Considering August trip - pros and cons?

[mikki.young]

I must be mad. I am contemplating going to a conference in Tampa and then heading over to Disney for a couple of weeks. This would be mid August to begining of September. I haven't been that time of year for years. My memory was that is was very very hot and humid. Hurricanes get mentioned more nowdays but that I guess is pot luck (rather like snow risk when I go later this month).

So:
1 - how hot and humid is it?
2 - how busy is it?

Is it a good idea?

 

[Kath2003]

I must be mad. I am contemplating going to a conference in Tampa and then heading over to Disney for a couple of weeks. This would be mid August to begining of September. I haven't been that time of year for years. My memory was that is was very very hot and humid. Hurricanes get mentioned more nowdays but that I guess is pot luck (rather like snow risk when I go later this month).

So:
1 - how hot and humid is it?
2 - how busy is it?

Is it a good idea?

1. Very
2. Very
3. Very

August is very hot, sweaty, clammy, humid, crowded and packed.
It's my favourite time to go - love the scorching heat, don't mind the crowds. Go!

 

[wildwood]

We have gone in august for the past two years and we are going again this august , yes it is busy and hot and you get rain ever afternoon more or less but only for a short period , with cafeful planning , early start and brecks in the afternoons it has never been an issue for us and we have had wonderful holidays

 

[Rohais]

The last two weeks of August are no where near as busy as the first two - the final week especially. We were really surprised as expected it to be heaving but we walked onto most rides or only waited for 10 or so minutes. In fact, our last trip in the final two weeks of September 2012 were busier than the last two weeks of August in 2009

Very very hot and humid but the rain helps

 

[pampat]

We were there for 2 weeks in August 2012 and I was miserable from the heat. Taught me a lesson - I'm just no good in any temp above 70 degrees! It was wonderful but I wouldn't go again then. You just have to gauge your own tolerance to heat and humidity. If you find English summers hot, stay away!

Pam

 

[MrRomance]

I must be mad. I am contemplating going to a conference in Tampa and then heading over to Disney for a couple of weeks. This would be mid August to begining of September. I haven't been that time of year for years. My memory was that is was very very hot and humid. Hurricanes get mentioned more nowdays but that I guess is pot luck (rather like snow risk when I go later this month).

So:
1 - how hot and humid is it?
2 - how busy is it?

Is it a good idea?

We went 2008 12th - 26th August and last year end of July into mid August.

It's HOT! Unbearably hot at times, manageable at others. The humidity is harder to deal with in my opinion. The end of August into September is fairly low crowds, the earlier you go in August the higher the crowd levels are likely to be but they're not too horrendous.

 

[Scottk]

My experience is very similar - it's very hot and humid, and not as busy (although not quiet) at the end of the month.


Parks are open quite late and we tend to go in early in the morning and then head back to our hotel to have a break and cool down in the worst heat of the day and go back into the parks late afternoon.

When we return in the late afternoon the people who've stayed through the worst heat and humidity look completely exhausted.

Rain helps break some of the humidity which can be unbearable.

However if you plan your trip and are prepared for the heat and humidity it's a good time to visit and works for us.

 

[fairytale]

Hey.

We went during August last year 2012 having only visited during October for the past 5 years.

We were very worried about the heat especially having four young children in tow but we absolutely loved it and are going again this year, we actually preferred it to October and can't quite believe I can say that now!

The heat, for us, was more than manageable as we're the crowds.

Go for it

Annette x

 

[wilma-bride]

Hey.

We went during August last year 2012 having only visited during October for the past 5 years.

We were very worried about the heat especially having four young children in tow but we absolutely loved it and are going again this year, we actually preferred it to October and can't quite believe I can say that now!

The heat, for us, was more than manageable as we're the crowds.

Go for it

Annette x

In fairness, it was considerably cooler last August than in previous years, due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

Mikki, August is prefectly manageable if you're prepared to get up early and take breaks in the afternoon. Like us, you have probably been so often now that you don't really do the whole commando thing anyway so, as long as you aren't rushing around too much, it's fine.

Yes, it is hot but it is the humidity that's a killer, more than the heat. As far as the risk of hurricanes, yes there is a risk. We have been 3 times in August though (over the last 5 years) and only once have we had any bad weather. August 2012 was the worst August weather we've had, with rain most afternoons (not just showers, complete downpours lasting ages) and a couple of days it rained pretty much all day on and off. People kept telling us this was normal for August but we'd never experienced weather like that on previous August/early Sept trips.

If you go prepared, you will find it is fine. Early mornings and late afternoon/evenings are the key to managing it. Spend the afternoons by the pool or in the air conditioning.

