Historical crowds - end of August

[MikeJ]

We're in a dilemma. The last e-night in August is currently scheduled for the 22nd, the day before we check into OKW. We have always done an e-night when they've been available. Do we juggle our plans to check into OKW a day or two earlier to take advantage of the e-night, or are the crowds starting to die down as school ramps up again and we'll be OK making judicial use of fastpasses? Because if the crowds the last week in August are still huge we may revise our plans. We will be onsite until August 31.

Thank you everyone.

- Mike

 

[Eno]

The end of August is the best, I have gone in May, June and December and the last week of August was dead. We walked on and off splash mountain. They even closed down the fast pass machines as there was no need. Little busier by the afternoon but still great. Going again this year. Labour Day weekend Fri - Mon is busier but just before then is great.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi Mike..

Last August the crowds were light - until the Labour day weekend and then it was insane.

Now this year they have the fairytale package - so I am thinking it may be busier.. but I am hoping good like last year.

>>^..^<<

 

[wdwguide]

Late August is about as slow as it gets at WDW.

 

[MikeJ]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I think we'll stick with our original plans and hope for the best.

Geez, Cass, is there a board around here you don't frequent??

- Mike

 

[allicat]

From what I remember seeing, the FTP has blackout dates of 8/23- sometime in Sept. So, I doubt the FTP will impact the end of August!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by MikeJ
Geez, Cass, is there a board around here you don't frequent??

- Mike

Yes Mike... The BUDGET Board..... I mean - what's the point??? I'll blow it anyway.

>>^..^<<

 

[Selket]

Originally posted by allicat
From what I remember seeing, the FTP has blackout dates of 8/23- sometime in Sept. So, I doubt the FTP will impact the end of August!

Here's from the Disney website:

Rates are based on adult double occupancy at a Disney Value Resort and are available most nights 7/4-8/23/03 and 10/2-11/01/03. Lower rates may be available most nights from 8/24 to 10/01/03 and 11/2 to 11/20/03.

I don't think after 8/23 is blacked out - just that the rates could be lower! Probably lower rates because most kids have started back to school by the last week of august. Our trip is scheduled the next to the last week of August and I'm hoping for some drop off then too from the school kids.

 

[PatriciaH]

Same dates here the 23rd-31st! I am keeping my fingers crossed for an E-night or 2 added to the last week. They have done them every last week in August except last year and this year.

 

[dgaston]

The advantage of the late August e-night is that even though the crowds are very manageable, you get to stay late in the park with hopefully cooler temps!

 

[sandyneck]

We are going 8/24-8/31. Our FTP dropped by $50.00 a person from the week before. I am glad to see this thread as I was wondering about crowds also. I think I will plan most of our park days before labor day weekend. Anyone else have any experience with that weekend. Should we avoid the parks altogether or just get an early start?

 

[harperwi]

Man, is everone going that week? We'll also be there from 8/23 through 8/31! As for the blackout dates on the FTP, keep in mind that if you check IN on the 23rd, you can get the FTP rate for your entire stay. If you check in on the 24th or after, you cannot.

Rates for WDW vacations are typically based on the rates available on date of check-in, regardless of how they fluctuate during your visit (unless you change resorts during your stay, of course).

Personally, I doubt they will add any e-ride nights (but we can still hope!), but then again I also doubt we'll need them.

Jon

 

[TZMOM]

Hi Jon - I don't think there is a blackout for FTP checking in on 8/24. We got the FTP pkg. from 8/24 to 8/31/03.

Hope we get an e-night that week - never been able to do it before - sounds awesome!!

Jane

 

[Mis4Mouse]

Seems like alot of people are going last week of Aug. (we're there from the 20-30) but not as many as June or July, so it's still should be relatively quieter - that's a plus.

There's a catch 22 here for me.... on the one hand, I'd love for it to be slow - but then the parks will close early, and that means no park touring during the cooler evening hours.....not enough Eride nights, and only one Spectro Magic the whole time we are there.

Then again if it's busy, the parks may be open later but then we're dealing with crowds....

oh what the heck - who cares! Is it August yet????

Sue

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

About the FTP being blacked out after Aug 23rd.....I have a ressie for FTP at CSR from Aug 19 to the 27th so I don't think it's blacked out then.

I have also found that late August is about the slowest time in terms of crowds at WDW

 

[Snowfan]

We're going 8/30 - 9/6. I thought that it was perfect because most schools will start by Labor day if not before. I am now discouraged because someone mentioned the weekend being really crowded. Will the rest of that week be crowded as well? I hope not.

 

[chb]

Add us in to the ones who will be there for a few days the last week in August. I'm really glad to hear the reports about the low crowds since we are only doing one day at MK and one day at Epcot. I've got to have time to get some beach lounging in there too!

 

[PatriciaH]

Originally posted by Snowfan
We're going 8/30 - 9/6. I thought that it was perfect because most schools will start by Labor day if not before. I am now discouraged because someone mentioned the weekend being really crowded. Will the rest of that week be crowded as well? I hope not.

We have been during Labor Day weekend before (Friday to Monday-short trip) and found it dead!