How do you deal with the heat at amusement parks?

[orangeblue]

So I spent over 8 hours at Busch Gardens Tampa yesterday, and although I had a great time, I had a lot of difficulty putting up with the heat and humidity that Florida offers this time of year. I drank plenty of water throughout the day (5 bottles of water + 1 gatorade) and that certainly helped, but I still almost felt like fainting constantly. My question then, to the more seasoned park goers of TPR is, what do you guys do to deal with the heat? Do you have any tips to make day long park excursions more enjoyable?

 

Note: I've already realized that I should have worn better clothing (i.e., not jeans). Also, I have lived in Florida my whole life, but I'm still not 'used' to the heat.

[braztaz]

I'm extremely sensitive to heat, as I've gotten heat exhaustion at least 4 times in the past two years, and then twice in the same day. For those of you that don't know, heat exhaustion is one of the most miserable things that could happen at a theme park. It really sucks. So I'm always really careful whenever I go, and here's what I do....

 

1. Get a good night's sleep. I know it's tough going to sleep thinking about how much fun you'll be having, but at least just lie down and listen to some music.

 

2. Have a healthy, but big breakfast. Now, I usually have a bowl of cereal and a banana which is enough for me until lunch, but different people have different needs. It will give you the energy and fluids you'll need for the day so you won't feel tired or like you're about to faint. It really does help.

 

3. Bring a water bottle for the drive up. This will definitely help you out, since you'll be drinking water in the cool air-conditioning and you won't be sweating it away.

 

4. Occasionally get free cups of ice water at drink stands or restaurants. The free ice water is really refreshing and you have an unlimited supply. And it's so much better than the nasty drinking-fountain water! Also, I like to rub the ice cubes on my arm...it just feels good!

 

5. Eat lunch! This one's pretty self explanatory!

 

With all these you should be able to beat the heat and feel as energetic as possible, with no grogginess or feelings of about to faint. I hope this helps!

[BarryH]

Also, take in a show or an indoor attraction during the hottest part of the day. At Busch Gardens, you can do the coasters until noon, have a nice lunch, and then take in the shows and AC during the hottest part of the day.

 

Ride a water ride. The Congo will get you soaked to the bone, but it also feels good to dry off during the day. Don't do this when it is 30 degrees out, though.

[BrandonR]

Have you considered taking one of those little spray bottle/fan combos that you can mist yourself with? It's the closest thing to having a portable air conditioner with you. I was at the zoo yesterday and it was hot (about 100) and it seemed everyone had one except me...

[Pirouettes907]

Come spend a couple summers working outside in St. Louis where the heat index is about 105-110 everyday, and then you can handle anything

 

But seriously, definitely don't be afraid to ask for a cup of ice water; as long as it's not a bottle of water you should be able to get it for free. I've also left a park during the hottest part of the day to go home/back to the hotel to take a nap and shower before heading back as the sun goes down. I'll tend to get some dinner at that point too to avoid overpaying for food in the park (not to mention get something that's far more edible than standard park fare). If you're not in a rush to collect credits or anything, it's definitely a refreshing break.

 

And yes, I agree with you on the jeans thing. Jeans and summertime are mutually exclusive concepts in my book!

[osm]

Two words- Log flume

[cleusk]

1) Watch the indoor shows intermittently throughout the day.

 

2) Go to the rides with the longest lines early in the morning so you don't end waiting in them in the dreaded heat.

 

3) If you're starting to feel a little tired, sit down, relax, and drink water.

 

4) Bring a lot of bottled waters with you. That way, you don't have to walk and search for a water fountain. Don't forget to fill them at a water fountain when you come across one.

 

5) Get a towel wet at one of the water fountains and wrap it around your neck. This will help you keep cooler and last longer in the heat. This is a common practice in warehouse and construction environments.

 

6) Don't drink cokes. They can actually increase the probability of dehydration.

 

7) If you're feeling tired and exhausted, go back to the hotel. You're probably already dehydrated or getting close to it. Going indoors to see a show won't cut it. What you need is rest. Come back in the late afternoon or evening when things are cooler.

 

8) Spray fans are wonderful. Just make sure you don't them at the park. You can get them way cheaper at the average store.

 

9) If the line to a ride is extremely long, skip and come back at a later time. The ride isn't going anywhere.

 

10) Don't drink coffee.

[CoasterLover]

A LOT of people just naturally don't drink enough water, so if you are starting out your day already slightly dehydrated, it can go downhill quickly. If you're going to a park and you know it's going to be hot, drink a lot more water the day or two before you go. Like a runner preparing for a race, you don't just start preparing the day of (granted,a day at an amusement park is no marathon, but you are doing a lot of walking/standing and all out in the sun). Appropriate clothes are necessary too. I know so many of you love your amusement park t-shirts, but if you have a light colored, short sleeve button down shirt, you'll find it "breaths" much better and will keep you much cooler.

