Honest advice needed

[WSussex]

Hi all x

Have been to Disney many times but never in August! Due to teenage daughter next year (2013) only option is August eeeeeek - need honest opinions please is it worth it!! Have been spoilt by low crowds and perfect weather in sept over last few years so bit nervous about summer school hols !!! Would stay at universal for few days so fotl passes there so no prob, know Disney fp system but think this would be a challenge in holidays ??! Any comments appreciated good or bad!


S x

 

[Invisable89]

Hi there! Don't be too scared of August, it's not that bad!

The later you go in August the better due to most US Schools going back to School by mid-late August. I know loads of people who go mid August onwards & say the crowds are low-moderate & very manageable. The other thing that's scary about August is the heat & humidity but if you've been in September before then there's hardly any difference part from the humidity which will gradually go down during Sept. When it comes to the FP System the best advice i can give you is to plan in advance. Always get FP's for the 'big' attractions within the first few hours of Park opening. & If you can, spread the Parks over a few days.

So basically if you're going to go in August then go mid August onwards. The first couple of weeks in August are pretty manic so i'd avoid that side of the month at all costs!

 

[Kath2003]

Hi all x

Have been to Disney many times but never in August! Due to teenage daughter next year (2013) only option is August eeeeeek - need honest opinions please is it worth it!! Have been spoilt by low crowds and perfect weather in sept over last few years so bit nervous about summer school hols !!! Would stay at universal for few days so fotl passes there so no prob, know Disney fp system but think this would be a challenge in holidays ??! Any comments appreciated good or bad!

August is fantastic - yes, it's busy, but this is easily negated. Since it's very hot by lunchtime and rains mid-afternoon, you need to hit the parks for opening. You can ride almost everything without a wait in the first 2 hours, then you can do shows etc. until lunchtime. It gets busy at this point, so I'd then quit and head back to the pool.

Invisable is right - the later in August, the lower the crowds. The only reason to ignore this rule is the increased chance of hurricanes and tropical storms - but as you're in Orlando and not at the coast, I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[wilma-bride]

We have been in August twice and currently planning a third August trip for this summer.

Yes, it's hot and humid. Yes, it can be busy (although the later in August you go, the better) but if you plan properly and get early starts, take time out during the hottest part of the day and make sure you drink plenty and take advantage of the air conditioning, you should be fine.

The first time we visited in August, my husband said 'never again' but the last time we had a great trip. If August is your only option, then go prepared for the heat and the humidity and be prepared to spend mornings and evenings in the parks and take time out during the early afternoon.

 

[orangetiggs]

We went end of aug in 2008 as we were married on sept 2nd amd i loved this time of year, weather was lovely and crowds light. I would always go this time of year but now having the girls we are wanting a not so hot and humid time of year if we can

 

[MarkF0wle]

All but 2 of my 13 trips have been in August due to Mother being a teacher. Definitely aim for the back half of August to avoid the American kids. It'll be busy but as a PP said get up early & you can accomplish most of the park before it gets full. Some big attractions will have waits but use the FPs & you'll be fine. The only time we really encountered waits was IoA; but last time we went in August we bought FoTL passes & we didn't need them for anything but the water rides.

A tip, in the early afternoon around 2/3pm if you start to feel a breeze it's time for lunch. Means the rain is on the way, grab a seat & eat whilst the 20 minutes of rain comes over.

We've been in May the other 2 times & really I would choose August over May every time if it were just me & the costs were the same. I love the hot weather & the crowds are grossly overestimated in my opinion.

 

[WSussex]

Thankyou all for sharing your experiences it has been really helpful - I am a planner at heart so Im sure we will be fine

Sx

 

[wayneg]

A lot of our trips have been August, as others have said later the better. Unfortunately we have to return home for A level results this year so going peak time 18th July-11th Aug

 

[WiganTony]

We have been in August four of our five visits and can honestly say that crowds have not been a problem for us. We generally use the busy days guides to avoid the busiest parks on any day, usually avoid EMH days, and as a result cannot recall waiting for more than 25 minutes in standby queues, and more often than not have managed to get Fastpasses for the majority of rides.

Don't forget that also in August you may get free Disney Dining if you are planning on staying on-site.

 

[cheryl.UK]

Hey Wayne, those are our exact dates! YOu going from Manchetser by any chance?

 

[wayneg]

Hey Wayne, those are our exact dates! YOu going from Manchetser by any chance?

We are, VA PE VS075 11am, what about you?

 

[cheryl.UK]

Nope, the later one. But no doubt we will bump into us. You can't miss Katie. Her hair is either Barbie pink or bright purple lol

 

[wayneg]

Nope, the later one. But no doubt we will bump into us. You can't miss Katie. Her hair is either Barbie pink or bright purple lol

Will look out for her

 

[kizzy212]

I agree with everything thats been said.. We go every other year and always travel last week of aug first week of sept..

There was one except in 2008 that we travelled a week earlier when my son started secondary school and did notice higher crowds.. People are right the later in aug the better.

Another risk like a posted is higher risk of rain and tropical storm weather. we have had one holiday put in jepardy by hurricane, had rain for most of 2 weeks but managed to still do parks and got to stay a extra week.

Overall .. Go for it... Hopefully see you there Aug 2012

 

[NutDisney]

I agree, the last week of August is your best bet. First weeks are crowded and HOT!!!

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[DjdBrit]

I live in the US and usually go April vacation week for my kids or early may, due to kids getting older taking them out of school is no longer an option. This past summer we went Aug 19th-29th (actually 30th as we got stuck due to Hurricane Irene). I had been sold by everyone that it would be quiet... Just so you know not ALL american kids go back to school mid August, only about 1/2 and since america is HUGE thats still lots of kids off While we had a fabulous time and are planning to return next August I really didn't find any difference in the crowds from Aug to our usual crazy sping break week when we have been in the past. Not sure if FD, other deals or just summer vacation made the crowds what they were, so who can say.

I do know that the $100 travel insurance was the best $100 I spent for that trip