august 17-22 trip - help

[jaclark]

We purchased into the DVC last year and this is our first trip using our points. My husband wanted to try and plan a trip without taking the kids out of school this time so we booked the third week of august - 17-22.

Now we are used to going in late sept or early November so we know it's going to busier but I'm starting to scare myself with the thought of the crowds. Granted we survived a Saturday night at MK last November during the Soap Opera weekend but I couldn't stand that type of crowds all the time.

Has anyone been at this time of year and give me a realistic picture? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time,
Annette

 

[nataliesdaddy]

It will be slammed most assuredly - last week prior to school starting - I imagine you will see lots of people trying to work in that one last gig before the start of school.

hints? fastpass - fastpass - fast pass

get to the park early prior to opening - leave early to get r&r - go back later in the day for fireworks or whatever -

do not do a great deal of park hopping - unless you rent a car you will spend an inordinate amount of time in route

 

[pixiechick]

We were there last year from 8/14-8/20. Some crowds, but not too bad. Many schools have already started back by then. We had first timers with us and they got to do/see everything. It was hot, but no hotter than it was at home! Stop at a store and buy lots of water, plan your days, get to the parks early, take an afternoon break---you'll be fine! At least I hope so, because we're going back the same time you are!

What we don't know is the impact of the Fairy Tale package. I've been in MK on a Saturday night and would never want to repeat that mob scene. However, we've also gone at Christmas and avoided much of the crowds. It's worth repeating: Planning is key, as is getting to the parks early!
Regardless of crowds, we'll have a great time, and I'm betting you will too!!

Oh, btw, Welcome Home!!

 

[dsnycrzy]

Maybe it will be crowded b/c we'll be there to 8/14-25.
I was also wondering about the crowds due to the FP. I have 12 people in my party. 3 of us adults and 3 others that are babies. With a swapped park I wonder how we'll keep up with the bigger kids. I sure hope it's not outrageously crowded.

 

[Danauk]

I was also wondering about crowds and the weather. I am visiting Disney for the first time from the 17-29th August and I can't wait!!

 

[figment95]

Please post when you get home, everyone. We're planning to go at that time next year and I'm starting to wonder how the crowds will be. I'm hoping a lot of schools will have already started.

 

[llp479]

We were there last year Aug 15 - 24 at OKW, and we'll be there this year Aug 14 - 23. Crowds were not bad last year, but who knows about this year. The first few days were much busier than the final week. Many schools go back the third week, not the fourth week of Aug. Yes, it's hot, but with planning it's quite manageable.

The best thing is with DVC you know you'll be back. Anything you don't see this trip, you'll catch the next.

We'll be at OKW from the 17th - 23rd. Staying at a Marriott Vacation Club for the first 3 nights.

Welcome home - hopefully we'll all have a great time!

 

[jaclark]

Thanks for answering everyone. I had called WDW and there are still rooms available at the value resorts for that week so they definitely arent' sold out.

We did a Sat night at the MK last year and it was a madhouse - never again And that was in November - of course, it was soap opera/veterans day - little did we know

I'll post when we return -

thanks,
Annette

 

[packy]

We went the last week of August (about 21st-28th) in 99, 00 and 01 (2 weeks before 911). The first two years were great with moderate crowds (something we didn't expect - we thought it would be crowded) but in 01 it was brutal. Disney must have marketed heavy in Europe that year as everyone seemed to speak French, German or British English. The hours were shortened from the year before and many attractions at MK were closed for rehab. We didn't go last year but are going back this year on the 21st and don't know what to expect either. Hoping it will be more like the first two trips that were very enjoyable.