The Disney Dining Blog: Staying Cool and Staying Safe

The Disney Dining Blog: Staying Cool and Staying Safe

The heat of the summer is upon us, so I thought that this might be a good time to mention staying healthy at this time of year. It is easy to underestimate the Florida sun, it is something that you need to experience in order to realize just how hot it can get. The extreme humidity makes it feel even hotter. A few years ago I passed out because of the heat (fortunately I was not at Disney at the time) and that has caused me to be more careful. A few simple tips can help you to stay healthy, even on the hottest days of the year.

Drink plenty of water.  You hear that all the time, you need to put it into practice. There are water fountains around every turn at Walt Disney World, take advantage of them. If you want, bring a water bottle into the park and fill it up when needed, Disney won’t mind. Bottles of water can also be purchased at kiosks and food stands. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things that you can do to stay cooler on a hot day.

Take a break out of the heat. If you find that the heat is getting the better of you, get out of it for a few minutes. Browse in a store or catch an indoor show. Give yourself a little bit of time to enjoy the air conditioning and catch your breath before heading back outdoors.

Enjoy a cool treat. Want an excuse to buy a Mickey ice cream bar? You now have it. Ice cream, frozen lemonade and other cool treats can give you an energy boost and help you to feel more comfortable. The fact that they taste great is an added bonus.

Get help. If a member of your party is feeling dizzy or nauseous in the heat, tell the nearest cast member. It is better to be safe than sorry. If I had paid attention to the warning signs the day that I fainted from the heat it never would have happened. It is better to miss a couple of hours in the park while receiving first aid than to have something happen that might have more serious consequences.