Tips to Beat the Heat in the Parks | Episode 52

[00:00:06] Speaker A: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Mouse Ears podcast, where we talk about all. [00:00:12] Speaker B: Things travel, but mostly Disney, brought to you by fairy tale journeys travel. [00:00:22] Speaker C: Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the Mouse Ears podcast. I am one of your three hosts for this evening. I'm Stephen. And with me tonight, I have my wonderful co host, Kelton, who wasn't supposed to be here, but did make it today. And we're so excited to have him today. Kelton, how are you? Where are you? [00:00:42] Speaker A: Jumbo. [00:00:43] Speaker B: Everybody jumbo. Actually, I'm sitting in a hotel room right by the Dallas airport in Hernand, Virginia, I think is actually where I am on a work trip. So I figured think I surprised you guys this morning, like, hey, do you mind if I come on and we talk about our subject today? So, no, I'm happy that was I was able to thankful that my boss was unable to come in today, so that always works out well. [00:01:10] Speaker C: So great to be on the east coast with us. [00:01:14] Speaker B: We are all in the same time zone. And I'm going. It is 845. I am exhausted, which means it's 745 back home. [00:01:23] Speaker C: Sorry, Carlton, we'll keep the train moving. Brooks, you're also joining us tonight. How are you today? [00:01:30] Speaker A: Doing well. Hottie. Ho, neighbors. [00:01:32] Speaker C: Wonderful, wonderful. So today's episode that I am hosting, I feel like it's very appropriate, considering I'm the Floridian in the group, because this episode is all about how to beat the heat when going to a park. And we're actually not discriminating today. We're not doing one park or the other. This is, hey, if you're at Walt Disney World or you're at universal or, honestly, any other amusement park in the Orlando area, we've got all the tips today to help beat the heat and stay hydrated and enjoy your vacation. But before we dive in, our favorite part of the show, which is new news with dun dun, dun dun dun. Christian Brooks, walker slash runner. I freaking love that jingle. [00:02:37] Speaker A: Well, hello, everyone. Welcome to the new news here on the Mouse Ears podcast. I am your anchor, Christian Brooks. Going into the news this week, we have quite a bit, so we're gonna just fly right through here. Ladies and gentlemen, we have an opening date for country bear Jamboree. It is opening on July 17, 2024. I feel like Disney decided to give myself a early birthday present because my birthday is on July 8 18th, you know, right before I turned 38 and had to invest in, like, either a back brace or I already have knee braces. But this update to the beloved show in frontier land at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom will include an artistic spin to some well known and popular Disney songs performed by the country bears that we have come to know and love throughout the years. With some upgrades to their overall looks and outfits. Even though I feel like they didn't, they were fabulous. Anyway, FTJ owner Suzanne Hayes got a first look at Wendell and Big Al's new and stylish costumes for their long awaited return to Grizzly Hall. Suzanne was also able to experience a private showing and first listen to Disney's new rendition of try Everything from Zootopia, performed by ten times CMA Musician of the year Mac McNally. [00:04:26] Speaker B: I don't know if I can alley. [00:04:28] Speaker A: Mac McNally, country star Emily Ann Roberts and artists Allison Russell that guests will be able to hear starting July 17. I am looking forward to that. [00:04:45] Speaker B: And yes, you have questions in the audience. [00:04:49] Speaker A: Yes. [00:04:50] Speaker B: For this. [00:04:52] Speaker A: Yes. Yes. Gentlemen in the back. [00:04:56] Speaker B: So for those that don't know and all of my parrot heads out there. Yes. Mac McIntelle, who played and toured with the all time Jimmy Buffett, God rest his soul. I thought that was excellent, that the fact that he came on and, you know, and helped and played along and helped perform some of those. I think it's gonna be a. I think it's gonna be a great addition, you know, but the bears are doing something different. I wasn't sure in the beginning, but from what we saw in the preview, from the videos, I think it's gonna. I think it's gonna be good. That's all I have. [00:05:36] Speaker A: So also at that media event, we were able to get a first look. Oh, yes. I'm sorry. Person in the float, in the flow. [00:05:44] Speaker B: Rider almost walked right by her. [00:05:48] Speaker C: Well, you kind of mentioned. If I was gonna give a little preface, you mentioned Suzanne being able to have this first look, and it was because she was invited to, as the owner of Fairytale Journeys travel agency, the sponsor of this podcast, she was invited to this media event over at Magic Kingdom last week. She had a special preview of the new island for Disney's cruise Line's new private island lookout key at Lighthouse Point, which we will be discussing next week in the next episode of the master's podcast. But she also got a special look for a lot of different things, and that's kind of what we're diving into. A little preface. Sorry. Thank you. Please continue. [00:06:31] Speaker A: Certainly also at the media event that Suzanne was at, she. We were able to get a first look at some behind the scenes production for the Little Mermaid, a musical adventure inspired by the classic Walt Disney world animation of the Little Mermaid. Since they closed at Hollywood studios in 2020, I would say guests have been awaiting some updates and waiting to hear when the theater hall is going to reopen. I know that was one of Kelsey's favorite anything with little Mermaid. Kelsey loves. It was also my older brother's favorite Disney movie growing up. Um, many, many road trips. Yep. Many road trips. We have belted that soundtrack, and though we do not have an exact opening date, we do know that it would debut with refresh and be debuting in the refresh animation courtyard theater sometime later. Sometime in the fall of this year, we'll have a brand new show from Ariel's point of view as a young, empowered, strong heroine searching for where she belongs. This live entertainment will also include a brand new cast of puppets, physical set pieces, and two new songs. Daughters of Triton and kiss the girl. That's hard to believe that Kiss girl was not included in that show previously. [00:08:07] Speaker C: I'm just excited that a. We're gonna get a new show in Hollywood studios to kind of take a break from the heat. But also, like, I did enjoy this show growing up, but, man, I saw it, like, 2019 or 2018 before COVID and I hadn't seen it in years, and it was rough. I mean, just the technology was not up to date, and so I'm really excited that this is happening. Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. [00:08:37] Speaker A: I mean, some shows can't stand the test of time, like Muppet Vision 3D. [00:08:42] Speaker C: Touche. [00:08:46] Speaker A: So. But just a little other highlights what guests can expect to see this summer 30th anniversary celebration of Lion King at Disney's Animal kingdom. It's happening now through September 6. So look for special themed foods, drinks, merchandise over there in Animal Kingdom with inside out to come into theaters tomorrow, June 14. So at the time this episode is released, it will already be out, and hopefully I have already seen it. Guests can meet joy at her new home at Hollywood studios because she was at Epcot previously, but she'll be Hollywood studios, so she is a great meet and greet. And then also at the newly opened Communicore Plaza on their stage. They may not be talking about Bruno, but you can celebrate Encanto with a new sing along inspired by the movie Encanto. And then, yes, sir. Person in. In Virginia. [00:10:01] Speaker B: That would be so more of a statement than a question. Have you guys seen. I guess it is a question, have you guys seen the Tic Tac videos that people have been posting about Bruno? Even though we don't talk about him and Maribo and all the stuff going on. There's nothing better than adding in some more live music, especially in Epcot, since they've taken a lot out over the past few, few years. I think it's great, great addition. If you haven't seen it either, look it up on, on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, any social media platform, or even better, go visit. That's all. [00:10:39] Speaker A: Yes. Yes. Woman in Floridian. [00:10:44] Speaker C: Floridian. I love that. Just kind of piggybacking on what Kelton just said. Keep in mind that this show is for a limited time only, but they have a lot of entertainment in that new section. And I just want to highlight that there is no festival going on this summer. So normally with the festivals, you have some sort of musical element. Yes. So in a way, this is kind of compensating that. If that's something that you look forward to, you know, doing and watching at Epcot, this is something brand spanking new, new ac, new meet and greet location, new food. So nice. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing that sometime this summer. [00:11:26] Speaker A: Yes, that community course should be nice and chilly because they got the brand new ac. Always here without the festivals. Matt from Disney Coffee blog, hope to have him on soon. He always calls it Diet Epcot festival free. So then, also going with our theme tonight with some tips on beating the heat. What better way to beat the summer heat than visiting the Typhoon lagoon? After hour parties is a summer exclusive dj dance party where guests can enjoy while taking a dip to freshen up, dance with fun characters, enjoy complimentary snacks and much more available on select nights. Contact your fairy tail journeys agent to purchase your tickets or any Disney destination needs. And then also don't forget that fairytale journeys and the Mouse Ears podcast will be at D 23 in Anaheim this year to learn more about the future of the Walt Disney Company and its parks. So make sure you follow all of our social media platforms for all those nudes. Then we go into a little bit of sad news in an unexpected turn of events. The frontier land shooting arcade, which has been around since Magic Kingdom first opened its gates, is closing permanently on Sunday, June 23 of 2024 and will be replaced by a brand new Disney vacation club member lounge. Construction is set to begin sometime this year and will be a pioneered, inspired space. That. That was pretty shocking to me, like how quickly they're doing it. [00:13:27] Speaker B: Well, we knew it was coming. I mean, DVC did mention that something was coming, but I'm still a little heartbroken about that, so. [00:13:41] Speaker A: But then our last piece of news heading over across the interstate. The Epic Universe Preview center is now open at Citywalk. If you haven't had a chance, check out our Facebook page. If you want to see pictures of the park model. It gets me even more pumped for when it opens. So that is it for the new news here at the mouse ear studio. We send it over back to Steph, Kelton and Brooks. [00:14:23] Speaker B: I need to input something real quick, if you don't mind. So I'm listening to episode 51 on the way home from Dakota to Omaha before we take our flight last week. And I've seen all y'all's text messages because it's a three and a half hour drive. So I'm driving, but I see it pop up on my apple carplay, right? And something about Jeffrey Dahmer shows up. I'm trying to figure out what in good gracia are we talking about in this text? And then Brooks puts on the glasses and it all makes sense. [00:15:00] Speaker A: What. What glasses were Christian Brooks runner wearing? Do I need to have a talk with him? [00:15:05] Speaker B: I think you need to have to talk with him. [00:15:07] Speaker C: You have to catch him first. [00:15:09] Speaker A: He is. He is very fast. You know, I'm a walker. He's a runner. [00:15:13] Speaker C: So you see, you had to see the glasses to understand it. So we need. We need the glasses on tick tock. We need the glasses on tick tock. That's all I'm saying. So the audience can see why we're making these comments. [00:15:27] Speaker A: I hear he has a great, like, movie trailer voice. [00:15:35] Speaker C: At Star wars, trailer voice was chef's kiss. [00:15:39] Speaker B: That was good. That was good, right? [00:15:42] Speaker C: It was so good. I loved it. All right, well, on to the nitty gritty. Did you guys ever play that game? Was it hq trivia when it was popular? [00:15:54] Speaker A: Yes. [00:15:58] Speaker C: So did I. Like, it was stupid, but, gosh, that was so addicting to play every day. So, yeah, down to the nitty gritty. I always think about HQ trivia when I say that. Or think about it. [00:16:13] Speaker A: Which, real quick, does anyone play, like wordle still or connections or any of that? Yes, I have to do my connections every. [00:16:22] Speaker C: No, it's the New York Times. Oh, yeah. We'll. We'll catch you up. [00:16:28] Speaker A: And then if you do it online. If you do it online, you have strands. I love strands. [00:16:33] Speaker C: Yes. Yes. Okay. Anyway, we'll talk about post