Tips about Epcot, Resorts and Sun & Heat Tips

The very best way to keep cool would be those Mickey ice cream bars. They sell them everywhere in the parks, so whenever you feel the heat, buy a Mickey bar, sit in the shade and do some people-watching. That would be the best way I can think of! - Pat Schaub

My favorite way to keep cool while the sun is heating up Disney is to jump onto a "Sea Raycer" speed boat and drive around Bay Lake. There is nothing like the feeling of the cool water from the lake splashing up into your face while you are cruising around. And you can also get one of the best views of the Contemporary with Space Mountain in the background from the middle of the lake. - Billy Putrino

"Jungle" Jim Sirks, a former Cast Member, sent in a few wise tips, born of experience:

-- Make a mental note of where water fountains are located. The water is always cold, and keeping hydrated (for free) is the number one way to stay cool (and avoid heat stroke).

-- On Main Street, U.S.A., or in Frontierland, walk through the stores, especially during parades. You'll find that they're all connected, air-conditioned, and not as crowded as the streets and sidewalks.

-- Make avid use of the Steam Trains. They're very relaxing, and the 12-15 mph breeze is quite refreshing.

-- Take time to relax on Tom Sawyer's Island to cool down many different ways. Stroll through a cave, get a lemonade and sit on Aunt Polly's porch, or, my favorite, climb to the top of the hill and soak your feet in the stream for a few minutes!

-- Totally avoid the 3 p.m. parade and the afternoon shows at Cinderella's Castle unless you can sit in the shade. As a past Main Street Operations Host, I more than once had to help an overheated guest to First Aid.

(Epcot's) Club Cool (formerly Ice Station Cool). Need I say more? - Peevergo1

The CamelBak hydration backpack is a backpack with a water bladder inside. Bikers use them when hitting the road or backwoods trails to carry cold refreshing water with them. They come in various sizes and shapes and some also have cargo compartments for storing other essential items (sunscreen, etc.). Just fill it with ice and water before heading to the park and you can sip on it all day long. Use it up and just refill it at the park. Extra benefit for the person carrying it, they get a nice cool sensation on their back. - Rich Mellon

I purchased a collapsible travel umbrella. I made sure that I purchased one that was a light color -- black would not do! It folds to a compact 9 inches long, 2 inches wide and fits easily into any purse or backpack. As soon as I was in the heat I opened the umbrella and it worked wonders. You should have seen the people staring at me. I think I could have sold it for much more than I paid! It was great for walking around but also for waiting for parades. It's surprising how much it helped. - Tracey

My wife is always looking for ways to save a few bucks. One of the ways she found was to purchase "Brita water filter" water bottles. We fill them throughout the day in the parks and we always have fresh, crisp tasting water for our little guys to enjoy and keep cool with! - Matt Kiernan

We always take the neck coolers -- the ones [with gel beads] you soak in a sink for about 20 minutes, then wrap and tie around your neck. They stay cool for a good amount of time, and when needed, resoak and reuse. (Also called Cool Neck Wraps - sometimes they look like funky ties) - Annie

When the days are extremely hot, I take a couple of wash clothes to the parks with us. I dampen them with cold water, put them in a Ziploc and fill another with ice. I keep them together in an insulated bag. Throughout the day I take them out to wipe my daughter's face and neck. This keeps her cool and clean. I keep adding fresh ice whenever needed throughout the day! - The Pauls

Don't be afraid to get WET! Not only at the pools and water parks, but also those great "WET" attractions, the small theme park sprinklers and water misters, e.g., "Singing in the Rain" Umbrella at the Studios, the water misters at Epcot, the splashing sprinklers at Epcot and Disney Springs. - SURFNCATHY

Visit the dark, cool, indoor attractions that usually have no wait: Hall of Presidents, Ellen's Energy Adventure, American Adventure. - Gay Bachmann

ALL EARS® readers sent in so many wonderful ideas for keeping cool and touring WDW in the summer! Among the most popular suggestions:

Freezing water bottles; soaking bandannas in cold water or in ice, then wrapping them around your head or neck; cooling off in a shady area; and eating snacks in the air conditioning. Many others suggested using the water mister spray fans. To save a few dollars, plan ahead and buy them from a discount store for $5 to $7, rather than from Disney at $17.

GRAND FLORIDIAN - My tip is to enjoy the fireworks from the boat launch dock at the Grand Floridian. We had just finished the truly remarkable key lime creme brulee at Narcoossee's and some of us just wandered up to the dock. The lights lowered, the voice came over the speaker: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS! And with the lagoon shimmering before us, we enjoyed the wonderful sight of Wishes -- with all the music, but without the crowds of Main Street. Personally, I also love being in the big crowd, but it was truly magical, and totally free! Just hop the monorail over to the Grand Floridian and follow the signs to the boat. It was a wonderful moment! - Judy

When we took our 5 month old to Walt Disney World last June, we brought along a small battery operated fan that hooked to the edge of the stroller. The blades were child safe so even if he touched it, he couldn't get hurt. This kept him cool and entertained-many people commented that they wished they had thought of that! - Angie G

I brought along a thin ice/gel pack intended for a 9x13 baking pan. I would freeze it, then wrap a towel around it and slide it in my son's umbrella stroller between the stroller back and his shirt. This kept him cool and wasn't awkward or too big to use. - Juli Vieke-Peach