Crowds 8/18 - 8/27? HELP?

[Cookie Princess]

We have never been to WDW in the summer before, we are normally November/December visitors. What can we expect for crowds between 8/18 - 8/27? I need to "prepare" DH ahead of time if the lines will be long.

 

[chuchubipretu]

It is hot, humid, and crowded........but, hey, you are at WDW! Just go early and try to beat some of the heat and crowds. It is amazing how much you can do in those early, cooler hours. I don't think there is a "less crowded" time of year anymore. There are always tons of people there whenever we go. Have fun, regardless!

 

[wendydarling826]

We have gone at this time for the past 3 years. The crowds are manageable, but it's so hot that waiting in lines feels longer. We go out early in the morning for a few hours and then spend the afternoon in the pool, rest and go back out at night. We have been able to get any restaurant reservations we've wanted and don't even usually need fast passes in the morning. This year we are going a little earlier - 8/10-8/20 and hope we won't find it more crowded than later in August.

 

[Dorisk3]

Check out www.touringplans.com- it will give you an idea of their crowd predictions- its the Unofficial Guide's website. The end of August should not be as bad as other times in the summer.

 

[Cookie Princess]

Geez...I thought there were a lot of kids from the southern states who had already returned back to school. I guess I was thinking it would be less crowded than that website has predicted. Ok, I need to slowly start preparing DH for this...crowds, heat, hurricanes, and humidity. Hey, at least we got FREE dining!!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

We went around that time in 2004 and the crowds were extremely manageable; however, last year and this year Disney has added the free dining option so I am expecting larger crowds, but most of the kids have started back to school, especially those in FL. That's why we booked for the exact same dates you have. We are staying at BC and while our vacation is from 8/18-27, we leave on the 24th for Disney Wonder. DM (me, Debbie 53)
DS (16, and now driving!)

 

[randbmom]

I think that you'll find as you get to the end of your vacation, the crowds will diminish. We did 10 days in August a few years back. The mid-day break was absolutely necessary for us with the extreme heat and humidity. I also prefer November/December for crowds and weather. My suggestion for you is to plan to arrive at the parks early, leave midday for a swim and come back refreshed you'll be in great shape for evening activities. More than one "commando" day may do you in.
Enjoy! Bring your ponchos and take advantage of touring in the rain. Lines are so much shorter then.