August? 1st two weeks or 2nd two weeks

[debchard]

Have to go in August this year due to working in a school. Would you say it is busier the first two weeks compared to the last two weeks of August. We are used to going in January when it's really quiet so are prepared for it being a lot busier but would like to pick the quieter time if poss.

Any thoughts anyone?

thanks.
Deb

 

[gilld]

Definitely go the second two weeks as it is quite a bit quieter then. You will still find it hectic compared to January though

 

[Sunrisedream]

Definately the 2nd two weeks, many of the American schools start going back then so it is less busy

 

[Goofyish]

Another vote for the second two weeks. Many US schools summer break ends in the middle of August, so crowds are generally lighter.

Weather is similar throughout August - hot, humid and with afternoon thunderstorms (these generally only last for a few hours and everything dries out very quickly in the heat).
Drink plenty of water, take advantage of airconditioned shows and shops and take a nice break in the afternoons and you should be fine

 

[Dimplenose]

I think the free dining has made the last 2 weeks much busier than they have been in previous years. We certainly noticed the difference, especially in the restaurants, during the 2nd week of our trip last year.

Libby

 

[maggs]

I would have said the second two weeks up until our visit this year. We always go in the last two weeks after the American kids have gone back to school. It has always been wonderful having the parks so quiet and walking onto the rides. Added to that the children loved going back to school with a Disney holiday fresh in their minds - what could be better?
However this year was something else! The popularity of the free dining plan meant the parks were very busy. (or at least compared to the low base we were used to)
Having met up with forum members who had been in Orlando during most of August they said that the first two weeks this time were less busy!! It seems that many people delayed their holidays until 13th August when the FDP was introduced. Certainly we had to make sure we were up early and at the parks at opening time - a change from all the previous visits when we could just trundle up to any park at our leisure. The restaurants were very busy too and ADRs were essential. I probably will continue to visit during these two weeks. Its just a pity its that bit busier now.

Maggs

 

[Giddy Kipper]

The last two weeks may be slightly more busier next year due to florida kids not going back to school untill the 20th..which is later than they normally do

 

[Netty]

I would have said the second two weeks up until our visit this year. We always go in the last two weeks after the American kids have gone back to school. It has always been wonderful having the parks so quiet and walking onto the rides. Added to that the children loved going back to school with a Disney holiday fresh in their minds - what could be better?
However this year was something else! The popularity of the free dining plan meant the parks were very busy. (or at least compared to the low base we were used to)
Having met up with forum members who had been in Orlando during most of August they said that the first two weeks this time were less busy!! It seems that many people delayed their holidays until 13th August when the FDP was introduced. Certainly we had to make sure we were up early and at the parks at opening time - a change from all the previous visits when we could just trundle up to any park at our leisure. The restaurants were very busy too and ADRs were essential. I probably will continue to visit during these two weeks. Its just a pity its that bit busier now.

Maggs

I totally agree. we went this year 3rd aug -26th aug , the first week was quiet then after that the parks were so busy, it was rediculous. next year the free dining plan starts on the 12 august. we have booked for next year but are going from the 21st july -10th aug. I am also tied to school hols as i also work in a school.

 

[CustardTart]

We used to be big fans of the last two weeks in August for all the reasons previously noted but if Disney keep with the free DDP offer in late August, we won't bother travelling at that time again - mainly because it was so crazy in the resort hotel.

TBH we can deal with busy parks, having been at Christmas and Easter in the past, but this summer the pool area at the Polynesian was teeming which didn't make for very relaxing down time! So we're thinking we will probably try going earlier in the summer hols next time...

 

[debchard]

Thanks everyone. We have booked the last 2 weeks. What is the free dining plan?? Is that only in the Disney parks. We tend to spend more time at the other parks (!)

 

[fizz13]

The dining plan is a way of pre-paying for your meals if you are staying in a disney resort hotel, so for $37.99 a night you get a snack (drink/popcorn etc) a counter-service meal and a 3 course table service meal. This is for each night of your stay. The only way to get this free was if you booked a few months ago on a package deal, they haven't sold it to the masses yet, and i'm hoping it will stay this way due to my dates (August 22nd to 28th). So at the moment, the only people getting it free are us Brits who would have booked a few months ago, and some US who have stayed in WDW the last couple of moths and re-booked on the spot for next year (which I don't think will be too many, and certainly not like last year). I'm thinking the odds of them offering it to everybody now are pretty low
The credits can be used at most of the theme park and resort restaurants so they are not limited to one park, hope this helps and I haven't confused you more,