recording. [00:16:39] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, the glasses back on if we're gonna be talking about the New York Times. Did you see the article in the New Yorker today, the history of ladders? [00:16:54] Speaker C: And the train goes wild. [00:16:59] Speaker A: Well, I mean, we, when you get heat strokes, sometimes you just start talking. [00:17:02] Speaker C: Crazy, which ties perfectly with our topic, which is how to beat the heat, the parks, and we're talking specifically central Florida, the Orlando area. We're going to have an emphasis on universal resort and Walt Disney World. But again, this is very applicable to any park which if you didn't know, with fairytale journeys travel agency, you can book more than just Walt Disney World and Universal Resort or the cruises we talk about. But anyways, my little blurb, I'm going to get it out because I think it really, really nails, nails it on the head, what we're going to talk about today. So it is no surprise that Florida is hot more days than not. But no time is hotter than the summer with record high temperatures since early May. This is true. We also get a lot of rainy days, but the heat has just been out of control. And this is coming from a Floridian born and raised. This time of year is also when we see some of the best ticket and hotel deals for both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, knowing that guests will need to take a more leisure approach to their vacation and, well, beat the heat. This episode is all about our personal experiences to make sure you can tackle the hot climate while still making the most out of your vacation at some of Orlando's most popular theme parks. I don't know about you guys. I do know about you guys. When we go to the parks in the summertime, we're not trying to race against the clock and get everything done, because when we do that, we don't make it. It's as simple as that. We don't make it. It's not enjoyable. So this episode is really focused on making sure that we're providing tips to the audience who do want to or are looking forward to traveling this summer and actually getting the most out of your trip where you're not miserable 100% of the time. Yes, Kelton. [00:19:15] Speaker B: So before you go in, I was hoping I could start with just a real quick personal story of why everything that we are going to discuss is important. When, when I was working in Magic Kingdom, especially through the summertime, most people don't understand the fact that when you're standing over that cement and it's, you know, a feels of 115 degrees, how hot it is, pay for that seven dollar bottle of water or whatever it costs. Now in the parks, you know, everything that we're going to talk about, because it is cheaper to do that than to ride in one of those fancy neon green Reedy Creek ambulances. There was death. There was one summer I had. I had more 911 calls on my personal phone than I did then I did to my then girlfriend, now wife, you know, at the time, because the fact that they, one in particular instance, a manager and I were helping a guest and all of a sudden, 75ft over, you know, yonder, somebody collapses because of the heat. It was so bad. Y'all take it serious. Fought, you know, listen to what three of us that have grown up in the south to have to say about this heat and take care of yourself. That's all I have. [00:20:48] Speaker C: And, Kelton, you know better than us how, for instance, the Walt Disney company, safety above everything. [00:20:54] Speaker B: And begins with me or you. [00:20:57] Speaker C: Yep. Or us. The we. Sorry, I don't know where that came from, but it sounded fun. So today's episode, we're kind of just going through this list that we made up, no particular order on some of the most important things that we do or that we are conscientious about when going to the parks again, Disney or universal, if there is one park in specific, we will mention it. But for the most part, it's, again, it's a way for you, the audience and the guests of these theme parks to enjoy yourself and not get a heat stroke or have sun poisoning or any. That really does truly happen. You want to have a stress free vacation, right? You want to be able to stop and smell the flamingo poop and the roses and all the other extras. The summertime is not a time to mess around with any of that. And so this is what this episode is all about. So without further ado, we're going to get into our list, we're going to bounce around between the three of us. If we have, you know, any background story for anything that we mention, we'll interject with that. But, you know, again, open mind. This is, again, personal experiences that we've all encountered, things that help us and help our families and help us get through the day, because, again, it more often than not, people are going back to the resorts because it does get really, really hot. So, anyways, who wants to start? [00:22:41] Speaker A: I'll start. So I like to throw this out first, be mindful of what you wear in the parks. And what do I mean by that? One of the popular things for people to do is to go on Etsy before their trips and to get all these fun shirts. And that's great. I do it as well. But not all etsy shirts or custom shirts are built. The same. Sometime may not be the best time to break out the dark colors. Or even though I love this brand of shirts, comfort colors, they're a little bit heavier. They tend to cling on to that sweat. I think my first week long trip to Disney, I mean, it was in January, and it was still warmer. And I'm in a comfort color shirt, and you can tell just a swept pouring. You know, saying in the south, you don't sweat. You're glistening. While I was glistening like a pig. But also throwing in with, be mindful of the shirt that you wear. Be mindful of the footwear and socks that you wear as well. Throw in a personal story. My second trip to Disney ever, this was in 2005. I was 18, about to turn 19, you know, thought I was this tough guy. I forgot my tennis shoes. Oh, I got flip flops. I'll be fine, y'all. The blisters that I had after that first day from where these just awful flip flops that threw away my friends while I was soaking my feet in the tub, drove to Walmart and got me doctor scholl's just ugly tennis shoes. Just so I can have ten shoes the rest of the rest of the trip. Shout out to Blake and Samantha for doing that for me. But that can be. That can either make your trip having comfortable shoes, or it can completely ruin your trip. So be mindful from head to toe, what you wear in the parks, and. [00:25:06] Speaker C: Adding on to that with the socks and the