Crowd Levels 8/18-25

[disneyjr77]

I know this is supposed to be a slower time since FL schools are back in session, but can anyone give me a good idea of what to expect for crowds this week?

thanks!!

 

[minijeanie]

I would like to know as well...We are also going during that time frame

 

[Cruisebound]

We went 4 years ago at this time but HP World was still being built. There were 0 lines and we had a great time. I hear that HP world is always busy but probably a good time to go.

I feel that US draws more from the older kids and college crowd than people with young children. However now that HP is there it is probably attracting more people that would generally spend their entire Orlando visit at DW.

 

[Metro West]

I know this is supposed to be a slower time since FL schools are back in session, but can anyone give me a good idea of what to expect for crowds this week?

thanks!!

I think crowds will be moderate that week since not all school systems are back in session. The next week will see a noticeable drop in crowds but that week...not so much.

 

[Darcy03231]

We were there that week in August 2007 (before HP opened). We found that if you got there a park opening the lines were pretty much non-existent until about 11 am. Around 11-12 the lines tended to be 20-30 minutes, by 12-1 they were 45 min to an hour and after that the lines got to be long for the more popular rides (90 minutes or more).

We got there at opening and left by about 1 pm. A couple of nights we went back and the lines weren't as long as they were mid-day, but definitely longer than they were at park opening. We were there for 16 days and ended up spending about 7 of them between US and IOA so we didn't miss anything.

 

[thumperjr9]

We are planning to be there the same week (5 days at WDW, 2 at Universal/IOA). We are debating whether to stay for the 2 days at a Universal hotel for the added benefit of the early entry/express pass. However if the crowds aren't that bad maybe we should just stay at CSR for the entire week....just can't decide.

 

[pixeegrl]

We are planning to be there the same week (5 days at WDW, 2 at Universal/IOA). We are debating whether to stay for the 2 days at a Universal hotel for the added benefit of the early entry/express pass. However if the crowds aren't that bad maybe we should just stay at CSR for the entire week....just can't decide.

If you can budget it into your trip I would...but that's because we have stayed onsite before and love how relaxing it can be. Just think....you can get up early for early entry before it gets too hot and then in the heat of the day go back to the hotel and swim or just relax and then come back in the evening. With the unlimited EP you won't have to worry about getting to ride everything you want. Remember too that one night onsite gets you 2 days of EP. You can check in as early as you want....your room won't be ready but you will get your EP and can head right to the park.

 

[deelovesdis]

I was there last year that week, and I am going back this year. I have been going to Orlando in AUgust since 1999.

THe parks were crowded, moderately. However did HP at 6pm , wait was about 60 mins, but then the ride broke down and we waited an additonal 45 mins. We were in the stores and kept checking our apps for wait times, there were times the wait was almost 2 hours, but after 6 the wait time did go down. If it werent for the break down, it would have been great!

THe stores were packed , seemed as if everyone was in the shops and in the covered area in the middle of the land behind the train

3 Broomsticks was empty! Maybe 5 tables in the entire place were taken. We took our time eating at 7PM and no big rush, unless they all ate earlier or somewhere else? OR the teens that were there simply had no interest in wasting time eating , they rather be off getting a wand or something.

There were lines outside some of the shops to get in some of the shops, but we got in the candy store and bought our chocolate frog.

We went back two nights later, same thing, 60 minute PLUS wait for HP ride.

The week of labor day is so much better, parks are much less crowded everwhere. That is because all of the schools are back open. Remember even though Florida/Georgia/Tenn etc is back to school mid August, the entire NorthEast , and probably mid atlantic, is still out of school. College is still out for those areas, and people take advantage of those last two weeks.


We love the all of the parks and try to go every year the end of AUgust/beg of Sept . Once Labor Day comes the parks are so much better, lighter crowds. I usually take my DD out of school the week of Labor Day. THey do nothing anyway and she is an A student. THe parks are empty and its our best week. THe one drawback is the parks do close earlier, so its a trade off

My daughter is now out of elementary school so we cant miss the first week of school this year. We have to go home Sept 2nd. I will miss going to the parks the week of Labor Day!

Hope the info helps! Get the BUTTER BEER, HMMMM! YUMMY!