Disney World or Disneyland at the end of August?

[Laurakaec]

We are planning a Disney trip for the end of August/beginning of September and are trying to decide between Disneyland or Disney World. We've been to Disneyland 4x in the past few years, but never in the summer. I've found some good prices for Disney World and a week there is only slightly more expensive than 4 days at Disneyland. However, I am VERY concerned about the heat. Will it be that much worse in Orlando than Anaheim? Is it even worth going to Disney World at that time?

 

[minnie mum]

Welcome to the Dis!

Yes, the heat is much different. California heat is easier because of its dryness. Florida has high humidity on top of high temps. The usual mid afternoon rain showers don't cool things down at all. But the heat is quite manageable if you use early morning/evening park touring and take a resort break during the afternoon.

OTOH, in late August you may find crowded parks at DLR this year as the summer blackouts will have ended for SoCal AP holders and they'll be arriving to check out the 60th anniversary extras. WDW will have much lower crowds at the end of Aug compared to the rest of the summer. And as you've already found, discounts are available for that time.

 

[aristocat65]

We have done both at the end of August. It's a great time to go as most of the schools down south are back in session and there are lower crowds. It is HOT though. I really don't mind the Florida heat And there are showers in the afternoon often that cool things down, and it is often overcast. The other thing to remember is that you are inside in AC frequently. WDW has great discounts as you've seen with free dining, etc. My best tip is to stay on property at WDW as it is much easier for mid day breaks and it is HUGE, so you'll spend too much time travelling if you stay off property.

 

[Laurakaec]

Thanks for the welcome and the information! We love Disneyland, but it would be fun to try somewhere new. I just want to make sure we will still enjoy the trip. I think we would stay at POP with free dining (although looking at POR also). Not sure if we would really need the DDP, although it is tempting as is the nicer pools at the moderates. So many decisions!

 

[aristocat65]

I haven't stayed at Pop, but it looks to me like it would be not the best choice for August. No shade, etc. We stayed at POR and loved it. It is a beautiful resort with lots of greenery and trees. The main pool is great for kids and there are a bunch of mini pools around the resort for a quieter time. We stayed in the Alligator Bayou section and it was very nice.
If you want to splurge, Wilderness Lodge is our favourite, and it is a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom. They also have a some neat activities for kids. Another plus, is that it is a hotel with interior corridors, and a large lobby -atrium and with the northwest woodsy theme, it always feels cooler there.

 

[mshanson3121]

Will it be that much worse in Orlando than Anaheim?

In a word? Yes. And many will tell you that no, they would NEVER go that time. But obviously lots of people do go. We're one of them, heading in 2 weeks.

The heat will be HORRIBLE. Your highs will be around 90-95 every day - and that's before the humidity. It will feel well over 100 every day. You'll be going during one of the rainiest times of year, there will be thunderstorms and likely ride shut downs due to storms at some point, every day (from what I've been told). You will be soaked in sweat, and you will need to tour very differently at DW than DL. Mornings for rope drop, then take a break for the afternoon and go back in the evening when it gets cooler, or just do mornings or evenings. But remember that "cooler" is a relative term, if you look at the hourly forecasts, you'll notice that there's typically not much difference in temperature between morning - evening, though the humidity is lower in the evening.

Compare that to Disneyland, where the average high will be only 75-80, with very little humidity, and likely not a drop of rain.

Since you have the choice, I would take Disneyland hands down, over WDW, if that is the only time you can go. We are going in two weeks, and I know it's going to be really rough, heat-wise. I wanted to go to Disneyland, for this very reason, but DH is not a fan of flying and thus, California just wasn't going to happen. That said, if you can find another time to go to WDW, then I would wait and try and go there at a different time - November, early December, or anytime between mid-January to end of March.

 

[alc571]

What mshanson3121 said. We just got back from WDW this past Monday and it was already hot and getting humid. We have been to DLR twice, and both times were in August - once early and once late. I love DLR in August - only because it was hot, not humid and never a lick of rain! WDW on the other hand... REALLY hot, REALLY humid, and always a rain - and not one that cools things off either.

That being said - WDW is home for us - so if someone said here's a free trip to DLR or WDW for the end of August - I would go to WDW

 

[Laurakaec]

Thanks guys. We have decided on Disneyland. I think I would have been okay with the heat, but my kids & mom were less sure about it. We will try to get to Disney World another time

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Have fun! I've done both in the summer, and I love the heat at WDW. But my sister and my niece really struggled with it. I totally understand where you are coming from!