Anyone gone to Disney in the summer?

[dangler]

Hi Guys!

I was wondering who's gone to Walt Disney World in the summer?
Is the heat and humidity comparable to what we have here in Ontario sometimes?
I have read on other threads that the heat is brutal and that going to the parks early and taking an afternoon break is a must, then head back later in the day.
The Free Dining seems like such a good deal, I'm just not too sure.

 

[minnie56]

Same as here?? NOOOOOOOOOOO..it is steaming! You stand and watch the parades as the sweat trickles down your back...and yes-hitting the Resort and Pool is vital mid day to keep going. Not an ideal time IMO..and I have done it maybe 35plus times!!!

 

[SandraC]

We are going in July. I LOVE the heat! Our summer trip is all about RELAXING. So lots of sitting by the pool, swimming and resting! S

 

[minnie56]

I love the heat too...it's the humidity that I find terribly oppressive.
Used to feel like the walking dead at the end of the day...can count on good pool time tho..till the afternoon thunderstorms come along

 

[michelle1]

I have been several times in Aug for free dining and am going again this year. Honestly, I don't find it too bad because if we're not in the pool we are at the parks and in and out of a/c constantly. AK is the one park that is extremely hot so we always go there for opening. I love that there is guaranteed heat as we've been to Florida at other times of the year and had to wear jackets and couldn't swim. One other bonus for me is how easy it is to pack...no long sleeves, just shorts, tees and a bathing suit!

 

[dolcezena]

Last time I was at WDW, it was early July (many years ago). Initial thought at going at that time...."SCORE! 4th of July Fireworks!!"

Reality: Statewide ban on fireworks due to forest fires & humidity so freakin' bad it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest! Admittedly, I'm a Prairie girl, so I'm not used to high humidity, but this was the worst I've ever experienced. Even worse than when we were in Virginia a few days before a hurricane!

Sure, take advantage of Free Dining, but like everyone says - go to the parks early, take a break & then hit the EMH park for the night.

 

[SandraC]

My July vacation is all about the 'breaks'. We were so busy during our 2008/2009 vacations, we need a vacation that is about pool, rest, water parks. During the thunderstorms we will be either sleeping, eating or resort hopping at leisure. We will visit the parks on ONE day only, probably spend most of our time in the pool or at TL and BB. I love that heat and humidity slow me down. I enjoy the pace. Lemonade by the pool..... Blessings, Sandra

 

[dancin Disney style]

We have been to the world the last 4 years in a row in either July or August. Yes...it's very hot and humid. You need to just be mentally prepared for it. That way it doesn't seem that bad.

We usually aim to be at rope drop and then leave around lunch time to go back to the resort. Then we hit the pool and nap or just relax in the room until about dinner time. We then go back to the parks. Once the sun starts going down it cools off a bit.

The waterparks are a must do in summer. They are actually relaxing and it never feels hot there.

 

[dangler]

Thanks for the info!

Not taking the kids out of school and free dining is a definite plus for us, if I can get cheap flights it might be worth it!!!

 

[Ham Ham]

Been multiple times to Orlando during the end of August.

Very humid but the short lines at the attractions make up for it. Hit the parks early every day, be there for the rope drop. It will rain like Noah is on his way every afternoon for at least 20 minutes.

Don't think I would go in July though the heat & the crowds must make it oppressive.

 

[aristocat65]

We've been twice in late August and we're doing it again It is very hot and humid, but you get used to it. Late August is hurricane season, so there is usually a shower or 2 every day to cool things off. (Or steam things up? not sure) We also went over new years one year and it was FREEZING! Like 25 degrees farenheit with a wind chill. That was terrible. I much prefer the heat and being able to walk around in the evening in shorts and a t shirt. So many things are air conditioned too that it's not really bad. The only unpleasant thing can be standing in line behind people in the evening who have been in the parks ALL day (and sweating all day!).
All in all though, I like it and it seems nice and Florida-ish. Fewer lines and free dining also help

 

[Tiger926]

I'm not sure where you live in Ontario, but where I'm from, it's sometimes hotter than Orlando!

