How many of you go end of August?

[melk]

Still pondering a trip the last two weeks of August but the heat/humidity is definitely holding me up. For those of you that go at this time, a few questions:

How is availability at DVC resorts (I've missed my 11 month window for VWL, do you think I can still get in?)

How are the crowds (how do they compare to October, our usual time to go?)

Is the heat so bad that it will knock my kids on their keisters and take all the fun out of it?

The only saving grace is that it would be about a ten day trip so I figure we would just go first thing in the morning, do the pool all afternoon and head back out later in the day. Thanks for any and all info you can give me on this time of year!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Besides high heat and humidity, there is also a strong chance of rain and storms. We went the last week of August in 2003 and got drenched! Crowds were not bad though.

 

[JulieM96]

For the past two years we've gone in the third week of August. It's definitely hot and humid, and there were thundershowers on at least a couple of the afternoons. The parks were still fairly crowded during that time. Except for Animal Kingdom, we like to get to the parks right at opening, then leave by noon to have lunch in our room. This was when it started really getting hot and the parks crowded. After a few hours of relaxation at the resort, we head back feeling refreshed. I also use the Unofficial Guide touring plans, modified to suit us, as well as Fastpasses to keep us from waiting in hot lines. This works great for us -- especially with a 5 or 6 year old. It's still crowded enough that I think you need a plan. It sounds like you have the right idea with the afternoon break you mentioned.

This past summer we had no problem getting a 2BR at VWL at the 7-month point. And we loved it there, of course.

Good luck.
Julie

 

[Rob&Jan]

We were there the first two weeks in Aug this year and had one of the best trips ever. Crowds were not to bad I would say average. It is hot our DS is 16 so it was not a problem he liked the late night swims, small ones may find it a bit much. I would say it rained pretty much every day, mostly in the late afternoon and usually not for to long, we sat on the porch had an adult beverage and actually enjoyed it. Reservations were really no problem and we got our room request main floor pool view. We did as you suggested, parks in the morning, pool in the afternoon, parks in the evening. With the new extra Magic hours in the evening next year the heat would even be less of an issue.

Hope that helps
Rob

 

[jade1]

Its a great time to go. Especially if you get the AP. Go to the parks early and take a long break in the afternoon. After a late afternoon rain, the nights are great back in the parks. Its not that busy and most DVC including VWL should be available even at 7 months. We often reserve a few months before for August. There is so much AC and ways to get wet that the heat never bothers us-just common sense and planning-like get a FP and go to a ride with AC (or restaraunt) while you wait. Just wear sandals so you can always get wet. HAVE FUN!

 

[twotoohappy]

We went last year and loved it. We decided the first week in August to take advantage of the cheap flights and went the last week in August. They had openings everywhere for a studio, so we chose VWL. Loved being so close to MK. We would go early to the parks and come home to have a late lunch and swim and then head back over after dark. It rained every afternoon for about an hour. It was about 90 the whole time there, but there's lots of fans, ac, etc. to keep cool. AK was definately the hottest. You should invest in one of those fan/water sprayers. They'll help with the heat, especially if you fill them with ice in the morning. The crowds were minimal. We'll be going down the week of Aug. 20th this year. It was cutting it too close before school to do the end of Aug. beginning of Sept. week. We just barely made it home for school.

 

[StormalongKay]

We've gone end of Aug too and the crowds are very low. I don't think you'll have trouble with DVC availability either.

The heat and humidity are very high. If you've got ten days, definitely spend a few in the water parks. Our last August trip (2002) I remember showering every morning and being drenched before we even got to the parks!

Drink lots of water!

 

[Divamomto3]

I went for 5 days during the 3rd week of August 2004. I found the crowds to be very light compared to our previous 2 trips...one was around Memorial Day 2003, the other February vacation 2004. It is very hot and humid, but we did a lot of mid day swimming. This year we are going August 13-24. I booked Saratoga Springs 2 BR 11 months out, but hope to change part of that reservation to the Boardwalk at the 7 month window and I'm glad to hear availability isn't too bad that time of the year. We plan on getting AP's so that it won't be a problem to do a few hours here and there and then go back to the Villa for lunch and swimming. I can't wait for our 11 day trip...I'm calling it the Disney Extravaganza!

