how bad is it really?

[scanmom]

I have the 1st week of aug. off work, and my oldest child leaves for college the nexc week ( 1st child leaving the nest ). So, I need to know if we should go to WDW in august? Really, how bad are the crowds and heat? We would probably stay offsite and have me, DH, DD15, DD13, DS18 and DS9. I am considering DLR in Ca. ( We love them both), but WDW is really a little closer!!! (we drive) Please help...I have about 1 1/2 weeks to decide and book!!!! TIA!!!!

 

[Aubrey]

Having lived in both Florida and California, my personal opinion is that the weather in August at DLR will be considerably more pleasant than DW and that it would be worth the extra driving time.

 

[morrow4]

We just returned from WDW and did not find the heat all that bad. Yes it was hot, but we were in the parks right after they opened and would leave in the early afternoon for a swim and nap. Then we'd head back over for the evenings. I was worried about the heat issue since we had been in May and Nov., but never in the summer. I would definitely go in July again!

 

[jcemom]

morrow4 -- you're a brave soul! LOL

Being from "up north," I find the Florida heat OPRESSIVE in August. I lived in Orlando for 5 years during college, and I just hated the weather from July through September.

I'd say it really depends on your tolerance for heat/humidity. IMO
Personally, I prefer more temperate weather -- Orlando in winter is GREAT! (Now, our Pittsburgh winters on the other hand... LOL)

 

[scanmom]

how are crowds? we have been the 1st half (sun/mon/tue)of thanksgiving week(2002)....is it comparable to that, or better or worse, crowd wise?

 

[jcemom]

I've only ever been in June and February...
but I've read that attendance is high, but not as high as a holiday.

Maybe someone with firsthand experience can answer that one for you...???

If that's the only chance you have to go again -- all together -- I'd take it regardless of the crowds and heat!

(Even though I don't like the heat -- it would still be better than not going at all, right? )

 

[AgaintoDisney]

We were in WDW the first week in August of 2001 and the days before Thanksgiving in 2001. It seems to me the crowds were a little lighter in August. Saturday afternoon in August about 4:30 pm we were walking to Test Track and once we got past Mousegears the walkways were almost deserted. My DH commented he had never seen so few people heading towards Test Track. When we arrived at Test Track the wait was 45 minutes which I thought was reasonable for summertime and there were still Fast Passes available. We used the single rider lined and waited less than 10 minutes.
The weather in August was hot and humid, but we took afternoon breaks and didn't have any problems. Being from Texas the heat does not bother us to much. We will be there again for a long weekend 7/30 thru 08/03 and hope the crowds are similar to 2001.

 

[April76]

If you go with realistic expectations about the heat/crowds, I think you'll have a great time. Keep in mind that if you plan well and use fastpass you should be able to avoid standing for long periods in line. Also, carry something cold with you (frozen bottle of water, etc. and it will make the heat seem more tolerable, especially when standing in lines.

Because you won't have very small children with you, I'm guessing you aren't planning to spend much time in Fantasyland (which IMHO requires the most patient people and has some of the longest lines) .

We've found that doing an E-ride nite is a great way to see everything we want to do at MK and beat the heat of the day -- if you haven't done one before, I highly recommend it! (Hopefully you're staying on WDW property) You'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a few hours rather than all day in the sun.

The other three parks are fairly easy to plan out and do early morning and late evening (of course, you might make better time in the heat of the day when everyone else is at the pool )

Good Luck! I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful trip!

 

[lucysdad]

After having lived in southern CA for many years I can honestly tell you I would take the heat and humidity in Florida over the smog in CA anytime, especially in August. Wherever you wind up, enjoy your last trip together as an intact family. Make wonderful memories to cherish.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by lucysdad
Wherever you wind up, enjoy your last trip together as an intact family. Make wonderful memories to cherish.

After all, that's what it's all about, isn't it?!

 

[KNWVIKING]

In Aug,Sept,Oct of '77 I did Navy boot camp in Orlando. I swore I'd never go to Florida in the summer ever again. Well, GMC sent DW and I to WDW during the long July 4th weekend. Honestly, it was very bearable- and I hate heat. The are enough air conditioned places to get out of the heat in, (you will find new appriciation for Ice Station Coka Cola over in Epcot) as well as nice cooool dark rides. Crowds were bad, but we go 3-5 times a year so we don't even attempt commando anymore. I'd go ahead and plan the trip,you'll be fine.

 

[momxx5]

We live in central NC. Many people are saying to us "Oh but the Flordia heat in August".


My reply is "It's gonna be really hot here too! If I going to be hot I 'd rather be hot a Disney World!"

That gives them something to think about. LOL

 

[drp4video]

We are going August 8th. This will be the fourth Aug. in 4 years that we have gone. Yes, it is hot, Many of the rides are inside with air conditioning, so there is relief.

There will be a rainstorm almost every daythat will last about a half an hour. Just eat, or go on an indoor ride. The crowds are not that bad. If you use Fast Pass the right way, you won't wait in line. The longest we waited in line was maybe 20 minutes. For example, at MGM, we head right for RRC and TOT. We get a fast pass for the Coaster as that line is ususally longer, and then we go do TOT.

 

[Pirate'slife4me]

I have to agree with other posters and say that it will all depend on your tolerance level. We have never had a problem with Florida heat and humidity but we are from the south.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

 

[Eljay]

Here is a good weather site for Orlando. The weather will be the same next month. As for crowds, they are pretty moderate in August.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Orlando.html

 

[goofyernmost]

I always felt that the crowd size was a relative call. While I don't care for wall to wall people, I find that WDW is more alive with larger crowds. Yes, some of the wait times are longer but the excitement generated by the large groups of humanity is palpable. As for heat, yes it gets mighty hot at times, but if you plan properly it isn't usually unbearable. I don't know what they use for air conditioners but I can tell you that they are powerful. At times it is almost too cold inside the attractions. My point is...it is easy to get out of the heat and recharge. There is something positive to be had no matter what.

 

[dbond]

We are from the Dallas area and we have discovered over the years of visiting WDW that the weather in the Orlando area mirrors the Dallas area weather. For that reason, we would never consider going to Orlando the last weeks of August or the first weeks of September. That is absolutely the hottest time of year. June and the first few weeks of July are usually hot, but bearable, the summer really begins to heat up when you get into August and the end of August is typically unbearable in Texas. Although, we have never been to WDW in August, our experience over the years has been that the weather patterns of where we live and WDW are very similar. Orlando also has a much greater humidity factor being closer to the Atlantic, so beware of the heat that time of year. DL sounds like a refreshing alternative to me.

 

[Disneydenise]

We have gone to DW in August several times. I think that if you really want to do it the weather will not be that large a factor. Last year DD was a freshman and the week before she left was a very difficult time. You're worried and they are thinking they are flying the coop. Everything works out but I hope you are organized at home first. Most colleges have a fall break and if you can swing it I would suggest going for a short trip then. The college student will miss you all by then and they won't be so big for the britches yet. That is coming however. I have found this summer far worse than last year. We are thinking of going for a short trip with just the four of us before she goes back to school. This is a difficult time for the family. I wish you luck and patience. I have found that the best thing we did was go to DW for lots of summer trips. Those are the very best memories my husband and I have. Best of Luck and let us know what you plan to do.