Crowds 3rd week of August? Stay on site for express pass or for free at Doubletree?

[noahcarter]

Hi! We will be spending one day, August 21, at IOA before heading to Disney. I was wondering how crowds are typically the third week of August on a weekday? We can stay for free on hotel points at the Doubletree, but if it is going to be very crowded we might stay on sight to get the express pass for free. I was quoted 187.20 for a AAA room onsite but would rather stay for free off site if we will not need express pass. Any opinions?

My kids love all things Potter and are big fans of coasters, so we want to do as much as possible.

 

[damo]

It is so hot in the summer that staying onsite is a real bonus. It is a long walk back to the Doubletree for a rest in the crazy Orlando August heat.

 

[Metro West]

It is so hot in the summer that staying onsite is a real bonus. It is a long walk back to the Doubletree for a rest in the crazy Orlando August heat.

Very true and anyone who has ever been here in August knows the summer heat is brutal. I don't even go to the parks in the summer and I live here! Having a nice pool nearby is a very nice perk.

 

[noahcarter]

Yes, we have been to Disney is August before and know the heat is brutal and suffocating (I know we are crazy for going again at this time of year!). However, we will only be there for one day and will not be taking a swim break as we will have already checked out of our hotel.

So the big question remains....are crowds low enough by that point in August to justify giving up the express pass for a free night hotel stay?????

 

[damo]

We've been to the parks the end of August and I would call the crowds moderate. I would imagine that the 21st is a little higher than moderate. Rumour also has it that Transformers will be open by then. In which case crowds will probably be quite high.

The good thing is, there is no need to book anything for quite a while.

 

[wookiebeck]

We've done 3rd / 4th week of August for the past few years (thinking that is the least busy of the summer months). It is still crowded by my standards. I have not been on vacation in low season for a while (due to having kids). And I miss it. Big difference to 3rd week August.

Remember, if you stay on-site, you get the privilages for two days at the parks if you want.