Hot and hotter or just dumb and dumber...

[Red Wings Fan]

OK....So the kids are getting older and it's almost impossible to take them out of school for a week anymore leaving only the summer months to get to Disney. That being said, curiousity has me wondering what is more insane weather-wise...the end of July or the end of August?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

IMO, both are equally as wicked when it comes to the heat and humidity. I never felt a noticeable difference in the temps for those two months. Pick up some mister fans and just plan on going at a slower pace. If going in the summer months was my only choice...I'd still be getting my butt to Disney.

 

[tjlovespooh]

We've always gone in July, done both beginning and end. It's hot,hot, hot, and very humid. However, we just got back from our first May trip and it was hot, hot, hot and only slightly humid 3 days. Next time we're gonna try November

 

[DVCLiz]

Equally hot and humid, imo. You just have to take the attitude of "Yes, it's hot, but hey! I'm still in WDW!" We go a little slower, drink a lot, and plan our route through the park in order to walk through as many air-conditioned spaces as possible (ie if we are walking down Main Street we always go through the shops). Just know that as soon as you've been out in the sun for any amount of time, you'll be hot and sweaty, but you'll cool back down in the next few minutes when you get to the next attraction. It's still loads of fun to be in WDW!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

In general, I think August is rainier, so it's a little cooler in the afternoons, but that am sun is still hot!

I've been in July and August and I don't think it's that bad - just make sure you are (mostly) inside or at a pool from 10-3 when it's the hottest. We go to rides with short lines then, go shopping, go to lunch, go to the shows, etc. I try to do the more "outdoor' activities or anything with a longer line where I might stand in the sun, before 10 or after 3 if I can. Drink lots of water, bring a fan or a cool wrap for your neck and you'll be fine.

 

[Princess Roo]

Both are hot, but like others have said, that doesn't need to ruin your trip.
I would choose end of August over end of July because there are fewer crowds (many schools back in session), the hotel rates are cheaper "value season", and you may even end up with Free Dining!

 

[TheDizMom]

If that is what works for you then that is what works. It will be hot, but you just deal with it by ducking into stores for a air conditioned cool down, drink lots of fluids, and maybe head back to the hotel mid-day for a dip in the pool. We went in mid-August. It was very hot but we just kept on plugging and had a great time. The benefit for you is your kids are older and so they won't likely get cranky and whiney from the heat.

 

[CastleCreations]

I agree with the DizMom, go early in the morning, when they first open. Get in a few hours, head back to the hotel, and head back to the parks in the evening.
we are going in August too, and even though we live about 40 miles away, we sweat pigs all week. Last time, I actually screamed at my poor mother, when we got lost in the crowd. I was so hot, I felt like I was going insane.
But we're doing it again this year...LOL
Lisa

 

[eeyoregon]

Oh boy am I in for it. I am a HUGE HEAT WEENIE!!!! We are going in August...always gone in the "cool" months but couldn't resist free dining this year. Our Walmart has the neck coolers for $1.99...the kind that you soak in water and then put on your neck and the gel beads inside keep the wet/cold for hours. We will soak them and put them in the mini-fridge (free fridge thanks to the DIS fridge swaps!) and put them in ziplock bags for use in the parks. Plus misting fans and bringing plenty of water (thanks to gardengrocer.com!) = I hope I don't snap and self-combust.

 

[Schmeck]

Just remember to put waterproof sunscreen on your neck under the gel-thingy!

Also, make sure to pack them in your suitcase, not your carryon - gel is still banned, right? Even if it's not hydrated, they may not let it through security...

 

[Red Wings Fan]

Thanks all for your suggestions and encouragement. I suppose anytime at Disney is better than being at work. We're just gonna take it slow and easy this trip and go with the flow...of the air conditioners.