shoes, because, yes, don't wear dark colors, don't wear spirit jerseys, don't wear jeans. I mean, unless, honestly, like, there are people who are much more comfortable in those types of clothing. I would say a good majority are not. Well, each their own spirit jersey right. [00:25:30] Speaker B: Now down in Florida. [00:25:32] Speaker C: Listen, I'm indoors in the nice ac. So. So the proper shoes and socks can also prevent blisters, water blisters, any kind of just feet ickiness that will definitely break your trip. So, again, be mindful of that. Anyways, I'll take the next one. Kelton, you can be next after me, if that's okay. Okay, the next one on our list. [00:26:05] Speaker B: Talk about dining. Lucky you. [00:26:07] Speaker C: Hey, listen, I think you're gonna like the next one. So take a midday food break. And I'm not talking about a quick service, although you can. Quick servers are still something quick and easy, even if it's just a snack. But doing a sit down restaurant around the hotter times of the day really does go a long way, especially because who doesn't like to be tended to, to be able to sit down to be someone, bring you water with lots of ice or whatever other beverage you like to drink, to have at least an hour allocated to just sit, relax, and have someone, you know, take care of you really does go a long way. More like, for instance, the quick service. Those locations can get very packed and you have to go get your food, stand in line. Or if you do quick service, sorry, mobile order, you know, you still have to do some semblance of a line, water, smaller cups. I mean, you have to take care of your dining needs. But if you're just looking for a little break to sit down, yes, that's a great alternative. But my recommendation is for the summertime. If you're looking at a meal, do a lunch break, do a lunch sit down instead of a dinner, I think dinner, you could probably get away with a quick service a little bit easier. And in the middle of the day, you want to sit down and have that nice ac break. So that could be for both Disney Universal or any park, really. Kelton, you're next. [00:27:47] Speaker A: Oh, I would like to add one thing to that real quick. When you sit down and haven't, and having that kind of break, keep in mind, too, if you're feeling really kind of dehydrated, a soda is not a replacement for water, even though there is an alcoholic beverage. Yes, definitely. Yeah. Even though I love to have a. [00:28:15] Speaker C: Soda and I love cocktail. [00:28:17] Speaker A: Yeah. You know, get the water as well. Like to, again, through. When I did the, my first half marathon, I didn't hydrate well enough and ended up getting cramps mile nine in my calves. Um, so be mindful of that, of that hydration. So, and I feel like that's something we're going to say a lot. Stay hydrated. [00:28:49] Speaker C: Stay hydrated. [00:28:50] Speaker B: Absolutely. But on top of that, if, you know, you're looking at, well, like, if we're going to do a, you know, table surface, look at it this way, too. Usually you're, if you're dining at a table service for lunch, it usually is cheaper than you're doing it for dinner. So, and at the same time, you know, for your, if you're doing a quick service for dinner, since you already did your table service for lunch, now you can go find that really good spot for the fireworks and or nighttime, you know, spectacular, whichever part you're visiting, because you had a very, no, you weren't waiting around for 60 to 90 minutes doing the dinner. So something to definitely think about. But I will continue if you would. [00:29:35] Speaker C: Like me to yes, please. [00:29:38] Speaker B: Very good. So midday show breaks, like, one of my top number one absolute favorites that my own mother and wife did not even vote for, by the way. Want to throw that one in there? Thank you, Brooks, for pointing that out. Last episode, festival of the Lion King and finding Nemo for Disney World over in the animal kingdom. But also for universal, you've got the bone, the born stunt spectacular, and universal Orlando's horror makeup show. I just be advised, the makeup show may not be appropriate for younger younglings, as we sure, we should say. So definitely a good thing. Universal does have some good attractions and shows that are indoors to help you kind of ease that floor to heat. So really make sure, you know, check out your, your park maps, figure out what's indoors. Et is always a good favorite, so don't ever cut that, you know, things out like that. So always a good alternate day. [00:30:45] Speaker A: You may have many matatas. If you're skip et, mini matata might. [00:30:50] Speaker B: Be the festival of the Lion King for universal Orlando. Yes. You will not be. You will not be phoning home. They were just going to leave you. [00:31:05] Speaker A: Yep. You won't have any recipe PCs. But, but continue. You talked about ET. Uh, you know, choose the rods also that have ac during those peak heat hours. You know, you mentioned ET, and also at, at Disney, you have, you know, one of my favorites, carousel of progress. All of presidents, some of these slower ones that people, you know, might kind of sleep on. Hey, hall of presidents is like 20 minutes long. You're in AC, you're in a comfortable seat, and you can kind of cool off and catch your breath. Carousel of progress. You're on the. You're watching the longest running show in America. In America. Um, and plus, I mean, you get to learn about a great big, beautiful tomorrow. Um, all of the, like, there are several different rise. And then also, I mean, maybe it's a small world as well. Um, but also, and I mean, I feel like for the little ones, I have to throw it in there. But then also, even though this one is an ac, the people mover, that one kind of moves around. You go in and out of the sun, so you get you. [00:32:45] Speaker C: Not if it's humid, Brooks. If it's humid, there's no escaping that outside. I listen, I thought, that's not me. That's not me hating on people mover. That's just me saying, hey, you know what? Maybe we're at the people mover during, like, sunset might not be as hot, and you get some beautiful lights, because tomorrowland, I mean, most people, when they go down main street into the hub, where do they go? I want to say, like 85% take a ride to Tomorrowland. So you're missing out on tomorrowland at night and it is beautiful. Unless you have a late night virtual queue for Tron and you're going to see the beautiful lights then. I mean, seriously, astro orbiter, the people mover, you do those at the end of the night. Gorgeous. [00:33:34] Speaker B: Has. [00:33:40] Speaker