Last 2 weeks of August - Disney and Universal Crowds

[Portugal1000]

We were in Orlando from 22nd July to 13th August this year. Had a great time and as we know it so well dealt with the crowds well. Next year our dates would be 6th August to 31st. We wanted to have atleast 5 days at the beach and were thinking that we would do this at the beginning. We have never been before so not sure what we will make of it where as we know we will love Orlando. So my husband doesn't want to risk going at the end incase its not as good as we thought. Anyway, I wondered if anyone went to Orlando this year for last 2 weeks of August and thinks the difference in crowds is really any different to beginning. Not really a big issue at Disney but wondering more about Universal. My son loves it there but for last 2 years we have had to book one night on site to get the express pass and was hoping that if we went there as late as possible we could avoid having to do that and just go to the park as normal. Crowd levels on touting plans do look much lower but would love to hear peoples experiences. We could go there 28th and 29th August.
Thanks

 

[Minniesgal]

The last week in August is massively quieter than the earlier weeks in August.

 

[catherine]

We were at WDW from 9th - 30th and there was definitely a huge difference in crowds the last 2 weeks. The last week was so much quieter. Don't know about Universal as we didn't go this year!

 

[flortlebap]

Late August is quieter than early August for sure.

In my experience Universal needs to be hit early to avoid the crowds, as what has a 5 minute wait at 11 can easily be 2 hours by 1. I would opt for an express pass if your budget allows or prepare for some long waits!

 

[wifey]

Lots of NY families arrive in those weeks because all of the " southern states people have then gone home" to quote some of them we met this year plus many of the local schools return in that last week, so you take your pick really. We did find that in the last week the parks picked up with visitors at lunch time but they were still very manageable but the weather was stormy during both weeks. Just be aware too that weather affects the times that the WDW resort pools are open. One day we had a nasty storm which lasted a while the life guards removed everyone and closed the pool down and locked the gates until the all clear was issued. When the pool re-opened they kept it open an extra hour past the usual closing time so that kept the guests happy.some guests did complain about the pool closing but the staff only do it to keep guests safe, they take it very seriously especially when there is a risk of lightning strikes.
The 3rd week of August was very busy at Universal and IoA but we managed the crowds just fine but you really have to be prepared to wait in lines still if you don't get the express passes. They both emptied out at lunch time and got busier again at about 5pm.

 

[Howellsy]

Just seconding that the last two weeks are quieter than July/early August. Especially if there happens to be some storms/hurricanes forecast.

With Universal though, the new Harry Potter area will probably have just opened and therefore Universal crowds will probably be worse than usual.