Tips about Magic Kingdom, Mousecellaneous, Planning, Souvenirs and Sun & Heat Tips

We just returned from our trip to Disney World. The night we went to Fantasmic I knew we would be sitting for a while waiting for the show to begin. The best investment I made was buying one of those soft folding stadium seats. I carried it with me like a purse. Even used the side mesh pocket to carry drinks to our seats. We waited for over an hour and a half for the show to begin but I didn't mind - I was very comfortable with my seat padding and back support! - Marilyn Lewis

Be flexible with making your ADR dining arrangements. If the table you want is unavailable try different combinations -- 2 tables of 2 instead of one table of four; a 3-2 split rather than a table of 5, etc. Splitting up your group for just an hour or so may be the way to go, given that you're spending all day and all night together for several days on end. Splitting up may also allow you to gain more flexibility in changing ADR reservations without penalty if, after several days in the parks, someone in your party says "I don't need to see any more characters, I'll stay at the hotel, sleep late and meet you later, go and enjoy!" - Phylis

For a cheap and suitcase friendly souvenir I love the antenna toppers. You can buy a patriotic one or even Christmas ones. They are so cute. I think they are $3.00 - $4.00. Stacey

ALL PARKS - There is another show at WDW that most people miss; sit down and watch the other guests. You will never see so diverse an amount of tennis shoes, fashion statements or age groups. - CMarlan

A few years ago despite taking precautions, water, hat, spraying, I began to feel dizzy after standing in the sun waiting for and watching the afternoon parade. I went into the Emporium and sat down on the bottom of a clothing rack while my son ran to get my husband. A cast member came over and asked me if I felt okay. When I told him I thought I might faint he walked me over to the first aid station and stayed until a nurse took over. I was able to lie down until my body temperature regulated. I was given drinks and the nurse kept checking on me while I rested. She couldn't do enough for me and gave me some extra precautions to take so it would not happen again. The rest of the trip was fine but now I try to stay in the shade and I drink tons of water.WDW cast members are the best! - Susan Albert

There is a product by Banana Boat, called Hair and Scalp Protector SPF 15, that is a spray for your hair. It is light and not greasy at all. It keeps your scalp from burning, and also helps your hair color not fade. - Lynn LaMunyon

Eat light. Avoid hot, heavy meals and opt for foods high in water content: fruits, salads and soups. Unless you have a health reason for avoiding them, eat some salty snacks. The salt will help you retain extra fluids. Bananas are a great way to replace the potassium you lose through sweating. - Beth Foss

To keep cool while touring the parks we always carry a water bottle, we fill the bottle full of ice from our hotel room or at the food court of our WDW resort. Then we refill throughout the day with water from bubblers and any remaining ice from beverages that we've purchased. This keeps the water cool all day! Our other suggestion is to get up early and get to the parks for opening plus there are shorter lines. Around noontime we eat in a nice air conditioned restaurant then head back to our hotel for a dip in the pool, cool shower and a nap. Then we go out to eat and are back in the parks when the sun's going down until they close. This plan is great because you avoid the hottest part of the day in the park! J. Tutlis

The hot humid weather at WDW can cut a day short when you begin to chafe from body parts rubbing together. I recently learned of a product - Bodyglide [$7, www.rei.com] - looks like a stick deodorant but is actually a personal lubricant. It will prevent chafing & blisters. It is not greasy but it does eliminate the friction. It is a new 'must' take to the park item for me. - Marilyn F .

OK, I know this is totally cheating, but the absolutely BEST way to beat the heat is to avoid Orlando completely in June, July and August. Instead, go in early December -- great weather and holiday ambiance out the wazoo!! - Maureen Mellor

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