Looking at 2nd-3rd week in August, is it as bad...**decision made, page 5 #81**

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks again for all of your collective input. I have gone and made reservations for August 15-22 for my daughter, her two boys and myself. If it is unbearable, it won't be because I was not forewarned. Hopefully there will be a week-long cold spell then, temperatures in the 70's/80's.

Once again, thank you all.

 

[mom2rtk]

Dan, I'm very heat averse and sometimes we'll visit Florida (for a beach vacation) in the summer just because that's when everyone is available. I always add a day on at the MK since we're so close. It's certainly a different experience than I have when I go in the cooler winter months. I will always love those trips more. But a hot day in the MK is better than no day in the MK. So we go and I make plans to cope. First, I make lunch and dinner ADRs to get me out of the heat as much as possible. Second, we purposely plan lots of indoor stuff in the worst of the heat (Philharmagic, Space Mountain by standby (the longer the wait the better etc). If I want to watch the parade, I make sure to find a spot early in the shade. We often do a later start in the day and plan to maximize hours after dark.

I hope you have a great trip!

I personally would not plan mid-day breaks just because the trek in and out of the parks would do me in. Instead I would plan shorter days and lots of indoor breaks.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Thanks again for all of your collective input. I have gone and made reservations for August 15-22 for my daughter, her two boys and myself. If it is unbearable, it won't be because I was not forewarned. Hopefully there will be a week-long cold spell then, temperatures in the 70's/80's.

Once again, thank you all.

Sure its hot, but we've gone many times in August and we've survived. The key is to take midday breaks for a rest/swim. You'll be fine. Carry plenty of water and sunscreen...duck into shops/QS places to cool down....you'll be totally fine. Have a great time!!!

 

[DisneyCAL]

We'll be there the same dates! Only 86 days to go.

 

[TJDisneymama]

Can't believe all of the drama around the heat , are we really all that weak/wimpy? A good part of the country from northeast through southeast has weather like this , just not for the entire summer. .

nothing to do with being wimpy, but if extreme heat makes you sick - nauseous, headaches, dizzy & weak - then walking around a theme park in said heat every day all day, is not particularly fun. I have been a couple times in August and last time I swore NEVER again. But, like childbirth, the memory of the pain fades away, so in the midst of this past New England winter, I booked another august trip and as it was below freezing a good part of this winter I was all "hell, yeah, bring on the heat! " Now spring is here and the other day we hit 90* degrees and I was all "WHAT HAVE I DONE!?!?!?! " Now reality is starting to hit me, lol I am one who walks out into the heat and am instantly covered in sweat from head to toe, like within 2 minutes. I also seem to get severe migraines when humidity is bad. So, I'm starting to freak out a bit. DD complained the whole day (the other day when it was hot) as well that she hates the heat, and all I could think was she ain't seen nothing yet.
But, my saving grace is this isn't a big "family trip" as its only DD and I, and she doesn't do any of the "thrill" rides, so I can leave the Commando Touring Plans behind as we will only be doing the shows and the "family" attractions....we are also early birds so we will be up early for rope drop 'til about noon, then head back to swim/nap for a few hours, then back to the parks for dinner and a few hours of park time after dinner. We are planning on lots of swimming, shopping and snacking and just sitting on a bench and taking the surroundings in......so hopefully we can manage the heat ok. We shall see!

 

[DisneyCAL]

nothing to do with being wimpy, but if extreme heat makes you sick - nauseous, headaches, dizzy & weak - then walking around a theme park in said heat every day all day, is not particularly fun. I have been a couple times in August and last time I swore NEVER again. But, like childbirth, the memory of the pain fades away, so in the midst of this past New England winter, I booked another august trip and as it was below freezing a good part of this winter I was all "hell, yeah, bring on the heat! " Now spring is here and the other day we hit 90* degrees and I was all "WHAT HAVE I DONE!?!?!?! " Now reality is starting to hit me, lol I am one who walks out into the heat and am instantly covered in sweat from head to toe, like within 2 minutes. I also seem to get severe migraines when humidity is bad. So, I'm starting to freak out a bit. DD complained the whole day (the other day when it was hot) as well that she hates the heat, and all I could think was she ain't seen nothing yet.
But, my saving grace is this isn't a big "family trip" as its only DD and I, and she doesn't do any of the "thrill" rides, so I can leave the Commando Touring Plans behind as we will only be doing the shows and the "family" attractions....we are also early birds so we will be up early for rope drop 'til about noon, then head back to swim/nap for a few hours, then back to the parks for dinner and a few hours of park time after dinner. We are planning on lots of swimming, shopping and snacking and just sitting on a bench and taking the surroundings in......so hopefully we can manage the heat ok. We shall see!

We are in NE also and experienced those two days at 90 after it was only 55 just a couple days before. Crazy! But I think having a hard time dealing with it was due to going from one temp to the next in such short time. June and July with high heat and I think we'll be able to manage in August. Just a matter of getting used to it.