 

The other suggestions (eating a good breakfast, taking in the water rides, enjoying a show in the AC) are all great suggestions, but the best is taking a break mid-day. If you have the luxury of staying close to the park, get off the property and go cool off for an hour or two. At the very least, go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. When you're off park property, you'll find you relax much more and are much more willing to take the break an enjoy the cool. Refill on liquids, and enjoy your meal (don't just scarf it down). If you can get to your hotel, take a dip in the pool, relax in your room, take a shower.. all will help, and get back to the park mid-afternoon... you miss a couple hours at the park, but you'll feel MUCH better when you're there and will have the energy to stay around until the park closes (especially as the park starts to cool down into the evening and the crowds begin to disperse.

[scooterdoug]

I can take dry heat, but humid heat is a whole different beast. So, I know just what it was like for you. I have a few things I do, all logical, some of which you already did. First, drink plenty of water. I make sure to stop and take a long drink EVERY time I pass a drinking fountain. Ditto on the shade. I mean, you don't have to stop at every bench in the shade. However, in between rides, have yourself a 5-minute sit-down in the shade. Finally, dress cool (as you are well aware). Those 3 simple steps will go a long way towards helping you feel better.

-Doug

[xmichellex]

Like everyone else has said, stay hydrated and keep yourself fed. If you feel tired or lightheaded sit down and take a break even if it's only for a minute or two... if you're in a rush trying to get on everything you can stress yourself out and make it worse, so don't ruin your day by not taking a breather if you need it.

 

A few other tricks I use in any situation where you can overheat, is putting an ice pack/ice/cold towel on or around your wrists, neck or against your chest for a few minutes. I know that sounds silly, but it helps to chill you down, especially those spots where you can really feel your pulse.

 

Definitely dress for the weather. I know socks and sneakers are ideal for walking/standing all day, but shoes that breathe (shoes that have holes or use breathable fabric) or sandals can help keep you cool as well, just make sure you keep a balance of being comfortable and avoid blisters, etc.

[chadster]

Personally if it's super hot outside, I don't eat as it makes me sick. I drink lots of fluids and wear a light t-shirt and swim trunks. I've found for me wearing jeans sticks like glue. Plus, if I want to tackle a water ride or at parks with included water parks, I'm ready to go! I also find arcades and the cheesy indoor shows to be nice places to cool off and/or take a nap. But generally, I leave a park in the heat of the day.

[ginzo]

If possible, the midday break (when it's hottest) is your friend. This is where staying on property really pays off. There is nothing like taking a nap while blasting the A/C to recharge your batteries for more theme park fun.

[JJ728]

Don't try to overdo yourself with the rides you want to fit in. At Six Flags Magic Mountain a few years ago, there was a group of young adults who were planning the rest of their day (we were at lunch) at the table next to us. They had obviously been trying to cover every single ride in the park on a busy summer 100 degree day. As soon as I know it, one of the girls keeled over and fainted from the heat.

 

The point: Don't try to fit in all the rides there. You can always come back later! Its certainly better planning another trip then suffering from heat strokes. (Or at least that's what I think )

[JDo217]

Bringing a cooler and a bunch of water bottles. I usually go back to the car before lunch to rehydrate and that works out pretty well. The water will be a boiling mess if you wait until the end of the day though.

 

On a side note, if you're dehydrated on a hot day in the amusement park, is it normal to feel a little bit of tingling in your fingertips?

[MrSum1_55]

If you don't mind eating or drinking while standing, bring a snack and some water in a long line with you. You will get in one extra ride, and it will give you something to do in a long line. Always sneak in some water bottles, and never be too cool for the drinking fountain. (Seriously. I know some people (mostly female) who think they are too cool for the fountain)

[webgoof]

Here's a trick related to the wet towel around the neck...if you go to your local garden store, there are these crystal-type things you are supposed to mix into potting soil, they absorb a lot of water, and slowly release it over time...Example from Home Depot

 

 

If you or someone you know is useful with sewing machines, you can whip together a tube long enough to tie around your neck, and sew some of the crystals into it. Soak it the day before, and refrigerate it overnight, and over the course of the day it'll slowly release water, staying damp and cool.

 

Be careful not to use too much of the absorbent crystals though, cause they swell up BIG TIME, and could pop the seams...

[orangeblue]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I definitely didn't wear the right clothing and will probably try to wear sandals next time with some shorts that breath better. If I'm traveling to a park, it sounds like a mid-day break would be good (I drove from home this time).

 

I will also admit that I was a bit rushed as I was by myself and just trying to get as many rides as possible in. You guys are right that eating/resting helps as I felt a lot better when I sat down and got lunch in one of the air conditioned restaurants. Thinking back on it, I think my biggest issue was probably a lack of proper sleep which didn't help with the exhaustion feeling.

