How crowded the last week of August?

[angelat]

We're going to WDW August 22-29 this year. I'm prepared for the heat, but want to know how crowded it will be? Anyone have experience going during this time? Everything I've read says it starts to slow down towards the end of August. But does that still mean wall-to-wall people? Or will it be ok? Last year we went 12-19 April. I don't know if the dates can be compared crowd wise.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Crowds will be manageable, and will most likely be lower than mid-April crowds. But due to free dining the restaurants will be packed, so make your ADRs early!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[angelat]

Thank you for the info!
When we went last year, nothing at the table service restaurants appealed to our kids so we did all counter service meals. We decided that we'll do the same this year. So, ADRs won't be an issue.

 

[WDW Traveler]

We will be there at almost the same time 8/20 - 8/29 - here's to hoping the crowds do thin out like people have said! Enjoy your trip.

 

[angelat]

We will be there at almost the same time 8/20 - 8/29 - here's to hoping the crowds do thin out like people have said! Enjoy your trip.

Thanks! I hope you have a great trip too!

 

[lnh'smom]

We went that same week in 07. Our trip before that had been in May and we were expecting crowd levels to be around the same since kids would be in school (we thought!) We couldn't believe how many people were there. Not that it was anything like spring break or right after school gets out or anything like that. After talking to lots of different people, we found out that most of the schools on the east coast don't start until after Labor day where as our kids all went back the 3rd week of August. Don't get me wrong, the crowds weren't bad and I'm not complaining. It just surprised us!

 

[KEMdisney]

I went the third week in June and the last week in August last year. I really didn't see too much of a difference between the two. Everyone kept saying August would be less crowded, but hotter. I felt the increase in temperature, but I didnt see a huge different in the crowds. With that being said, we had a great time and got to do and see everything we wanted.

 

[zoemurr]

We went that same week in 07. Our trip before that had been in May and we were expecting crowd levels to be around the same since kids would be in school (we thought!) We couldn't believe how many people were there. Not that it was anything like spring break or right after school gets out or anything like that. After talking to lots of different people, we found out that most of the schools on the east coast don't start until after Labor day where as our kids all went back the 3rd week of August. Don't get me wrong, the crowds weren't bad and I'm not complaining. It just surprised us!

We don't go back until Sept 8.. so it may be a bit busier than usual, as this will be the 2nd to last week for us of summer, and not the last week like it usually is. We're going 8/28-9/4.

 

[lnh'smom]

We will be there 9/12-9/19. My DK will be missing their 4th full week of school. They're still young enough that free dining is worth it to us.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I agree, will likely see more people this year between free dine AND NE schools are late start, 9/8 this year, so more are shooting for late in august....
Heat AND crowds should be fun!
we go this same time pretty much each year and Love it ALL!

 

[here757]

shhh noones going the last week of august..
i hope its not packed

 

[Schmeck]

We've gone twice in late August - it did seem less crowded the first time, as that's when we stayed two weeks, and one of the weeks was when the hours were still extended summer ones, before they shorten for fall hours. The second time was much more crowded, but we were there a bit earlier than the last time (Got two trips in on those APs, yippee!) This was all before free dining, so I'd expect it to be pretty crowded.

BTW, we go back to school before Labor Day in this region of New England.

 

[Brendan1]

This will be our 4th time going in August. The crowds are not bad at all but you have to make sure you make ADRs. We never waited for a ride more than 15-20 mins some of the big attractions can be 45-60min at peak times but if you manage the fast past well you will be okay.

We are going the same time 8/20 thru 8/30!!
Have a great time!!!

PS We go back this year before Labor Day also

 

[WDW Traveler]

I think lots of schools are going back before Labor Day this year since it falls so late on the calendar. We go back September 1st!

Can't wait for last week of August vacation!! Enjoy everyone!

 

[mejkjj97]

We went last year during the last week in Aug- when there was free dining. We had no issues with crowds or getting ADRs either. We loved it so much we are going back again this year - Aug 20th -25th!! can't wait!!

 

[tatooed goofy]

We have always gone in August as a family and love it. It really is not that bad. We have even walked onto the teacups before without waiting.
I even found the character lines are not bad. This is my two cents....
You will love it but make ADR's early!
Have a super trip.

 

[angelat]

Thanks everyone! We'll prepare for the crowds, but hope it's not too bad.

 

[Darcy03231]

I've been during the last week in August in prior years and while its not as crowded as Spring Break or July, its certainly not dead. The last time we were there during that time was August 2007 and as I recall the crowd calendar was mostly 6 & 7's with maybe one at an 8.