August 2009 Trip, Are We Insane??!!

[Disneylvr]

We went this past April and although crowded, the weather was perfect. DD (she has moderate ASD, non-verbal...) will be starting kindergarten and we do not want to pull her out of school anymore for vacations. She really loved our April trip. DH also wants to celebrate his 40th birthday which is next summer so...I booked an August 2009 trip. My plan is to go early, return to the resort (CBR this time) by noontime and then return to parks after dinner. Am I insane for planning a trip during August? Our last trip was 5 nights at the Poly and this trip will be 8 nights at Caribbean Beach.

 

[daneenm]

We visited in August 2007 and had a great time. Of our 11 day trip, we only had one day where we felt that the heat was overwhelming. Our days were very similar to what you described...arrived at rope drop most mornings, back to the hotel after lunch for swim/nap and back out after dinner or for dinner.

Plan it and have a great time!
Daneen

 

[ireland_nicole]

I think it would be insane to go without a plan; but your idea seems good to me. We went last June and though it was crowded and hot; the kids did a lot better than we expected; so go and enjoy BTW; did you request a nemo room?

 

[Disneylvr]

I booked a "preferred" room because I want to be close to the food court. It is my understanding that all the non-pirate rooms will have the Nemo decor? I hope that is true because DD will love the colorful Nemo room. She loves fish. Swimming/water play is her very favorite activity so we are hoping 8 nights will give us more time to enjoy the pool at non-peak times. 5 nights just wasn't enough to enjoy the amenities at the Poly and see what we wanted to see at the parks. Every time we tried to swim the main pool at the Poly was PACKED and just too overwhelming for us to enjoy.

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

If you can handle the heat, Go for it.

 

[Disneylvr]

The heat does worry me so we are going with the plan to visit the parks in the early morning till 11:30am or so and then go back for or after dinner. This time we want to make use of the resort amenities as much as possible, especially the pools. DD loves anything water related. I would love to go back to the Poly (where we stayed in April) but we can't afford 8 nights there.

 

[bookwormde]

I would make a specific request for a Nemo room, you may not get it but it is worth the try.

I am flying out in 10 hours and our plan is similar to yours. My DS9 Aspergers loves the water also so that is part of our midday plans along with DQ.

We have found the trick is to take it easy and not let the kids get overtired. I ended up buying into DVC for my weekday reservations and still do CRO on the weekends. We always use our WDW trip to expand our children’s experiences and skills. This year we are flying for first time plus splitting our stay up for more transitions. We are 2 nights at WL, 5 days OKW 1br (yea a full kitchen + living area), Sanibel, AKL, and 2 nights BCV studio.

I know lots of people would think I am crazy but hopefully it will work out great.

It may also help that the forecast for next week is for below average temperatures.

bookwormde

 

[Disneylvr]

Have a wonderful trip bookworm!

 

[lalapodip]

We went this past April and although crowded, the weather was perfect. DD (she has moderate ASD, non-verbal...) will be starting kindergarten and we do not want to pull her out of school anymore for vacations. She really loved our April trip. DH also wants to celebrate his 40th birthday which is next summer so...I booked an August 2009 trip. My plan is to go early, return to the resort (CBR this time) by noontime and then return to parks after dinner. Am I insane for planning a trip during August? Our last trip was 5 nights at the Poly and this trip will be 8 nights at Caribbean Beach.

You aren't crazy, just have a plan, and it sounds like you already do! I saw that you had posted on the August 2009 Code Watch Thread. My 13 yo DS is severely autistic & we have to go in the beginning of August if we want to go with my sister(s), due to different school schedules. I am really bummed because value season doesn't start until 8/9/09. We've been to WDW in August before & I hated the rain more than the heat.

I underestimated my DS's desire for "swim & slide" when we were writing down the plans each day, but you've allowed for some nice pool time. He has gotten to the point now, after 4 trips, that he can identify rides. This next trip will be more challenging, but I am ready for the challenge!!

Staying for eight days allows for you to really spread things out. Good luck with your planning!

 

[bopper]

We always end up going in late August...drink lots of water! If you are going in late August be aware that that can overlap with the free dining promotions, so get your ADRs made early!

 

[SueM in MN]

You may also want to look into touring plans like TourGuide Mike (a Theme Parks Board Sponsor). Even though you've been before and have a good plan, it doesn't hurt to have a little more information on how to avoid the busiest times/places.

 

[Disneylvr]

Thank you everyone. I might have to check out Tour Guide Mike and his touring plans. We have been to WDW 20+ times but never in August. This will be DD's 4th trip.

 

[lalapodip]

Thanks for the Tour Guide Mike suggestion. I have often wondered if it was worth it, but the new challenges of travelling during a crowded time with my son who is becoming "more aware" are making me think of the investment. It certainly can't hurt to have more information!!

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Sounds like you have a plan all set. We have done our last 2 trips in Aug . We go to the parks early. We take DS bathing suit so he can use the water sprinklers in the parks while we are waiting for fast pass times etc. We also bring a change of clothing so he does not have to sit in wet clothing. We try to go back to the hotel for a swim and nap and then head back tot he parks for a nice dinner and a few more rides. We find the quiet pools are better for DS. The main pools seem to be really crowded. Have a great time!!! HAve you ever gone to any of the water parks? They are great!!