We just hit the parks in the heat of summer and it was, not awful. For some of you, this may be a “no way!” But for those of you opting to squeeze in those last summer trips and pack in some fun, I’m stopping by to give you a few summer theme park tips.
Also note: we have been going for years and this time with a 3-month-old in tow with our toddler, was new territory.
Here Are Some Ways To Survive:
- Water and Cooler: I always get this question. Yes, you can bring a small cooler. And YES you can bring water, food, snacks, etc. It is important to note that all quick-serve restaurants will give you free–yes, FREE–ice water. I also recommend freezing a bunch of water and throwing it in a cooler. It helps keep everything cool and you’ll always have iced water.
- Ziplocs: You can never have too many. I usually pack a few of each size. If you read my Ziploc post you’ll find tons of uses. But for the parks, I not only pack our suitcase with Ziplocs (get that from my mom), but they’re so handy for so much more. I keep a change of clothes for each child in gallon size (in case it rains) so they stay dry. They are good for snacks you may open in the parks but not finish. If you’re going on a water ride, throw your phone in it real quick. We usually fill a few with ice leaving the hotel and throw them in a cooler to really keep it cold. And if someone trips and falls, boom, you’ve got an instant cold pack for that booboo. Also, you can pop one over that ice-cold drink you have to leave in your stroller and avoid bugs. I can keep going but you get it.
- Umbrella (rain or shine): If you know Florida, you know the weather changes in minutes. For one, you can walk in the shade which keeps you 10 degrees cooler. If you’re standing in line, a compact umbrella serves a dual purpose for shade or instant rain. If you have a golf-size umbrella, they’re great for when you go on the rides. Just pop it open and done! For one it makes your stroller easy to spot but also keeps everything cool and dry! The stroller cover is great but can fly around and you have to fuss with tying and untying. An umbrella makes it quick and easy. (Confession: my husband bought some contraption holster on Amazon that attached to the stroller and held the umbrella. Okay, it worked and instead of messing with the stroller shade, the umbrella kept them fully covered and breezy, and in case a sudden sprinkle came along they were dry!)
- Snacks: Bring them! Or you’ll be buying into the turkey legs and popcorn all day! Not only with kids do you need those snacks but you need to power up for those long days.
- Extra Outfit: Bring the extra t-shirt and undies! If you have a midday rain shower it is totally worth changing your sweaty t-shirt and underwear. Sounds funny but you’ll thank me later and feel fresh.
- The Tennis Skort: I’ve been all about tennis skirts since I started playing tennis when I was maybe 7. That said, they are also my adult summer staple and perfect for the parks. You can still get your cute on but the material dries quickly, keeps you cool and there are tons of colors. Here are some of my faves on Amazon.
- Security Check: Bag check can sometimes take long and in the heat, it’s no fun. Move any cell phones, umbrellas, or metals, into your stroller caddy or under the seat. Makes going through a breeze. You don’t want to have to go through the bag check while the family is waiting in the sun. Sidebar: if the metal detector snags you, make sure to ask security what set it off. They will tell you and you can remove it the next time.
- Stroller Fans: Obviously, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t bring them. Ranging from $14-50 on Amazon, you can find whatever fits your needs. I’d say go for the 8,000 or 10,000 mAh (you’ll want them to last longer). There are some thin 10” ones that clip on and pack a punch. I also recommend a handheld one compact enough to have in your bag for when you’re in line.
- Towel: Cooling towels are “cool” but they don’t do much for me. I always bring a small washcloth from the hotel. They are great for wiping sweat and you can constantly dip them in ice-cold water around the park and just put them on your neck.
- Frida Fever Pads: These are meant for kids and stick on when they have a fever, but guess what, they work great to cool you and your kiddos down.
- Ride The Sky: Take a break and ride the sky with Disney’s Skyliner. Up in the skies, it is breezier than you think. People are surprised with no A/C but the way they are built the airflow is incredible. You can pop over to a resort to grab a drink and cool down. Or just simply hop over to another park. Sidebar: jump on the skyliners 5 minutes before fireworks, and you’ll have the best views of all parks at once. We usually pop on them straight from France in EPCOT with our champagne and cheese!
- Get Indoors: There are rides and plenty of character meet and greets that often have no lines. It’s a quick way to cool down and also take a break.
Share Your Tips & Hacks
If you have any great summer theme park tips, drop them in the comments below so our readers can take it all in!
