How unbearable is August?

[suerob]

Torn between a summer and December trip. I need to decide quickly but I just don't know if August would be too hot and crowded. I know December would be better but don't want to wait. Any thoughts?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I've never been in summer, but we're going this year from July31-Aug7. I hope it's not too bad! We're also going back the first weekend in Dec. for dd's 5th birthday.

 

[janiejo]

Summer is hot but there are advantages such as the parks are open longer hours. When we go in the summer we take a break midday and enjoy the pool or waterparks. December is nice, especially getting to enjoy the Christmas decorations and events, but you risk cooler weather and shorter hours. Decisions, decisions....good luck!

 

[scotthart]

Suerob, my son and I went last August it was our first trip in the summertime. The crowds were nowhere near as bad as I bad expected. It was crowded, but not unbearably so. It was hot however, although we are from Houston and used to it. One thing to keep in mind- it will probably rain just about every day. The rain will probably not last, and it does help clear the parks of people! If you don't mind getting wet, you can take advantage of shorter lines. If it was my choice to make I'd go in August and December!

 

[CamColt]

We have gone the last week in August for the past 2 years and we went over Christmas last year. We had longer park hours in Dec, Christmas decorations were up, and we were finally able to see Spectromagic, however I definitely preferred August. In Dec we only made it in the pool once and that was brief. Wearing and having to lug around winter coats was a pain as was packing for the trip. And Im just someone who would rather be hot than cold.
With that said neither was bad and I wouldnt say I wouldnt go either of those times again.

 

[goofy4tink]

We did the third week in August last year and then again in mid-Dec 2003. August was hot/humid/really rainy. December was chilly. We knew it would rain everyday in August but it was torrential and lasted about 6 hrs. But, I believe that was somewhat unusual. So, we are going back again in August this year. I don't mind the heat/humidity. There is a lot of air conditioning you can get into. The pools are wonderfull. The crowds weren't horrible. The only time we found the parks to be really crowded was when it rained for hours and there was lightning. Then the attractions in the water shut down and everyone went to the attractions that were still open!!
In December, we found it to be nice. The days were around 70 degrees and the nights were cool. By the time we left, it was downright cold!!! I would rather be hot. So, we are going for Thanksgiving this year. Still be able to get in the holiday mood but not be so darn cold.

 

[bartleby1]

I've been in August many times and it is hot but I don't feel it is unbearable. There are lots of air conditioned rides and attractions to take the edge off. I do bring a spray bottle to spray us off when we get too hot. Personally, I'd rather be hot than cold though. Do be prepared for afternoon rain (which usually helps cool things down a little). Rain ponchos are definitely needed if you don't want the rain to slow you down.

As far as the crowds, I don't find them too bad. We usually get to the parks at opening and try to do as much as we can quickly before the lines get too bad. Also, due to longer hours in the summer, you have more time to see what you want to.

I've never been in December so I can't help you there, but I don't find August all that terrible. The only park that bothers me a bit in August is AK. There isn't much air conditioning in that park and it just seems much hotter than the other parks.

 

[sugermouse]

For those of us that "live" for Disney, weather is never part of the decision making equation. Go twice!!

 

[catsrule]

We are going the end of August. I've been there in December and it is nice to see the Christmas decorations if you've never seen them before, but it was cold! I've been there is August, but they only had MK and Epcot then, and it was hot. Since I've seen the Christmas stuff already, I prefer the hot to the cold so I can enjoy the pools/water parks and wear my shorts!

 

[djm99]

I've been in August twice (2002 and 2003). As you can see from my slow moving vacation counter, we'll be returning this Aug 5-16). In 2002 it was really hottttttt, but it did rain everyday (around 2 - 3pm) but it cooled off a little bit and the weather was "nice". The rain was quick (maybe 15-20 min). It was so hot you looked forward to the rain.

In the summer of 2003 was nice. I'm talking early-mid 70's. I was in Orlando the week of the hurricane (and the NY blackout) so the weather was freakish perfect. People might call it cool, I called it perfect. It was even a nice breeze and the sun was no where in sight. It was like that from that Sunday - Wednesday and It didn't rain (well, it drizzled a little bit on Wed, but nothing that would keep you from walking. On that Thursday it rained a little. Friday - Saturday was hot- no rain!!!!!

To keep warm we bought those spray water fans, drank plenty of water, and went inside of anything that had air conditioning every once in a while. I perfer the August months. I went Disney one Fall (as a little girl) and remember thinking, why isn't anyone here). The crowds, heat, and "confusion" just add to a great vacation. The busier the better. If I was able to see, do and ride everything in one trip I wouldn't have the excuse of planning another vacation immediately after I return!!!!!!