tips for cooling down at wdw in the summer

yodiwan1 · Post by **yodiwan1** » Jul Sun 27, 2008 11:25 pm

camelbacks??? please explain never heard of them.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jul Mon 28, 2008 11:53 am

A CamelBak is a hydration pack that you wear on your back. You have probably seen then before but just in case here is a link to what they are:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... 01349&rid=

Post by **js3901** » Jul Mon 28, 2008 7:04 pm

HakuOni wrote:to be cool during the summer then try all the wet rides. Then after that cool in the shade by riding some dark rides and some shows till it turns to night. then after that dry yourself off by riding the indiana jones ride.

there is no Indy ride at WDW, just FYI.

as far as keeping cool. I agree with most everyone else.

-Wear light colored clothing
-Keep hydrated - avoid caffeine during the day as much as possible (caffeine makes you sweat alot more, and dehydrates you faster).
-go on the water rides when you get overly hot, then go into a dark ride/show with A/C until you cool down
-bring plenty of sunscreen/sun block
-go first thing in the AM, take a break around lunch time to swim/relax.
-take advantage of the EMH, especially the evening ones (AK after dark is beautiful)

WVParkfan · Post by **WVParkfan** » Jul Tue 29, 2008 8:13 am

Dr. Ravenscroft wrote:A CamelBak is a hydration pack that you wear on your back.

Wow. To each their own. I would think that would be incredible uncomfortable to carry around all day at a theme park. I can see where it would be great for a camping or hiking trip, but there are water fountains all around WDW.

agingerbugg · Post by **agingerbugg** » Jul Tue 29, 2008 9:53 am

WVParkfan wrote:
Wow. To each their own. I would think that would be incredible uncomfortable to carry around all day at a theme park. I can see where it would be great for a camping or hiking trip, but there are water fountains all around WDW.

I have to agree, it is very uncomfortable to carry a pack around the parks all day. I always bring a bottle of water that I purchase outside the parks (it saves you about $1.50) and refill it at the water fountains. There are clips or lanyards you can purchase that allow you to carry a bottle over your shoulder or on your belt. To save money when you eat at a restaurant you can order tap water, Florida law requires they provide it free and it is filtered. It is no worse for you than water from a water fountain (in fact, most bottled water is nothing more than tap water).

During the heat of the day between 2 and 4 pm I do the majority of the indoor attractions: Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, Philharmagic at MK; Universe of Energy, Splendors of China, Impressions of France at EPCOT; etc.

Also I would avoid wearing a balllcap, they do not ventilate well and prevent heat from escaping your head. You will become overheated quicker with a ballcap. If you want to wear a hat, wear a large brim, "straw-like" hat. They protect you from the sun while still allowing heat to escape from your head. A visor is the best option.

If you are staying for a few days and have the time to take your time in the parks, the best thing is to avoid the heat of the day and return to your hotel to swim or rest.

The most important thing to remember is to keep hydrated, once you start to feel the effects of overheating, it is too late.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jul Tue 29, 2008 11:13 am

Actually WVParkfan and agingerbugg,

It isn't as uncomfortable as you may think. The Camelbak serves two purposes, one is to carry water, obviously, but the other is it cools off your back. Just think of all that water sitting on your back, and you can refill it when ever you get to a water fountain or restaurants (with ice water). it is nice to have and the next Camera bag I am looking at will include this back in it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4 ... Gray_.html

agingerbugg · Post by **agingerbugg** » Jul Tue 29, 2008 11:28 am

Okay, I will concede that it may not be as uncomfortable as a traditional backpack. However, they are cumbersome when walking around the parks, it is much easier to stow a water bottle than a whole backpack. Besides, the $0.99 1 liter water bottle (which can be purchased at the Hess station across from DTD) is a lot cheaper than the $39.99 (cheapest average price based on a simple goole search) camelbak. Basically it comes down to personal preference. If you want to be responsible for a backpack all day trudging through the parks, heat and crowds, fine. If, like me, you only want to be responsible for a little plastic bottle, that's fine too. As for the convenience of the camera bag? I prefer to keep that right next to me where I can see it. There are a lot of people with sticky fingers out there, and Disney is just as dangerous as any other crowded place.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jul Tue 29, 2008 11:46 am

To each there own.

agingerbugg wrote: As for the convenience of the camera bag? I prefer to keep that right next to me where I can see it. There are a lot of people with sticky fingers out there, and Disney is just as dangerous as any other crowded place.

if you are looking for security then try this bag, it is the one that I use now.
and check out the Video Demo for it too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... lack_.html

The opening is against your back, instead of where greedy little fingers can get at it.

WVParkfan · Post by **WVParkfan** » Jul Wed 30, 2008 8:57 am

Dr. Ravenscroft,
What about the weight? Is the cammelback heavy with the water bottle filled? That's what I was talking about.

We still use "fanny packs" that have a water bottle holder. My wife and kids never take them off. Since I am a big guy, I have to take mine off whenever I sit down (so that's all rides and shows) to fit in the seats. So, I only wear it about 1/2 of the time we're in the parks. But it is light, and doesn't bother me. I think I would be uncomfortable with a backpack... especially one weighed down with water.

Post by **js3901** » Jul Wed 30, 2008 10:02 am

WVParkfan wrote:Dr. Ravenscroft,
What about the weight? Is the cammelback heavy with the water bottle filled? That's what I was talking about.

We still use "fanny packs" that have a water bottle holder. My wife and kids never take them off. Since I am a big guy, I have to take mine off whenever I sit down (so that's all rides and shows) to fit in the seats. So, I only wear it about 1/2 of the time we're in the parks. But it is light, and doesn't bother me. I think I would be uncomfortable with a backpack... especially one weighed down with water.

I can speak for this. The weight is not really an issue with the camelbaks. the internal "bladder" is centered in the bag, and it all rides fairly center in your body. whereas a standard back pack shifts everything towards your lower back, the camelbak keeps everything center so it's alot less strain. after a short while, you can even forget that you're wearing it, it becomes so comfortable (at least, as I find).