How are late August crowds?

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'm considering a late Aug visit, the week ending over Labor Day weekend. I don't mind overall crowds as long as the wait times for attractions aren't too bad. It will be our 1st visit to DL.
What are typical wait times & weather issues during this time?

Any tips would be great!

Thanks!

 

[madigraham]

Towards the end of August, the summer crowds tend to die down especially during the week. Wait times will still be moderate but not as bad in comparison to peak summer crowds. As for the weather, you will be dealing with HOT weather ( 90 degrees and above).

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Towards the end of August, the summer crowds tend to die down especially during the week. Wait times will still be moderate but not as bad in comparison to peak summer crowds. As for the weather, you will be dealing with HOT weather ( 90 degrees and above).

But still not very humid right? Does SoCal ever get humidity?

 

[sonnyjane]

Towards the end of August, the summer crowds tend to die down especially during the week. Wait times will still be moderate but not as bad in comparison to peak summer crowds. As for the weather, you will be dealing with HOT weather ( 90 degrees and above).

OP, I actually have to disagree with madigraham's comment. Toward the end of August, you will actually see a rise in crowds over the rest of August. The reason is that the SoCal annual passes, which are blocked throughout most of June and July, will be UNBLOCKED for that last week or two of August. Looks like next year, August 19th (Monday) is the day it's lifted for SoCal AP's. This brings large crowds of locals that are cramming in a summer trip before school starts up again.

 

[Crittsmom]

I'll put in my 2 cents worth. If you go the week the AP are opened again, I think its the 3rd week of August, there are practically no line. It will be hot !!
This year we went and TSMM was basically walk on at 6 pm on a week night.
Last year, I remember no lines, but it was hot !!!!. Leading into Labor Day weekend, it will get crowded. Still, a good time to go.

 

[sechelt]

The DL half marathon runs over labor day weekend and brings in something like 15,000 runners, their families, and friends.

 

[mrswh]

Funny how people have such different experiences. IME, the middle of August is crowded but manageable if you use FP, go early and break in the afternoon.

The first week that APs are unblocked is painfully crowded. Still manageable but FAR more crowded than the regular summer crowds. Check the AP calendar - it is usually the third week of August.

We were at DLR this past Labor Day weekend and we had a great time. The parks were pretty crowded but I'd say more like summer crowds - manageable. The day of the race was less crowded than the day after for sure. Monday was possibly the worst day of the weekend.

No matter when you go, staying onsite is a big help, assuming they have early entry for resort guests.

Weather - i find it is quite variable. We have had great luck with weather in August - upper 70s and 80s. It's possible that you'll have 90s, but again, go early and break for lunch. This helps with crowds and weather, as does a few rides on GRR.

Whenever you go, have fun!!

 

[allgrownup]

So what you you knowledgeable folks recommend for someone who is particpating in race weekend? We will be there for a total of 7 nights. Should we come the week before for out park days, or arrive close to race day and stay the week after?

More decisions to be made!

 

[mrswh]

So what you you knowledgeable folks recommend for someone who is particpating in race weekend? We will be there for a total of 7 nights. Should we come the week before for out park days, or arrive close to race day and stay the week after?

More decisions to be made!

I believe that the show schedules and hours are reduced quite a bit immediately after Labor Day, and some refurbs may begin that week. However, you will likely have much smaller crowds the week after. So it depends on your preference, I guess. Personally, I would go for the LD weekend and then stay the week after. That way you get the long hours and lots of shows on the weekend and Monday, and then have (relative) quiet the rest of the week.

 

[allgrownup]

I believe that the show schedules and hours are reduced quite a bit immediately after Labor Day, and some refurbs may begin that week. However, you will likely have much smaller crowds the week after. So it depends on your preference, I guess. Personally, I would go for the LD weekend and then stay the week after. That way you get the long hours and lots of shows on the weekend and Monday, and then have (relative) quiet the rest of the week.

Thanks..........glad I have lots of time for thought. Your idea is how I had it originally, then I changed it to leaving the day after Labor Day. Wonder how many times the hotel will let me change my mind.

Still thinking...

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Oh I would love to go the week starting Labor Day. By then kids are in school all over the country and not likely getting pulled out so early in the year. Too bad, my kids can't miss school then either.

 

[pigby]

We are planning a week in DLR at the end of September - will the crowds still be low (close to 'end of Labor Day' crowds) or will they increase substantially when the Halloween crowds go up?

Yes we want everything - low crowds and Halloween as well