 

[married2mm]

I must be mad. I am contemplating going to a conference in Tampa and then heading over to Disney for a couple of weeks. This would be mid August to begining of September. I haven't been that time of year for years. My memory was that is was very very hot and humid. Hurricanes get mentioned more nowdays but that I guess is pot luck (rather like snow risk when I go later this month).

So:
1 - how hot and humid is it?
2 - how busy is it?

Is it a good idea?

it's very hot and humid,but doable. lots of water,good deodorant,up early,afternoon breaks,enjoy air conditioning.

it's definitely busier at the beginning of August,than the last two weeks,but again easily doable.

wdw is always a good idea!

 

[Shazzie B]

Mikki, August is prefectly manageable if you're prepared to get up early and take breaks in the afternoon. Like us, you have probably been so often now that you don't really do the whole commando thing anyway so, as long as you aren't rushing around too much, it's fine.

I'm assuming you mean 'rushing around' I nearly referred you to the 'skirts on rides' post just in case wilma-bride meant without under-pants

We've been at the end of August twice and didn't find the heat/afternoon rain as bad as end of May/beginning June. We last went end Aug 2009 and I'm not sure we had any afternoon rain. I think it was 2008 when we had a couplke of wet/windy days due to a tropical storm - but other than water-parks it didn't really stop us doing anything. AS PPs have said crowds better at end of August rather than beginning.

 

[mikki.young]

Hmmm - thanks all. We are looking at last two weeks of August so that sounds promising crowd wise. When I went on my own in october did lots of rope drops so know I can manage that and am sure dh would (!). Afternoon siestas sound good too.

Next question then:
Which DVC resort to go for? A big sprawling one (home is OKW) or one of the hotel add ons like VWL or BCV/BWV if I could get in?

 

[darthtatty]

We went last 2 week of August 2011, I loved it.
Was so worried about heat, crowds etc but was very suprised.
All were very manageable.

For DVC resort.........

we tend to pick a hotel which has a good location for the parks, restaurants we love.
Dont want to stay in a hotel thats lovely but have to spend too much time travelling to our fav park/restaurant.

 

[wilma-bride]

Hmmm - thanks all. We are looking at last two weeks of August so that sounds promising crowd wise. When I went on my own in october did lots of rope drops so know I can manage that and am sure dh would (!). Afternoon siestas sound good too.

Next question then:
Which DVC resort to go for? A big sprawling one (home is OKW) or one of the hotel add ons like VWL or BCV/BWV if I could get in?

We stayed at BCV last summer and really disliked it. Personally, I would go for BWV - we loved being able to pop in/out of Epcot for a couple of hours in the evening when it was significantly cooler.

 

[mikki.young]

Well flights are booked. Have gone completely mad. Flying into Tampa for the conference and then flying out of Orlando to go home. BA sale prices tempted us to club class Actually on the way back the club class was cheaper than premium economy!

Have booked first week at OKW as not in other places options yet. May have to choose while out there in two weeks time!

 

[TiggerKez]

My mum is a teacher so we always have to go at that time of year. It is very very hot and humid (Which makes a big change from England!) but to be honest if you make early starts and take advantage of air conditioning it is very manageable. Hurricanes and Tropical storms are very hit and miss. I am very blessed out of the 5 times I have been I have only hit one TS. The crowds never really seem big to me at that time of year, I felt there were more when I visited one October. But make sure you utilize the fastpass system and use Touringplans.com, we follow their plans and never end up in a queue of more then 10 - 15 mins.

Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip!

 

[sarahb74]

We went 17 August to 1 September 2012 - first afternoon the heat & humidity took our breath away, after a couple of days we acclimatised and got into the early starts and early finishes, with trips back into a park in the evening (mostly MK to play Sorcerors!) - it certainly rained, but not often when we were out, a few times we'd queue for a ride or go to a show and come out and find the pavement wet - maybe we're just lucky!! Planning to go back again that time of year, so I'd say be prepared but go and enjoy!

 

[mikki.young]

Just booked car for August trip. Was going to go the same route as January with quidco but Alamo are doing some amazing deals at the moment and came out way cheaper. Very happy! Hope it is an easy route from Tampa airport (where we pick up) to get to I4.

 

[Shazzie B]

Looks OK (but then it always does on a map), south out of airport on 589 (toll road) and then I-275 Northbound (see what I mean!) which leads onto I-4, if you miss junction with I-4 you could always go to Busch Gardens instead!!!

Have agreat time - I'll be asking for OKW tips soon, as this is our 1st stay there.