C: Ever been. Yep. Yep. [00:33:42] Speaker A: Never again. [00:33:43] Speaker C: Yep. It's. It's hysterical. It's hysterical. But if you're willing to brave it, if you're willing to break, and that's. That's one of those rides where it's an outside queue. So you're not even gonna do it during the day period. If you're gonna do it, it's only at night. It's at the end of the day. But hey, you go on it if you choose to, and you've got a spectacular view of all the different lights all across the property. [00:34:07] Speaker A: Do the laugh floor in tomorrowland if you're going. [00:34:10] Speaker C: Okay. [00:34:11] Speaker B: Hey, don't be that guy. [00:34:20] Speaker C: My brother loves the laugh lore. [00:34:22] Speaker B: Don't be that guy. [00:34:25] Speaker A: I'm the one that's always submitting jokes and trying to get on the screen. [00:34:30] Speaker C: That's awesome. I applaud. I applaud your efforts. Moving on this one. Oh, gosh. I love this particular point because I feel like if you travel to any parks with me, like, I'm a wanderer because I'm always taking pictures and stuff, but I'm always trying to, like, weasel into different, like, routes. And this particular point is, we titled it as follow the shade. What does that mean? Sometimes walking through a merch store might be the best way to get from point a to point b without completely being exposed to the sun. Do not underestimate what 10 seconds in AC will do to your body. I am not even kidding you. We were just talking about tomorrowland. I love in tomorrowland walking. It's really hot. You're exposed, and then you go through the merchants of Venus and that little tiny store before the tomorrowland, the quick service. What's it called? [00:35:41] Speaker B: Anti gravity? [00:35:41] Speaker C: Starlight. Starlight Cafe. Yeah. Well, I was thinking Starlight cafe. Yeah, the little smart stores. What's the face? [00:35:53] Speaker B: I don't remember that. [00:35:54] Speaker C: Okay, yeah. Venus merchant minus merchant or merchants of Venus. Yes, that's right before Starlight cafe. And I love to just walk through it. Hey, get a little peek at, like, the merchandise, but it get 5 seconds of AC and then keep going. Or epcot you have the port of entry into the two little stores in between, you know, like the. The lagoon, and then just the walkway to spaceship Earth. Walk through those. I mean, do not underestimate what that little break could do, especially when that. [00:36:32] Speaker A: AC hits your sweaty shirt. Yeah. [00:36:36] Speaker B: Oh, man. [00:36:37] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:36:39] Speaker A: Or going to club cool. Oh. [00:36:42] Speaker C: So at one point, like, club cool, like, do you always want to. [00:36:47] Speaker A: Beverly is breathtaking. [00:36:50] Speaker C: Do you always want to take the path of least resistance? No, not. Not necessarily in the summer. In the summer, you know, taking a couple steps one way or another just to be able to get a little bit of ac break again, the right way to do things. And again, I mentioned Disney stores, but the same can be said about universal. So, because I know I've done it there, too. But anyways, no, another. [00:37:20] Speaker B: I'll take it. I want to talk about. [00:37:24] Speaker C: Well, I have one more thing to talk about. Which another thing to be mindful when I say, follow the shade. There are certain lands that don't have much shade. And being aware of that beforehand does help. You know, if you feel like, oh, my gosh, you're running on fumes, but you're trying to get to a certain location, maybe try and find an alternate route, such as, for instance, in Hollywood studios, toy Story land has little to no shade, and they don't even have stores for you to walk through. And no quick service either. To walk through either. So those are one of those places where it's like, okay, it might not be the longest stretch, but if it's crowded, if it's hot, if you're worn out and you're trying to get to Star wars, try finding another route, maybe through the ABC commissary that's a little bit more shaded. So little. Little things that can make a difference. And you might think, though, that sounds so stupid, I'm just gonna toughen it out. Take it from. Take it from a Floridian on to you, Kelton, real quick. [00:38:41] Speaker A: I saw some where someone said that it's amazing, the theming with Toy Story Lane, because it's like Sid is holding the magnifying glass over you during the summer. Yeah. [00:38:56] Speaker B: I love that. No, that's. That's. I did not even think about that, that theming. But there is. There are things that can help you with. Even though it says holding that magnifying glass over you in the middle of July. Fans, neck fans, stroller fans. Yes, you may look goofy, however. I'd rather look goofy than having really creek paramedics putting a cuff on me because I chose to pass out type of thing. Definitely. Yeah. So sometimes looking goofy is okay, but you got the neck and the stroller fans, you know, especially Brooks, you know, with Ellie, you know, we took Kenny when he was, you know, when he was one, those strollers, roller fans, I mean, they really do help. So definitely look into something. Buy them before you go to the parks. Amazon has them. Walmart probably has them. Even your local target don't pay the expensive Disney price. Definitely looking to something like that for you to come, you know, because even though Steph talked about the humidity on the people mover and all of that, sometimes even moving hot air is better than no moving, stale, humid air. So definitely take a look. The neck bands don't, you know, it's okay to look weird. [00:40:26] Speaker C: I think. I think there's so many people that wear neck fans that honestly, that whole you might look weird is out the window, because that is the truth. [00:40:36] Speaker B: Apparently now every. [00:40:38] Speaker C: Yeah, like, majority of the people are wearing either a neck fan or what Brooks is going to mention, which is a cooling towel. But having your own personal neck fan, it's really not something that you're gonna stuff in your bag. It's gonna be something you carry on your neck. And having it on. Holy cow. It's. It's a game changer. But anyways, Brooks. [00:41:02] Speaker A: So Steph mentioned it and yeah, a cooling towel also will really help you. You can get them on Amazon cheap. And then also ponchos, too, for those sporadic rainstorms that's going to happen probably almost every day, even though that's not necessarily a heat hack, this also very well needed. So, because especially if you wear a comfort color shirt, you