[Sidra]

Part of making sure you're hydrated is starting to get hydrated the day before. Jeans are no good during the summer. I have some nice hiking/river shorts from REI; pricey but so worth it and tons of zippered pockets. They dry fast and are cool all day. Drink water or light sports drinks all day and I avoid the grease at meals. Also if I have a hat I usually soak it in water throughout the day. Always take a break during the height of the day.

[BaMiTsPaT]

Find water fountains. I know at most Six Flags parks they ARE THERE, but are a struggle to find. I usually find them near bathrooms tucked away in the woods

[Angry_Gumball]

How I cope with the heat and sun:

Water is probably the most important key. Soda's are tempting, they are refreshing (especially something like a Sprite) but in the end, you will have a craving for more and become more thirsty. Dress appropriately. On days I know I'll be getting wet, I stay away from jeans. I learned a hard lesson on my first and only visit to SFMM when I had jean shorts on. I left the park in miserable pain from the chaffing jeans does when wet and rubbing on legs. I actually have 1 pair of shorts I dedicate to going to the park as they dry off fast (within 3 or 4 walk-on r rides or in about 30 minutes, they're dry. I'm not sure what material they're made of but I couldn't have gone wrong with my Walmart purchase. Shoes, as everyone said, I usually wear something that will dry off fast but has the comfort of a regular tennis shoe, quickest one to come in mind would be those river shoes. In the end, I leave without having squishy shoes or blistered feet. Lastly, though not the most important, if I know I'll be in the sun (CGA's good at this with its uncovered stations) I simply just bring a hat...keeps the sun out of the face and such.

[TPDave]

I've survived two of the three hottest days ever on a TPR tour (Isla Magica in 2007 and SFStL last summer) and it's a very simple formula.

 

STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!

 

That's pretty much it! If there is a fastpass on offer buy it, then ride something and then sit in the shade for a bit. Rinse and repeat.

 

Dave

[KDCOASTERFAN]

1) Watch the indoor shows intermittently throughout the day.

 

2) Go to the rides with the longest lines early in the morning so you don't end waiting in them in the dreaded heat.

 

3) If you're starting to feel a little tired, sit down, relax, and drink water.

 

4) Bring a lot of bottled waters with you. That way, you don't have to walk and search for a water fountain. Don't forget to fill them at a water fountain when you come across one.

 

5) Get a towel wet at one of the water fountains and wrap it around your neck. This will help you keep cooler and last longer in the heat. This is a common practice in warehouse and construction environments.

 

6) Don't drink cokes. They can actually increase the probability of dehydration.

 

7) If you're feeling tired and exhausted, go back to the hotel. You're probably already dehydrated or getting close to it. Going indoors to see a show won't cut it. What you need is rest. Come back in the late afternoon or evening when things are cooler.

 

8) Spray fans are wonderful. Just make sure you don't them at the park. You can get them way cheaper at the average store.

 

9) If the line to a ride is extremely long, skip and come back at a later time. The ride isn't going anywhere.

 

10) Don't drink coffee.

 

That's why I always ask for a large powerade at KD as opposed to coke as carbonated & alcoholic beverages cause you to need to go to the bathroom more frequently thus leading to dehydration.

 

I tend to save the coffee for the ride home.

[The SETGO Guys]

WATER!

 

Drink lots of water.

 

If you don't want to spend tons of money on water, heres a tip.

Go up to any food stand and ask for a cup of Ice water. It always work.

 

Also, I don't do this myself but.....Do the outside rides in the early morning or late afternoon, do shows and inside rides during the day. You will not only cut down on the heat, but you'll also see a reduction in wait times too!

[Yellow Jacket]

Put a cooler full of ice with bottled water and or sports drinks in your car for when you are taking a break/leaving the park. Keep a small towel or rag that you can dip into the ice water and wash your face and put over your head and neck. It is amazing how rejuvenating this is. Oh yeah, don't forget the sunscreen. Heat is bad enough...hot and burned is even worse.

[rcdude]

I try to avoid visiting a park when it is going to be excessively hot (over about 95 F) but when I do there are three things I consciously do.

 

1. Drink plenty of water. When I have a meal, I get water instead of soda. When I am taking a break, I go to the nearest food stand and get a cup of water. When I pass a drinking fountain, I stop and take a drink.

 

2. Get wet. I ride the water rides in the late morning/early afternoon, and again in the late afternoon to help me cool off and avoid the brutal midday waits some of them develop.

 

3. When the temperature rises, slow down. As it gets hotter, I take more time travelling between attractions and spend more time resting in the shade. I also plan my day so I will hit the attractions that are indoor or at least have covered queues in the middle of the day.

 

In all the times I've gone to an amusement park in the summer, I have only started to feel ill once, and that was when I ignored rule three on a 110+ day at SFMM. I just took a long break (45 minutes), drank some water, and was fine after that. Unfortunately, a couple of the people I was with got sick as well and they didn't recover as quickly, so we had to call it a day early.