We have been going every summer for the past 9 years as I'm a teacher. It's a great time to go and not as crowded as most people will have you believe - don't go around the 4th though, as it's nuts!

We go early in morning, leave around lunchtime for a break, and go back late afternoon/early evening. Lots of water, sunscreen and rest!

Have fun, Tiger

 

[bbrnca]

we have gone a few times in July and yes it is really hot and humid but your at WDW can it get any better then that.... seen in Aug and Sept. and really didn't feel that much of a differnce.... but the deal being free dining then ya go for it.... cool off in the pool of your resort during the day.....

 

[dvcdisney]

We went last year in August. We usually go in May and October, but now that the kids are getting older, we are trying to prevent too may missed school days. So we tried August last year and although I was told that it was not as hot as it usually would be (because of all the rain from Tropical Storm Faye ) I still found it hot. I do believe that the best way to get through it is to make you that you take it easy. Take afternoon breaks at the resort pool, or shopping etc anywhere that's airconditioned. My husband and kids love to go back to the pool, while I browse around the shops at the resort. Then go back to the Park for dinner and some rides. I think the most important thing to remember is to drink lots of water/liquids and definitely RELAX. I find I'm less hot when I'm not running around trying to get fastpasses, and rushing to get to the rides. Since we also go during March, we try to do a lot more rushing then and more relaxing in our August trip. We also try to make sure we have longer trips so that we can relax and more importantly, make the airfare worth it!

I think if I had a different option, I would go another time. Our favourite time to go in October. It is great, the weather, the crowds, Halloween decorations, and Food and Wine Festival. However, we have chosen to go during August for the kids. Also, since we don't participate in Free Dining since we use our DVC points, it's not always the best time to go because the restaurants do tend to be busier.

But since we're at Disney, we're happy!

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Usually go in March for the break when I am off from teaching. But went twice in the summer. Yes very hot . We missed the free dining by a few days last year. But, also left early because FAY came in. THe other summer trip it rained a lot. Expect rain. But, it only lasted a bit each day that trip and cleared. Flights were cheaper and hotels and crowds were definitely better.
I would definitely try a summer trip again. Although my DH swears we will stick with the March trips only.

 

[tone.def]

I went in June last year and I personally found it a little too hot for my comfort level. I think I prefer going in the winter months - even if I have to throw a sweater and gloves on!

 

[dancin Disney style]

As mentioned it does rain everyday. We found that you could almost set your watch by it and it only lasts at most about 45 minutes. If you plan to be back at the resort in the afternoon for a rest or swim it works perfectly. We found that we were always in the room, or headed that way, while it rained. The rain does cool things down a touch.

 

[joech]

Just curious what time frame it actually rains? Plus, do you bring raincoats or just get soaked because it is so hot that the rain feels good.

 

[Tiger926]

Just curious what time frame it actually rains? Plus, do you bring raincoats or just get soaked because it is so hot that the rain feels good.

It rains in the afternoon - typically later afternoon like 3:00-4:00. This varies though, and isn't set in stone, as we've had rainshowers in the early afternoon, and some days, we've had them in the earlier part of the evening. We've also had days in July where it didn't rain at all, so just be prepared for some light rain activity possibly each day, or, every other day, and you'll be fine. They do sometimes experience serious storms though, and this is something entirely different than the afternoon rainshowers that we experience in July.

We are always prepared with Disney rain ponchos as they are lightweight and do a great job. We don't shop at the Dollar Store, but we've seen many guests with these and they look very cheap and much shorter than the Disney ponchos, so they honestly don't look like they do much good, but I'm not sure. We also have extra ponchos for our strollers too - we've used the Disney ponchos over and over again, so they are very strong (kid and adult sizes).

Last thing, is that umbrellas are not good park etiquette, so don't bring umbrellas as they really aren't a good use in the parks.

Have fun in July - we like it very much! Tiger

 

[dancin Disney style]

Just curious what time frame it actually rains? Plus, do you bring raincoats or just get soaked because it is so hot that the rain feels good.

It rains really hard so you would get soaked to the skin. There is often lightning along with the rain.

Umbrellas are totally acceptable and tons of people use them. Ponchos are just better because they cover more and are multiy functional.