don't want that huge, heavy shirt being wet and then having to go around the park again. I love comfort color shirts, but just now in the summertime, so. [00:41:50] Speaker C: Yeah, next on the list is. [00:41:53] Speaker B: So I can, I can take this one if you like, because I am. [00:41:56] Speaker C: Oh, go for it. [00:41:57] Speaker B: Advocate for these two items. Go for hats and sunglasses. I've been wearing hats and I'm glad at least since high school, you know, and have a good hat, good pair of sunglasses. It really, the people don't understand. I mean, when, when that pavement is a lighter color, that stuff, it bounces up. It will tan the underside of your chin. Just, you know, so forget the tanning boots. Don't worry. Magic kingdom will do it for you. But no, I really. Get yourself a good one of the big, you know, the big, like, gardening hat that, you know, grandma used to wear when she's out pulling weeds or something like that. [00:42:42] Speaker A: Hey, those straw hats are in now. This the big one? Yeah, same here. [00:42:48] Speaker B: Yeah. Or if you're from Texas, just pack your. Your straw cowboy hat. It'll be, you know, you got. You got to have something to help you with that. Absolutely. So good pair of hats and sunglasses. [00:43:02] Speaker A: We need a big straw hat with our mouse hairs podcast patch. [00:43:07] Speaker B: Oh, that would be cool. [00:43:08] Speaker C: It would be more to come. Yeah, I completely agree. And you know what? It's not. It's not overpacking to bring both because you never know when you want one or the other or both, honestly, because one, and I remember Kara had mentioned this in season one, you know, sometimes when it's raining and you have a poncho, a hat's gonna keep it in place, but it's also shielding from the top. But your head can get really hot. So sometimes you want to take a break from having the freaking hat on. There's your sunglasses. If it's really freaking hot, you have both. It's good to have those options. Especially, God forbid, you're on a ride and you lose one or the other because it happens, too. So, speaking of packing, do not overpack your park bag. I know I'm not the only one here that carries bags at parks, but I know, like, between me and Michael, I'm the one that carries the backpack, whether it's a lounge fly or something else. Yeah, no, he'll carry the water bottle because we do water bottle, but I'll carry the backpack. And if I did, honestly, it's funny. I pick and choose what bag I'm taking to the park, depending on the weather or how long I'm planning on being at the park because I have a bag that's maybe a little bit heavier that can carry more things. So if I'm wearing that one, maybe it'll be a shorter park day. But then there's another one that's smaller, can carry the essentials, but not going to wear me down. And even if, like, it sounds crazy, like, oh, how heavy can a backpack really be when the sun's beating down on you and you're getting worn out, you're walking 10 miles a day around those parks. Anything is going to weigh down on you, and you're still getting pools of sweat pouring down your back. And having something extra on your back is just going to make you more uncomfortable and more hot. So don't over pack and make it so heavy that you're just going to hate carrying it and be more miserable. You know, pack your essentials keep what's gonna keep you and your loved ones safe from, like, the heat. So, for instance, on block or sunglasses, you know, band aids or whatever, just essentials. Nothing too crazy. Chafing. Chafing balm. Very important, too, for the summer months, because people swell up. I know I do. My thighs. Anyways, do not over pack, but be conscientious of what you do pack next. [00:46:00] Speaker A: So you want to stay cool, make sure you get some cool snacks, such as dole whips or one of my favorites, a Coca Cola slushie. Nothing beats a classic. [00:46:15] Speaker C: Love that. [00:46:17] Speaker B: Well, yeah. [00:46:19] Speaker A: And then also shout out to Joffrey's for having cold and frozen drink options available. [00:46:28] Speaker B: One of these days. We'll get on one of these days. [00:46:32] Speaker A: Steph, do you have a personal favorite of the summer? [00:46:35] Speaker C: Yes. Yes, I do, Brooks. Thank you for asking. If you haven't had this drink from Joffrey's, I highly recommend it. My personal favorite for a very, very hot day is the frozen cappuccino dream. You can get that at the Disney Springs location and a couple other locations. It is literally like a coffee. A coffee slushy. Oh, so good. So refreshing, so cold. It's like coffee chips of ice in your mouth. It's delicious. I love the taste of cappuccino, too. It's sweet. Mmm. Just perfection. So if you're looking for a pick me up for your afternoon, you know, because I know I like to have, like, coffee sometime in the afternoon to kind of get me through the day. This is one of my go tos. Unless I find, obviously, like, a really intriguing cold brew or something. But otherwise, Coca Cola slushy. Can't get those at Animal Kingdom, at Universal. [00:47:38] Speaker A: Yeah. Coffee anytime, if I'm awake. Coffee. [00:47:44] Speaker B: Yeah, I'll take it. [00:47:45] Speaker C: Yeah. Okay. [00:47:46] Speaker B: I'll take this one. Because there's no other way to beat. How to beat the heat in the parks by leaving them and going back to the resort. So we've definitely talked about it a lot. Rope drop. Rope drop, rope drop. If you can get up early enough and be there at the beginning, it's not people. It's still gonna be hot. It's Florida. It's still gonna be hot and sticky, but not as hot and sticky as it is at 02:00 p.m. in the. Like. It's. So do your rope drop, because I know, you know, you're staying at some great places if you're over there, you know, pops at art of. An art of animation, the big blue pool. Hello. It's great. It looks inviting, but there you are on the way to the magic kingdom. I mean, you're walking right by it. If you're staying at one of my favorite resorts, you know, wilderness lodge, the pool, the main pool down there. Oh, you can swim with the duck and that pool. For some reason, they like to enjoy that one as well. It go ahead and at that point, leave the park, head back to the resort, take a break in the pool, take a nap, and especially if you're traveling with little ones like, you know, brooks with Ellie or, you know, myself with Kenny. Follow your schedule. Let them go back and rest. Let them go run in the pool. All of that good stuff. That's what I got for that one. [00:49:25] Speaker C: Couldn't have said it better myself, honestly. So this one, we've kind of