Grandma Needs Help Please

[liltoot]

We are going to be taking our son, daughter in law and two grandsons to Disney. First time we have gone together and it's the first trip for DIL and grandsons. Would you recomend July or August? We're going in 2009. I'm most concerned about the crowds. I know it's going to be hot. Any thoughts? The boys don't get out of school until late June and will have to go back the day after Labor Day. TIA

 

[Madonna3]

I say August, but late August. Most schools in the south start up again in mid-August. For example, DS starts school on Aug 19. I'd plan to go around that time because locals won't be there and most people are getting ready to go back to school so they often wait and the heat deters a lot of others as well.

 

[thesupersmartguy]

Yes, Late August is the best.

 

[wdw1972]

Both months are miserable in terms of the weather - extremely hot, more humid than you can imagine, and most likely severe thunder storms late each afternoon.

If you cannot go another time, go as late in August as you can, so the crowds are a bit lighter. The parks may close earlier, but you'll still get just as much done since lines will be shorter.

 

[liltoot]

Thanks for the help. I've been in the first part of December the first week of June and in April,September, October. April was the worst as far as crowds go. Compared to that how does August compare? TIA I dread the heat but that's when the kids can go. June was sweltering when we were there but I just want the kids to have fun.

 

[carrie1626]

We start school after Labor Day, too!
We took advantage of that 5 yrs ago and went in LATE Aug. Got a break on airfare and hotel costs and the crowds were down, definetly.
You have to keep in mind though, not everything will be available . This is when some of the rides will start refurbishing, the parades may not be every day/night. Same with the fireworks. The weather was still HOT!! We started early most days and took our break in the afternoon and later went back to the parks. I would suggest a down day; going to one of the water parks ( get there early), back to the room for showers and naps and going to Downtown Disney for dinner, shopping, sightseeing, just RELAXING

 

[Wingedheart]

The airfare is definitely cheaper in August, crowds are down AND they usually offer free dining at the end of August.

That being said we went last year in mid to late July - because we got unbelievable deals on airfare. It was hot, but we managed to do everything. The crowds weren't a problem, but then again, they aren't usually for us because we plan, plan, plan!

GL and enjoy!!

 

[dsnymomof4]

Of the 2, I agree that late August is better - last week preferably. It will be very HOT and HUMID! I think it is comparable to early December (without the lovely Christmas decorations and cool weather), but as far as crowds go, they were moderate the 2 times we went in late August. Good luck!

 

[liltoot]

I really appreciate the help. Can I bother you for one more question on the weather. When I was there the first week of June it was high 80's and mostly 90 to 95 every day. Is August going to be worse than that? I don't know if I can do it. TIA

 

[pixiechick]

The August temps should be about the same. The worst weather we ever had was in May. It hovered around 100 the whole time we were there. We returned that August and the temps stayed in the low 90s.

We go every August. We've had days in the 80s and days in the 100s. Almost every afternoon, it rains for an hour or two.

Drink a lot of water and take afternoon breaks. It makes a huge difference.

 

[disneygroomsmom]

The temps are about the same, but June is a bit less humid than August and it sometimes cools down at night a bit. August is also prime hurricane season... so keep that in mind.

 

[fairestoneofall]

What we did on our last trip in August was to go back to the room for a mid-day break. We did this during the hottest part of the day, and it really helped. I get exhausted quickly when it's so hot and humid. But that break helped a ton!

 

[dsnymomof4]

I think it will feel hotter in August because of the humidity. Even first thing in the morning when you walk out of your room, you're hit with the heat and humidity. And when the sun goes down at night, you would think that it would be cooler, but it's still in the 90s. Of course, even as hot as it is, there are ways to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids, take afternoon breaks at the resort - in the pool or in the air conditioning and when you're at the parks, there are plenty of attractions that are also air conditioned. So, even though it will be very hot, with the lower crowds in late August, its still a pretty good time to go.

 

[freesone]

If you can make the last week in August, the crowds will be lower. Not much heat relief though.

 

[Madonna3]

Since most of the attractions are air conditioned or in the shade I think you will be just fine. Go for it. I live here year round and no matter where you are in the US, you are going to sweat in August. I'd rather be sweating with Mickey.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

What kind Grandparents you are!

 

[liltoot]

Thanks for all the help but I'm back for more. After talking to my DDIL we are starting to think about going June 17th-23rd. Is this as hot as the end of August? Also, how crowded are we going to be? Is it as bad as April break? I think we have narrowed it down to these June dates or August 19th-25th. Any thoughts on the two are really appreciated . My head is starting to swim.

 

[MPHARJ]

August, is my pick, if you can't go then and your only other option is June, than go, but I still pick August too. We went in June 4 years ago, only because I had to change our Sept vacation because of a new job I was offered and wouldn't be able to go in Sept. It was so crowded. Try to talk your DIL into the August dates you picked. As others said a lot of attractions are inside and air conditioned, take breaks, drink lots of water, enjoy some cool treats and swim in the afternoon. We went last Sept and it was very hot, hotter than it had been the year before. Good luck with your planning!