 

[beccasmom]

We've been going in August too because of school obligations. It is hot and there are usually thunderstorms creeping up. We got home the day before the hurricane hit last summer (August 13).

I don't think the crowds are overwhelming because schools head back early in many communities. We spent a lot of time at the pool this year - we were at SSR and had lots of company! It is much better than not going at all, which is unthinkable!

 

[kathleena]

I can't help you, but just want to say I'm trying out Aug 19th-26th this year - just me and my granddaughter. She won't care about the heat - she justs wants to go to Disney alone with Grammy! I got BWV SV at 11 months and plan to stay at AKL or maybe the Poly the first two nights. Went to see the sights at the Poly for Xmas and was really impressed with the resort and the pool.

 

[pplasky]

This year we are going August 13-24. I booked Saratoga Springs 2 BR 11 months out, but hope to change part of that reservation to the Boardwalk at the 7 month window and I'm glad to hear availability isn't too bad that time of the year. We plan on getting AP's so that it won't be a problem to do a few hours here and there and then go back to the Villa for lunch and swimming. I can't wait for our 11 day trip...I'm calling it the Disney Extravaganza!

We'll be there the 14th-20th, staying at SSR the entire time(we want to enjoy a new resort before the amenities and furnishings get run down!). Maybe we'll see you there.

 

[disgirl]

We are also planning on being there the last week of August 2005. Last year we went to DL instead, but in 2002 and 2003, we went to WDW (before becoming DVC members, though.) Yes, it can get very humid at times, but going to the water parks or going back to the hotel pools in the afternoon helps. The crowds do seem less than at other times in the summer since some school kids are back to school by then. I booked an OKW studio at 8 months, but think we might try to switch to BCV next month. Dh and DS love SAB and in August the pool does come in handy.

Good Luck with what ever you decide. I have never been to WDW in October so I can not compare crowds, sorry. I am sure October's weather is a bit more pleasant though. However, unless you have really young children, I think your children will do fine. Take those afternoon pool breaks or go back to the cool room for breaks and you should have a good time.

 

[Divamomto3]

We'll be there the 14th-20th, staying at SSR the entire time(we want to enjoy a new resort before the amenities and furnishings get run down!). Maybe we'll see you there.

We'll be at SSR the 13th-19th, then hopefully BWV. I'll be on the lookout for some DIS'ers!

 

[DVC-Don]

We often go the third or fourth week of August.

 

[kweaver]

If August was the only time we could go, then (of course) I would do it. However, August would basically be my last choice when it comes to vacation timeframes in Florida. I live in Atlanta where we get the same heat and humidity all summer. Late August crowds (except for Labor Day weekend...which is a zoo) will probably be similar to October crowds.

I don't know if Vero appeals to you, but you might consider a week at WDW and a week at Vero. The ocean breezes can make up for a lot of that heat and humidity.

 

[aldanbanshee]

We bought our resale at the VWL the last week of July, 2004 and were able to book a 1 bedroom at VWL for the last week of August 2004, in order to meet up with friends that were also staying there. Reservations were no problem, only two weeks out!

The parks were empty at that time. Supposedly, many of the schools in the South had already gone back into session. Don't know if that is fact or fiction. Waits were 30 minutes at the most.

It is hot at times during the last week of August. I had DW with us who was 7 months pregnant as well as our 4 year old and 2 year old. They held up pretty well as lomg as you work in naps. Go to the parks in the morning up through lunch and then head back to the room for a nap and some swimming. Get washed up and head out for a nice dinner and finish the night off at Epcot with the lightshow. Now that's living!

I don't know how anyone else feels, but I would rather it be too hot than too cold. We went in December 2003 and got there during a cold snap, highs only in the 50's and low 60's. Had to wear jeans all week and didn't even get to break out the shorts. For us, from the Philadelphia area, I felt a little bit robbed because we didn't have hot weather. Isn't that part of going to Disney - having to stop for an ice cream or an adult beverage because it is too hot?!

Go ahead and book for the end of August!