Going the last week of Aug - Labor Day

[katlas&kids]

How nuts is that? Hubby's vacation fits here and it is right before school starts in VA. I know, its going to be hot!

I have been to WDW once, back in May of '87 when my oldest was almost 5. I am now trying to take the 2 younger ones, and really know nothing. I am glad to have found this board, but will be dragging a overweight hubby with medical issues, an almost 10 yo bi-polar ADHD DS and almost 7yo ADD DD.
We are in the Movies resort, have 7 days in the park, no water parks, hopefully a princess breakfast in Norway. Any other dining suggestions? I thought Hoop dee do, but is it worth it?

Also we will be arriving on Sat around noon, but using Magic Express, so don't plan on getting there until 2 or later.

Any other suggestions to keep my sanity? The budget is tight, but I really want to do this and make it memorial for the kids.

Thanks for any and all help & suggestions for the parks and what to do.

 

[traviesojmt]

How nuts is that? Hubby's vacation fits here and it is right before school starts in VA. I know, its going to be hot!

I have been to WDW once, back in May of '87 when my oldest was almost 5. I am now trying to take the 2 younger ones, and really know nothing. I am glad to have found this board, but will be dragging a overweight hubby with medical issues, an almost 10 yo bi-polar ADHD DS and almost 7yo ADD DD.
We are in the Movies resort, have 7 days in the park, no water parks, hopefully a princess breakfast in Norway. Any other dining suggestions? I thought Hoop dee do, but is it worth it?

Also we will be arriving on Sat around noon, but using Magic Express, so don't plan on getting there until 2 or later.

Any other suggestions to keep my sanity? The budget is tight, but I really want to do this and make it memorial for the kids.

Thanks for any and all help & suggestions for the parks and what to do.

Hi. We will be there about the same time. We are going last 2 weeks of Aug. First of all, relax. Yes, it is hot, but it is manageable. Here is what we always do. We hit the park with early entry. Get there as soon as it opens. You will get alot done the first 2 hours before the park gets really busy. After lunch, we leave the park and go back to the resort to relax and get out of the heat. We either swim, take a short nap (youngest is 3) or my son goes to the arcade. We always take a 2 hour break from the parks. Then we go to a different park at night. Usually depends where we are wanting to eat that night. Don't worry about seeing it all. Just enjoy what you do see. Drink lots of water. Alot of attractions are indoors so that helps alot. Have you looked at Whispering Canyon Cafe or Ohana's for dinner? You can go to www.allearsnet.com and find the menus for all the restaurants at Disney. They also have reviews. It is very helpful.

 

[JESW]

Be prepared that it is VERY hot - sauna type hot! It usually rains every afternoon and there is no relief after the rain, it just makes it worse! When you walk out in the morning your sunglasses fog over from the heat. Sweat drips down your body. You need lots of sunscreen.

Not meaning to alarm you, but it is Florida in august! After saying that, we will be back for our second august trip the 19th - 27th! I like it because we don't have to take the kids out of school. DH HATES the heat and only agrees to go if I make dinner reservations every night. He usually stays in the room a lot to read, nap, do work, etc. while I take the kids (DS11 & DD7) to the parks. The kids have been many times so they know what they want to and don't want to do.

Is there any way you can add on the waterparks? Last august we went to both parks and had a BLAST! They are a good way to break up the day.

My DS is an aspergers kid and the heat gets to him quickly. He also tires easy and can get cranky without notice. We try to stay in a/c as often as possible. When you walk from the castle in MK to the train you can walk through the stores and stay cool. You can also do that a bit at the other parks. Carry your own water bottles and drink A LOT. You may want to invest in some water fans to use. If you buy them at Disney they are a lot more $$$$$.

I don't mean to alarm you but it helps to be prepared. Disney is a lot of fun anytime, but in the summer people tend to be crankier from the heat, especially if they are not used to it. Don't be surprised if your kids want to spend more time at the pool than the parks.

