Cheat, Starve, Demand "the free water."

[MomBitz]

Cheat, starve, demand "the free water."
Slightly embellished for humor, but this about sums up the extent of the advice handed out on a Disney Tips Facebook group I just un-joined (is that a word??).
There, I learned you can decline mousekeeping, pocket the $50, and have additional guests sleep on blow up rafts on the floor. They have a ton of rafts at 5 Below and the Dollar Store (the question was: is a family suite worth it?).
What is a good, out-of-the-sun QS lunch at Hollywood Studios? (Dont ever buy meals in the park. Waste of money and time. Refill your popcorn bucket a few times to tide everyone over until you get back to your hotel room each night. Cook on the electric skillet you brought from home.)
Where can I get frozen lemonade in Epcot? (Free ice water is available everywhere. "They" have to give it to you. We all know Disney hates to give out anything for free, but tell them it's the law, they have to give it you.)

Please restore my faith in my fellow Disney Guests and give me your best LEGITIMATE tips for surviving summer. (Been there many times but never in the extreme heat).

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I agree with you that some of the suggestions I've read make me go .

I've never been at the height of summer (I think my warmest trip was probably late May) but my tip is to drink a lot of water and try to schedule indoor things for the hottest part of the day - a TS lunch in the AC, attractions that are indoors, etc.

 

[Staren]

Disney quick service locations do in fact give you free ice water on request, which I bet you know, but it isn’t by law. It’s a curtesy Disney provides because it’s a good thing to do, they can, and it does reduce the number of heat related health incidents they have to worry about.

Sadly the blow up raft suggestion doesn’t surprise me. That one usually comes from young kids trying to stretch their limited budget too far. You see this one with fan conventions as well. They get caught quite often. Hotel staff know this one.

The hot plate / toaster one I haven’t heard in awhile. No one plays around with that one. Too much of a safety hazard. Doesn’t take take a lot of common sense to figure out why that’s a bad idea in a small hotel room.

Some people will always try to game the system. It will come back around to bite them.

 

[YawningDodo]

Not having been to WDW during the summer but yes to having been at Disneyland during a record heat wave that caused the other half of my party to go into heat exhaustion:

1.) Stay hydrated, and I don't mean just drink water--bring an electrolyte powder you can mix into at least one or two of the cups/bottles/whatevers of water you drink each day; it'll help you recover better than water alone. You can get zero calorie powders if you don't want a bunch of extra sugar.
2.) Plan to take scheduled breaks. We started the week trying to commando it and would poop out before evening; when we started taking afternoon breaks during the hottest part of the day, we got the same amount of park time but were there during the cooler hours instead.
3.) Know where to go for AC if you need to take an unplanned break for recovery while you're at the park. There are a few longer attractions and shows that are indoors and air conditioned, and I believe One Man's Dream is still an option at DHS.
3a.) Learn how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others, and be ready to interrupt the fun for a little while to preserve your well-being and the well-being of the people with you.

 

[Bjkandma]

This is our 6th trip traveling in August. There is free water at qs locations, but we always bring a small cooler (one that holds like 12-18 cans and bring some water with us). Loose ice is no longer allowed in parks, so bring some zip lock bags to put ice in. For me, having some available at all times, is worth it. (I've dehydrated several times and it's not fun!)

We like having the cooling towels for around our necks. (Some prefer not.). With the heat this year, if recommend a small handheld\ portable fan or spray bottle.

Arrive at the parks as early as you can. Plan to have lunch or a snack in an air conditioned restaurant (and take your time). Others will say, go to your resort to rest or swim. We find we lose a lot of time so: In the heat of the day, shows are a good place to cool down. If you find someone needs a break almost all rides empty at a gift shop it's air conditioned (warning: can get expensive) or cause meltdowns with little ones.

If you have little ones, there are two splash zones. Casey, Jrs at MK. Epcot has little splash pads. Change of clothes and a small towel to wipe faces.

We always bring rain ponchos. Some will say too hot, rain is for a short period of time. We've been in rainstorms that lasted 5 minutes and some that last hours!

Bring a pair of extra socks to the parks each day. Nothing worse than wet, sweaty socks.

We also carry a few bandaids and tylenol. You can get these free at the First Aid. But its,a far walk if you are at the back of the park and First Aid is at entrance.

It sounds like a lot of things, but it will fit into a backpack, or bottom of the stroller.

If staying at a resort in Disney property, you can decline housekeeping but only at value or moderate resorts. You will receive a $10 per night (discount) in the form of an e-gift card, except for last night of stay (6 night stay\$50 gift card). You can order fresh towels over the phone, or the front desk. If you want fresh sheets, etc you can request them, but YOu will make the bed. Soiled items can be placed outside your room. You will not have your beds made, floors swept. I'll explain trash removal next.

Whether you chose to decline housekeeping or not, you will be subject to a room check\ inspection each day. Someone will enter your room to "inspect". (A sign of the times). Sometimes during this inspection, they will remove your trash. Other times, we've just placed the trash outside our room. If you chose to change sheets, towels and trash do it early, so when the maid is doing rooms she just grabs it in her way.

