Crowd levels - which would be lower

[Tumbles10]

Trying to decide when to go. Definitely thinking about August because of free dining, but should we go in the beginning or towards the end of August. Definitely don’t want to be there for the opening of Star Wars. When would the crowds be lower? We went in 2012 around the 12th of August and it was perfect levels and last year around the 22nd it was busy not horrible.

 

[Bjkandma]

We are going August 13th til 25th with free dining. Schools in Florida are usually back in session around the 15th, (7th year, going same time). We don't find it extremely crowded, but prepare for hot, humid and usually very rainy weather. Grab a poncho and just keep going!!

 

[Minsc]

I go the Disney Data Analytics Conference every August, and hit the parks later afternoon/evening. Often, I will stay a few more days. Last few years, August has been moderate to light, particularly as you get later in the month. Fairly similar to early-mid May. As the PP said, it's humid and sometimes rainy, so I just bring my trusty poncho.

 

[Upatnoon]

There would be little to no difference. I'd go for the best deal.

My only concern would be reductions in staffing and capacity as Disney "rests up and saves money" until the Star Wars launch.

 

[sharonabe]

Trying to decide when to go. Definitely thinking about August because of free dining, but should we go in the beginning or towards the end of August. Definitely don’t want to be there for the opening of Star Wars. When would the crowds be lower? We went in 2012 around the 12th of August and it was perfect levels and last year around the 22nd it was busy not horrible.

The free dining offer that is still out there isn't traditional free dining. It's just one QS meal per person per night.
The later in Aug you go, but leaving before SWGE opens, the better it should be crowd wise. A lot of schools in the south start back that last week of Aug.

 

[Tumbles10]

The free dining offer that is still out there isn't traditional free dining. It's just one QS meal per person per night.
The later in Aug you go, but leaving before SWGE opens, the better it should be crowd wise. A lot of schools in the south start back that last week of Aug.

My Disney visa is offering free dining. The normal quick service since we would be staying at POR

 

[gharter]

With SWGE opening the end of August, I wouldn't expect August to be extremely busy as many will be waiting for Star Wars. A little later may be slightly less crowded as Florida will be back in school, but could be more rain.

 

[Lexje06]

Trying to decide when to go. Definitely thinking about August because of free dining, but should we go in the beginning or towards the end of August. Definitely don’t want to be there for the opening of Star Wars. When would the crowds be lower? We went in 2012 around the 12th of August and it was perfect levels and last year around the 22nd it was busy not horrible.

Sorry to post and not answer your question but I am also going in August (24-27) and was not aware there is “free dining”. Can you elaborate? Also I’m hoping crowds won’t be bad since the Star Wars thing opens the 29th I’m hoping most people going end of August will be waiting for that

 

[SarahC97]

Sorry to post and not answer your question but I am also going in August (24-27) and was not aware there is “free dining”. Can you elaborate? Also I’m hoping crowds won’t be bad since the Star Wars thing opens the 29th I’m hoping most people going end of August will be waiting for that

If you have a Disney Visa, they're offering Free Dining in August if you book using that card.

OP - I agree with the others. I don't think you'll see much a difference in crowds based on your dates, so just choose the one that works best for you.