I hope that you have a fun trip!!

Jill

 

[eliza61]

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't let the hot weather scare you. My family and I always go the last week in August and we always have a ball. Here are my tips.

1. Forget commando Disney. Go to www.wdwig.com and figure out all the things that are must see in each park. pick 3 or 4 and do them. after that slow down. If you have a DH with med issues, he will really appreciate the slower pace. Take a break, eat an ice cream bar on a bench, check out the people. Its also a nice way to enjoy the atmosphere.

2. As another poster said, go back to the hotel during the heat of the day and chill. Luckily in late August the parks are still open relatively late (9:00-10:00 pm) so you will still have time to get back to another park in the early pm.

3. If you can, I recommend doing a TS for dinner. This always gives my family a nice break in the early evening and a chance to pour over the resort map and decide what to do with the rest of the evening.

4. Last but not least.. HYDRATE. If you have travel mugs with lids bring them to the parks, almost every where will give you a nice cool cup of ice for free.

One good thing, the southern states have already started school so the crowds will be a little lighter end of August.

 

[lynninpa]

Any other suggestions to keep my sanity? The budget is tight.

The first question that came to mind is-do you have the free dining plan?
As far as going the last week of August...we love it! Went last year at that time and booked again this year for the last week of August.

 

[katlas&kids]

Hi. We will be there about the same time. We are going last 2 weeks of Aug. First of all, relax. Yes, it is hot, but it is manageable. Here is what we always do. We hit the park with early entry. Get there as soon as it opens. You will get alot done the first 2 hours before the park gets really busy. After lunch, we leave the park and go back to the resort to relax and get out of the heat. We either swim, take a short nap (youngest is 3) or my son goes to the arcade. We always take a 2 hour break from the parks. Then we go to a different park at night. Usually depends where we are wanting to eat that night. Don't worry about seeing it all. Just enjoy what you do see. Drink lots of water. Alot of attractions are indoors so that helps alot. Have you looked at Whispering Canyon Cafe or Ohana's for dinner?

I have been to all ears, here and do have one of the dreams unlimited travel people to help. Part of the problemis DH, who is not a crowd person. First he said go, sounds good, so I get started planning. Now he is worried about money, ect., he says, and won't help at all. I know that I need to plan ahead, but he is more of the wait and see type. I know that if he goes, I'll be on my own with the kids, but I can do that. Maybe we will see you there!

 

[katlas&kids]

JESW - thanks for all the tips! My DH is like yours. He would rather sleep than be in the crowds. So we will see. And Yeah, I spent some of my growing years in Fort Walton, so I know how it can me. Still living in SE VA on the coast is VERY humid. The wet wool blanket over your head heat. So I can deal.

My kids can swim like fish, but not sure about the water parks. DD can pass for a 4 yo, she is so petite & tiny. We may add one on when we get there, but may just do the pools.

 

[katlas&kids]

Thanks Eliza61. I am ready to roll, its just hubby. Things will have a way of workingout, and I do hope we get to go. thanks for all the suggestions. I know the kids will be thrilled, if we go! ME tooo! On to more reading!

 

[katlas&kids]

yes lynninpa, we do have it. It is going to be so helpful!

 

[traviesojmt]

I don't really like starting our parks visit in the afternoon. If it were my family and we were arriving later in the afternoon, I would probably schedule a character meal (Maybe chef mickey's) so that we can get into the Disney feeling without fighting the afternoon heat and crowds. This might help your husband get into the feel of things without fighting the crowds. Your kids could also swim in the pools the first day. Might feel less hectic that way. You are right about needing to plan. With the free dining promotion going on, it is necessary to make your ADRs as soon as possible. If you decide you need it, let me know and I can send you our itinerary for the time we are there. It could give you a starting point to look at.

 

[LISAMWDW]

You are going there during the free dining plan and since you are staying on Disney property, be sure you have that free dining package!