Tip Tuesday: Water, Water, Water

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

It's June and that means the HEAT IS ON! For the next few months, Florida is going to be HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

Now the fact that it's hot shouldn't stop you from heading to the park. What it does mean is you need to take a few extra precautions. Aside from sunscreen (as was discussed in a previous Tip Tuesday), you should make sure you have lots and lots and lots of water. Notice I said water, not fluids. Soft drinks are OK to go with a meal, but when it's hot and you're sweating a lot, you need water (in my opinion, alcohol and heat are a very bad combination, but I will stay off the soap box).

So, if you need a lot of water, that means you have to carry it or get it while in the parks.

First off, where can you get water in the parks? There are several kiosks, carts, etc. all over the place where you can purchase water bottles. The good news is that these water bottles are pretty cold. The bad news is that they are pretty expensive - about $2.50 a piece.

There is a second option for getting water in the parks - and it's free - that's right free! If you go to a stand that offers fountain drinks, you can ask for a cup of ice water. The cast member will give you a small cup of ice water. The one down side is that the cups are small, so you would have to go get water over and over.

A better (and cheaper) option is to bring water with you. This could be large refillable water bottles, it could be standard bottled water you've purchased at the store or wherever. The hitch is carrying all this water.

One tip I've found to be very helpful when carrying a lot of water around is to wear cargo shorts. I know, this might not be so helpful for women who have fashion considerations, but you guys out there can be pack mules. Every pair of shorts I wear to the parks in the summer have large cargo pockets. I can fit two standard water bottles in each pocket. That's a lot of water to haul around, but you'll be surprised how quickly you (and your family) will go through water.

If you have access to a refrigerator or freezer, try to get your water as cold as possible before you head out and be sure to refill those bottles when you find a water fountain (or get a cup of ice water as mentioned above and pour it in your bottle).

No matter how you manage to do so, it's important to stay hydrated while running around Walt Disney World in 90+ degree temperatures. So stay safe out there and drink plenty of water!