Disney world trip in Aug?

[Shmily01]

My family is planning a trip to Disney World this year, but we have to do it during the summer so my son won't miss school again this year. (It's becoming way too much of a habit! ) Anyway, his school starts back late this year due to construction on some of the schools in the district. He doesn't start back until September 1st. My husband and I discussed going that last week in August. We've only been in the fall (Sept and Oct) and we were wondering if this would be a good time. I know it will be hot but does anyone know when the Florida kids go back to school or do they do that year round thing?
Any suggestions?

 

[TigerTown]

We went the last week of August 2007. While it was not the slowest time of the year it was not extremely busy either. We made great use of the fast passes and were able to get to most of the more popular rides with minmal wait. I'm not sure about Orlando but where my parents live in Sarasota the kids go back to school in mid August. I think that really helped thin the crowds.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

We went this past August and, other than being hot, we loved it. It's not empty, but it sure isn't overcrowded. My three previous trips were November, January and February. A little more crowded than those time, but not really bad at all. This time we also were able to spend some time at the pools, which we really hadn't been able to do during our January and February trips. As long as you stay hydrated, you'll be fine. (As you can see by my ticker, we're planning another trip in August/September this year)

 

[mejkjj97]

We went the last week in Aug last year and already planning to go back again the same week this year. It was HOT! but it was great. No lines, other than the Sat that we were there. We also had to deal with Tropical Storm Fay which made the parks completely empty on the days it rained.
We went to the parks early, back to the hotel by 1 and enjoyed the pool for a few hours before heading back for a couple of hours at night. it was great!

 

[cocowum]

We travel the last few weeks of Aug every year. It's busy but not crazy.

 

[daneenm]

We visited Aug 2007 and it was hot and busy (we were there beginning of the month) but not intolerable. We went at rope drop every day we were in the parks and left after lunch for a swim. Went back in the evenings. We did everything we wanted, didn't wait more than 20 minutes for any ride (most were 10 minutes or less) and had a fab time.

 

[Shmily01]

Thanks so much for your advice! I knew y'all wouldn't let me down!

I have one other question since you guys are sooooo goood!!!

My daughter will be turning 3 the month before we go. She loves to get all purtied up but I was wondering if BBB was worth the money. We looked at a brochure last time we were there and it all seemed very costly. Have you tried it and was it worth it.

 

[mejkjj97]

My daughter was 3 and I thought she was too young to appriciate it. We instead took her to get her hair trimmed at the Baraber Shop and they put in Pixie Dust (confetti that was all shinny) and she loved it. She didn't know the difference and the cost was so much less- $14 before tip. I have a picture at home that I can upload later.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

We've done both. Main Street Barber Shop when DD was 10 and BBB this past summer when DD was 12 (almost 13).

Barber Shop was much less expensive and very cute. However, it was quite messy. They put TONS of glitter in DD's hair. After the Barber Shop we went on Splash Mountain and the glitter was flying out of her hair into the faces of other's on the ride. Also, when her hair got wet the mousse/colored stuff they put in her hair ran. What a mess the bathtub was that night! She was afraid the hotel was going to ask us to leave because we were going to clog the drain. I couldn't imagine letting her sleep with that stuff in her hair.

BBB was much more expensive and the hairstyle stayed in for a few days, but I didn't think it was as cute and they sell all the same products they used in her hair (clips, ponytail holder, etc.) in the store where BBB is located (in DTD). Again they put a lot of glitter in her hair, but it was different. This glitter was actual glitter you would use in craft projects, etc. The stuff they used at the Barber Shop was the little sparkly Mickey Mouse heads that you get on the table on Cinderella's Castle, etc.

Anyway, after all this explaining I would recommend getting her hair done at the Barber Shop (but asking them to not use so much Mickey glitter) and then buying her a few of the pieces at the store outside BBB, so you can do her hair all week. I think it's the best of both worlds.

 

[Shmily01]

You guys are the "BOMB"....Oh, I'm such a GEEK!

Anyway, thanks for all your advice!!

I was already thinking about getting my son's hair done in the Barbershop since he wanted to be "done up" too! So, I could just get both of theirs done in the same place...for much less. I was already planning on bringing her own dress and all so, it will definitely work out better and cheaper. Don't know why I didn't think of that!!

Thanks again!!

 

[cyberbox2]

We have been to Disney in August of 2006 and 2008 (free dinning this time)
and have never had a thing to complain about, in fact quite like that time of year. The local kids are back in school and the crowds appear to be less.

Plus the free dinning plan was incredible and enabled us to eat at places within Walt Disney World that we wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise.

This year we are headed to the Caribbean Beach Resort (Pirate Room) on the free dinning 'Bounce Back' offer.

But really, is their ever a BAD time to go to Florida>Orlando>WDW?

 

[Shmily01]

We have been to Disney in August of 2006 and 2008 (free dinning this time)
and have never had a thing to complain about, in fact quite like that time of year. The local kids are back in school and the crowds appear to be less.

Plus the free dinning plan was incredible and enabled us to eat at places within Walt Disney World that we wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise.

This year we are headed to the Caribbean Beach Resort (Pirate Room) on the free dinning 'Bounce Back' offer.

But really, is their ever a BAD time to go to Florida>Orlando>WDW?

Too true...There is never a bad time to go. Do they do the free dining every year at the same time? Was curious because I was thinking of doing the QSDP.

 

[lorax123]

We've been in Orlando during August a couple times... while it's hot and muggy, it's hot and muggy in PA too that time of year. I didn't notice a difference! lol

I do remember nearly every day there was a short thunderstorm. And I do remember a few August evenings where we were actually chilly, after getting soaked from the rain.

I'm just a fan of the heat. I'll take hot and muggy over cold, wet, gray, windy and miserable any day!

 

[cyberbox2]

Too true...There is never a bad time to go. Do they do the free dining every year at the same time? Was curious because I was thinking of doing the QSDP.

I don't know about every August but I do know that last August they had the dinning plan and also offered it again this year for close to the same dates.

I thought that I remembered the free dinning to be more of a Sept. special in the past but I could be wrong.

 

[Southrnbelle]

We go the second week of August almost every year. We too work around school schedules. As long as you are prepared for the heat, I think it is a great time to go. Drink lots of water, take advantage of air-conditioned attractions as much as possible during the hottest part of the day or go to the pool. Try to plan a few more rest breaks than you would if you were going in the winter when it is much cooler. Early mornings in the parks are great, as are the evenings. Have a great time and if you go the second week of August (and my finances cooperate!) we may see you at the World!!!

Denise