One of the quintessential parts of the summer months are family vacations and we know many of our readers will be spending their vacations at one of the Disney parks so here are a few tips for surviving the scorching temperatures.
Hydrate! This may seem like common sense to many but it can never hurt to be reminded, right? Our bodies require water to function properly so if you are enjoying the Disney magic in the heat of the summer be sure to hydrate consistently throughout the day. While water is an excellent choice it doesn’t have to be the only one. Here are a couple of other ideas:
- Fresh veggies and fruits are good snacks this time of year, and not just for dieters. Fresh produce has a very high water content, so it’s a great way to hydrate without having to drink a ton of water. For example, an apple is up to 85% of water by volume.
- Pickles (and pickle juice) are higher in electrolytes than beverages like Gatorade or Powerade, and have been shown to reduce cramping cause by exertion in high temperatures. The acetic acid in pickles and pickle juice are considered superior to the citric acid found in commercial sports drinks, at least when it comes to rehydration properties.
*Be sure to avoid caffeinated beverages as they can have diuretic effect which can actually speed up dehydration.
*You can get a glass of water free of charge at any quick service restaurant. If you don’t like the taste of tap water consider bringing along some individual powdered drink mixes to improve the flavor.
Plan ahead. Temperatures tend to peak in the middle of the day so keep this in mind when mapping out your plans for the day. Consider taking a break from the parks during that time to return to your resort to swim or relax in your (air conditioned) room. If you are completely opposed to leaving the parks then plan to use the hottest hours of the day to visit indoor rides/shows. Here is a quick list of the attractions in each park that can offer some relief from the heat:
Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Tommorlowland Transit Authority (People Mover)
- Hall of Presidents
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
Epcot
- O Canada Movie
- Three Caballeros Ride (Mexico pavilion)
- Reflections of China Movie
- Impressions De France Movie
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Living with the Land
- Spaceship Earth
- Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Hollywood Studios
- Great Movie Ride
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
- One Man’s Dream
- Art of Disney Animation
- Post Show after the Backlot Tour
Animal Kingdom
- Conservation Station
- Finding Nemo: The Musical
- Festival of the Lion King
Dress Accordingly. Remember that light colors and loose fitting clothing will offer the most comfort in extreme temperatures. Also, be sure to choose proper footwear. While sandals or flip flops will be cool they may or may not have the support needed to keep your feet comfortable for the entire duration of the day.
Protect your skin. Don’t leave home without sunscreen and remember to re-apply throughout the day.
Think duel purpose: If you are planning to bring your own bottled water into the parks consider freezing them the night before. In the morning wrap each bottle in a wash cloth, secure it with a rubber band, and put them in a gallon size Ziploc bag. As the ice thaws it will help to keep the water cold and the condensation will be absorbed by the washcloth giving you a nice refreshing cloth to put on your neck, wipe your face, etc. If it dries the washcloth can also be dampened again in the bathroom so you can continue to use it throughout the day.
Most importantly don’t push yourself too hard, listen to your body, and if you start to feel weak find some shade or air conditioning, sip water and have a small snack. If your condition does not improve within a few minutes head to the first aid center for medical attention. It is always better to be safe than sorry!