The Disney Summer Series is back for its third year in a row, tackling all of the hot-button (and hot weather) topics that you need to know about before visiting the Disney Parks during the warmest months of the year. We love getting down to the nitty-gritty of what our community really needs to know, which is why we’re diving into this first topic right away. It isn’t all swimming and sunshine at Disneyland and Walt Disney World during the warmer months. Today, we’re talking about the uncomfortable side effects of the heat that can lead to embarrassing and bothersome issues in the parks. If you are spending part of your summer in the Disney Parks, you are bound to come across a few of these downsides of those care-free summer-lovin’ days. This is how we like to get ahead of things and minimize the impact!
Sweating It Out
The first point to tackle is the sweat. There is no doubt that in those hot months, while strolling through the parks, sweat can be an inconvenient factor that makes you uncomfortable in the moment and leaves you disappointed with the sweat stains in your photos. I like to tackle this one in two ways: first, by paying attention to the patterns and fabrics in your travel wardrobe. Some fabrics are very unforgiving and show every little hint of moisture. Others are much more accepting, hiding away those imperfections and leaving you feeling more confident. Secondly, I am in love with my mini travel fan. It’s so quiet and doubles as a power bank. It can make all the difference in those stuffy lines when everything feels a bit, well, gross.
Uncomfortable Chaffage
With that extra sweat and constant movement comes everyone’s least favorite C-word: Chaffing. Anywhere that skin rubs together, or rubs against seams or fabric, can easily become irritated. Think of underarms, thighs, females – that area under the ladies, anywhere that can go from feeling totally normal to being sore, swollen, and rash-covered. Applying an anti-chafe balm can make life much easier. Pair that together with breathable materials, and your skin will thank you. Consider a skort (a skirt with shorts built in) if you want a feminine look without showing bare thighs. Also, never wear clothes for the first time when you travel. You never know what can ride up or fall down, or rub you the wrong way, and the middle of summer at the Disney Parks isn’t the place you want to find out.
Photo by Sarah Cervantes on Unsplash
Melting Makeup
All that makeup that looks perfect in your resort room might not make it to the park gates on certain days. The humidity and heat like to work together to migrate all those precisely placed contours down your face as your makeup starts to melt. I like to keep things really simple when visiting in the heat. Some sunscreen (yes, always on park days), tinted moisturizer, some bronzer, lip color, and waterproof mascara. It’s so simple that I can even take this thing with me to retouch on those long days. Mind you, I rarely bother doing this, though it’s possible. Not only will your skin be able to breathe and keep you cooler, but you won’t be constantly worried about what’s happening on your face.
Saving the Sunburn
There is no faster way to ruin your vacation than adding an agonising sunburn to your light layered outfit. Once you’ve made the mistake, it is hard to soothe your burned skin, with every turn in bed or brush of clothing taking your breath away. The good news is that this is an easy one to get ahead of and avoid. Apply sunscreen before you leave in the morning and be sure to reapply during the day. Even if you think it’s not that bad, or it’s too cloudy to cause sunburn, no, do it anyway. Carrying that little bottle is much less inconvenient than being sunburned and having every move hurt for the rest of your vacation.
Unfortunate Odor
When you’re hot and sweaty, moving about in the heat, you’re bound to start smelling a little less than fresh at some point during the day. The remedy for this one begins with a clinical-strength antiperspirant that lasts longer and can make a big difference in how you feel (and smell) by mid-afternoon. My second approach for this is to carry a small packet of wipes with me. You wouldn’t believe how refreshing a little once-over can feel before you head off to that incredible dinner reservation without returning to the resort room. Wipe your face off before you reapply that bronzer and lip gloss, under the arms, and anywhere else that feels a bit feral. A quick spritz with the tiniest sample-size perfume that I always keep with me, and I feel like a whole new person.
The Disney Summer Series will continue here on The DIS over the next few months, so come back to check out all our best tips to survive the heat in the Disney Parks.
