Unless you are from Florida or a similar climate, you just don’t understand how oppressive the heat is. Every day is in the 90s-100s, but the humidity is the real killer. Summer is the rainy reason, so you can expect it to pour almost every afternoon around 3:00 PM. You might think the rain would be refreshing, but you would be wrong. Even with blue skies it feels like you are swimming through the air. Sweat clings to you and wet clothes won’t air dry. Then, when the rain comes, it’s warm and the air gets even thicker with moisture. Those who are used to dryer climates feel like they are taking in breaths of water.
Umbrellas are useless because the rain goes sideways. Ponchos are a good choice, but inside them is like a sauna. Usually I just accept getting wet and hope for the best if I’m out in that weather. Lightning and heavy winds cause all outdoor rides to close at a certain closeness and speed. After the rain, the humidity and moisture lingers. You don’t air dry. You will be wet until you go into the AC for an extended period of time or change your clothes. And it doesn’t cool off at night. It only gets slightly less oppressive with the sun down.
Regardless of the sun or rain, the constant sweating will leave you dehydrated and exhausted. Plenty of northerners and Europeans underestimate the weather and end up sunburnt, passed out, and going to the hospital.
Not to mention, summer is the second-busiest time of year for Florida and theme parks, (the first being winter break). Every day is a busy day. You might get lucky, but you need to prepare for insane crowds and insane waits.
I always say you should never come to Florida in the summer. As a Floridian, I simply don’t go outside if I can avoid it. When I worked at a theme park, we were provided constant water and Gatorade refills and AC breaks to make sure we wouldn’t pass out. In the rain, we would fight the onslaught of water with squeegees just to keep it from getting ankle-deep. Somehow I survived three summers working outside at a theme park, but it wasn't easy.
If you have no choice but to plan your trip to Florida in the summer, let me give you some advice on how to enjoy your trip without overexerting yourself. First, if you plan on going to any theme parks, do not plan to be in the park all day. The best time to go is in the morning right when the park opens. The crowds will be at their lightest, and you can get on some rides just as they open for the shortest queues. The weather might be a bit cooler, and it should be sunny. You can stay in the park until afternoon and leave right before the storms roll in. Leave even earlier if you want. The important thing is to listen to your body.
I understand you want to get your money’s worth, but there is no point sticking it out at the park just to be miserable. Plan a few extra days at the parks if want to be sure to do everything they have to offer. With just one or two days, a ride could go down, the weather could be bad, the lines could be long, and you might just stress yourself out trying to rush to everything instead of having fun. Try to give yourself the breathing room to take breaks, leave early and head to the hotel, have some sit down meals, and hit the pool (when the weather permits). If you are short on time but have the money, express passes at Universal, for example, would cut down on wait times and allow you to get a lot more done in a day. However you choose to plan, just please don’t push yourself to do everything if you can’t. In a different season, you might be able to do it all. But the summer is a different beast.
Which brings me to my second point: STAY HYDRATED! Drink water constantly. Then get a Gatorade and drink that too. If you think you are drinking too much water, you probably aren’t. Eating fruit is also helpful. If you start to overheat, start to get a headache, or start to feel fatigued, get into the AC immediately and start replenishing your body. You can’t enjoy your vacation if you pass out from dehydration. Health services at any theme park can help you if you start to feel sick. Don't be afraid to head over there and make use of that resource. You definitely don't want to ignore it until you're sent off in an ambulance! Speaking from experience, my ride from Universal to Dr. Phillips Hospital cost me $1000!
It is also important to apply and reapply sunscreen. Don't forget your head will burn where your hair is parted! That's the part that always sneaks up on me. Even if it is cloudy, that sun is going to burn you. Don’t settle for any weak SPFs. If you want the best sunscreens, look into South Korean skincare products. They are serious about skincare, and you'll find products with high SPF that don't smell strongly or feel greasy on your skin. Even if you stay hydrated, you can still get sun poisoning if you don’t protect your skin.
Now, what if you want to go to the beach? For one, keep in mind the closest beach is at least an hour from Disney in either direction. If you are doing theme parks, plan accordingly and make sure you have a car. Uber prices would be insane. The same hydration and sunscreen rules apply to the beach but times a thousand. Reapply that sunscreen every hour and every time you go in that water. Make sure you have some shade, water, and snacks. Not all beaches have restrooms or vendors, so choose wisely. The most famous beaches aren’t necessarily the best, and there are plenty of free places to go to the beach with less crowds down the east coast.
Just remember three things: 1) the sun is hot and will burn you before you even realize you’ve started to tan! 2) Oceans are home to many creatures including sharks, sea turtles, pelicans, etc. Please be respectful of the animals. 3) Don’t swim too far out. Rip currents are deadly. Just because you think you are a good swimmer doesn’t mean you would make it back to shore.
As a Floridian, I don’t go to theme parks or beaches in the summer, and I don’t go outside if I can avoid it. So what do I do? Well, the one thing I love to do in the summer is visit any of the natural Florida springs! The waters stay around a cool 40-50 degrees which is perfect in 100 degree weather. Some springs are rivers with a current where you can rent a tube and float, and others are swimming holes that sometimes have underwater caves. I really love Ponce De Leon Springs. The park has a swimming hole with a cave, a large and lovely picnic area, bathrooms, and even a pancake restaurant! You do always need to be aware of the wildlife when going to any springs, as there can be snakes and gators out there. But, as someone who isn’t very outdoorsy, I have personally never had a problem. The waters are so refreshing and all of the springs are so beautiful that I absolutely recommend experiencing them for yourself.
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