 

[Disneylover99]

My best tip is to take advantage of the free water at counter service locations, especially in the summer. That way you don’t need to lug around water bottles if you don’t want to.

And there’s no need to demand it, they will happily give it to you for free.

 

[MomBitz]

Thanks all!!! I'm going to get cooling towels, for sure!
To be clear, I would never consider doing any of the things from the original post, they are gross and un-vacation-like in my opinion.... they were mentioned as examples of bad advice from a facebook group. (Soooo not smuggling in a hot plate, or raft. Beds and dining plan all the way for my family!)
Keep the GOOD advice coming!

 

[nyy]

We always take a midday break and enjoy the resort. We swim, nap, shower, use the arcade, shop etc. We return to the parks or another resort for dinner refreshed and then stay out late. We can only ever go in August, so this is essential for us.

 

[ZJ5/9D47]

Listen to the Voices of Liberty twice...once before the American Adventure show and then again after the show. There will be a bit of a break but that is good because drinking all that water to stay hydrated necessitates more frequent toilet break. Some songs are repeats, but they switch up some too.

Epcot's world showcase gift shops are fun to browse and explore during afternoon thunderstorms. Make sure not to bring money in with you.

If a massive thunderstorm is approaching, go someplace where there is an attraction you want to ride over and over again and has a long walk to get there. Mission: Space was a walk on for a couple hours one time I was there and the kids loved riding over and over again.

 

[Ro<3]

The cooling towels are a necessity for us too- I keep two wet bags in my backpack. We put things that need to stay dry (phone) in one (just in case). The second one is for cooling towels. We wet them when we happen to pass a water fountain and put them in the wet bag so they are ready if we need them a little later.

 

[PerfessorZ]

I bring bottles of water I froze the night before. You can press them against your skin if they’re still frozen to cool you off, then drink them when they melt.

 

[Wild4Walt]

Is a family suite worth it? For us, yes, even though there are only 2 in our party, we like the space. So when we can swing it we book either Deluxe or the Family Suite at AoA.

Good Out of the Sun QS in HS? I don't typically put good and food together for HS. I don't know what it is about this park but the food offerings are lacking. BUT if I wanted to get out of the sun, I'd head to ABC Commissary. They have recently upgraded either menu ( I haven't tried it yet ) but I think it gives me some hope.

Frozen Lemonade at Epcot? The carts usually have either Frozen Minute Maid in a container or Frozen Strawberry Lemonade or Frozen Orangeade in the same type of cup. ( You can get this at all the parks ).

Summer Heat Tips: If you tend to overheat, grab some cooling towels ( I have Frog Togg but I don't like how they feel after the 1st use - there are a few brands out there and Disney also sells some onsite ), fairskined? Use a 50 SPF or above, I still got a little crispy with the 50 but it would have been much worse if I used my normal 30 SPF. If you can wing it, take a mid day break by the resort pool or for a nap inside to avoid the hottest hours.

We were there in June and it was hot but since you're in and out of building for most rides we didn't feel like there was no reprieve.

 

[snowwite]

Cheat, starve, demand "the free water."
Slightly embellished for humor, but this about sums up the extent of the advice handed out on a Disney Tips Facebook group I just un-joined (is that a word??).
There, I learned you can decline mousekeeping, pocket the $50, and have additional guests sleep on blow up rafts on the floor. They have a ton of rafts at 5 Below and the Dollar Store (the question was: is a family suite worth it?).
What is a good, out-of-the-sun QS lunch at Hollywood Studios? (Dont ever buy meals in the park. Waste of money and time. Refill your popcorn bucket a few times to tide everyone over until you get back to your hotel room each night. Cook on the electric skillet you brought from home.)
Where can I get frozen lemonade in Epcot? (Free ice water is available everywhere. "They" have to give it to you. We all know Disney hates to give out anything for free, but tell them it's the law, they have to give it you.)

Please restore my faith in my fellow Disney Guests and give me your best LEGITIMATE tips for surviving summer. (Been there many times but never in the extreme heat).

Thanks everyone!!!

Years ago touring the parks with my then young children in the heat I passes out in a rest room and wound up in Epcot’s first aid center treated for severe dehydration. So my tips are go early and take a break midday and either lunch at a resort, Boardwalk or head back for swim break and nap then head back in the evening when it cools off or head to something like the movie and camp fire with chip and dale at ft wilderness in the evening. If you remain in parks head indoors to cool off and drink, drink, drink, eat things like watermelon, popsicles etc to stay hydrated. You can get lemonade and a seat in the shade out on Tom Sawyers island and there are similar spots in alll parks. You can get AMC discount passes from AAA and take in a matinee Disney movie at Disney Springs then go for an ice cream at Ghirardelli. You can cool off in the Hall of presidents and Carousel of Progress and Country bear jamboree, splash mountain in MK and grab a dole whip, the land pavilion or living seas or journey to imagination and inside the Mexico pavilion on ride snd restaurant in Epcot, kali river rapids in AK and Muppets in Studios.
Take a ride on the monorail and go to GF, Poly or Chef Mickey for meal or to play in the arcade.
Disney springs has boats from one side of the com0lex to the other snd to resorts. You can take boat ride around the lagoon and if it’s not crowded you can just remain on board. If it’s crowded you’ll need to disembark and rebrand.
It’s very manageable as long as you stay hydrated and take cooling breaks.