glazed, glazed, grazed upon it before. In this episode, bring a personal refillable water bottle. No glass, but free water can be found throughout the property, whether at concession stands, Starbucks, resorts, you name it. If you ask. Typically, they'll be able to tell you if they can and can't give you water, a cup of water, or where you can. I'm a huge proponent of bringing your own water bottle and filling it up and drinking it constantly throughout the park. I don't like buying water bottles for multiple reasons, one of them being that the price does rack up. I also like to have lots of ice in my cup, especially when it's really hot. So having your own water bottle, Disney is very good. It has been very good about implementing more and more of those water bottle stations. Even at the resorts, you have plenty of locations to fill your water bottles. Fill them up with ice. Hydration is a must. We cannot emphasize this enough. You know, we talked about safety. Another safety tip that's very crucial is, you know, drink electrolytes, such as liquid iv's. They're lifesavers. If you're feeling at the end of the day like you can't, like, quench your thirst, throw a liquid iv into your drink. That'll help. It'll get you through the night and rejuvenated for the next day. You know, on top of staying hydrated, wear sunblock and lip balm. Your lips will get chapped when you're starting to dehydrate it and it's going to hurt. You're going to be sweating a lot, so constantly be applying sunblock. A, it's healthier, and b, you don't want to be sunburnt on your trip. I've gotten sunburned on my trips, and it is not fun. My forehead will get burning red, and you just feel like you're cooking. So take those precautions. You know, hydrating is all good and dandy, and you might not feel horrible if you have your neck fan or your cooling towel, if you're drinking lots of water, if you're going on all these, you know, AC rides. But if you're not wearing sunblock, it'll come back and bite you in the butt. So, again, safety is key here for you to be able to enjoy your trip and fully maximize your time from start to finish. [00:52:08] Speaker A: And don't. And I know a lot of people focus on putting sunblock on the face and the arms. Don't neglect your legs as well. I remember the first time going to went with Kelsey's family to Tybee island. And good gracious, I made sure, like, I didn't think about my legs at all. Make sure, like, my face and my arms and everything were every 30 minutes. Because, you know, I'm a redhead, so, I mean, it's like I'm in the. Like, I go from original to extra crispy. There's no in between. And my legs, when I'm telling you, the next morning, they are as red as the mouse in our logo. Like, especially behind my legs. And, like, in, like, where. Where the leg bends around the knee. [00:53:12] Speaker B: Oh, no. [00:53:14] Speaker A: And also, keep your aloe vera gel in the. In the fridge. That cold gel feels amazing. [00:53:26] Speaker C: So this is also true for if you do take those pool breaks, even if you put sunblock early in the morning, again, don't underestimate what that sun can do. Apply before and after the pool too. [00:53:40] Speaker A: Yep, I do it every hour. [00:53:42] Speaker C: So, yeah, I'm the same way. [00:53:44] Speaker A: I burn, of course. Of course, I'm a redhead. And, yeah, I have burned in January. [00:53:52] Speaker C: I just don't tan. I was not given that kind of skin. That's the reality. Oh, gosh. [00:54:00] Speaker A: But another way to cool off is ride some of the water rides, such as Tiana's bayou adventure. Going to be up. Opening up soon at Magic Kingdom. Surprised that this was not on anyone's list. And the top rise of magic animal kingdom. Cali river rapids in animal kingdom. Or if you're over at Universal Dudley do rights, Ripsaw falls. But as when you're. When it's the summer, great time to enjoy some of those water rides. [00:54:43] Speaker B: No, you break up a valid point with water rides if you're trying to beat the heat. So why not just cut out the parks completely and head on yonder? You can go either way. Universal's got volcano Bay, great themed water park, and then Disney's got either typhoon lagoon or blizzard beach. I mean, we just talked about typhoon lagoon doing their hi h two o glow. Wow. That was more difficult than it should have been. H two o glow party in the evening. So there, there are debt. Go to those water parks because they're. They're a good time. You can add that on with your ticket if you would like to. Or you can purchase it. Purchase it separately. Definitely. Take a look at a lot of great attractions over there at all three of those water parks for both Universal and Disney. [00:55:38] Speaker C: You know, it's really good at the water parks too. Their food. Just saying I have nothing to do. Yeah, it has nothing to do with beating the heat. This is just makes my belly happy. The food is just so good and people do not talk about it enough. But anyways, totally not related. [00:55:59] Speaker B: Maybe we need to do an episode on the food and just the water parts. [00:56:06] Speaker C: Y'all need to go to Typhoon Lagoon soon. I don't sleep on it. Is great. I think you're the one. Enjoy. I went last year. I went to it last year and I absolutely loved it. I might go again this summer because it was like Typhoon Lagoon. I had only been to it like once or twice when I was way too young for me to remember and appreciate the theming. And the theming just kind of reminded me of like an animal kingdom turned waterpark because of the amount of flora around. And it's just so like shaded and green and blue and clean and beautiful and they've got crazy amount of snacks and drinks and treats and foods that are just. It's worth it. It's really, really worth it. But I'm looking forward to next year when they have the free water park for all those guesting on property for their very first. For their very first day. [00:57:16] Speaker B: On their arrival day. Yeah. [00:57:19] Speaker C: So we might have to book a. [00:57:21] Speaker B: Trip so we can do it. [00:57:23] Speaker C: Absolutely. That's what I'm saying, man. That's what I'm saying. But moving on, we have not mentioned this at all today, which, you know, I think it's important. Purchase that lightning lane or the express pass. There's no better way to really beat the heat than by not having to do a full line. I mean, listen, just because you purchase an express, express unlimited genie plus individual lining lane does not mean you're not doing some semblance of a line. But it does mean that you're going to significantly cut the line. Time for each