Crowds

[elacqua1]

We are staying at Fort Wilderness Campground from Aug. 22-Sept. 1, 10 nights. I have heard that August crowds can brutal, but yet I have also heard reports that after Aug. 20 the southern kids are back in school and the crowds are great. Anybody have 1st hand experience? We would not have chosen these dates, but good luck getting a high schooler out of school without them losing credit. It is just unheard of in NJ and try telling your 10th grader that because they had 3 absences too many they are going to repeat 10th grade English in 11th grade!!! So we are stuck going in August. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[FancyBrat]

When are the Local Orlando schools back into school? Also the Southern states aren't back in until the 20th? Was hoping it was earlier then that LOL. We arrive on the 14th.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Most FL schools go back on Aug 20th but I would think with the free dining the parks will be very busy with people out of state

 

[elacqua1]

Hopefully all those people will be busy eating and we'll be busy riding!

 

[dina7]

I thought free dining didn't start until Aug. 26th. So you should have a bunch of days that aren't bad!

 

[pooch]

also during free dining and the parks were not crowded at all. Wait times averaged maybe 15 min except for Soarin' (40 min and worth every one of them - get section b - row 1 for best seats) The TS restaurants were very busy, turning people away everywhere we ate so I hope you have your ADR's. But the parks themselves were fine!

 

[44disney]

In the Nashville, Tn area, schools start around August 13th this year.

 

[mrzrich]

Yes none of the Florida schools can go back before the 20th this year. The state legislature put its foot down after one county had there kids back in session July 30th last year.

As a matter of fact this year we will get in a few days of Disney before school starts after the seasonal passholder blackout is over. In the past we were back in school a week or two before the blackout was lifted

It will be interesting to see if Disney changes its promotions and black outs next summer to reflect this change.

 

[cristbaby]

What is the seasonal pass blackout?

 

[hopelea]

Northern Alabama schools start back next week!!!! The first full week in August we are in full school mode

 

[ortholablady]

I went last year with my son who is also going into 10th grade this year. It was really hot but the lower crowd levels is what saved us. It would not have been worth it to me to deal with that heat if we had to wait hours in line for everything. From everything I've read,and what I experienced, I think if you're going in the summer this is the best week to go.

 

[Wilson.dvc]

Heading down Aug 21 to 25. Fingeres crossed that crowds are the same as Pooch's and PP's from last year!

 

[mrzrich]

What is the seasonal pass blackout?

WDW offers Florida residents a seasonal pass. Its like an anual pass, but there are blackout dates. Usually two weeks around Christmas, a few weeks around Easter and most of the summer. Its only around $200 and we don't like to go there during those busy weeks anyway so it works for us.

 

[MS_mom_1965]

Central Mississippi schools start back on Aug 6

 

[leahlexilovedisney]

how is the crowd from Aug 10-17, right before the free dining. I am hoping everyone decided to change reservations for free dining and the parks will be empty. I went last year during free dining and the crowds were not that bad.

I can't wait to go celebrating my 9th bday!!!

 

[MomOfDisneyBoys]

We went last year from Aug 17-23 which was free dining time, and the restaurants were packed, but the crowds in the parks were not bad at all. We are hoping for the same this year!