Best time to go in August?

[slg]

We're planning an August trip...I know it will be hot and crowded but that's when we can go. I was thinking the end of August might be a little less hot and crowded since some schools are back in session. Does anyone know if this is true? Does it really matter? Any advice greatly appreciated!

Also, does anyone know if any retro rates ever show up in August for the HOJO?

Thanks!

 

[MAH4546]

No, it is not true. Early August is less crowded by far because local APs are still blocked. Also, it's not that hot. This is California, not Florida. It likely won't be above 85 and most summer nights are still going to dip into the 60s.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We're planning an August trip...I know it will be hot and crowded but that's when we can go. I was thinking the end of August might be a little less hot and crowded since some schools are back in session. Does anyone know if this is true? Does it really matter? Any advice greatly appreciated!

Also, does anyone know if any retro rates ever show up in August for the HOJO?

Thanks!

You'll get mixed responses on whether the end of August is a good time. Some will tell you not to go because the southern CA APs will have just become un-blocked and all those AP-holders will supposedly be returning to the park in hordes. Others will tell you that crowds are in fact low and because as you pointed out many schools are back in session. I've never tried the end of August, so I don't know what to expect. Also, crowd patterns seem to be rapidly changing, so past experience may not be as much of a guide as it used to be.

As for weather, here's Hydroguy's weather thread which might be somewhat helpful: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

You never really entirely know what to expect with weather though. My brother went last year in September expecting low crowds and beautiful weather. He got the low crowds but happened upon a record-breaking heat wave with temperatures in the high 90s and 100s. I have been to Disneyland in early August with temperatures that never got above 85 and another year when temperatures stayed consistently in the low to mid-90s and it was humid (not a common occurrence there as far as I can tell).

As for your question about HOJO, I have personally gotten the ET rate at Hojos for some dates in August in the past. I have not seen many dates come up for that month, and they usually only do so very close to the actual calendar dates. It is best to go ahead and make one or two bookings for your dates at places you are interested in with prices you can tolerate and then keep an eye on HOJOs.

 

[slg]

I've been to San Diego at the end of August and it was moderately quiet in Legoland because schools had gone back. We plan on being their 8 days so I'm going to avoid Sat/Sun which is when most AP's will go with kids.

Hmmm. I still favour end of August, but we haven't booked yet, so I'm still looking for advice (and deals!).

I know that WDW is less busy at the end of August!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We plan on being their 8 days so I'm going to avoid Sat/Sun which is when most AP's will go with kids.

The first 3 Saturdays in August all APs are blocked out except premium. The last Saturday of August all SoCal APs are blocked out, but deluxe and premium are not. If you have 8 days to spend just at Disney, I wouldn't be overly worried about the crowds really.

 

[skiingfast]

I've been to San Diego at the end of August and it was moderately quiet in Legoland because schools had gone back. We plan on being their 8 days so I'm going to avoid Sat/Sun which is when most AP's will go with kids.

Hmmm. I still favour end of August, but we haven't booked yet, so I'm still looking for advice (and deals!).

I know that WDW is less busy at the end of August!

So is DLR, but as noted above it's dependent on AP holder patterns. When AP's are unblocked(remember these are hundreds of thousands of local) they go to the park after being blocked out all summer. They also show up on the first weekend they are allowed to as well.

Also at the end of August, some rehabs will begin.

 

[slg]

I just checked the AP schedules...it looks like end of August will have more APs.

I guess there are pros and cons to when we go. Perhaps hotels and airfare will be cheaper at the end of August anyway.

I'll just keep checking.

 

[Dobie]

Ok, so here's the thing about August...if you get up in the morning, are at the gate when it opens, use Fastpass wisely, make dining reservations before you go, and plan for a mid afternoon break at your hotel pool, you really don't have to worry about crowds. The parks will be busy, but you will get to see everything you want to see, do everything you want to do, ride your favorite rides multiple times, and see the shows.

As stated previously, the weather in August can be unpredictable...last summer the Dobies were in August from around the 15th to the 20th, and the highs were 75...we were there in August in 2008, and the highs were 85ish...we went in June in 2006 and it was 100 and humid.

But, again, the strategy to beat crowds...namely planning to spend afternoons by the hotel pool...is also the best strategy for beating the heat.

I am very envious...the Dobies can't swing a DL trip this summer and I SO WANT TO GO!!!!!!!!!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

We usually go the n3rd week in August and have followed what dobie posted. This year we have been stuck with the first week in August, so we will have to see whats cookin. We like the warm weather and the mid day breaks. Good luck with your planning.

Jack