August horror stories?

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Well, vacation bidding is over at DH's company and we didn't get the week we wanted. We are booked for May 27-June 5, all ADR's secured, everything except airfare. BUT DH didn't get that week. I only slept 3 hours last night because I was so nervous about the bid. I had a feeling it wouldn't go well, and it didn't.

Bottom line is this:
We go August 4-12 or we don't go at all. I am absolutely sick over it. I wanted DS to go to Star Wars weekend, I wanted to miss the absolute blatantly brutal heat, I wanted to miss crowds of "9". DH is actually pleased. He is excited about having our dates set in stone. But I can NOT get excited about going in August.

Please share ALL of your August experiences - crowds, heat, Brazilian tour groups, whatever. I have to know if it is really worth bothering to go in August of 2006 or if we should just scrap it. We have never been when it is really crowded OR really hot. I can't imagine this being a good thing, but DH wants to try. So let me have it - tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly for August!

 

[marc1477]

August really isn't all that bad. We have gone twice in August and was nice. It is hotter than normal. I would go back in August if I have a chance.

 

[goofy4tink]

We have been twice in August.....the first time in '03 we arrived the same day Hurricane Charley did. It was very hot/humid, but most of the 'natives' chalked that up to the active storms.
Last year we were there in mid-June and again in early Aug. I really think the temps were pretty much the same. We did find the parks to be somewhat crowded in early Aug but we weren't hampered too much by them. Plan to get to the parks early, leave at midday, have lunch and a swim at your resort and then head back to a park late afternoon. While August isn't my favorite time to visit WDW (that would be Nov/Oct), I would go back in August if I had no other choice. I think you may be surprised.

 

[chesirechik]

I just went this past August 4-12. It was hot and crowded, but defnitely managable.

If you plan out each day, make reservations and get to the parks EARLY, then you will be fine.

Disney World in August is better than no Disney at all! Don't pass it up!

 

[sorcerermick]

I actually prefer the summer months. The longer hours the parks are open allow us to take that efternoon break we don't take in September b/c of the shoprter hours. Relax and try to enjoy. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Good luck

 

[beccasmom]

The crowds are not that bad, as local schoolchildren return to school in early August. The heat is oppressive (I feel your pain, believe me! ), but we were there two weeks ago and the humidity was bad then!

The only thing that would worry me is hurricanes as they seem to be hitting that area heavily these days. You can't do much about it except perhaps think about purchasing trip insurance (I don't have much experience with doing that; have only done it once for a pre-paid, expensive cruise). Disney handles such things well and keeps guests informed. We just missed Charley a few years back, but were there for the back-end of a tropical storm at the end of the 9/11 week. I didn't think the rain would ever stop.

And don't underestimate the power of being prepared - at least you pretty much know the negatives. Prepare to spend lots of time at the pool or a water park, take frequent breaks, eat lightly (not the time to try a full-course meal at Epcot, take my word for it! ), stay hydrated and dress lightly. Pace yourself and don't try to cram too much into a day; you may be pleasantly surprised by how much you do accomplish, though. I never pass up a WDW trip.......you will have fun in spite of the weather!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I was just over on the Trip Reports board reading about August. It will obviously be hot, so I think we will probably add water parks to our tickets. We are good about getting to the parks early, so that won't be an issue. DS and DH like to go back to the resort for a break, and in that kind of heat I probably will agree. Then we'll venture back out in the evening.

I am wondering if the longer hours will help us because DS9 isn't a late night kind of guy. Even though he napped before MNSSHP last month he was finished by 10 PM. But he was used to his "school" routine. Maybe going at the end of summer will be good. He can practice staying up late before we leave!

The other kind of neat thing about going in August is we will be there for my birthday! My REAL birthday, so I can wear the button and everything!

I think I will get used to the idea of August. I just have to get past the grief of losing Memorial Day week. My TA isn't in the office today so I haven't cancelled our May booking yet, but I'll do that tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks for helping me feel better about August!

 

[ryley26]

August isn't that bad just get out of the afternoon sun and drink lot of water. We have two kids and they have no problems our son get sick at times when he overheats and we've never had a problem.

