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[DrDolphin]

I would also recommend the early/late day touring plans. Be there at park open, if staying on property take advantage of early EMH. Leave the parks no later than 1130/1200pm. Head out to get some lunch in an AC table service location, and then back to the resort pool, Disney Quest (great idea!), cooler inside options and then return to the parks in the early evening - say 6ish as things begin to cool. If possible, purchase park hopper passes that allow (should it be desired) to go to the park with Evening EMH and take advantage of the later evening touring options.

I think all the other recommendations are right on the money.

[vwlizard]

I'd stay away from Animal Kingdom. Just not enough cool places in any given area. You could get stuck a good while away from any place to cool off.

Almost anywhere in FW Epcot would be good during the heat of the day.

My friend has 3 children with mitrocondrial disease. They are very heat intolerant and can manage for a couple of hours outdoors wearing an evaporative cooling vest. We are in New England, so I don't know if you'd get the same results in Florida.

[PamelaK]

There have been some excellent suggestions made here. Since someone else mentioned DisneyQuest, might I also suggest they looking into getting the Water Parks and More Fun option on their tickets. This will give them daily passes to the water parks or to Disney Quest.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Great idea Pam! Kids love the water parks! Totally forgot about them....

[mechurchlady]

Animal Kingdom on EMH early morning would be best for that park. In an emergency CMs can find or make shade. They can help keep a person cool until help arrives. There are EMTs and a nurse station which is air conditioned. At Disneyland's New Orleans Square there were two women down with heat related problems. Disney staff handled both at the same time with ease.

I tell people what they should not do and what they should do. I read the original post and sensed that as a teacher that that was the only time they could travel. Do not forget the water play areas in parks. Disneyquest is a good suggestion as is a trip to Lego Store. If they have a car they could send someone ahead to get the AC going but there is still the tram or ferry ride to the car. Again, if they have an dire need such as a kid whose oxygen tank is low, someone in dire need of meds, or someone reacting to heat then CMs usually will try hard to help that person get back to their car or room faster.

[Carousel96]

Would they be better off driving themselves to the parks, to avoid lines for buses?

We only went once in May -- our other trips have been in December -- but I remember some fun inteactive water areas in the parks. The one in MK was in Fantasyland and would be gone, but do they still have the sprayers in the sidewalks at DTD and Epcot/FW?

Water parks are an option, or are they pretty sun-exposed? How old are the kids? Maybe springing for a Deluxe resort with the fancy pool would give the whole family more bang for the buck.

They may want to do light breakfasts to hit the parks early, and do the TS meals midday. Even for dinner and CS, eating at an off hour increases the chances of finding inside seating (we've never eaten our Casey's hotdogs sitting down, so I wouldn't recommend trying there )

As I recall, BatB and Indiana Jones are both covered/shaded seating. Are there shaded seats at the motorcar show?

[PamelaK]

Oooh! The water play areas in the parks! I totally forgot about those! There are the tiki statues in Adventureland that spray water in Magic Kindom. In Epcot, there are the dancing water pads near the Fountain of Nations. I'm not sure where there are water play areas in Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios though.

As for a shaded area at Animal Kingdom, what about the Boneyard? If I recall correctly, the play area there is shaded.

Otherwise, an umbrella may help to keep shade.

[aliceinwdw]

Great idea about renting a car, if they could do so. Definitely being able to "better control" their transportation; i.e. amount of time waiting in the sun, in line, etc., as well as being able to get around to other destinations, grocery/drug stores, etc. could be beneficial.

As far AK, the "musical shows" would be a great way to spend some time indoors while not feeling like you're missing out on part of what the park has to offer.

The water play areas are another good suggestion too! MK has the one by Space Mountain (more of a mister), as well as the one Pamela mentioned in Adventureland; Epcot has the area by the fountains, the "jumping" water (although can you play "in" those??) by the Imagination pavilion and the area in front of Test Track (which I cannot for the life of me remember the name of); AK has a "water area" too -- it's called Kali River Rapids ; and as far as DHS. . .I can't recall one (other than the "umbrella" ).

[PamelaK]

Originally Posted by aliceinwdw

The water play areas are another good suggestion too! MK has the one by Space Mountain (more of a mister), as well as the one Pamela mentioned in Adventureland; Epcot has the area by the fountains, the "jumping" water (although can you play "in" those??) by the Imagination pavilion and the area in front of Test Track (which I cannot for the life of me remember the name of); AK has a "water area" too -- it's called Kali River Rapids ; and as far as DHS. . .I can't recall one (other than the "umbrella" ).

The one in front of Test Track is the Coca-Cola Cooling Station, believe. As for the "water area" in AK:

[Pax]

Originally Posted by aliceinwdw

Great idea about renting a car, if they could do so. Definitely being able to "better control" their transportation; i.e. amount of time waiting in the sun, in line, etc., as well as being able to get around to other destinations, grocery/drug stores, etc. could be beneficial.

And worst case? an air-conditioned vehicle provides an immediately-to-hand refuge, in the event that a day is just getting to hot and too crowded. Retreat to the vehicle, let the A/C kick in, and once everyone is "human again", figure out the next step.

The water play areas are another good suggestion too!

To add to this, there are a couple "jumping fountain" areas in Downtown Disney, too. Our first day on our last trip, I had a nice relaxing sit-down outside while K and J shopped a bit more .... and I ended up watching a bunch of kids, over ten of them and all ages from toddlers through tweens, working off some energy playing around with the water jets. The whole time, I envied them for their energy, as well as the fun it looked like they were having.

[dammfam]

Thanks for all your ideas. Yes indeed she can't go any other time- she is a teacher and the grandkids are 10 yrs old and younger (5 total and all boys) and all in school. So not really an option to take that many out of school. The youngest who is 4 is the one in question. Although he is rough and tumble like his brothers the heat just gets him sometimes! They are planning on going at the begining of June after school is out here in Oklahoma. The heat and humidity is about the same as there so they are somewhat used to it. I will pass all this great info along to her. Thanks again for all your help.