July vs. August...m

[Gupsmom]

First let me say that Hot summer days at Disney World do not bother us. If anything, I enjoy KNOWING it will be hot instead of having to pack for multiple weather scenerios.

Ok..so, what's the scoop on crowds for July vs August? Our summer is very flexible. We're trying to decide if wating until the 3rd week of August (my middle child's birthday) might have some advantages? Crowds? AP Rates? etc..

Jess

 

[stacy6552]

The only thing about going in late August, is that you run the risk of running into the shortened park hours. They seem to coinside with college kids going back to school.

 

[Kallison]

Right they shorten the park hours in August but the crowds lessen at the end of the summer. We went last week of August last year, it wasn't bad at all. In fact we had to order hot chocolate one night at the MK, it was raining and we were doing E-night. Riding BTM in the pouring rain is a memory I'm sure my kids will have for a long time.

 

[zakatak]

My friend Beth went last year around Aug 20-25th or so, and they missed so much because of the rain. She said it rained for hours and hours. I'm not sure if that is typical at the end of August, but it would be a damper on the trip.

Good Idea, though!

Karen

 

[Gupsmom]

Statistically, Ave. rainfall is less in Aug than in July. Of course, stats don't mean much.....lol.

Thanks for the responses. Can anyone give details on the decreased hours? That's the part that worries me...

Jess

 

[ktglads]

Last year's hours

That link will give you the operating hours from last year. We were there from August 8 - 17th and it rained twice. One was an all-day drizzle and the other was a 2 hour deluge. It came from nowhere and was horrendous. The week after we left, there were some really bad storms and tornados in the area. We got lucky and had really good weather outside those 2 days. It was definitely not as hot as July and not as crowded as well. Just remember that the later in August you go, the closer you get to hurricane season.

 

[goofy4tink]

ktglads, we were there the same yime you were...16-23. Yep, the rain was pretty horrid. My understanding is that that amount of rain is unusual. We planned on rain every day, but showers, not torrential downpours!!! As for the hours....it seemed that the park hours started getting shorter for the third week on. But, that really wasn't a huge concern. The crowds were up due to the FTP being offered. But, the crowds were not nearly what they are in July. At least that's what I was told by some CM's during our trip. We are going back this August from the 14-21. Yes, it's hot/humid. And yes, there are people there and the parks aren't open as late as they are the month before. But, we still had a great time. And after going down in Dec and having to wear a coat/mittens at night....well, I'll take the heat/humidity!!!

 

[Nebsky]

We were there Aug 23-Aug30 of 2003. The parks closed earlier like at 6 or 7, but it really wasnt too bad. Epcot was still open till 9. They just shut down some areas. Mission: Space was still open as was Test Track. The World showcase was still open.
Fireworks werent every night at MK. Same with Spectromagic. Be sure to check out the hours and sked of events for the days your going. Use past years info as a guide. As for the crowds, they were smaller each day. It worked out very well for us. Make sure you use the EE days. That really helps you maximize your riding. It didnt hurt too much when we left MK at 6pm since we were there all day. We got our share of rides in.
Buy a poncho and take it with you!! Nothing like getting caught in a down pour without one. You never know when its gonna rain in Florida during the late summer months.

Hope this helps,

 

[bobcat]

We usually go during the first two weeks of August and really like that time. This past year because of our APs we went the last two weeks of July and I was shocked at the lack of crowds. Now it may have been due to the FTP they offered last year that I believe started in August but I was expecting the parks to be more crowded than our usual August trip. As we got closer to August I noticed the crowds picking up.