 

[auntie]

DEFINITELY LATE AUGUST! While it's hot...it's just as hot in July. There are more tour groups from out of the country that travel to Disney World in July than August. According to the statistics I've seen...(couple of the guide books)...there is more rain in July than August. That being said, we always used to go in late August. The crowds are not as bad..as the Flordia schools have already started. Yes, it was hot. However if you plan accordingly..it's not bad. We always got an early start..and then headed back to the resort to enjoy the pool and hotel amenities. Also schedule yourself a day to just hang out and enjoy the hotel. The great thing about the summer months is that the parks are open very late. You can head over to a park at 5:00...when many people are leaving. Even if it is crowded..without the heat of the day on you...it's much more pleasant. There is almost always an afternoon thundershower. It is pretty welcome, as it does cool things down, and they do pass.
The only thing I see as a possible issue..is if the free dining promotion is running during the time you go. I am assuming they run this at what normally would be a slower time so as to get people to the resorts. When we visited in late August this wasn't an issue, as it was before the onset of the dining plan.

 

[newtowdw1]

Hi! Family of heat weenies and teachers here. Pretty much doomed to the heat of summers.

We've used the neck coolers, and found they're the way to go! Don't forget a hat. We also take a tiny umbrella if we're going to watch the castle forecourt show (no shade) and a towel for the kids to sit on.

Leave by 1:00 at the latest and go swimming and napping. You'll be wiped out. We took a group this March and were amazed at how much more you can see in the cooler months. We could handle touring until the evening.

I'd go in late August (after the 15th). Crowds are much smaller.

 

[Red Wings Fan]

Thanks again for all your suggestions. It lloks like we'll be there from 8/19 - 8/26. I look at it this way....as many times as we've been there, we have never enjoyed the water parks. So we'll be spending some time there. I'll definitely be avoiding the afternoons as much as possible. However, there are a couple of Pirate/Princess parties that week so we'll have to plan accordingly.

 

[HeatherC]

Where in Walmart do they sell the neck coolers? Never seen them before. Might be good for our June trip.

Thanks.
Heather

 

[VictoriaT]

Thanks again for all your suggestions. It lloks like we'll be there from 8/19 - 8/26. I look at it this way....as many times as we've been there, we have never enjoyed the water parks. So we'll be spending some time there. I'll definitely be avoiding the afternoons as much as possible. However, there are a couple of Pirate/Princess parties that week so we'll have to plan accordingly.

Hey, It looks like we will be there the week after you!!!! Where are you staying? We will be at POR for the first time!!!

 

[Red Wings Fan]

Hey, It looks like we will be there the week after you!!!! Where are you staying? We will be at POR for the first time!!!

We're gonna stay @ Orange Lake CC. It's a timeshare thing that we have to use or lose. That's the last full week before 1 of my kids starts school again. Are you going down for the free dining? I haven't stayed at POR, but we've stayed at FQ and just loved that area. I loved the boats and the access to Downtown Disney.

 

[Rachie0507]

Oh boy am I in for it. I am a HUGE HEAT WEENIE!!!! We are going in August...always gone in the "cool" months but couldn't resist free dining this year. Our Walmart has the neck coolers for $1.99...the kind that you soak in water and then put on your neck and the gel beads inside keep the wet/cold for hours. We will soak them and put them in the mini-fridge (free fridge thanks to the DIS fridge swaps!) and put them in ziplock bags for use in the parks. Plus misting fans and bringing plenty of water (thanks to gardengrocer.com!) = I hope I don't snap and self-combust.

Heat Weenie I love it!!

I'm the same way. All of my Disney trips thus far have been over the winter. When we were there in December, we saw a child celebrating a birthday. I joked with my children, who both have summer birthdays, not to get any ideas. I love Disney but there was no way that we were going in July or August. So...guess where we are going to be for DS's 5th Birthday this year DH is working in Orlando so the hotel is free. The kids and I are going to tag along for some good-old Disney fun.

To the OP, I've been watching all these "how do I survive the heat" type threads to give me some ideas. I had never heard of the neck wrap things. I'll have to look for those.