A Reminder About the Heat

The past several days have been the warmest of the year so far here in Central Florida. With all that heat, I’ve heard story after story about people getting sick or passing out. I thought maybe that this is a good time to add a few tips on dealing with Florida’s heat.

I don’t care where you’re from and if you’re used to hot weather. Summer in Florida is a different kind of hot. The air temperature is pretty high to begin with. Because you’re closer to the sun than in most parts of the United States, it will blare down on you. The daily afternoon storms will cool things off for a few minutes, but then that water will evaporate and the humidity level will soar. The humidity can be so high that it’s difficult for some people to breathe.

Then there are days when there is no storm. You’d think that would be better because the humidity is slightly lower. That’s not the case. When there is no rain the temperatures just rise. Part of the reason why we’re in our current hot streak is because there were several days with little rain.

I’m not saying to stay away from Walt Disney World during the summer. I’m heat sensitive and I’ve passed out (outside of Florida) because I ignored the signs that something was wrong. That day is one I’ll never forget because I ended up with three severe breaks in my ankle, and it was a long road to recovery. But in a way it’s a good thing, because I now take the heat more seriously.

The most important thing that you need to do during the summer months is to drink plenty of water. Not soda, not alcohol, not coffee, water. Your body needs to replenish itself before you start to feel thirsty, so just keep drinking all day. You don’t have to constantly chug the water, just carry a bottle with you and take a good long drink every few minutes. If you don’t want to carry it with you, you can ask for free water at any Walt Disney World food location that serves fountain beverages. Joffrey’s kiosks are also a good place to ask.

Taking breaks inside is also important on hot days. Plan a meal indoors for the middle of the day, and don’t forget to include water as a beverage. Watch an indoor show, ride an indoor ride with an indoor queue, or do a little bit of shopping in the middle of the day. A few minutes in the AC can make a big difference.

Fans and cooling towels are another way to stay a bit cooler. There are several different types of battery operated fans that you can buy before you leave home. If you don’t have a cooling towel you can purchase one at Walt Disney World. One or both of these can really help to cool you off.

There are parts of Walt Disney World that have little or no shade. You’ll see people carrying umbrellas. These can help, but please be careful. I’ve seen many people accidentally hit others in lines, and I’ve been hit myself a few times.

Choose the right clothing before heading out. I know you want to look good for your pictures, but find something that looks good and is loose. The other day I saw someone who wore a black sweatshirt jacket and skinny jeans. I don’t know how he did it. Light colored clothing is cooler because black absorbs the sun. That said, light colored clothing also shows the sweat more while dark colors hide it. (Don’t ask how I know this…) Loose clothing is more important than the color, at least it is for me.

Ice cream and Dole Whip can help to cool you off. Yes, I’m giving you permission to eat extra Dole Whip. You’re welcome.

Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy or you don’t normally burn. The Florida sun is a whole different monster when it comes to sunburns. It’s better to be safe than miserable.

The heat can get you, even if you take precautions. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, get into the AC and sit down right away. When I passed out my vision went black, but I was already nauseated. I knew that something was wrong, but I didn’t take any action. You know what feels right, and when something feels off. Listen to your body, and take even the slightest difference seriously.

Don’t apply these tips only to yourself. If you’re traveling with children, they need to stay hydrated and cool as well. Kids don’t always know how to express themselves, so keep an eye on their behavior. If something seems off, it’s probably time for an indoor break.

And there is nothing wrong with taking that break, even if it means leaving the theme parks. Sometimes the best Walt Disney World vacations are the ones where the mornings and evenings are spent in the parks, and the afternoons are spent by the hotel pool. A midday nap can be a good thing as well. Don’t ever expect to do everything on one Walt Disney World vacation, especially when it’s hot. It’s better to pick some must-dos and stay healthy than to overdo it and get sick from the heat.