Disney in July/August - Help!!!

[ppow]

Originally we booked to go out in Oct/Nov 2008 for two weeks but I am about to start a term time only teaching assistant post which meant I couldnt extend oct half term so we have very reluctantly moved holiday to last week July and first two weeks August 2008 (got DH to agreeto an extra week )

My concern is how hot does it get and how bad are the queues?

I really didnt want to go during the sumer but have been left with no choice.

This will be our first trip to WDW and are going with DH, DD12 and DS7 - any tips/hints/thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[Giddy Kipper]

we have just come back from the same weeks this year...yes it was HOT average 90 every day and between 70 -80 at night....but every where is air conditioned, which was a welcome relief...the parks were busy but I had subscribed to Tour Guide Mike and can honestely say we had no wait or no longer than than 10 mins wait for rides by taking his advice , it was priceless...would we go back that time of year...oh YEAH we are already saving as a type

 

[ppow]

Giddy Kipper - what is tour guide mike?

Glad to hear that you had a great trip at the same time of year and that you would definately go back during the summer again. Am sure once our kids have been they will not want to go anywhere else ever again.

Am still apprehensive though - anyone else got any tips/thoughts?

 

[wen-tom]

Hi, we went for the last 2 weeks of july in 2005 ans yes it was hot and busy and there were some queues but with using fastpass and planning the day ahead we didn't wait too long for anything and the crowds didn't bother me at all. i actually like the heat but if you dont, you get a break from the heat with the shops and restaurants.dont worry, just enjoy it

 

[natalielongstaff]

best tip

get to the parks early and then get out in the afternoon and cool down by the pool

 

[DreamofDisney]

We have just done the same two weeks and I had exactly the same worries as you - crowds and heat! We have been in October on our last visits and so were a bit spoiled, so I was a bit nervous about going in July and August, but I have to say it wasn't half as bad as I thought.

The parks were busy but like Giddy Kipper we followed Tour Guide Mikes guides and we didn't queue for anything for more than 10 minutes. The heat was overbearing and did mean resting in the afternoons - but that meant I did relax a bit more than usual!!

Congrats on the new job!

 

[ppow]

Dream of Disney - thanks regarding job (have been at home with kids for 13 years so VERY frightening going back out into big wide world)

What though is Tour Guide Mikes?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Dream of Disney - thanks regarding job (have been at home with kids for 13 years so VERY frightening going back out into big wide world)

What though is Tour Guide Mikes?

see
http://www.tourguidemike.com/

I agree with Nat - essential to visit the parks at cooler and quieter times of the day and ensure you take things at a leisurely pace.
Plan plenty of rest days, doing the parks day after day is hard work in the summer.

 

[wicket2005]

2005 and 2006 last two weeks in July, this year first 2 weeks in August. I was a bit apprehensive too after only going in February when we first booked for July but it was fine. It is hot (but we like it), it is busy (so you have to get to the parks early) but if it is either go in school holidays or not go at all - it has to be go in the school holidays. You will be fine and your kids will love it.

 

[Dimplenose]

I work in a school too so the summer is the easiest option for us. We do one park in the morning then go back to the hotel for a couple of hours then go to a different park or DTD in the early evening.

Libby

 

[richtomas]

i wish i have heard of tour guide mike before,we have been in sept 04 06 ,but as dd is starting secondary school i didnt want take her out this sept ,so we decided to come in august. we have been spoilt in sept with no crowds and straight on to rides ,we are still here at the moment and its been a nightmare for us at the parks {i blame my ds for not getting up till 9 he sleeps for hours}we have used the fast pass loads ,but epcot fast pass for test track and soarin were for four to five hours after getting there or hour and half waiting and the weather has been so hot ,dont get me wrong its been a great holiday so far ,but i would really like to go in sept or oct next time{could have a problem like you ppow my wife is doing a teaching assistant course and hoping do get into ds school soon} i will just have go with out her

 

[wildwood]

Hi I am so glad to see you are having a great time since your rocky start with the accommodation

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Ditto what others have said.

Early at the parks for us is when the gates open.
You'll be surprised at how much you can get done in the first 2 hours.
It's the only time we can get the kids out their beds with no hassle these days.
It also minimises the impact of any rain you get in the afternoon.

This allows you to finish early or have a break in the afternoon at the pool and maybe go back later to see a park in the evening.

Plan plenty of rest days, we find two days in a row at park is enough as it is hard work in the heat and humidity.

Accept you'll want to go back.

 

[mollies_mum]

Hi,
Im in the same boat, im a teacher so im limited to school holidays.
Ive been told that it is best to go in late august as the american kids go back to school around the 20th august. Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks,
Ruby x

 

[wicket2005]

I think this used to be the case but I think it has been moved closer to September now or it may be just for Florida. I definitely remember reading something about the change.