Going in late August: What to expect?

[Disney_Queen34]

Crowd-wise? Theme Park hour wise? Weather?

We are both teachers and this is one of the only times it would work to go for us both. We're staying at OKW in a studio Aug 21-26. Any suggestions to make the most of our time (and not burn my husband out?)

 

[missycj96]

we've done this the past two summers - once at poly and once at WL/YC.

Weather - I recall that the mornings are usually beautiful. As the day progresses, it gets very hot and eventually pours. Two years ago, I remember the rain lasting for hours. But I understand that was a bad year. The rain stops by evening. Hint: I like to carry a totes mini umbrella with me so I never get stuck.

My advice - get to the parks as early as you can. Its not that hot and you can see a lot before the crowds start. If you are not going to arrive at the gate for early-entry opening, I recommend going to a park that does not open early that day - though the new pattern of early/late hours may change this. We like to get there before opening (with a bottle of water in hand) -and go around for a while. By 12-1 or so, I can't wait to go swimming so we head back to the hotel (by then its really hot). We wear tevas on our feet (good for the heat and in case it rains), and light clothing.

If you get out early, then if it rains in the afternoon, you will still have had a great day. Its nice to spend the afternoon at the resort - as the whole trip ends up with much more of a vacation feel. Plus, we would go back to a park in the evening. The late openings may really be great here (have not tried it).

Crowds: In late august, the crowds are quite manageable as much of the country has started back to school already. We think its a good time to go.

Enjoy your trip! missy

 

[beattyfamily]

We just did the end of August (after always doing Oct or Dec) this past year.

It was very very HOT! It was humid. But you do get used to it. You do adjust. Drink a lot of water. Carry something to cool you off if you can like a Misty bottle or a fan or even a rag from the resort that you can wet. Take breaks throughout the day in AC shops and restaurants.

It did rain briefly almost every day for us but it worked out fine. Didn't affect our trip really.

Like the previous poster said, start out early and leave when it gets hot. Take a swim or have lunch and then head back to a park as it gets less hot.

The crowds were surprisingly not bad at all. We got everything done we wanted to.

If you go knowing how hot it will be and prepare yourself, you'll do just fine.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

We've gone the last 3 years and are going again this year.
It is very hot. Remember most rides have gift shops that are air-conditioned with some have benches to sit. Our 2 kids go on rides while my DH and I go on a few rides.
We also have ponchos for the downpours. When it's raining a little it feels refreshing so we don't mind getting wet.
A must which was a bleassing last year were the spray mist fans (bought at home for $8) and the Brita water bottles. Which was another great tip I found here on Dis!

Enjoy!

 

[Blondie]

In August 2003 it would rain in the afternoon and keep on for a couple hours. Not your typical 30 minute storm where it would rain then clear up. Very hot and humid, but low crowds.

August 2004 we only had maybe two thunderstorms, but it cleared up afterwards. Crowds the same, very tolerable. Many rides only had a 5 minute wait.

My only problem with late August is the heat and the humidity. In 2003 we said never again, but what did we do, we ended up going in late August again last year! My DH said that is enough! He just can't take that heat anymore. The kids were fine with it, but us "oldsters" just can't hang in that heat! We went between the two hurricanes. I don't know if the tropical influence had anything to do with the humidity, but it was downright awful!

Just plan accordingly. We would often dodge into the gift shops just to escape the heat and the sun!