Crowds for last week of August?

[wendylovesdisney]

Can anyone tell me how crowded it is the last week of August? I was trying to slip in after the kids go back to school but before the holiday.
Can anyone add their 2 cents?
-Wendy

 

[LongIslandCouple]

Wendy,

We were there last year during that week and will be going again this year as well. Lines will slow down as the week progresses, but the parks will still be plenty busy.

Based on reading posts from the resident experts here at the Dis...

a. avoid EMH parks (either early open or late close) for the whole day
b. the bst park to go to in the AM will be whatever park had a PM EMH the night before
c. use FastPass as much as possible - and get them for the "premier" rides in each park first
d. get your Priority Seatings now!

Hope this helps...

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I was hoping that the kids would be back in school and we would be missing Labor Day weekend crowds! I am scared it will be wall to wall people now!!
Is there any hope at all for me? I usually go in early December!!

-Wendy

 

[Threehearts]

We have gone during the last week of August for the past 6 years and this is the only year I have had trouble getting a room at one of several deluxes. I spoke to CRO for the third time yesterday and she said they are jammed that week and some of the deluxes are completely sold out including the Poly concierge. We've always found crowds to be moderate but I think I'll only order 3 day hoppers for our 6 day vacation to avoid too many crowded park days. Have fun planning. Threehearts

 

[packy]

We have gone the last week of August 6 of last 7 years. The worst was 2001 (two weeks before 9/11) when the place was packed with foreigners, mainly Europeans. Other than that, the last week of August has had moderate crowds. But agree with previous poster about this year. With dining package and attendance up, it could be real crowded.

 

[duck_adoo]

that was our first trip w/dd's. DH and I hadn't gone since the mid 70's. I thought the crowds were pretty manageable. (sp?) We definetly took advantage of the early entry they had then. If I recall correctly..we walked onto many rides. As the weekend got closer, we did notice the crowds increase though.

Have a great time,
Cheryl

 

[ZIPBAGS]

We had booked the last week of Aug. (25-31) before the free meal plan. Now reading all this has me worried that its going to be a mad house.

 

[LadyLuc361]

We booked the last week of Aug before the meal plan too. Aug 21 - 28. I am preparing for large crowds. I wonder if it will be comparable to Spring break crowds?

 

[Lives4Disney]

We booked August 13 - 20.

Last year we were there from August 19-29. The only park that I thought was a bummer as far as crowds go was the MK. Epcot and MGM were OK - not empty, but OK. I don't even remember AK, as it was sooooo miserably hot there that day is a blur. The greatest thing about August is the rain EVERY day - it really clears the parks out. Going back to the parks after dinner time was awesome.

Anyway, I was hoping to go as late in August as possible and because my high schooler son starts a week before the grade schoolers, the 13-20 was it for us. Now I am kind of happy because we will be missing the free dining and the crowds that plan may bring.

I just changed my AP ressie from Poly concierge to GF with no problem yesterday. I am hoping that is a good sign!!


We can all keep our fingers crossed for low crowds - you never know.

Lives4Disney

 

[grimley1968]

You have one factor that makes it less crowded than the middle of summer: school is back in session for most kids. But another factor that may add to the crowds (slightly) is Labor Day weekend, if that happens to occur at the end of that week.

But we were there part of the last week of August, and Labor Day weekend was not until around 9/5. The crowds were really quite manageable the whole time. It was definitely hot, though, until Hurricane Frances rolled in.

 

[aengus]

UG revised its crowd predictions to all 7's and one 8 for the last week of August (out of 10). Just plan for the worst and you will be prepared and have a great vacation!

 

[1sttimedischick]

Now I am really nervous! This is our first time at WDW. I originally had reservations for Aug 7-13, but changed to Aug 21 week due to the dining deal. What should I do?!?!?

 

[pjtjm]

Now I am really nervous! This is our first time at WDW. I originally had reservations for Aug 7-13, but changed to Aug 21 week due to the dining deal. What should I do?!?!?

Go - plan - enjoy !!

 

[LITTLEKID58]

I will plan for it to be crowded...


We go to the parks all the time... it has been non stop since Easter.. I will suggest go early in the morning or late... The lines have been long for some of the attractions..

Liz

 

[JoshMom5]

The worst time at WDW will still be a wonderful experience with planning and patience! Have a great time!

 

[Cindy B]

We've been going the end of August for six years.

This year will be more crowded. Most schools in the Northeast go back to school after Labor Day.

Combine that with free dining, it will be more crowded than the other previous years.

Funny you should mention this, we were there in Aug 2001 as well, (25th to 30th) and it didn't seem crowded to us.

You will have Europeans there. Every vacation we have seen many many Europeans there on a long vacation.

 

[Harambe]

We booked the last week of Aug before the meal plan too. Aug 21 - 28. I am preparing for large crowds. I wonder if it will be comparable to Spring break crowds?

Same with us - but I doubt it will be "Spring Break" busy. I hope I'm not wrong. We'll just enjoy ourselves regardless!

 

[LadyLuc361]

Same with us - but I doubt it will be "Spring Break" busy. I hope I'm not wrong. We'll just enjoy ourselves regardless!

I agree! Even if it's hot and crowded, it's better than being at home!

 

[mlwear]

We booked August 13 - 20.

Last year we were there from August 19-29. The only park that I thought was a bummer as far as crowds go was the MK. Epcot and MGM were OK - not empty, but OK. I don't even remember AK, as it was sooooo miserably hot there that day is a blur. The greatest thing about August is the rain EVERY day - it really clears the parks out. Going back to the parks after dinner time was awesome.

Anyway, I was hoping to go as late in August as possible and because my high schooler son starts a week before the grade schoolers, the 13-20 was it for us. Now I am kind of happy because we will be missing the free dining and the crowds that plan may bring.

I just changed my AP ressie from Poly concierge to GF with no problem yesterday. I am hoping that is a good sign!!


We can all keep our fingers crossed for low crowds - you never know.

Lives4Disney

We are in same situation. Arriving the 13th and departing the 21st (Poly concierge--so we would have seen you had you not switched to GF First, I was bummed because we missed free dining. We paid for ours. Our dates couldn't be changed. But, then I started reading that others were changing their dates. So, I am hoping that crowds may be slightly less for us due to the free dining plan, but unfortunately for those going later in August larger. It might be wishful thinking.

 

[Lives4Disney]

MLWEAR - I think we may have picked good dates, actually!! I have got every ps for the time I wanted (including the princess meals, Chef M, and other hot spots)!!

I have an AP rate on the room and I think for me that is better than the dining package so I am not sorry I am missing that.

Hey, I may switch back to Poly concierge anyway. I am one of the resort anxiety sufferers that can't make up my mind.

Hope you have a good trip!!

Lives4Disney