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INTERCOT - Walt Disney World Inside & Out - Info Central
Summer Heat Strategies
No doubt about it -- Summertime heat in Florida is not for the faint of
heart. Combine the subtropical heat with the ever-present humidity, and you
have the ingredients for some pretty uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous
weather. People on vacation at Disney World are at even greater risk, since
the temptation to do too much, too fast is always there. Below are some
strategies you can use to beat the Summer heat on your Walt Disney World
vacation.
Got
Water?
The most important way to prevent heat-related problems is to increase your
fluid intake when you're out under the hot sun. For otherwise healthy
people, that means 2-4 glasses of cool water every hour. (For those with
chronic health conditions, it is always best to consult your doctor about
how much you should drink.) You don't have to break the bank to buy
beverages at Disney World. Water is absolutely the best liquid to drink to
avoid dehydration, and many people bring water bottles to the parks and just
keep refilling them at drinking fountains or concessions all day. Try to
avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine as they can actually dehydrate
your body.
Pace
Yourself:
If you are unaccustomed to being active in a hot environment, start slowly
and pick up the pace gradually (easier said than done at the most Magical
Place on Earth!) If exertion is causing your heart to pound and your head to
ache, then slow down.
Do a
Balancing Act:
Alternate periods of outdoor activity with indoor (as in air-conditioned)
activity. While it may be tempting to go right from waiting in line at the
Indy Speedway to a Mickey Meet and Greet in Toontown, it would probably be a
better idea to take in the air-conditioned line at Space Mountain first.
Take a
Breather:
The strategy many Disney World visitors use is to visit the theme parks
early and late in the day, with a trip back to the hotel room (or better
yet, the hotel pool or water parks) in between. This is a very effective way
to cool off and also avoid the worst of the afternoon heat and crowds at the
parks.
Catch a
Breeze:
Or create one, if necessary. Standing in line with bunch of folks briskly
fanning themselves with their park brochures may look funny, but even that
small breeze is effective in helping to evaporate sweat on your skin and
keep it cool. Even better, bring along a few inexpensive collapsing fans (or
buy them at the China pavilion at EPCOT) and do it right! In recent years,
the use of mini-fans/spritzers have become an unofficial Walt Disney World
obsession. You can purchase them at the theme parks, but you can also buy
them at many discount stores.
Made in
the Shade:
Disney World is pretty good about offering shaded queues for their
attractions, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye out for every opportunity to
make use of shade. Not only will it keep you cooler, but it will also keep
you from getting sunburned (of course, you should use plenty of sun block
when out in the sun, but that's another story!) You can also carry around a
small portable umbrella to make your own shade. True, some people may look
at you funny (just before they start sidling closer to your man-made shade),
but this can be very effective.
Chill
Out:
There are various other things you can do to keep cool. Splash your face
with water every time you use the restroom. Make good use of Splash Mountain
(need I say more?) My favorite way to keep cool is by taking a few ice
cubes, rolling them up in a bandanna and tying it around my neck. As the ice
melts and wets the fabric, it cools the pulse points in neck, which makes
the rest of my body feel cooler. Plus you can use it over and over again all
day. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in light colors, which will
reflect sunlight and feel cooler (dark colors absorb sunlight, making you
feel hotter.) Whatever methods you use to keep cool at Disney World, use
them consistently.
One additional note --
Children younger than four years of age and adults older than 65 need to be
monitored even more closely in hot environments and should avoid being
outside in the hottest part of the day whenever possible. Their bodies
cannot adapt and control their internal temperatures as well as other age
groups can. So stay safe, keep cool and have fun at Disney World!
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