How were crowds the second week of August?

[OFF TO WDW!]

Looking to plan our trip and the second week of August is our target date. We just want to get an idea of what to expect from people who were there this past August.

Thanks

 

[lozzypop]

We were there in August, our first summer trip since we usually go in April/May. I thought the crowds were manageable. We took a swim break every afternoon so that helped a lot. DCA walkways were a bit tight, but I expected that from the construction.

The good thing is that all the rides are running at summer capacity so it offsets the crowds. You will have to have a plan for shows and parades since there is that many more people who want to see them. But I certainly didn't find it any more time consuming to eat (which I was expecting) and our ride wait times were reasonable. I think the longest wait we experienced was for TSMM (about 60 minutes), but let's face it - TSMM is a long wait any time of the year.

 

[skiingfast]

It's a great time to go during the core of summer. Don't go the week of the 20th to 24th, the AP holders blockout end and it's likely to a be a disaster if they don't get a taste of the new DCA in the late Spring.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Carsland and Buena Vista Street are opening some time next summer. Since we really have no clue when (rumors are swirling that Buena Vista won't be done until July/August), many are holding off summer trips to mid August before SoCal APs come back. This would change crowd patterns from previous years.

 

[mrswh]

I love going in August! We went the second week of August this year, and while it was crowded for sure, it was manageable. We stayed onsite, went to the parks early, left when the crowds got big and lines got long, ate lunch and had a swim/rest/shopping break, then went back in the early evening to use FPs and see shows. It worked out great.

ETA: I agree 100% with PP about not going the week that the APs are unblocked. We did that one year, oblivious to what was about to happen, and it was painful.

 

[OFF TO WDW!]

It's a great time to go during the core of summer. Don't go the week of the 20th to 24th, the AP holders blockout end and it's likely to a be a disaster

Thanks. But how do I find out when the AP blackout date ends for next August 2012? Or is it the 20th to 24th every year?


Thanks

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks. But how do I find out when the AP blackout date ends for next August 2012? Or is it the 20th to 24th every year?


Thanks

This link:

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

has a link to it here:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/pas...ame=AnnualPassholderSoCalBlockoutCalendarPage

The 2012 blockout lifts on Aug 20.

 

[OFF TO WDW!]

This link:

"Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

has a link to it here:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/pas...ame=AnnualPassholderSoCalBlockoutCalendarPage

The 2012 blockout lifts on Aug 20.

Thank you Hydro. We would be there the last week prior to Blackout being lifted.

 

[llump41]

We were there Wed-Fri, Aug. 10-12. Yes the popular rides do get crazy in the afternoon but, by getting to park at opening, using MM you will still get a lot done. Do take that afternoon nap/swim break. My experience is that most rides are walk on until 10-11AM then the park explodes with people. BTW we were able to do all 3 mountains by 9, including ST, by using the MM day.

 

[Lynne G]

I went to DL the last week of August last year, over Labor Day week-end to do the Fun Run - Marathon was the next day. The M-Thur were not bad. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and with a Dream Tower window, we got to watch the fireworks from our room, so we did not see the fireworks in person until the last day. The Friday - Monady, crowds really picked up and everything was much more crowded. Lots of people for the marathon. Early entry is the key. I agree. Crowds didn't pick up until about 10 or 11. We rode the top rodes many times in the first hour. We loved how close all the rides were to each other. I also liked walking back and forth from the hotel and not have to worry about shuttles or parking.