How to stay cool at Disney Parks

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it looks like the summer season wants to end with a big bang! Lately, the heat wave has taken a toll on many individuals throughout Southern California and it’s affecting how Disney Park goers make the most out of their day in this hot, hot heat.

Here are some cool tips (pun intended) to keep in mind for your next trip to the Disney Parks:

1. Dress Appropriately

• Wear sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply!
• Wear long (if you can), loose, and breathable clothing made of cotton, as it is light-weight.  Keep in mind that wearing light colors do not absorb heat as much as darker ones do.
• Opt for sandals or flip flops instead of sneakers.
• Unless you want an uncomfortably hot and sweaty back, avoid carrying a backpack, and eliminate unnecessary items by leaving them at home or in your car.
• Tie longer hair back and avoid wearing heavy make-up.

2. Plan Your Day Accordingly

Ride as many outdoor attractions as you can in the morning when it’s cool and in the evening when it starts to cool off. Around noon, the hottest time of the day, stick to indoor attractions.

Here are some indoor attractions to consider that are typically shorter in wait-times, air-conditioned, and even wet!

Disneyland

Castle Bros. in Main Street, U.S.A.

• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Disneyland Railroad
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
• Haunted Mansion
• It’s a Small World
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Splash Mountain (wet)
• Shops! (My favorite is located at Castle Bros. in Main Street, U.S.A. for GREAT ceiling ventilation)

Disney California Adventure

• Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical (see it before it’s gone!)
• Disney Animation Studio (Sorcerer’s Workshop, Animation Academy, Turtle Talk with Crush)
• Grizzly River Run (wet)
  

  Disneys Aladdin – A Musical

• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Princess Dot Puddle Park (wet)
• Soarin’ Over California
• The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

3. Stay Hydrated

Free cups of water at the Refreshment Corner

• Ask for free cups of iced water at dining locations.
• Bring frozen bottled water (they’re great as ice packs too).
• Stay away from sugary drinks and minimize caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea, which increase dehydration.

4. Take Restroom Breaks

• With hydration comes relief! (A little TMI, but if your urine is dark in color, you’re not drinking enough water).
• Bring a hand towel if needed to wash up.
• Know your body’s pulse points (wrists, elbows, neck, and temples to name a few) to cool off your blood and body temperature by contact with cool water.

5. Enjoy Cool and Refreshing Treats

Dole Whip Float

• Bring frozen fruits as snacks or try some of my favorites from the parks:

Disneyland: Dole Whip (Tiki Juice Bar) and Mint Julep (Mint Julep Bar)

Disney California Adventure: Soft Serve (Paradise Pier Ice Cream Company) and Mango Madness Smoothie (Schmoozies)

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And there you have it!  I hope you find these helpful for a hot day at the parks. Please seek immediate attention if you are feeling any signs of heat exhaustion or illness.