Crazy to go in July or August?

[mtakac]

We are thinking about a spontaneous trip to the World in July or August. I am worried about the heat but think we could plan around it - maybe skip Animal Kingdom and try to be back at our on site resort in the afternoons and then back to the parks at night. I'm most worried about crowds.

My husband and I were at the World the third week of October 2003. From the stats I've seen that's supposed to be a relatively calm time. I realize Disney doesn't release this info so the stats I was consulting were purely annecdotal. However, it was very crowded but the weather was great so I'm npt sure how accurate the stats were. Is July and August just completely insane? We don't have kids so we don't have to go in the summer. I just thought it would be fun.

Also, I assume it's pretty rainy which doesn't bother me. Although I do wonder how people handle wet sneakers? Do you just bring and extra pair and rotate?

Sorry if these are Disney World 101 questions but any guidance would be apreciated. If there's a book or website I should consult, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[sharonmickey]

Actually it has been cooler going in July than one time I went in June and it was over 100 every day I was there. The heat doesn't bother me as much as it has here in Pennsylvania the past few days. While it is hot outside there are many air-conditioned rides/attractions that I stop in to cool down.

As for wet shoes, the last time I was there it rained all day the last 5 days I was at WDW. I learned that putting a hair dryer aimed in the tennis shoe dries the shoe quickly. I've also heard that putting newspaper in the shoe overnight dries it. I always take 2 pairs of tennis shoes and a pair of sandals, that way I have at least one dry pair of shoes to wear.

 

[Bob P]

August is much less crowded after the 15th when many schools are back in session. I'd just poke around this website, there is lots of info and there err many threads on going in the sumemr months.

Have fun!

Bob

 

[scanne]

Where are you planning on staying? I'd choose an Epcot resort, such as Yacht Club or Boardwalk. You'll be very close to Epcot and MGM and there's a lot of "grown up" entertainment at the Boardwalk in the evenings.

We have always gone in summer and it's no worse than when we went in October or December or February - crowd wise. Heat wise, it IS hot, but I just take afternoon breaks and hit air conditioning when I've had enough.

 

[Harmony]

We've been in Aug, July and June and out of the three...August was our favorite. The heat was bearable and the crowds weren't that bad at all.

 

[C.Ann]

From what's been posted on the various boards, I don't think you can base your decision on what the crowds were like last year at that time.. People are reporting that attendance is way up this year and expected to be way up even during the normal "slow" periods..

As for the heat.. It really depends on how well you tolerate "humidity", not the actual heat degree.. For me it would be a killer and cause problems with fatigue, breathing, etc..

Whatever you decide, have a great time!

 

[ZIPBAGS]

Its horrible....especially between Aug.25-31. Heat, crowds...I would urge all people not to go then.

Just kidding. I am going then and hope the crowds aren't too bad.

 

[mtakac]

Where are you planning on staying? I'd choose an Epcot resort, such as Yacht Club or Boardwalk. You'll be very close to Epcot and MGM and there's a lot of "grown up" entertainment at the Boardwalk in the evenings.

We have always gone in summer and it's no worse than when we went in October or December or February - crowd wise. Heat wise, it IS hot, but I just take afternoon breaks and hit air conditioning when I've had enough.

We usually stay at CS but I was thinking of the Epcot area instead. It's a nice little walk to Epcot (and MGG I've heard but never done) and we could always catch the Epcot monorail to Magic Kingdom. I'd much rather keep moving and enjoy the magic of Disney than wait for a bus.

Personally, I know to avoid the Animal Kingdom from experience. We were there the end of May one year - never below 95 - and I got so sick from being in animal kingdom I spent the entire next day at the resort in the AC. It was my first time there and I'm used to being able to pop in and out of air conditioned actractions and there are far fewer of those at AK.

C.Ann, I think you're right about the crowd factor. When we experienced the very crowded October it was during the Fairytale vacation package. We spent almost $1000 more on the same exact package 3 years earlier! It was such a great deal that the crowds weren't bad at all.

 

[SeattleMark]

We're going in July and last year we went in August. It was hot, yes, but manageable.

As far as crowds, we didn't worry about them at all. In fact we never waited more than 10-15 minutes in any line our entire stay. How? We subscribed to www.TourGuideMike.com and followed his strategies. They worked like a charm and we had great vacations, unlike the "Disney Death March" when we tried some other touring plans.

We renewed for this year too! Highly recommended.

 

[bluejasmine]

This will be my second trip in late Aug, it is a great time because you can still enjoy the later hours without the summer crowds but still go swimming and such.
We went this past March and wow what a crowd but it was still great we did everything we wanted to and more with good planning and using fast passes and EMH. I would never discourage someone from going to WDW when it is crowded!

 

[Bonnie40]

If you've got some flexibility in your dates, why don't you look at going during the free dining window?

I would love to be able to go to WDW with my hubby and enjoy the parks and be able to dine at all the wonderful restaurants without it breaking my budget! We find the dining options are what makes the trip!

 

[beccasmom]

Mid-August is less busy, but still hot and the threat of hurricanes is a bit higher (we missed Charley by one day last year). We just got home today and our weather was rainy and muggy. And the parks are jammed! August gets my vote...crowds and heat together are a pain, but just one is manageable.

 

[Harambe]

Its horrible....especially between Aug.25-31. Heat, crowds...I would urge all people not to go then.

Just kidding. I am going then and hope the crowds aren't too bad.

LOL! I like your idea, ZIPBAGS! We'll be there too! And after reading the "horrible" EMH evening thread, I'm hoping people will stay away from that, too.