Last week of August crowds?

[lynnfitz]

Hi-we're trying to decide between RP and Sapphire for a 5 night stay last week of August. I like for less money we can get a suite at Sapphire, but I know it doesn't have the EP.
Looking at crowd calendars, I know there is no definite way to predict what it will actually be like, is it slower that week? Maybe since some kids are heading back to school. I didn't know if Halloween Horror Nights would be a factor (not for us at least, we wouldn't be going).
We are early risers too, thoughts??

 

[titojackson84]

I did disney last year the same time. The week leading up to labor day weekend. Rope dropped every day and for most rides, they were either a walk on or the wait was minimal (15-20 minutes with a few exceptions). I’m going the last week too, mon-sat and plan to basically do the same thing. Rope drop and do the most popular rides asap.

In general, getting to the park before it opens, (i try to be at the park 45-60 minutes before open) so you can line up early and get through the gate asap, then heading to whichever ride that will probably be the most popular and have longer waits first. Harry potter rides or velocicoaster. If you aren’t opposed to it, the single rider line can save a lot of time, but you will get split up

 

[lynnfitz]

Ok thanks, getting in early is the key I think. We love royal pacific, but I also like getting a larger room over at sapphire, such decisions lol!

 

[DoryGirl1963]

If there was ever a good time to try Sapphire Falls, I'd think this was a good one. You have plenty of days & it should be pretty low crowds. We stayed at Sapphire Falls year before last & it was wonderful! It's a beautiful resort with a gorgeous pool & the awesome boat transportation. We had a lagoon view room & loved it !

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Hi-we're trying to decide between RP and Sapphire for a 5 night stay last week of August. I like for less money we can get a suite at Sapphire, but I know it doesn't have the EP.
Looking at crowd calendars, I know there is no definite way to predict what it will actually be like, is it slower that week? Maybe since some kids are heading back to school. I didn't know if Halloween Horror Nights would be a factor (not for us at least, we wouldn't be going).
We are early risers too, thoughts??

I like both hotels very much.
If not for EP, I'd probably stay at Sapphire more often. The blue and white colors are very appealing, and the pool is great.

For that matter, while the boat is quick to the parks, we also did not mind walking to either hotel. Walking between them is also easy. It is also short walk to the Aventura food court.

If pool is important, Sapphire has a better pool, IMO.

Royal Pacific is also a great place to stay. The courtyard off the main lobby is nice place for a quiet breakfast.

I've been to Universal about that time a number of times, and I'd say late August is a great time to visit, assuming no major storms crop up. Part of why it is slower week is because it is peak hurricane season, plus afternoon downpours and thunderstorms are very common that time of year. Some folks don't like the heat that time of year. Even on sunny August days, we tend to take a late afternoon break, sometimes visiting the pool. So you get low crowds, but you also have some weather limits. Rainstorms that time of year are often short-lived, but very intense.

During thunderstorms, there's less options because all the coasters, water rides pool shuttle boats, etc stop running (at both US and WDW). That is the trade-off of late summer low crowds.

The peripheral park hours are the best times to tour the parks, weather allowing.

Another aspect to touring that time of year is that Universal often has Annual Passholder Appreciation Month. Universal offers special treats if you are considering an AP, it is a little extra worthwhile to have one at that time of year.

 

[NJlauren]

This is one of our travel to Orlando weeks, been twice at that time! It is usually on the not crowded side. Somethings to note is Friday/Saturday leading into Labor Day starts to pick up a tiny bit, and it’s HOT. You could skip express pass for sure, some waits will still be long, but over all you don’t need it that week imo.