Disneyland is known as the Happiest Place on Earth for a reason. With so many things to see and do—all with a touch of childhood nostalgia, to boot—everyone in the family is guaranteed to have a good time. Yet, to truly enjoy your trip, you do need to prepare. That’s why we recommend making a budget, reserving spots during the off-season, downloading the official Disneyland App for all the information you need, and getting access to FastPass or Genie+ so you can skip long lines once you’re there.
However, you also need to take some health precautions. Your biggest concern will probably be the sun. Too much exposure can easily lead to sunburn—both of the eyes and skin—and even dehydration. That’s not to mention that you’ll be walking an average of six to ten miles a day, which can cause additional conditions like exercise-induced vasculitis. This issue is so common among Disneyland visitors that it’s been dubbed the Disney rash, and it can cause itching and pain that can ultimately impact your overall theme park experience.
Fortunately, all these things can be prevented with the right sun protection. Here’s what you’ll need to keep the entire family safe:
Sunscreen
This item will probably be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sun protection for a Disneyland trip—and if so, you’re right. With most of the park’s features located outdoors, you’ll be under the sun for a large portion of the day, and it’ll help you and your little ones avoid sunburn. Be sure to get a sweat- and water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and a PA+++ rating, which will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply to all exposed skin every two hours or if you get sweaty or wet. If you forget to bring a bottle or run out while you’re at Disneyland, don’t worry! You can get some at the park, where you can easily buy sunscreen in both liquid and spray varieties—especially now that suncare brands like SUNPLUS directly supply Disney resorts with their sunscreen lines.
Sunglasses
Even your eyes can get sunburned when they absorb too much of the sun’s glare. Immediate UV overexposure can lead to photokeratitis, while long-term effects of sun damage can lead to cataracts. A condition like photokeratitis is very debilitating and could easily ruin your day if one of your group suffers from it. This is why the entire family needs effective sunglasses that provide complete UV protection. So don’t settle for toy sunnies for your kids as they won’t have the required protection levels. Instead, get everyone pairs from reliable brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Coach. These are made in line with international UV protection standards and provide additional features for your needs. For example, polarized coatings can cut out glare, and prescription sunglasses can both correct and protect your vision. If your kids happen to break a pair as they play, Disneyland has a few sunglasses shops you can visit to buy a replacement.
Clothing
For full sun protection, you need more than just sunscreen and sunglasses. If the sun’s shining directly overhead, for example, it can still get into your eyes—and no sunscreen provides full protection. That’s why you need strategic coverage while you’re in Disneyland. Think wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and shorts or pants from brands like Solbari, Mott 50, and Stingray. These will be lightweight but will use fabric specifically treated to provide UV protection. In this case, you’ll want to get clothes with a UPF of at least 50. Want to add that Disney flair to your outfits? The entire family can head over to a souvenir shop and cop some hats with those iconic Mickey Mouse ears.
Water
By remembering to hydrate often, you can more easily avoid dehydration from the increased sun exposure you’ll get at Disneyland. Bottles from trusted brands like Yeti and Hydro Flask can keep your water cooler for longer. Try a model with additional features like loops, handles, and carabiners so you can attach it to your bag and carry it around hands-free. You can even opt for a water bottle with a filter, which can help you safely make the most of the free water fountains scattered throughout Disneyland during your stay.
Shade
The most important tip for sun protection is to limit your exposure altogether. Before heading out into the park in the morning, consider using an app to check UV level forecasts for the day. If they rise to 8 and above—which usually happens between 10 AM and 4 PM—it’s time to seek some shade. Not to worry: Disneyland has lots of indoor attractions to keep you both safe and occupied. Whether you head to Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, or Toontown, you can walk through various exhibits and try different rides to entertain the whole family while protecting them from the worst of the sun.
About Post Author
Leave a Reply