How bad is it visitng WDW in June, July, or August?

[michelleiada]

Our last three visits were in May and we took our kids out of school for them. My daughters are now both in High School and I feel that I will no longer be able to do this without hurting them....so...for those of you who visit during the summer vacation...how is it? I have always refused to go during any school vacation whether it be January, February, April, or summer because of crowds and peak rates at the resorts. We recently visited in May again (it literally rained the entire 10 days we were there) and I am so BUMMED OUT that I won't be able to return with my kids again until they are out of school. Is going during summer vacation enjoyable? Or is it so hot and so crowded that it simply isn't worth the money. I would love to hear peoples opinions on this. Maybe some of you can talk me into doing a trip next summer.

 

[WindyCityDisney]

We've often gone in summer. There are definitely more crowds and the heat/humidity is higher, but we've found ways to compensate. We go in early and then break mid-day. We swim, take it easy, and occasionally don't go back into a park in the evening.

But on the flip side when we do go in the evening, the parks are usually open longer. With planning and positive thinking, we've been fine.

That being said, I'd go in June or August. Manageable crowds in June, free dining (hopefully) in August.

Good luck!

 

[Lstar311]

We just got back yesterday, we were there for a week. We had a great time but I don't think I want to go back in the summer again. We had also gone in Sept of last year and there was a huge difference. Part of my reasoning though, has to do w/ the fact that I have a 2 year old.

It was HOT HOT HOT. And I like it hot but this was dripping, melty, sweaty, thought I was going to pass out hot. However, I was pushing around a stroller and had a backpack for my son. It was too hot to let him nap in his stroller so we had to go back to the room which took a ton of time because of the crowds. Being that your children are older, you won't have this issue though. I could seriously barely stand to be in the parks because of the heat and crowds.

Which brings me to the second point, it was CROWDED. It took about an hour to do one thing which kills quite a bit of time. There were long lines to do everything.

We honestly had a great time despite of those things but given the option I probably wouldn't choose to go in the summer again. We knew to expect this and it really didn't dissaude us from doing what we wanted to and still having a blast but it did take a lot longer to do things than it would have in a different time of year.

 

[richmo]

It's hot, but definitely manageable and enjoyable. If you have a choice, I'd go as late in August as you can (with the exception of bumping into Labor Day weekend). The crowds drop somewhat because a lot of the southern schools go back in mid-August.

 

[Manda]

We went this June and last August. August was tolerable. Hot, of course, but the crowds weren't that bad and the it's during value season as far as hotel rates go. June, however, was hot and crowded and more expensive and just generally not pleasant. I'd definitely return again in August... but I'd have to be a little desperate to return in June.

 

[laceemouse]

Keep in mind that schools in the south generally start back early in August and many up north start later, sometimes after Labor Day. On the other end of the spectrum southern schools are often finished by mid-May and many of the late starters go well into June.

SO, crowdwise early June of late August would be better that the times between those dates. ALL of those times will be HOT, but to me it is cooler in June than in July and August into September is the hottest time of all (and hurricane season!) However, the free food deal is great if you can get it.

I agree, high school is a tough time to miss school.

 

[nvrenoughdisney]

We just got back. We were there from June 21-28. It was extremely hot and extremely crowded. However, if you plan accordingly, you should be able to do everything you want. The key is to get to the parks early! For example, we did morning extra magic hours at the magic kingdom (8:00-9:00) and we had splash mountain, thunder mountain, all of fantasyland, toontown, the race cars and tea cups done by 10:30. We were at Epcot for RD, although not extra magic hours, and we did Soarin twice and test track without a problem. However, they ran out of FP for Soarin' at noon. As the previous poster said, get there early and plan on leaving the parks in the afternoon. I can't see any reason to be there after noon. It is just way to hot and crowded. We always went early and went back to the hotel to swim. Since your children are older, you might have luck with the PM EMH as well. My kids are little (3 and 5) so we couldn't really stay out until 2:00am. The kids brought misting fans and I brought a small cooler with drinks so that helped us beat the heat. The thing I didn't like was that we couldn't be spontaneous later in the day as far as the parks went. You couldn't really decide to go to a park unless you wanted to stand in line. I think if you want to spend a lot of time at the pool and don't mind getting there early, you would be ok. Just be prepared!

 

[michelleiada]

I wonder what the last 2 weeks of August are like? We went twice at this time but more than 15 years ago, before we had kids. I remember it being hot but not crowded at all. I know that some people return to school the last week of August so maybe this might be a good time to go?????

 

[laceemouse]

Also, look at your school calendar. Do you have a fall break? Is your Spring Break different from others (far from Easter)? When do your kids go back to school in January, some schools don't go back until later than others, this would be a great COOL time to go. Also, if you have any teacher planning days or long weekends maybe you could do a shorter trip around one of those.

 

[PixiePlanner]

I have stated that I will never go in the summer again. I hate the heat. However, if in your situation, I would consider it.

 

[laceemouse]

I wonder what the last 2 weeks of August are like? We went twice at this time but more than 15 years ago, before we had kids. I remember it being hot but not crowded at all. I know that some people return to school the last week of August so maybe this might be a good time to go?????

Schools in the south often go back in mid-August or earlier.

