August WDW trip

[jaychis]

I'm not the best expert on the forums, but we live in Florida less than 30 minutes from the park and frequently go. These are a few tips that are foolproof especially in July and August. In no particular order.
1. Not stopping to notice the details, pay attention to all of the little details. If you’re running through the park, you’ll miss many of the little details that make Disney stand out from every other theme park. Read the names on the windows of Main Street as an example (read the history of WDW and the windows will make sense). There’s so much to see, take your time and appreciate everything Disney has to offer. This is my biggest recommendation. This is a vacation and you don't want to be stressed out because you are running behind according to your spreadsheet. You want this to be a good memory, enjoy it however things fall into place.
2.Take breaks, this is the biggest mistake people make when spending the day at one of the parks, especially if you have little ones (you will know who they are by the evening time, just look for the child throwing a tantrum or having a meltdown). head back to the resort for a nap or taking several small breaks in the park. Relax on Tom Sawyer Island or rest near Frontierland.
3. Divide the day, split your day up in the parks during the summer. Most people try and stick it out at the park later in the afternoon when the park is at its hottest and most crowded. Instead, start early in the morning and plan to arrive when the park opens. The weather will be cooler and the lines will be shorter. You will have an easier time accessing the popular rides. Around noon, go back to the hotel for a nap or a break, especially when traveling with younger children. Return later that evening for a nice evening or nighttime atmosphere.
4. Dress comfortable, wear breathable/comfortable (broken-in) sneakers or shoes that will keep your feet pain free. Here in Florida I rarely wear cotton t-shirts in the summer. I always get t-shirts or polos that are made of mostly polyester and they are usually lined with the cooling fabric near the neck, are stretchy, breathable, and dry rapidly. The polo I'm wearing this evening is made by G.H. Bass. I believe they are antimicrobial as well. It was about 80 here today with afternoon rain. My shirt was dry within 15 minutes.
5. Be prepared for Florida weather, Florida can go from bright and sunny to torrential downpours in the blink of an eye. Ponchos are the more convenient than umbrellas for the theme parks as they are hands free and don’t require you to open and close them when entering different rides or attractions. It's always smart to have them packed. Florida is known for the quick afternoon shower that does cool the temps down for a while.

There are all the other planning things to have done like meal reservations, FastPasses, etc.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

The end of August is very hot and hurricane season but worth the low crowds and low prices. We've gotten some great deals that time of year.

We always do RD, midday break at the pool, PM park with FP+. Works great for us.

 

[Kriii]

I've taken several August trips. it isn't my favorite time but summer is the only time I can usually travel these days. Either go the the parks early, take a break after lunch and return at night or save the touring for the evening. During the hotter parts of the day, I walk through the shops to get from point A to point B if possible. It really helps! Also, if you are staying at the park all day, schedule your ADRs for mid day. It makes a difference! Also, attending the indoor rides and shows during the hottest part of the day really helps keep you refreshed!

 

[mdelano4]

Because of a standing commitment I have early August, we almost always go the end of the month. Yes, it's very hot, but the southern kids are back in school and the summer camps are gone by then. We've learned a few things. I love cargo shorts (everyone wants to button their phones,etc in the pockets on thrill rides), so I found the very light weight ones. Not only are they comfortable, but the dry quickly when we go on water rides. We also only wear light weight shirts. Forget the popular water bottles with fans. They are clunky and not sturdy. Strategically duck into air conditioned attractions. Stay hydrated. Get a bottle of water and keep refilling it.

We head out early, then back to pool for a bit around lunch. Off to the parks later and for dinner. Just don't go out in the morning and keep going until you drop. That ruins the next day too.

 

[Chrelaine]

We went the last week of August last year. It rained 3 of our 4 days, only one that lasted longer than an hour. Bring ponchos. I can only wear sneakers for that kind of walking and that was fine. We brought waters with us every day. We would get to the parks a few minutes after rope and leave around lunchtime each day. We would rest, shop, swim and then head back out for dinner. We took advantage of evening hours where we could. It is hot and ridiculously humid. I found my body had a little trouble regulating between outside and stepping into air conditioning. That was the only time I was dripping with sweat.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

We went for the first time mid-August last year. Really, everything the previous posters have said. Even if you are not a morning person you MUST go at rope drop or try for early entry breakfast. Do as much as you can until about midday maybe duck somewhere indoors to eat and then GO TO THE POOL. Nap. Shower. Go back out for a bit. Sleep early. Rinse and repeat.

We just tried to do as many indoor / AC rides or attractions as possible closer to midday. yes we were hot and sweaty but so was everyone else. We did bring some Gatorade type powder to put in our drinks and if I noticed someone without a bottle of water, I dug one out of the cooler for them. We drank a LOT. But you'll get sick otherwise. Hats, plenty of fluids and sunscreen.

Oh, and enjoy - you're in DISNEY!