August or July

[lynnzrae]

does anyone have thoughts on a 2019 for a big family trip (5 adults and 5 kids) in July vs August?

 

[Klayfish]

We haven't gone in August, but have done plenty of July trips. I don't think it makes a ton of difference. Both are hot...which we love...and can be stormy. Yes, August is more hurricane season, but they're pretty rare at WDW anyway, so it doesn't concern me. Southern schools are back in session by August, but July isn't super crowded either.

 

[monorailsilver]

I’ve been both months. July, I think we went the 3rd week was the hottest I have ever been. AK was brutal which probably helps me say it is my least favorite park. It was most crowded this trip.

I have gone the end of July/first week August for many years (back in the 80s when there were only 2 parks). And more recently we have been going the first 2 weeks of August. Crowds are still there but better then July.

But the best trip we took was the 3rd week of August, crowds were low, i though. But sadly with HS fall sports we can’t do that week anymore.

 

[Marionnette]

does anyone have thoughts on a 2019 for a big family trip (5 adults and 5 kids) in July vs August?

I've been there in July around Independence Day - brutal heat. And a few times in mid-August - ungodly humidity. Park hours will be about the same. Crowds will be slightly lighter in August (Southern schools are back in session) but go before Food & Wine/*free* dining begins.

Pick your poison.

 

[stace1214]

We like to go at the very end of August when most schools are back in session. It's ridiculously hot, but totally manageable and the crowds aren't bad at all. Definitely better than what we've experienced during other school breaks. We've never been in July, so I can't comment about that.

 

[DaniMoon]

We like to go at the very end of August when most schools are back in session. It's ridiculously hot, but totally manageable and the crowds aren't bad at all. Definitely better than what we've experienced during other school breaks. We've never been in July, so I can't comment about that.

Good to know. We are going the last two weeks of August. My daughter is getting older so I can't take her out of school. June they are still playing ball, so it comes down to July or August. We figured August, since we don't go back to school til after Labor Day.

 

[tvsdisney]

We are doing August for the first time this year! I’ll report back how we do but I’m planning rope drops and back to the GF for afternoon pool breaks. We have annual passes so we don’t feel pressure to be in the parks and “see everything” lol. I am looking forward to a possible low crowd week in August before we battle the Christmas crowds!!

 

[Shanti]

We've been twice in July and had a great time. Once was during July 4th week in 2015, and once was in late July 2016. The lowest crowds we've experienced at WDW in the past several years were during our late July 2016 trip (so that means lower than even our January 2016 & February 2014 trips, neither of which involved holidays). However, during our late July trip, we did have intermittent issues with lightning closing attractions & pools down for hours at a time, so that was frustrating. That wasn't a problem with our early July trip.

This year we're going in late August to celebrate back-to-school and take advantage of a seasonal resort deal that our travel agency offers.

But as a general rule, I'd recommend July over August, as the weather is less likely to be stormy. Early summer weather is likely to be less problematic than late summer weather. Peak hurricane season is late August through early October.