 

[mjh8955]

We have been in August before, around the 9th. It's doable. We were at the gates bright and early every day and noticed the crowds thicken around 11 each day. Plan out what you want to accomplish and get those things done first. Stay HYDRATED. Take advantage of the air conditioned attractions every so often. Stop and rest in the shade frequently. We brought an umbrella stroller for our daughter who was probably 5 or so and we were very glad we had it. She's small for her age and still fit in one even thought she hadn't used one in a while. We brought bandanas and soaked them in cold water to wear on our necks periodically. Also brought a frozen washcloth in a baggie and was that ever refreshing to wash up with. Take hats or visors and sunglasses. We did not eat very much, it was just too hot for big meals, and the good part of all that is my husband and I both lost a few pounds. Take advantage of early character meals that will get you into the park early. We have done that twice and it really helps.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

Dh and I took an adult-only trip at the very end of July/beginning of August. The weather was actually better than when we went at the end of May with the kids. (It also far cooler than the 100+ degree temps we left at home!!) Crowds were minimal. When we took the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, our guide kept commenting on how few people were present. She even pointed out mid-afternoon how you could see LOTS of walkway when looking down through Frontierland. You couldn't even see the pavement when we were there in May or October (2nd week -- lots of fall break-ers).

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Don't despair about August! Just make the best of it. As others mentioned it will be hot and humid, but the longer hours make it easier to go back to the resort for a break and a quick swim.

We love it in August!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Dh and I took an adult-only trip at the very end of July/beginning of August. The weather was actually better than when we went at the end of May with the kids. (It also far cooler than the 100+ degree temps we left at home!!) Crowds were minimal. When we took the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, our guide kept commenting on how few people were present. She even pointed out mid-afternoon how you could see LOTS of walkway when looking down through Frontierland. You couldn't even see the pavement when we were there in May or October (2nd week -- lots of fall break-ers).

That's so funny that it was crowded in October when you all were there. We went Oct. 14-23 and LOVED it. Not a drop of rain until late in the afternoon on our last day, and that was because of Wilma. I have decided not to worry about hurricanes because there is plenty of other stuff to worry about. The only day that was really crowded for us in October was 10/19 at MK. That was ugly. The letter from the school board threatening legal action against me for promoting truancy was ugly, too, which is why there will be no more October trips in our future.

 

[skuttle]

We went the first week of August in 2002. I don't really remember exact details, but I know I have NO bad memories from that trip. I don't look back at the trip and think, "Wow, the crowds were thick, we had to wait in line forever, and the heat was awful...I'm never going back."

As long as you realize it WILL be hot and there WILL be crowds, you'll be fine. Use fast pass. Take the time to get out of the heat and relax.

 

[Eeyore2003]

Wonderful memories of August trips, July also. I think the time the heat bothered us the most was a year ago September. It was just more humid than we found it in the summer. Take the advice of people on the boards and have a great time. We also did early entry, afternoon fun break at the resort, and evening dinner and shows. Many schools start the third and fourth weeks in August and by August, many "vacationers" are already home and getting ready for school.

 

[poohs_hunny]

I've been both Memorial Day weekend ('04) and late August ('05). August was much better than late May. Honestly, I felt no difference in the temperatures: both times were hot and humid. Actually, it was "cooler" (about 90 degrees every day) in Aug. than in May (95+ degrees every day). I think we just hit an extremely hot period, but still, it happens often in Florida. Crowds were also much better because most states had already gone back to school (this was late Aug. however). One morning at the MK, crowds were nonexistent - we walked onto Thunder Mountain and other rides. Around Memorial Day, everyone seems to want to go for a long weekend trip, and the crowds were bad. I'm most likely going back this August also - go and ENJOY!!!

 

[dixiedizfan]

It seems a lot of people are downplaying the heat factor of Florida in August. It is sweltering, and the sun brutal. Pack your sunscreen! Some friends of ours went to Disney the first two weeks of August and were so miserable from the heat (and they're from South Carolina), that they ended up spending half the time at their rental.

 

[missycj96]

we have done august trips the past three summers - though we have done the second, third and fourth weeks. do not be sad - it will be a great trip. you just need to plan and know what to expect. here are my tips:

First of all, August is VERY hot and there is no way around that but you can still have a great time. Stay on site at a hotel with a pool that you will enjoy spending time at. My two favorites are the yacht club and the poly. We find that in the summer we really use the resort. I also suggest staying at a resort by the park where you will spend the most time to make going back and forth as quick and easy as possible.

