Best time to visit in the summer (crowd-wise)?

[iujen94]

Already thinking ahead to a possible trip next summer. Any thoughts on the best times to go in the summer, crowd-wise? I assume it will be relatively crowded all summer, but wondering if some times are better than others. Because of my sons' school schedule, we are limited to early June (probably the second week) through mid-August. Thanks!

 

[WDW Traveler]

We have never been in June, so I can't comment on that. We have been the very end of August a few times and it was relatively lower crowds. I don't think there is a such a thing as "low" crowds anymore, just think "lower". It wasn't wall to wall people, just lots of people. I would say go as far into August as you can. We have gone the last week in August, right before Labor Day. Like this year, if we were to chose to go (we are not ) we would go sometime between 8/20 and 8/31. Lots of schools go back a couple weeks before Labor Day and some people avoid FLA in the August heat. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Mousemommy1]

End of August -- very decent crowds!

 

[rg35]

I don't think there will be huge differences as far as crowds go between those two times. Potentially slightly smaller crowds in August, depending on when your "mid month" cutoff for school starting is. Crowds do start dropping in August, but more significantly over the last couple of weeks of the month.

 

[ucfknight]

we are limited to early June (probably the second week) through mid-August.

Mid-June has been very empty (for summer) the last couple of years. The past few summers in general have been much slower than they have been historically. Within that 2 month window you gave I would just make sure to avoid going around 4th of July.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

We're debating whether to go end of August. I'm more worried about the heat and humidity. Is it bearable? From the Northwest so not used to heat.

 

[Klayfish]

Mid-June has been very empty (for summer) the last couple of years. The past few summers in general have been much slower than they have been historically. Within that 2 month window you gave I would just make sure to avoid going around 4th of July.

I would agree with all of this, except for avoiding 4th of July. We've been the past 3 years and it's really not that horrible at all. The 4th of July in MK itself is crazy, but beyond that not a big deal. Summers have definitely been slower the past two years, including this one. It's still busy, but not as bad.

July is a big month for the South American tour groups.

Yes, it's hot and humid in the summer. It's Florida. Temps will likely be 88-94 degrees and humidity will be relatively high. Afternoon t-storms are quite common, but don't last very long (usually). If you're smart about the heat, it's not bad at all. Do a/c rides during mid-day...so many rides at WDW are a/c, even the queues. Any QS will give you free ice water, take advantage of it.

 

[sharadoc]

We've done mid June and mid August. Much prefer June. Whether it's reality or not, we felt that the humidity was not as oppressive in June. Like it builds up slowly in the summer until the air becomes saturated in August. Even the rainstorm effects were not as "cooling" in August as they felt in June.

Epcot World Showcase in the afternoon is the worst in the summer.

So, my vote is June.

 

[maryj11]

We're debating whether to go end of August. I'm more worried about the heat and humidity. Is it bearable? From the Northwest so not used to heat.

It is pretty hot, so hot that after 30 minutes of taking a shower you are ready for another one. So hot that when you walk outside it takes your breath away and feels like there is no air, because there is no breeze with high temps.
With the worst said we go every year when it is hot and we manage fine. Just go to the parks early take a break in afternoon and go back in the evening. If you dont leave the park do indoor shows, rides ect that have air conditioning and make reservations for a table service meal midday is always refreshing. Take misting fans or cooling towels and drink lots of water.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

It is pretty hot, so hot that after 30 minutes of taking a shower you are ready for another one. So hot that when you walk outside it takes your breath away and feels like there is no air, because there is no breeze with high temps.
With the worst said we go every year when it is hot and we manage fine. Just go to the parks early take a break in afternoon and go back in the evening. If you dont leave the park do indoor shows, rides ect that have air conditioning and make reservations for a table service meal midday is always refreshing. Take misting fans or cooling towels and drink lots of water.

Ok thanks. That sounds miserable . Florida doesn't sound fun in August

 

[bigbabyblues]

We like to go as soon as school is out--last week of May, into the first week of June. We haven't had any problems even though it always falls the week of Memorial Day (we were not there this year).

 

[anniemae]

Beginning of June. Aug is just so stinking hot. Brutal, searing, heat radiating off the pavement. We saw people pass out from dehydration so you have to be very careful. One family posted something recently that they were there last Aug and their son had a 106 fever and had to go to ER for heat stroke. You must be so very careful. for some reason, the heat and humidity does not seem so intense in June.

 

[maryj11]

Ok thanks. That sounds miserable . Florida doesn't sound fun in August

We manage and have fun. As long as you make some plans to stay cool in the middle of the day.

 

[Parker Clan]

We go in mid late August every year. Is it hot? Yes, it's FL. It's hot lots of months there. Be smart and its fine. We have a GREAT time every year. Lower crowds rock!!
I was there for a day in March during Spring break... Beautiful weather, horrible crowds. I'd take August any day, real life

 

[holden]

Go June if you have a choice. We went 6/10-18 this year. The weather was actually great! Rain wasn't bad...just put on the ponchos and keep going. Temps were much better than August. We've been in August several times and after the last one two years ago I said never again.

 

[msk]

I have just returned and am getting ready to unpack. It was really not that crowded. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised. It was very hot but bring a cooling towel and go back to the resort after or during lunch. Relax in the pool and then return to the park when it starts to rain in the afternoon. Everyone else leaves. Yesterday we did FOP, Frozen, Soarin, twice, and then went to HS! July may be hot but the crowds were not bad compared to The first week in December or Memorial Day week!

 

[ChimCher-ee]

Almost hate to bring this up, but they were a significant feature of my trip ending today: Tour groups. Look into when they come (July I think but read up on it for yourself) and where they stay (and various people's experiences.at.their resorts). I didn't have any problems with them in the parks but it sure makes a difference if you arrive at a ride to use your fastpass just a minute after they arrive for theirs!

 

[ChasingLeslie]

We've gone the past two years right after the 4th of July and we feel that the crowds are quite light (until the following Monday).

 

[msk]

Almost hate to bring this up, but they were a significant feature of my trip ending today: Tour groups. Look into when they come (July I think but read up on it for yourself) and where they stay (and various people's experiences.at.their resorts). I didn't have any problems with them in the parks but it sure makes a difference if you arrive at a ride to use your fastpass just a minute after they arrive for theirs!

We saw the tour groups and managed to stay away from them. We were staying at AKL so no problems there. We also saw cast members doing a pretty good job keeping them from chanting and causing problems in the parks. They are a concern/consideration in both June and July.

 

[twoplustwins]

I cannot handle the heat in August and I live in the South. In fact, it was 105 today where I live.

With shorter evening hours, I guess we won't be able to go in the summers any longer. We took a June trip and utilized afternoon breaks to be able to go back to the parks until late.
I'm hoping Disney changes this before our next trip.