with each favorite character!
Upvote
0
slipperalwaysfits
Well-Known Member
THIS is really good to know! I have all my dry-wick clothes ready to go but I was never sure if they made a difference or not. Guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks!
Upvote
0
EnjoyingLife
Member
When I first started running, I wore regular cotton clothes because that’s what I already owned. Other runners urged me to buy proper wicking exercise clothes, and when I eventually conceded probably a year later, it literally changed my life! Or at least it made running in the heat not suck quite as badly.
Anyway, that’s what I wear now any time I do anything outside in the heat. I sure hope you have a great trip and stay as comfortable as possible!
Upvote
0
Ghostdog
Well-Known Member
I would say and always say, I’m never going back in the summer it’s too HOT 
…but then again we keep going in the summer 
.
Sometimes timing is everything and summertime works best for everyone’s schedule. No matter the temperature we ALWAYS have a great time!
A cool down with snacks and drinks by the pool have always been a part of our Disney vacations and some of our best memories going back to when our kids were toddlers (both are now in college).
I have an upcoming girls trip with my daughter in a few weeks. A DAILY afternoon pool break will enjoyed during our trip.
…but then again we keep going in the summer . Sometimes timing is everything and summertime works best for everyone’s schedule. No matter the temperature we ALWAYS have a great time!
A cool down with snacks and drinks by the pool have always been a part of our Disney vacations and some of our best memories going back to when our kids were toddlers (both are now in college).
I have an upcoming girls trip with my daughter in a few weeks. A DAILY afternoon pool break will enjoyed during our trip.
Upvote
0
Weather_Lady
Well-Known Member
In addition to the excellent suggestions already mentioned, keep temperatures in mind when formulating your touring plans. Know ahead of time which attractions and queues are air-conditioned, and try to structure your day so that you're getting outdoor stuff (meaning outdoor attractions, attractions with outdoor queues, and destinations that require a lot of outdoor walking - e.g., Haunted Mansion, 7DMT, Big Thunder Mountain, it's a small world, Tom Sawyer Island, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, the Carrousel, all spinners, Spaceship Earth, all of World Showcase, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, the AK nature trails, Toy Story Land attractions, etc.) out of the way early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler outside.
Upvote
0
Sandersfeld
Active Member
DisneyWorld in July,,beat the heat?? pray for an ice age to start on your days there
Upvote
0
