Is the heat unbearable in late July/early August?

[niklynn1]

I've been to WDW in June a few times, but never later in summer. It was hot in June but we tolerated it okay.

Is the late July/August weather similar? Considering a trip to Universal for the first time, but it would have to be late summer.

 

[snoopboop]

It's hotter and more miserable. It's awful. I keep promising myself that I will never, EVER return in the summer again.

And I keep coming back.

So, clearly, it's survivable if that's the only time you can go.

(and YMMV... some people seem to do just fine! I just happen to not deal very well with the heat and humidity!)

 

[gatordoc]

It's generally hotter then. Wetter too, which can be a mixed blessing. Depends on your tolerance. I grew up here in Florida, and I find it uncomfortable but manageable. My wife is a Midwestern girl and she does anything possible to avoid spending much time outside during that time of year.

 

[Bluer101]

It's so comfortable out that time of year.

We go every summer but also live down south. We do the parks in the AM and after dinner. During the day is relaxing in the room or poolside.

 

[Periodicity]

We go early August on purpose. I'm a teacher and it makes me look forward to the end of summer (instead of being sad thats its almost over). I live in central Texas though, so the heat is not an issue for us and the almost daily showers are a novelty. I also like just having to pack t-shirts and shorts (and maybe a sweater for the airport). When its unbearably hot we duck into an air-conditioned shop or go relax at the hotel.

 

[schumigirl]

From someone who is certainly not coming from a hot place.......we managed just fine in both July and August in the past.

Plenty of water, popping in and out of air conditioned buildings and rides and pool time. And for us mooching around Orlando to Malls or trips to Clearwater and St Pete`s..........

Taking it easy too.........

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm a teacher married to a teacher, with 3 kids who are students.

We only go over the summer.

Yep, it's the trifecta: Hazy, Hot and Humid.

But the park hours are endless. And we love Disney in the summer.

We're at the parks for rope drop. We tour like mad until about 11 or so, and then use our FPs. Then we do lunch and head back to the resort. We spend the hot, crowded hours at the pool or taking a nap, and then come back to the parks for dinner and more leisurely touring at night. We drink lots of water, and we have the time of our lives.

And we wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[nessz79]

We are Floridians and I would be hard pressed to do theme parks that time of year. We are going in mid-June with the plan that we are only doing parks in the mornings and/or evenings. I would advise against trying to stay in the parks in the afternoons unless you do lots of water rides with Express Pass (lines will be horrendous, I'm sure).

 

[georgina]

We've done the theme parks in July and August. I would echo the recommendation to stay onsite and have the unlimited express pass, also you could take a quick afternoon break if needed. Other than that, lots of people travel then and we don't find that it is unbearable!

 

[Disxuni]

In the past, if I've gone during that time it would be for a half a day, which would technically be only around noon, perhaps maybe even one. I personally have no tolerance for heat, while I do not burn, it makes me feel ill easily. If I could have it my way I'd have Florida between the 50-70 degrees all year round. However, that's just me.

 

[tinydancer09]

I did the parks in July when I was a kid. Now I don't know how I did it.... but millions of people do every year. I personally hate heat. I don't go outside much during the thick of it in July and August. I get heat headaches that will eventually turn into a migraine.

So in short, yes I personally think it's unbearable but millions of people disagree by going to the parks during those months.

 

[niklynn1]

Thanks, everyone, for the input. I also am a teacher, so summer it is for us. But I've always done Disney in the past in June and it was manageable. We followed the same plan others have suggested of touring early, taking a break mid day back at the hotel, and returning in the evening. I just wasn't sure if late July/early August was far WORSE than June. If it is similar, I think we will be okay.

 

[tinydancer09]

Thanks, everyone, for the input. I also am a teacher, so summer it is for us. But I've always done Disney in the past in June and it was manageable. We followed the same plan others have suggested of touring early, taking a break mid day back at the hotel, and returning in the evening. I just wasn't sure if late July/early August was far WORSE than June. If it is similar, I think we will be okay.

Might I add the other side of orlando seems much hotter than universal. I die in May at Disney and am perfectly okay at universal. Epcot world show case... It's like crossing the desert! Hope you all have fun! The coke freestyle machines give you free water And ice if you have a container (wide mouth water bottle or cup) also all locations with cups will give you a free cup of water. There was a thread on here not too long ago about "cool" places to enjoy... Might want to check it out and take notes. Have fun!

 

[cam757]

We have only been in mid June and mid August but we are no strangers to heat. SE Virginia can get toasty in the summer. It is the Florida humidity that is beyond compare. Just dress lightly. Sleeveless shirts are a must. If staying onsite, take mid day pool breaks and head back to the parks in the late afternoon. It is definitely doable. Have fun!

 

[nessz79]

I just wasn't sure if late July/early August was far WORSE than June. If it is similar, I think we will be okay.

It's worse, but I wouldn't say far worse. It's like the difference between a 9 and a 10 in heat/humidity factor

 

[zbsigpi]

There is a reason why us Floridians have A/C!!!!!!! Truth be told, it is hot and humid but not unbearable! Take it slow, drink tons of water and take a break from the parks between 1pm and 4pm. We are acclimated to it but it still sucks!

 

[drinkme]

I didn't like the heat on May 1! I thought it was too hot but I know it gets worse. Went twice in August. Never again. I'm avoiding Orlando from May thru September

 

[cats mom]

Just dress lightly. Sleeveless shirts are a must.

Good point. Along those lines, I'm a tennis shoes gal in CA, but I don't think they'll cut it for a late July FL trip, so I'm thinking I may need to explore some sandal options.

Anyone have recommendations for comfy, light, cool park shoes?

 

[tinydancer09]

Good point. Along those lines, I'm a tennis shoes gal in CA, but I don't think they'll cut it for a late July FL trip, so I'm thinking I may need to explore some sandal options.

Anyone have recommendations for comfy, light, cool park shoes?

I love my reefs. They're very comfortable and usually have enough of a sole on them that they offer support. I haven't worn flip flops to a park in a while, but when I used to as a teenager that's what I wore. I have a pair of very think nike tennis shoes that I like for the parks. I highly recommend bringing two pairs so that you can switch them out and fully opening them up at night to dry.

A lot of my friends swear by their Teva's and Chacos. I've wanted to get a pair to try and haven't. Chacos are pretty expensive but Teva's aren't bad. They have backings so you don't have to worry about them flying off.

 

[peanutmomma]

Anyone have recommendations for comfy, light, cool park shoes?

I'm a fan of Teva Tirra - I have stupidly narrow feet, and this style has adjustable straps so I can get a good fit. They're a sport sandal, which makes them great for water rides as well.