Leaving in 17 days...Worried.

[vcapone714]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the boards (but not, I'm proud to admit, new to WDW).

I'm leaving for WDW on 8/18 and staying until 8/25 and was wondering what I should expect regarding crowds. I went last year with my girlfriend (or should it be DG, of DGF?) during the first week of August (7/31-8/6) and we had a great time. We were able to manage the crowds without much trouble.

However, since we're leaving towards the end of August this time, and there's that whole "Free Dining" thing, the addition to the POTC, and people booking last minute vacations, should I expect a larger crowd?

Thanks in advance. I apologize if this has been brought up before. Take care everyone!

17 days!!

 

[Bob P]

Welcome to the DIS!

Late August crowds are much lower than the rest of the summer, because many schools are back in session.

WDW offered free dining last year too and crowds were low.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[vcapone714]

That's great news and thank you very much for the quick (and friendly) reply!

Only 17 more days! 8/18 can't come soon enough!

Thanks again!

 

[JulielovesDisney]

Yeah, you have nothing to worry about! Most schools are back at that point. It won't be empty, but it'll definitely be not as bad a beginning of August or July. Have lots of fun, and stay cool!!

 

[justplaingoofy]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Because school is back in session (in some places) and it being the end of summer I would think that guests staying "off property" is going to be minimal. There may be more staying "on property", but that is because the free dining. go .....enjoy....

 

[bluejasmine]

I went last end of Aug and the crowds were pretty good, just a little more than I expected back in 2003 it was much less. I do think the free dining does add ppl BUT its not bad at all..

 

[vcapone714]

What a friendly and informative board!

Thanks to all who replied! Take care!

 

[jennyl772003]

We went the end of Aug last year and the crowds were fine, even with free dining. In fact, we originally booked again for the same time this year-before the free dining came out! (We are going 18-27)

 

[MrBelding]

Was wondering the same! We usually go in early Feb when crowds are small.......was worried we'd be overwhelmed with Summer crowds..Thanks for the info..Can't wait!

 

[Busy B]

How exciting! You're trip will be here before you know it. And you'll have a wonderful time.

B

 

[JESW]

We will be going about the same time (8/19 - 27) We were there the same time last year and I was pleasantly surprised by the lower crowd sizes. There will still be people there of course, but we found mid to late June to be a lot more crowded. As others have said, the south goes back to school earlier so most of the crowds will be us northerners.

You do know that it will be HOT.....but we are preparing for it with temps very close to 100 today..

Jill