The key is to get up early and go straight to the parks for opening. If you are at the poly or a hotel by the MK it is easy to be there for the opening ceremony at 8:45 or so. Go to the attractions (do not shop etc) you want to see for the first few hours. As all the posters say, you can cover a lot in the first hour or two before it gets hot and crowded.

By 11:30 am it will be getting hot and crowded. In almost three hours (from opening until then) you will have seen plenty. At this point, we head back to the hotel for a swim and lunch and spend the day at our resort. This is actually a great way to make a Disney trip a true vacation and quite fun and relaxing. We like to spend the afternoon swimming and at the resort and then go to a table service restaurant for a late lunch at like 2:30 or 3. This allows you a nice afternoon and a great inexpensive meal without any crowds.

In the evening, you can return to the parks and then go for dinner. Though others may disagree, I recommend avoiding the evening extra hours at the magic kingdom - unless you are returning only for spectro and wishes (and even then its mobbed). Last August, I found this so crowded that it was not worth going and your time would be better spend elsewhere.

Also, what you wear is important. Dress in cool clothing. I like to wear a bathing suit top with a tank top and shorts with tevas. Bring water bottles with you.

I also bring the smallest totes umbrella I can find (like a totes mini). And, either buy cases of water or have water and beverages delivered to your room (we used wego shop and the service was outstanding).

 

[Syrreal]

We were there the equivalent of that week this year and it was just fine. The crowds really werent that bad at all (most we waited without fast passes were 25 minutes)
Brazilian tour groups are not that prevalent then because it is winter there and their winter break is in July. By August they are back in school.

It's hot but if you plan accordingly (drinking lots of water and making sure that you can take a break- sitting and people watching or going into an a/c shop) you'll do just fine.

I myself prefer going in august then in may or june b/c it is less crowded

 

[Stitch Inside]

Ask him. He had a ball this year from Aug. 3rd thru the 7th. Crowds weren't as bad as when we were there in May, but the heat took some getting used to.

 

[Praying Colonel]

We went in August 04 on the same week that Hurricane Charley hit. Due to wife's schedule and kids' school, we'll probably be going in August of next year, too. And that's OK with us.

Crowds: We found the crowds manageable with planning. We got the Unofficial Guide and tried to use their plans more or less, make effective use of FASTPASS and avoid certain parks on the days they recommended to do so. When we were able to do that (the hurricane put a slight crimp in our schedule ), we didn't have much of a problem. We were told that Florida schools had started back the week we were there, and that might've helped some, too. The only 2 times we saw gridlock was on a Tuesday when we went to Blizzard Beach (the park gridlocked by 11:00 a.m., but we had arrived at opening and were ready to go by that point), and on that Tuesday night when were at MK for Spectromagic. We made the mistake of trying to catch it at the hub. Big mistake! We saw 2 Moms ready to throw down over a piece of curb. Next time we'll pick someplace farther down the parade route.

Heat: Yeah, it's hot and sticky. After I got thoroughly soaked with it (by, say, 8:15 a.m. ), I just surrendered to it and it was OK. And I'm a big guy who normally doesn't do well in the heat. We took filter water bottles in with us and worked hard on staying hydrated--every time we stopped, we drank, even if we didn't feel the need at that point. Plus the touring plans we used seemed to have us inside or in the shade a good bit, too, which helped. Plus we actually started training for it a month or so before. We knew we'd be walking and standing in the heat, so we did a lot of walking in the heat beforehand.

Tour groups: We didn't see any. Lots of people, but no groups that we could tell.

I can't stress how much planning for your day can help. I'm not talking going commando-style, just thinking about your day ahead of time and things you'll need to do to make you and your group more comfortable. Snacks, water, sunscreen, little battery-powered fans (we got them at Wal-Mart before we left), good socks. Oh, and Body Glide--that stuff was great, especially if you or someone in your group is prone to blisters or chafing. We put it on our feet (and chafe-prone areas ) before we went out that day, and we kept those little nicks down to a minimum.