 

[laceemouse]

We went this June and last August. August was tolerable. Hot, of course, but the crowds weren't that bad and the it's during value season as far as hotel rates go. June, however, was hot and crowded and more expensive and just generally not pleasant. I'd definitely return again in August... but I'd have to be a little desperate to return in June.

When in June? By mid-June everyone is out of school so BIG crowds.

I have to add, the weather this year has not been normal. All of that rain in May and then brutal heat in June all across the south. Look at weather.com to see the norms. Of course, with global warming this could be the new norm

 

[laceemouse]

I have stated that I will never go in the summer again. I hate the heat. However, if in your situation, I would consider it.

You have a 10 year old, so you WILL be in her situation in a few short years.

 

[rotlex]

We went this June and last August. August was tolerable. Hot, of course, but the crowds weren't that bad and the it's during value season as far as hotel rates go. June, however, was hot and crowded and more expensive and just generally not pleasant. I'd definitely return again in August... but I'd have to be a little desperate to return in June.

This was our experience as well. We just returned from a June trip, and while we had a GREAT time, the heat was a bit much. (Especially with a 7 year old and an 8 month old). We were down in late August two years ago, and April last year, and while I preferred the April trip over all, the August one, for the summer, was very tolerable. Crowds were low, and the heat was dissipating.

I would probably not do another June summer trip, but we are already planning a late August trip for 2010 and hoping for free dining. The early spring and late fall trips are out for us now, as we would have to pull our daughter out of school for way too long!

 

[monorailsilver]

I prefer August but I would go in July with out hesitation (aka a good deal).

We go to the park that opens early for the day, do what we can before the crowds & high heat hit. Then we have lunch & leave.

Because my kids are younger they have to nap or else! But when I grew up post nap stage, we'd cool off at the pool for a few hours & then head back to the park for night time. And we'd stay til closing when closing was midnight/1am.

When my kids get older we will do that but for now they are content at 10pm (with their naps mid day).

So yes I have survived growing up going to Disney in the summer. I have gone off season a few times & hate that the parks close early.

 

[Hillbeans]

We just got back yesterday, we were there for a week. We had a great time but I don't think I want to go back in the summer again. We had also gone in Sept of last year and there was a huge difference. Part of my reasoning though, has to do w/ the fact that I have a 2 year old.

It was HOT HOT HOT. And I like it hot but this was dripping, melty, sweaty, thought I was going to pass out hot. However, I was pushing around a stroller and had a backpack for my son. It was too hot to let him nap in his stroller so we had to go back to the room which took a ton of time because of the crowds. Being that your children are older, you won't have this issue though. I could seriously barely stand to be in the parks because of the heat and crowds.

Which brings me to the second point, it was CROWDED. It took about an hour to do one thing which kills quite a bit of time. There were long lines to do everything.

We honestly had a great time despite of those things but given the option I probably wouldn't choose to go in the summer again. We knew to expect this and it really didn't dissaude us from doing what we wanted to and still having a blast but it did take a lot longer to do things than it would have in a different time of year.

I could have written this exact post. We had a great time and the kids had a blast but the heat is bad enough without trudging around a stroller and walking miles in the parks and we're done with WDW in the summer. I think I maybe took 2 photos all week because of how bad my hair looked in the humidity . I think it'd be a whole new trip for us to go in the fall when the temps are cooler and we do more rides with less crowds. We're going to try Jersey week (November) 2010.

 

[Baloosgirl23]

My DH and I went to Disney 2 years ago in late July and stayed at SSR. I have to say it was by far one of my favorite trips we've taken. The only reason I say this is because we were able to sleep in most days, hang out at the resort and swim/relax and then head to the parks in the evenings. While we were there, the parks were open until 11 or 12 pm with magic hours which meant they were open until 2 or 3 am!!! We had a blast and even went shopping on Main Street USA at 2:30 am one night I understand that this schedule isn't doable for everyone, but it was lots of fun for us (we didn't have kids at the time so it worked well). We also were able to avoid the crowds and heat for the most part. With your daughters being older, you'd be able to stay at the parks later and I bet they'd think that was pretty cool Maybe not until 2 am, but still... Have fun!!!

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

We always go in the summer, and have a great time. Actually, the hottest I've ever been on vacation was several states north at OBX where we got temps in the 102 degree range one August. That was brain-fryingly hot. Disney is usually muggy and warm, and then it cools off after it rains.

As to crowds, as long as you have a plan, it doesn't matter how crowded it might get. Most of those crowds will not be there first thing in the morning, cause that's not most people's idea of vacation.

I teach, so I definitely can't pull myself out of school for vacation!

 

[Baloosgirl23]

We always go in the summer, and have a great time. Actually, the hottest I've ever been on vacation was several states north at OBX where we got temps in the 102 degree range one August. That was brain-fryingly hot. Disney is usually muggy and warm, and then it cools off after it rains.

As to crowds, as long as you have a plan, it doesn't matter how crowded it might get. Most of those crowds will not be there first thing in the morning, cause that's not most people's idea of vacation.

I teach, so I definitely can't pull myself out of school for vacation!

----
I agree with the crowds -- go 1st thing, then head back to relax and out again if that works for you're family...

That's an AMAZING picture -- how did you get that taken????

 

[michelleiada]

Sounds like Mid August might be the best way to avoid huge crowds. The question is...can we take the heat? And....the possibility of hurricanes. I like the idea of the parks being open very late. I don't like it when the parks close at 7:00 or even 9:00.