End of Aug vs. early Nov

[Cookie Princess]

I need some advice. We always go to WDW between Oct and early Dec and have had some great trips. Because DS will now be in middle school and some travel sports clubs, November will be difficult this year. Who can compare early Nov and end of Aug for me? I am worried with the added crowds, heat and possible hurricanes that this might be a disaster. What should I expect in August? HELP...

 

[MiaSRN62]

We've done both. Late August is better than early August and the rest of the summer because alot of southern schools are back in session. Also, alot of colleges start the end of Aug. So crowd-wise, if you factor in the chance of Jersey Week/F&W Festival being the first week (which it was in 2004), we found the crowds very similar. Heat-wise, Aug is def going to be more hot and humid and more chance of rain/thunderstorms. Early Nov is usually in the mid 70-80's range with small chances for rain.
You'd have to check when Jersey Week is this year. If it's not the first week of Nov, then I'd guess the crowds would be much less during that month. But I'd say late Aug is probably the best time to go if you have to go during the summer.

 

[homemaker]

Jersey week should be anytime around Nov. 9 & 10. We went during that period this past Nov for a grand gathering and it was a little crowded. Of couse we had 11 of us which made dining a bit more difficult to get. I have also been in August(4 years ago) and it was not crowdwd at all. We walk on some rides like buzz and PoC. Yeah it's really hot but we took plenty of breaks in the parks. We would grabs drinks and a snack, find a shaded (or semi shaded) spot and just relax with our mist fans. It does often rain, but that's why we always pack our mickey poncho and a stroller weather cover. We did this even in November. In August the rain usually feels like a relief with the heat.
We are doing the end of August again this year and hope the crowd levels continue to be small. Our other option was also early Nov, but I didn't feel like I could take my boys out of school. My oldest is having a hard time this year and I was afraid to plan a trip that would have him miss alot of time. As it is now we are driving and staying 8 nights. If wdw offers a special we can add on days and not worry about school or flights. Have fun planning your trip.

 

[Cookie Princess]

Anyone else? I am really struggling with this decision as I don't want to drop a ton of cash and have DH and DS complaining the entire time about the crowds and/or the heat.

 

[danny1649]

Visted WDW in late August and had a great time but almost melted.It is hot, crowds and temps we like better in early Nov. in early Nov.

 

[Harambe]

Have done both - we are returning for a second trip at the end of August. Kids are also older and we need to go when school is not in session. Crowds are fine (altho according to another thread here, more and more schools will be starting after Labor Day, so the low crowds at the end of August won't be around long!). It is REALLY hot, but you will adjust after a day or two.

 

[MiaSRN62]

more and more schools will be starting after Labor Day, so the low crowds at the end of August won't be around long!)

Oh no...hadn't heard this ? Are more of the southern schools going to be starting in Sept now ? I know alot start around the 2nd week of August now, so this would be a big change for them ?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Jersey week should be anytime around Nov. 9 & 10. We went during that period this past Nov for a grand gathering and it was a little crowded

We went during several Jersey Week time periods ( '99, '01,'02, '04). I'd say 2004 was by far the most crowded. We were in WDW Nov 1-6. By the 3rd or 4th the increased crowds were very noticeable. The MK was packed on Nov 4 & 5th----I'm talking most popular attractions (Space, BTMR, Splash, Peter Pan, Pooh, Buzz etc) had 90+ min waits. We actually left around 1 pm and headed over to Epcot so we wouldn't be shoulder to shoulder with the masses. But I checked this year's Jersey Week dates and you will be ok if you go the first week of Nov : http://www.njea.org/NJEAConvention/futuredates.asp
As for Nov weather......we've had everything from waking up to 40 degrees and it warming up to only about 60 then dropping back into the 40's at night, to steady hot and 80's all week.

 

[beccasmom]

We made a quick trip this past November (week after Jersey week) and the crowds were not bad. The weather was odd, though....70's but with high humidity....made it tough to figure out how to dress! August is okay crowd-wise (after the first week), but pretty miserable humidity-wise - not my favorite weather. However, taking a mid-day break makes the weather bearable - spend the hottest hours in the pool or relaxing with a cool drink or maybe a nap.

 

[johnvree]

We have done both and I think I am leaning towards late August. November was great. Although it got near 100 degrees one day, the weather overall was great. The problem with November is that it seemed like more attactions were closed and the hours were pretty restrictive. Not sure if it will change this year.

August is definitely hot and has more rain, but the parks are open later, which allows you to enjoy a break in the day.