ride purchasing. That is definitely a wonderful way to beat the heat and not be standing around for so long, especially when so many ride queues are exposed outdoors. And you might have a fan that hits you, but it's not enough. Sometimes that air is just stagnant around you and you're like, I can't do this. Where's the water? So I feel like that's a very, very important one that people might not always think about. They always think about that pass, that fast pass for the sake of just cutting the line, but not necessarily for, hey, we can't handle this heap because it happens. [00:58:50] Speaker A: Yeah. And then along with that, you know, especially during the peak heat hours, avoid those. Try to avoid those attractions with the outdoor queues, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We talked about Toy Story, that line for slinky dog that can get brutal. [00:59:15] Speaker C: Brutal. [00:59:18] Speaker A: Instead, look at some of those character meet and greets are indoors. BB Eight, Chewbacca and Kylo Ren over at Hollywood studios, the meet and greet that they typically have over next to journey into your imagination. Right next to it. So commerce hall, that's a. Oh, that. Yep, they have moved that now. So my bad. Instead, go meet figment over a journey into your imagination. Go meet figment. [00:59:51] Speaker C: Star wars characters are next to the, the junior clubhouse of the play junior, that section in that courtyard area. [01:00:00] Speaker A: Or if you have a little one, go do the dance party. [01:00:03] Speaker C: Yeah, honestly. All right, Kelton, finish us off. [01:00:11] Speaker B: Everybody, just listen to yourself. Listen to your body. Know the signs of heatstroke, and just take care of yourself. That's all. Take it a slow day. Take breaks if you need to, you know, either midday or throughout the day. Sometimes it does help if you're able to extend that trip out, especially in the summertime, so you can take that midday break, and that way you're really not missing anything. We all know you can do all four parts in a day, but should you really do all four parts in a day in August in Florida? It's simple. The answer is no, you should not. So look at extending out that trip. You know, work with your travel agent, either FTJ or another travel agency. The deals are out there. Y'all really take a look and see, you know, what's gonna be best for you and your family. Traveling to either building, universal Seaworld, you know, any of that stuff. So just listen to yourself. That's it. [01:01:29] Speaker C: All right, final thoughts as that about concludes our list. Brooks, do you have anything more to add? [01:01:38] Speaker A: Just echo what Kelton said. Listen to your body. Slow down. And stop and smell. Stop and smell the flamingos. [01:01:50] Speaker C: Mmm. That really smells ripe in the summer, let me tell you. [01:01:55] Speaker B: It could be a turkey leg that was thrown in the bush, so really be careful. Okay? My final thought is it may be hot, but please, for your safety, do not climb into any of the waterways or fountains where you don't belong. Go back. [01:02:20] Speaker C: Inviting. [01:02:20] Speaker B: Cool. They, they do look inviting. I'm telling especially that, you know, world showcase lagoon. Oh, yeah. I get in there. Being a Florida man, I would get in there in a heartbeat. However, I'm not because I'm smart. Go back to the pool at your resorts. If it's on property, off property. Take care of yourself. [01:02:46] Speaker A: Steph, do you have any last thoughts? [01:02:51] Speaker C: I had a really good, like, last minute thing and I absolutely forgot it listening to you guys, which really sucks, you know, I guess I could probably throw in there. We didn't mention any elderly or anyone with any kind of handicap. If you need a wheelchair or an electric scooter, you know, don't overlook it over the summer. You know, don't test the limits of your body. It's not worth it. Again, go into your summer vacation trip to these theme parks with your priorities in mind. Again, if you have some semblance of a list, like, hey, I don't want to leave this park without doing XYZ top three, maybe even top five. That way you can kind of prioritize that and figure out how you can fit that into your trip without gassing yourself and the rest of your group out. It all goes back to listening to your body. So, you know, if you have kind of like a game plan of a few things that you guys want to do and you tackle that, and then anything else is just icing on the cake and you're not running yourself into the ground again, you want to enjoy your trip. And this episode hopefully gave you guys some things to think about before going on your trip. So that way you can enjoy it. And again, it might sound scary with us talking about how hot it does get. It does get really hot, but you can tackle it. Kelton, you had some last minute thoughts. [01:04:41] Speaker B: I was just in the middle of messaging it to you. To mention, if you're not feeling good out there, please contact the cast member. Have them, if you need to have them, call Rudy Creek. Even though I mentioned it in the beginning, it's better that, you know, take care of yourself, even if you need paramedics first. [01:05:01] Speaker C: Alrighty. Well, I think that about does it for this week's episode of the Mousiers podcast again. Kelton, you mentioned it. There's some fantastic deals out there for the summer. It's absolutely worth it to take the time and check them out. Or talk to your travel agent at fair fairytale journeys travel to see what works best for you and your family. So don't forget to join our Mouse Ears podcast Facebook group and our TikTok page for all episode details and highlights. I think Brooks does a fantastic job on Celt and you too, because you also contribute. You guys make some fantastic videos on there and they get super, super popular with their views and their likes. So check us out if you haven't and kind of like what I was saying before. If you're interested in having a fairytale journeys agent, book your next trip. Visit fairytalejourneys.com and let them know that the podcast sent you. Lastly, if you like listening to us, we'd love to hear from you. Please leave us a review wherever you listen to us. We're on all the major streaming services. And lastly, next week we're going to have FTJ agent Laura Greco back on to talk about Disney's new private island lookout key at Lighthouse Point. So if you're looking forward to learning more about it from the source of the Disney cruise line queen herself, check us out. So until next episode, thanks everyone. Have a great week. Bye.