Have you vacationed in the month of August?

[goofy4wdw59]

We haven't been to WDW during summer months yet as we've wanted to avoid the heat and regular season. Looking and planning into the future , we are going to plan some of our DVC trips while the kids are out of school/during the summer...So...
for members who've gone to WDW during the summer--especially in August--, what was your experience? Would you do it again and what advice do you have?
Thanks,
Margaret

 

[akghutton]

We've been to WDW 4 times now during the last half of August. It is very hot and humid, but as long as you are prepared for it, it's a great time to go. The Southern schools are back in session, so the crowds are down. Staying on points is cheaper, as it puts you in the Magic season.

We always bring lots of bottled water, which we freeze each night. We also always hit the parks early in the morning, return to the villas for lunch, naps, the pool or just relaxing in the air conditioned rooms, then head back out to the parks in the late afternoon/evening. Just be prepared to sweat and expect the daily 3pm rain showers, which usually pass quickly. Good luck with your plans and I hope you and your family have a magical vacation.

 

[Patricia]

Margaret,
We have been going in August and late June since my oldest entered HS three years ago. Prior to that, we went in Nov, Dec, and Oct. It was not much of a problem at all. I think it's all in the attitude. It's hot, that's a fact. But as long as you are properly dressed, drink lots of water, and don't try to run from one attraction to the other, you should be fine. Take advantage of as many of the air conditioned attractions as you can. Take your time and enjoy the slower pace of the summer months. We just forced my sister and her family to come in the summer this past summer, and they loved it. She said it's so great to not have that" I have so much work to make up when I got back feeling" Also, the parks are open later so that makes for a nice, long, fun day. Enjoy!!

 

[spiceycat]

depends - we went once in August and it was way to hot for me -
I took my niece last July 4 and it was very pleasant for the first couple of days - (they were have a cold spell) - so maybe you will get lucky too.

but definitely bring water - it can get over a 100 degree in the summer in Florida.

 

[tinkerbee]

We spent 2 weeks at OKW last August and had a wonderful time. It was a bit warm and it rained every day. That was okay though because it usually cleared the parks out. So if you don't mind getting a little wet you will have a great time.

 

[MrsG]

We were lucky when we went a few years ago, the weather was perfect. Keep in mind, rates and points drop toward the end of August because many schools are already back to school. It is less crowded but Disney also cuts the hours on the theme parks. You get what you pay for.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

We have gone many times during the first two weeks of August. It is truly very hot. If you take water everywhere you are and proceed slowly you will survive. Early am and pm planning is best.

Save the afternoons for air conditioned events. We usually plan our lunch/dinners during this time and take our time at lunch/dinner. By the time we emerge, we are ready to proceed and are once again fat and happy!

Water parks are often filled before noon but they are certainly fun to be in during the hot weather. You might consider this option for a morning and come home during the afternoon rain.

Be aware that the waterparks also fill faster on the weekends when most locals have their weekends off from work. Plan accordingly.

We don't mind the heat, as this mostly has been the only time we could get to DW. I would do this without hesitation.

 

[mickey7861]

We go for 3 weeks each year in July &/or August. We started when my DS started high school 6 years ago. We enjoy it very much. It's hot and humid back home too at this time so if you're going to sweat anyway why not do it in WDW.

We usually bring a refillable water jug and carry it with us in the parks, and of course our mister fan. We do some touring after breakfast and then plan to return to the villa around 2 for lunch, a swim or just to relax in the room. Then we get changed and head out again (around 5) for dinner and more touring. The parks are open later at this time so there's plenty of time to tour when the sun goes down, it's still hot but without the sun it's better. My kids are older (DS 20, DD 17) so staying out late isn't a problem, we usually head "home" before they do.

 

[Cruelladeville]

I have been to Florida many times in August, and, as everyone has mentioned, it's HOT! If you are going thru menopause, stay home. Otherwise, you will sweat a lot, but there are still several benefits. 1--the crowds are down. 2--you only have to pack for one season, so all your clothes will be for hot weather. Don't bother to pack sweatshirts and pants, robes, and flannel nightgowns. 3--fewer suitcases. After all, how much space can a bathing suit and a pair of shorts take?? 4--afternoon showers are a welcome relief

 

[makelab]

i have always liked going in august. we have a 2 and 9 year old, but the heat didn't bother them that much. whenever there was a complaint, we would go into an air conditioned building and take a break. been there the past 2 years, and i didn't think it was crowded at all.
above all, it will help you sweat off all that food!!

 

[LR_BCV]

I was just going to post a question asking if you'd rather go in August and deal with the heat or at Easter and deal with the crowds... I think reading the responses, I've already made up my mind that I'll take the heat.

 

[jade1]

We usually go the last 1/2 of August-its great. Just wear swim trunks and a tank top and sandels. Get wet every chance you get-you dry fast with the right clothes.

 

[Lesley]

We very much enjoyed ourselves in August of 2000....it was hot, but not all that much worse than here in PA. As a matter of fact, last July 4th we were at WDW and it was hotter at home...we joked that we headed to FL to escape the heat!

Drink lots of water, and if you don't mind sweating its not a big deal. Great time to use the pools.

The last person debated on Easter vs. August....in that case I'd pick Aug. but if you can manage it, May is a great time too.

Okay, we haven't found a time we don't like to visit WDW....though I have to say I didn't care for the weather this past Dec....a bit too cool for FL. My mom loved it though!

 

[vernon]

I've been many times in August and while it is HOT, it can be limitted if you plan accordingly.
I buy tins of powdered Gatorade, make it up the night before leaving it overnight in the freezer. As it melts you can mix it with water from the fountains ( as without flavouring the water tastes rather nasty IMHO). I try to have lunch in one of the airconditioned restaurants and time the indoor shows and rides for the hottest parts of the day. AK seems to be the worst park for the heat, if you're a regular visitor I'd be tempted to drop AK and take in DQ instead.

 

[joepoe]

We stayed at OKW for ten days in the last part of August last year just before school started and it was one of the most fun, relaxing vacations we ever had. We just moved in and enjoyed ourselves without rushing around to see everything.

 

[twinmomplus2]

We did august last year, the end and also stayed the first week in September. And we found it far to hot to be enjoyable. In fact twice we had the sick stomach and heat prostration symptoms....and we went slow as we had little ones. We were there a week and by far the most enjoyable day was the day we all begged off from a park trip and sat in Stormalong bay. So I guess it depends on your tolerance for heat. We apparently did not tolerate it very well. I must say we went 2 years ago in July for 2 weeks and said never again in the summer. But we must have blocked it out when we booked in August this time we will remember......

 

[Credit Man]

We go the last two weeks of Aug. Take your time and take cool breaks. The crowds are down and the pools are great.

 

[rbuzzotta]

We have gone the first 2 weeks in August and this year will be going the last 2 weeks in July. I rather the August trip. The crowds are done somewhat compared to July.

Yes, it is HOT, but it was hotter in Boston this past August than it was in WDW. Go slow, drink plenty of water and enjoy the pools. That is what we do.

Can't wait to go back in July....................

 

[ncmvp]

We always go the last two weeks in August. I would rather be hot in Disney World than hot in NY. Last August it was actually hotter in NY than in Disney. The shorter lines really make up for the heat.

 

[EdDome]

We've gone down in august for several years. Ditto to most of the comments. Take your time and don't rush, do inside or pool activities during the day, hit the parks in the evening.