Crowds in Aug.

[Kitts21]

I was just wondering what the crowd levels are like in the last couple weeks of Aug. Also how are the hurricains, Is this a good time to go or not?

 

[Kitts21]

How about the week of Aug 28-sept.2 do you think this week would be really busy?

 

[melk]

I haven't been but we're going this year end of August. From what people have told me, it's crowded, but not nearly as bad as the rest of the summer because most of the southern states are already back at school.

As far as hurricanes, last year was unusually bad but basically it's just a gamble. It is hurricane season so it's possible to get one. Personally, I'm not worried about that.

 

[Mickmse2002]

We have gone four years in a row in August, normally around the second/third wwek. Crowds aren't too bad at all. Some attractions may get waits upwards of 50-60 minutes but if you use fast pass well lines shouldn't be a problem. Heat/humidity is high then so plan on almost daily rain for at least a few minutes (at least that's the way it seems). Haven't had any hurricanes while we were there, a few nasty thunderstorms. Park hours are normally longer in the summer so that is a big plus and the pool water is always refreshing.

 

[Coach Rick]

That is my prefered time of year. We are going Aug 16-25 this year, and pretty much the same last year. We have in the past gone over labor day weekend, and found it to be even less crowded than the weeks we are going. Only reason I go earlier now is school. Both my kids and me.

 

[gopherit]

We like August -- it just fits in our schedule. This year we're doing HHI, though, for a change of pace!

As for WDW in August -- expect HEAT, and HUMIDITY (but boy those pools feel great!) Crowds aren't too bad -- we've surely seen worse in the summer, xmas, and even October. The later you go in Aug, the fewer crowds, but also a greater risk of shorter park hours or a booked event -- that would stink.

It rains a bit every day (late afternoon downpour for about 30 mins -- enough to clear the air!) So take your poncho or take a shower -- whatever!

We had a hurricane while we were there last year (Charley). In our case, it really wasn't a biggie -- I'm sure, however, the Cms and fellow Floridians would GREATLY disagree. WDW does an awesome job of building its facilities; we felt VERY safe in our BWV investment after it withstood Charley the way it did! Didn't even have so much as 5 seconds of lost power. We made pancakes, watched Disney movies and let the storm blow over. The next day, nearly all the parks were back up and running -- how they manage that, well, it's just amazing. You really feel for the Floridians, though -- here you are, having a grand ol' time, and then find out the same person who's smiling and serving your dinner has been without a home for the past 2 days, basically living at Disney!

 

[VMS]

We went last August and 2 years ago, at the very end of the month. It is not too crowded, but it is hot, but that does not bother us too much. The waits are not long, and we would soon be in an air conditioned area when we were feeling the heat. We did this year get "stuck" down at WDW for hurricane Frances. We were there four extra days, and my kids did miss their first day of school. We were scheduled to leave on the Friday, started inquiring on Thursday about leaving early, and were told repeatedly that we would not have a problem getting out on Friday. Anyway, they shut the airport down early Friday, they had gotten burned by Charley with planes damaged at the airport, so got all the planes out of there early. The hurricane did not hit until Sunday, and the earliest my family could get back was on Tuesday. Despite all of this, we will continue (every other year) to go at the end of August. My oldest will be in high school next year, I will not be able to pull him out (also have an 11 and 8 year old), and this is the least crowded time that fits into our school schedule. I would rather deal with the heat and risk of hurricane than to deal with the crowds and long lines.

 

[disgirl]

This August will be our third time going to WDW then. We usually go the last week and the crowds have always been pretty good. Sometimes there are a few attractions, as someone already posted, that we have had to wait 30-50 minutes for, but most of the time lines are not too long.

As for the weather, yes, heat and humidity. Oh, and don't forget usually rain toward the late afternoon or early evening, but usually is over in a short time. We were there in 02, 03, and wouldn't you know last year when the hurricane hit, we chose to vacation in CA and go to Disneyland instead. We lucked out and are hoping this year, of course, that the hurricanes stay away. The pools in the afternoon, or even a whole morning and afternoon hanging at the pool or going to the water parks really help with dealing with the heat and humidity. I can not wait until August comes.

 

[newholidayx2]

this will be our first time in Aug (mid/late) - usually we plan for Oct
not knowing what to expect I went ahead and booked for 2 wks!

 

[gmboy95]

We do august every year...some thoughts

1) Hot, Hot, Hot....plan accordingly....if you have young kids, plan on splitting you day up in parks. Be there when it opens, stay through around 1pm, return to room for pool and naps, return for dinner time....usually a good formula.

2) We where also there for hurricane charley last year (first day of trip)....those of us inside disney where fine....those outside where not....however this is the first hurricane threat we have had in the last 5 or 6 august trips.

3) florida schools return I believe during the second week in August....this greatly reduces the crowds....a trip the third week in august on is usually a safe bet.

4) Rain....two years ago rain virtually ruined the trip....it was sunny until noon, and then it would rain all afternoon....this is not the norm however, as most storms last a half hour or so.....although it can be very annoying afer you pack the kids up and head to the pool just as it closes for lighning in the area.....this also has its advantages, because when the pool reopens the crowd is usually gone......bring your own ponchos, so as to avoid the biggest rip-off in disney.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have done the last week of August through Labor Day twice, and didn't think the crowds were too bad. The weather was another story! WAY too hot and humid for me!

 

[jnrrt]

We've usually gone in January, but are considering August now because it's getting harder to pull the kids out of school.

Anyone able to compare crowd levels at the end of August, with the beginning of June and January?

Thanks!

 

[gopherit]

We've done first week of Jan and second/3weeks of Aug and we've done june/july.

June /July was CROWDED. And hot. Ugh.

January was LEAST crowded -- very nice after Jan2nd. HOwever -- it was also cold, even my northerly std, when we were there! Couldn't use the pools, as while they may have been heated, you STILL had to get in / out of them! Yikes!! And no way on the water parks! PLus -- shorter hours.

August -- in 2002, really great. Crowds were worse in 2004 (darn Disney for its package plans! Who do they think they are, making tourism INCREASE? The nerve!) But even then, with planning and fast passes and lots of breaks, we did fine. No big waits for anything, with that type planning. THere was a great ERide night, too, and both water parks were open, and parks were open longer. DH prefers August, despite the heat. Says the pools feel better that way!!

I just wish we could get August rooms on January's point level....