August, whats it like?

[Angiepea]

I am looking at going for 3 weeks on our next visit, but due to me working within a school enviroment, my only option is the summer holidays.

I know it will be hot, and rainy, but what about crowd levels, is there a better time to go within August?

thanks

 

[maggs]

We always go in August and are again this year. It is hot and humid with rain showers during the day, most days. However these do help cool you off. My son hates the summer (even in England) but is tolerant of the summer heat in Florida because he likes WDW so much! The risk of hurricanes is always there and last time we went we travelled out on the day after a hurricane and came back the day before another! We take the risk and of course one day we may be caught out!
I go in August because I choose not to take my kids out of school so for us it is the only time.
The last two weeks of August are the best as the American students (in the main) have gone back to school. The parks are easy to get around and wait time on the rides is less. Hope this helps

Maggs

 

[Frances999]

The general opinion is that is better to go late August - as most US schools go back in the middle of the month, so the crowds are lower.

Last year we went from August 1st for 2 weeks and it was fine. It was very hot and busy - but the crowd levels were manageable and lines generally were not too bad, especially if you make use of FastPass. The best thing about August is the late opening hours (for example MK was open to something like 2am when it had an evening extra magic hour!). There is also a great atmosphere in the parks - I guess I am strange because I actually like it quite busy.

With regards to the weather, it was usually in the 90s. I think it rained on about half of the days we were there - but it was only a short burst of rain in the mid to late afternoon. There were a few scary thunderstorms too, but again, they don't last long. Obviously it is hurricane season, but I think they are more likely at the end of August/beginning September.

I would definitely recommend August. It's our new favourite time!

 

[Angiepea]

thanks guys.

Another question though -

If the parks are open so late could you possibly get away with going to the parks around 6pm, and chillin for the day, and still completing everything you want to?
Angie

 

[StephenKay]

Hi there,

Having seen how quick some of the fastpass machines run out of times, I would do the reverse. Go early, I know it takes effort to get out of bed day after day, but it does pay dividends. Of course what helps is staying on site, we literally grab our bags and a very quick breakfast and onto the WDW bus system. We aim to get into the park as near to opening as possible. Then at midday, as many people are entering the parks we leave to head home for a break,sleep & pool time. Then re enter a different park after 5-6pm.

It works for us but does require a disciplined approach to getting up in the morning.

 

[Frances999]

thanks guys.

Another question though -

If the parks are open so late could you possibly get away with going to the parks around 6pm, and chillin for the day, and still completing everything you want to?
Angie

Are you staying on-site? If so, I guess it is a possibility if you really rushed around. 6pm might be leaving it a little bit late, though. It really depends how much you want to see. Also, not all of the parks stay open that late. AK usually closes quite early.

Just an idea - but what we tend to do is visit the parks early in the morning (when they are less busy), then return back to the hotel at about lunch time. Then we spend all afternoon relaxing and head back to a different park in the evening. I think this is more manageable than just going to the parks in the evening.

 

[Miffy2003]

We like August (if you are confined to school holidays) and think it is a good time to go.

It is very hot and humid but I love the balmy evenings and the last two weeks are not too busy at all

 

[Disney owl]

AGain we've been the last 2 weeks in August & didn't find it too busy at all. I worke din school at the time too. It was just annoying to be quoted much chaeaper prices if we'd have come back in September.

But apart from that we had a great time

Getting to the parks early also avoided the late afternoon rain. We had rain every day but it din't stop us doing anything

 

[rgoble5972]

I think August is a great month to go, regardless. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

 

[TracyK]

I would recommend the last two weeks of August as most of the US schools are back by mid August. The park hours do get shorter but you can take advantage of EMH if you stay onsite. We usually get to the parks early and stay for lunch then go back to hotel for a couple of hours then return for the evening.

Tracy

 

[TinkTatoo]

We go every August and don't mind the temperatures at all. Yes it is hot and humid but you are on holiday and wearing much less clothes than you would be seen in the high street at home in It is very easy to keep cool by walking in the shade when you can and taking plenty of drinks. The air conditioned rides, shops and shows are another break from the heat and of course if you get soaked on the wet rides you soon dry off.

As for the rain the only time it really affected us when one afternoon at IOA when there was thunder in the area and almost every ride shut down and remained closed all afternoon. This wouldn't be a problem in the Disney parks as there are lots of indoor rides not affected by thunder. Most afternoons the showers didn't bother us at all. it's all about making the most of it while you are there - don't view the weather as a negative it's not. Just be aware of it and make your plans accordingly and have fun

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Best times:-
Non school holidays
October for Halloween and little humidity, less queues.

August 5XH's
HOT, HUMID, HURRICAINCES, HIGH QUEUES, HUGE DOWNPOURS,

PS guess, due to school Holidays, when I am going!

August!

 

[MARTINIUS]

Been twice in August and late August was far better than early August due to American schoolchildren going back to School around the middle of the month and also the South American tour groups tail off toward the latter end of the month. However as long as you follow the usual rules you should have no problems with early August:

Get to the parks early to avoid the queues (as soon as they open).

Use the Fast Pass system to hit all the big rides early.

Take a break early afternoon by the pool at your hotel or villa to recharge your batteries. Youll avoid the midday heat and the late starters who arrive midday. You also miss the showers that tend to be in the afternoon.

Return if you fancy early evening when it's cooler to catch the parades or for dining.

 

[Soprano]

Now that wifey is working school term time, we're also locked into the summer months.

I'm a bit worried about the heat. Is the air always really 'thick'. I really hate that type of heat. I like it warm with a breeze every now and then. Maybe we'll spend more days by the sea..

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Now that wifey is working school term time, we're also locked into the summer months.

I'm a bit worried about the heat. Is the air always really 'thick'. I really hate that type of heat. I like it warm with a breeze every now and then. Maybe we'll spend more days by the sea..

It is difficult going in August - for many the easiest time to go because of the school holidays.

Strange though, this thread is well over a year old......

 

[angel659]

It is difficult going in August - for many the easiest time to go because of the school holidays.

Strange though, this thread is well over a year old......

I didnt even notice that. Its funny how some threads appear out of no where