Have you vacationed in the month of August?

[crisi]

Never been down in August, but I wanted to mention -

It can be 100 degrees with 98% humidity in Minnesota in August. To paraphrase about three posts up "I'd rather be hot in Disney than hot in Minnesota."

The biggest difference is that it is pretty dependably HOT in Florida during the summer (maybe you'll get lucky and get a cool week), where in Minnesota you get a single HOT week in July or August, with lots of 80 degree days.

 

[kgkmom]

We've been twice in August, and I love it! First of all, we go around the time of my and my DD's birthdays (6 days apart), so the Disney trip adds to the festivities.

Secondly, I will echo the water tips. I bought a Brita water bottle, and filled it about halfway with water, and halfway with ice. I would constantly refill the bottle with ice throughout the day, and make sure my DD and I drank a sip every half hour, whether we felt thirsty or not. We never experienced any heat problems, and the water was always cold and fresh-tasting.

We also bought and wore hats. I know many sites and books say to forget the hats, but I feel they really helped us. You can buy a little clip to attach the cap to your clothing during the rough and tumble rides if you're concerned with losing the caps.

So, between the water, proper rest and pacing, cooling down when you can, and protecting yourselves from the sun, I think you should be all set!

Have a great time!

 

[goofy4wdw59]

Thanks for all the replies! Great advice & tips. I needed to hear this. I'm fair-skinned and have had trouble with heat/sun in the past.
I think with planning--pacing ourselves, midday breaks in air-conditioning, bringing water bottles (good ideas--freezing night before/adding ice!), wearing hats, etc., an August vacation should be OK. In the summer, we plan to stay longer--sounds like many of you do this too! A nice, relaxing, vacation! I would like to catch the parks open later too.
And, yes, I'd rather be hot at WDW than hot in Illinois.

 

[tiberius]

I second the need for some kind of hat for sun protection, and don't forget sunscreen--especially for the fair-skinned. As long as you are mindful of taking care of yourself, it can be as great in August as other times!

 

[AEN]

We went in late August a few times. It seemed to be a little lighter since some of the non-eastern schools are already in session. The other posters are correct. It is hot and humid, but it is all in the attitude. It also makes going into the cool, slow moving rides and stores more enjoyable (even the Carousel of Progress ).

I will say to stay away from Labor Day weekend. It seemed to be much more crowded, and then almost become unenjoyable.

 

[LR_BCV]

I'm happy to read all the input. There must be more people out there who *don't* ever want to go in August - I'd like to hear more of that side too!

August 2004 seems a long time away; perhaps I better go down for a quick trip Aug 2003 just to be sure

 

[msdis]

We were there last Apr/May and it was 97 every day but with little humidity. We were there last week of Aug. last year and the temps were 94-98 every day with lots more humidity. We Have been there 1st week of Sept the 2 years prior and same idea. We will be there 3rd week in July this year. Are any of these times my favorite time? NO. But things like 2 Sept cruises, a monumental b-day, and a vacation with family with kids has brought us there that time of year. If the choice was stay home or sweat at Disney, well, you see a pattern.
We took those 20 oz soda bottles with the screw caps, filled them 1/2 way with water, froze them overnight, then topped them off with water to take with us the next morning. And like others said, there are a lot of cool places to get in. I think if you have a certain mind set that it's going to be hot then you have already accepted it, and the surprise is minimal. Besides, we actually had days here at home last summer that were hotter than Florida was. We joked about how we wished we were in Fl where it was cooler.

 

[SimplyMagical]

We visited there the last week of August last year and loved it. We usually go in Feb or April but decided to try a summer trip. It was less crowded than we are used to although it was very hot. We got plenty use out of the pools.

 

[tammydel]

One more chiming with with O.K. in August.

Lots of great summer heat advise has already been posted so I won't repeat.

There is one point I haven't seen. I did read before our hot summer trips to bring a sweater for indoor AC. I didn't take that very seriously and wished I had. My daughter especiall was often very cold while eating in restaraunts. AC is very cold and sunburn can make it feel colder. Pack that summer weight sweater.
I know it seems like a drag, but think of this: One night, I had to wrap my shivering children in plastic rain ponchos to keep them warm in a restaurant.

 

[Tagrel]

We have gone to WDW during the second and/or third week of August in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

It is very hot and humid. We were SO ready for it this last August, that it seemed a bit cooler than we remembered.

I always wear a hat there (and NEVER do at home). Sunglasses are required. Mister Fans can be your best friend as can that frozen water bottle!

We detour through the air conditioned stores as much as possible and ALWAYS leave the parks around 1-2 pm for a break back at the hotel. Then we head back in the afternoon.

Every afternoon is the obligatory cloud-burst, but we've never let it slow us down. Just grab dinner or hit an indoor attraction. (Bring something to cover any strollers while you head inside)

AK is our least favorite park, not because of content, but because of the lack of indoor attractions (no A/C), more closed in walkways (no airflow) and high humidity. (all that vegitation). We haven't made it past a few morning hours there yet.

Our favorite days have been spent in the waterparks. Get there early and enjoy being cool all day!

Will we do it again? Absolutely. We like the lighter crowds, and since summer travel is required (DW is a teacher) we'd rather go when the crowds are down just a bit.

This year we try July (have to use those AP's from last year before they run out!) So, I'll have something new to compare.