 

[AnnieBearJamboree]

I can’t believe the lengths people go to, just to save a little bit of money.

I do not come from a wealthy family. Saving for Disney trips was an elaborate, lengthy process, and always involved picking up another job. But my parents had an attitude of, “You shouldn’t worry about spending money on vacation.” We didn’t stay at deluxe hotels or buy lots of souvenirs we didn’t need,* but we weren’t denying ourselves food. That’s hardly a vacation. I understand Disney is expensive, but if you can’t eat in the parks what’s the fun in going?!

*No judgment on those who do! Just emphasizing that we definitely did thrifty Disney trips.

 

[Ellie Webbs]

Only eat 2 meals a day, a big breakfast and a big dinner. Snack in between. This will not only save money but trust me there's nothing worse than carrying a full gut around with you in the heat!
Also as a side note me and hubby found every now and then sharing something like loaded fries was more than enough for a meal, especially when you are riding rides. Cheap and cheerful and you can splash out on something else if you want.

 

[js]

Cheat, starve, demand "the free water."
Slightly embellished for humor, but this about sums up the extent of the advice handed out on a Disney Tips Facebook group I just un-joined (is that a word??).
There, I learned you can decline mousekeeping, pocket the $50, and have additional guests sleep on blow up rafts on the floor. They have a ton of rafts at 5 Below and the Dollar Store (the question was: is a family suite worth it?).
What is a good, out-of-the-sun QS lunch at Hollywood Studios? (Dont ever buy meals in the park. Waste of money and time. Refill your popcorn bucket a few times to tide everyone over until you get back to your hotel room each night. Cook on the electric skillet you brought from home.)
Where can I get frozen lemonade in Epcot? (Free ice water is available everywhere. "They" have to give it to you. We all know Disney hates to give out anything for free, but tell them it's the law, they have to give it you.)

Please restore my faith in my fellow Disney Guests and give me your best LEGITIMATE tips for surviving summer. (Been there many times but never in the extreme heat).

Thanks everyone!!!

Yikes. Maybe the "bun splitters" are the moderators of that group LOL

 

[Nomad70]

Hmm, we have always had our children as registered guests, but when they became teens we brought a small twin inflatable mattresses for one of them to sleep on. Didn't realize this was an issue. Sorry but my then 14 and 17 year old opposite sex teens didn't want to share a bed.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Hmm, we have always had our children as registered guests, but when they became teens we brought a small twin inflatable mattresses for one of them to sleep on. Didn't realize this was an issue. Sorry but my then 14 and 17 year old opposite sex teens didn't want to share a bed.

I don't think it's an issue since you claimed them as guests in the room! I believe the complaint is about people trying to hide extra guests - like booking a room for 2 and having 6 people sleep in it.

 

[brewhome]

We use Hydro Flask water bottles... fill them with ice in the hotel in the morning and keep refilling with water all day... they hold ice really well and keep your drink nice and cold. Drink lots and refill often. I personally find that if I drink too much sugary stuff (even those wonderful frozen lemonades and slushees), that makes me feel a little sick in the heat, so I stick with water.

I take a hand held small fan that charges via USB... that helps me a lot and is a little less messy than the cooling towels. I found one on Amazon for under $20 that works great.

Make sure you don’t stay out on the screaming hot pavement for too long of a stretch... break up your outside time with a show or ride with an indoor queue, or a nice cool shop or two. This is especially important at Epcot! That red pavement is brutal.

We took pool breaks around 4 pm - 6 pm on our last trip and it really helped bring the whole core body temp down. Plus a lot of people were leaving the pool to get ready for dinner so it’s wasn’t crowded at all. Then we felt refreshed for dinner or an evening in a park.

Good luck!

 

[YawningDodo]

I can’t believe the lengths people go to, just to save a little bit of money.

I do not come from a wealthy family. Saving for Disney trips was an elaborate, lengthy process, and always involved picking up another job. But my parents had an attitude of, “You shouldn’t worry about spending money on vacation.” We didn’t stay at deluxe hotels or buy lots of souvenirs we didn’t need,* but we weren’t denying ourselves food. That’s hardly a vacation. I understand Disney is expensive, but if you can’t eat in the parks what’s the fun in going?!

*No judgment on those who do! Just emphasizing that we definitely did thrifty Disney trips.

This has been my attitude, too. I do keep running notes on my spending when I'm on vacation because it helps me feel more at ease if I know for certain I'm not going over the money I've set aside for the trip, but I build my budget to allow myself to indulge in the ways I want to indulge. Ditto on not going deluxe or splashing cash at every single turn, but I don't plan a trip unless I'm able to set aside enough money to pay for everything without cutting corners and spending the whole trip feeling like I've got to squeeze every penny.