August - Mid-day break vs. rest day vs. both

[andieb0602]

We'll be heading to WDW mid-August for a 6 day stay. Our family comprises of me, DH, DD who will be almost 9 and DS who will be 6. We'll also have my parents who are 72 and 69 and potentially my aunt who is 66 with us. I had been planning on us being at the parks for rope drop then going back to the resort around lunch time, then going back to the parks in the evening around dinner time.

The last time we went (2012) we had a morning where we decided to sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then get to HS around 1 pm because we were all so tired. That time, though, it was just the 4 of us and we were in the parks from opening to almost close every night.

Does anyone who's been in August (or summer in general) have any experience in mid-day breaks vs. a rest day?

 

[WillAustin]

In the summer we do both afternoon breaks and non-park rest days. My kids are now 12,10, and 10. Over the years our trips have become longer, so we don't have to try fitting everything into a couple of days.

 

[DizDaD7]

We'll be heading to WDW mid-August for a 6 day stay. Our family comprises of me, DH, DD who will be almost 9 and DS who will be 6. We'll also have my parents who are 72 and 69 and potentially my aunt who is 66 with us. I had been planning on us being at the parks for rope drop then going back to the resort around lunch time, then going back to the parks in the evening around dinner time.

The last time we went (2012) we had a morning where we decided to sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then get to HS around 1 pm because we were all so tired. That time, though, it was just the 4 of us and we were in the parks from opening to almost close every night.

Does anyone who's been in August (or summer in general) have any experience in mid-day breaks vs. a rest day?

We've done a trip in August as well, but we had an 11 night stay. So like the pp said, we weren't in any rush to do commando all day. We did do most early mornings, then 1/2 of those back to the resort for pool break and then back to park for dinner. A couple days we did all day parks, and we managed to squeeze in 2 non park days.

For only a 6 night stay, I wouldn't , but only you can decide this. For 7 or 8 nights then I'd say yes. But do take the afternoon breaks, or duck into Rides or attractions with A.C. To cool yourselves off.

Good luck whichever you choose.

 

[WDWFanForLife]

I really think the length of stay makes a difference. I would also say that it depends whether you are staying on property or not, and from your post, I believe that you are.

With that in mind, I would opt for the mid-day break every day. With young children and elderly family members, it would probably be best for them to be out of the heat during the hottest part of the day. I would recommend that you be at the parks for rope drop, get an early lunch (like noon), and then head back to the hotel for the rest of the afternoon. Those who want to lounge by the pool can do that, and those who want to nap in the AC can do that. No one feels like they are missing out on anything. Then everyone gets ready to head back to the parks (either for dinner or after dinner depending on your plans).

I would not recommend staying in the park all day, even for a shorter trip. You may accomplish more being there all day, but at what cost? Is it worth being hot, sweaty, and exhausted to get on two or three more rides? That's really what you have to determine.

Whatever you decide to do, have a great trip! Happy 50th Anniversary to your parents!

 

[coloredimage]

We did an August trip last year, about the same length as yours. We felt that off days would be a waste since we didn't have a lot of time down, but we did do a break in our hotel rooms, either taking a nap, showering again, or just missing the afternoon rain. It was wonderful and we didn't feel as run down or walked out by the end of the day. (and we're two adults!)

 

[Mrs Green]

Mid day breaks will be a necessity, at least they were for us last August! We had to go shower, change shirts, sit in the a/c with our feet up. Because, even though we live in texas and even though we know how much walking wdw requires, we were wiped every day by the humidity! We did non park days but on those days went to blizzard beach, dtd, etc....still busy. In hind sight I would just let my kids play in the pool all day, because that is what they wanted anyway!

 

[donnaf516]

We do August every summer for 10-12 nights. We go to the park for RD, take mid-day breaks and go back later. We've also started taking a day or 2 off (usually off days are to sleep in a bit, hang by the pool and hit DTD or minigolf). Being you're there for 6 days I'd say skip the off day and maybe just go into a park later if you want a day to sleep in. I'm not a huge fan of the new FP system, but on days you want to go to a park later in the day it works out.

 

[Julylady]

We divide each day into three parts: morning, afternoon, evening. We usually spent two parts of each day in the parks. Some days we stay at hotel until noon, then stay at a park until closing. Another day we will do roped top, take a mid day break, then return for the evening. Or even stay at a park until about 5pm, and then have a down evening. I have a loose plan before we go, but then adjust it while we are there.