Hats and Fans and Ponchos, Oh My!
How do you survive a full day in the hot Florida or Southern California sun? You need accessories! I have been to both Disneyland and Disney World in the hot heat of summer (and fall) and if you aren’t prepared you will be miserable. Many of the things I take to survive the heat will easily fit into a small backpack or under a small stroller.
Tip # 1: SUNSCREEN. This may be a no brainer however, I have seen some pink skin and you do not want to have to deal with that while you are trying to have fun on days 3,4,5…. Put the sunscreen on before you even leave your hotel. It’s one less thing that you need to deal with once you get to the parks. Because you will forget!
Tip # 2: COOLING TOWELS. You are probably thinking “but do they really work?” YES! Take that thing out as soon as it starts to get hot, go to a bathroom and get it wet and place it around your neck. Or on your head . Or on your face. Or over your little one’s legs. Seriously put it on! Once the towel starts to get warm take it off and shake it out a little and put it on. It really does cool your skin down. Use it in combination with tip #3 and you are set! Also, bring your own from home. They sell them on Amazon and you will save so much money bringing your own vs buying the ones at the parks.
These are the cooling towels we use. The little pouch is so handy when not in use.
Tip #3: PERSONAL FANS. I have tried a bunch of different ones. They have ones that hang around your neck like a necklace or sit on your shoulders. There are ones that you can attach to a stroller or scooter. The ones I prefer are the handheld ones. I also like a good misting fan but they can be somewhat large.
These are the best little fans. The battery will last all day, they recharge and have 3 fan speeds.
We also have these but I don’t love them. The fan speeds are nice but they make a lot of noise.
This is the stroller fan we use. The arms bend around the stroller but usually my son is holding it and playing with it’s button. The fan is pretty powerful and the battery lasts a long time.
These misting fans are great but they do have some downsides: They are somewhat large and use batteries. However, they are much cheaper than the ones sold at the parks.
Tip # 4: A HAT. I hear you. Everyone reading this and saying “I’m not wearing a hat”. Well I was that person too. I would have my cooling towel and fan and still be roasting. One year I decided to buy my son and I matching hats. This made me wear my hat and guess what? It helped cool me down. A little bit of shade on your face can do wonders.
Just wear the hat.
Tip# 5: Ponchos. Now if you are visiting Disneyland in the summer and early fall this one doesn’t apply to you. But if you are going to Disney World any time of the year prepare for rain. It’s Florida. It will probably rain once a day. Nothing will ruin your day faster than being soaking wet. I found some great ones at Amazon that are disposable and have elastic at the wrists and a string in the hood. This is a show stopper. Those cheap ponchos that let the rain run up to your armpits are so irritating. Also, the string in the hood actually keeps it on your head. Amazing!
These are awesome.
My last tip is to wear comfortable shoes. I always wear sneakers. I’m a Brooks girl and I never have problems with my feet. Don’t wear new shoes and make sure you break them in well in advance of your park days. Also bring more than one pair on your trip.
I hope all of these tips help you have a fun Disney trip. Just go with the flow and enjoy yourself!