 

[leebee]

DD and I did a 10 night trip one August and had a wonderful time! We aren't rope-droppers, but we made it work. Some days we didn't go to the parks until 2 or 3pm, but when MK is open to midnight or 1am, later entry isn't a problem! Things to remember: Do indoor, air conditioned shows from 2pm-5pm; ALWAYS have an indoor TS meal for dinner (in the a/c); you can go into an a/c qs restaurant for a refreshing, cool beverage and give everyone time to relax; walk through all shops instead of outside so you can take advantage of the a/c. When we were there, POP's pool was open until midnight, and we've been known to "fall" into the pool, fully dressed, on our way upstairs to go to bed!

I think what really made this trip work was that we were there enough days to TAKE IT SLOWLY. We didn't walk, we strolled. We spent time indoors to stay cooled down. We took "drink sticks" and Mio to add to our water so we could drink enough (I just cannot drink that much plain water). Do NOT plan on being able to wear your shorts for more than one day; while this might be TMI, you will sweat through everything, right down to (and through) your underwear! Take antiperspirant stick deodorant and put it on your get and anyplace you have "folds" (like behind your knees or in your elbows), and take baby powder for your feet. Always opt for walking through shops, or in shade. I also took some washcloths in sandwich sized baggies. When we got really hot, we'd pour ice water and ice into the bag to soak the washcloth and then wipe our necks, arms, and legs with it to cool down.

It was horribly hot (heat index around 114) but we made it work- it was one of our best trips ever!

 

[Micca]

If it is unbearable, it won't be because I was not forewarned

Yeah but you're a savvy traveler and you know where it's cool inside for breaks. I use it as an excuse for frozen drinks Even the non-alcoholic frozen drinks can really make a difference. I had a couple of frozen lemonade beverages in MK that really helped with the heat.

 

[Accident]

Thanks again for all of your collective input. I have gone and made reservations for August 15-22 for my daughter, her two boys and myself. If it is unbearable, it won't be because I was not forewarned. Hopefully there will be a week-long cold spell then, temperatures in the 70's/80's.

Once again, thank you all.

I didn't read the whole thread but a quick tip to consider is bringing a small umbrella. It can be night and day difference if you can't get a seat in the shade to just have it block the sun from at least your face. Whenever there is somethign going on that people camp out for (most recently wishes and happily), the people who spend the day camped out bring umbrellas and make their own shade.



these are not all the umbrellas out around the hub, just the ones you could see from this angle.

 

[larsonb74]

...as I think it is? Heat? Humidity? Crowds?

All my many trips have either been in the spring, late April/early May, or after Thanksgiving, late November/early December. Either times, great weather, nominal crowds, relatively speaking. I've taken 2 recent spring trips with my daughter and her 2 boys, 2 of my grandkids. But now they are getting older and don't think taking them out of school is a good idea.

All I know from reading here the past 18 years regarding summer is heat, humidity, crowds. Weather would be better at spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas, but crowds even worse. And airfares at those times are horrendous.

Thoughts from anybody? Tips?

Thanks much.

Ponchos and water shoes, or change of shoes. It's not if but when it will rain. Only last a little while.

 

[mshanson3121]

Thanks again for all of your collective input. I have gone and made reservations for August 15-22 for my daughter, her two boys and myself. If it is unbearable, it won't be because I was not forewarned. Hopefully there will be a week-long cold spell then, temperatures in the 70's/80's.

Once again, thank you all.

A lot of it honestly just boils down to attitude and what you make of it. Proper planning is important, but honestly a lot of the "hotter than the sun" comments are overblown. It's hot, it's muggy, but go there knowing that and be prepared and you'll have a great time.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I didn't read the whole thread but a quick tip to consider is bringing a small umbrella. It can be night and day difference if you can't get a seat in the shade to just have it block the sun from at least your face. Whenever there is somethign going on that people camp out for (most recently wishes and happily), the people who spend the day camped out bring umbrellas and make their own shade.

View attachment 238757 View attachment 238758

these are not all the umbrellas out around the hub, just the ones you could see from this angle.

A great point/idea, Bryan, thanks. Never thought of this. I did order this and it arrived today, seems very good. I will probably order at least one more.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076OX4GK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.uv-blocker.com/uv-protection-compact-umbrella.html

Shipping charge made Amazon less costly.

And thanks for the additional thoughts added here. So many good ones along the way here, I really appreciate them all.

 

[mom2rtk]

I didn't read the whole thread but a quick tip to consider is bringing a small umbrella. It can be night and day difference if you can't get a seat in the shade to just have it block the sun from at least your face. Whenever there is somethign going on that people camp out for (most recently wishes and happily), the people who spend the day camped out bring umbrellas and make their own shade.

View attachment 238757 View attachment 238758

these are not all the umbrellas out around the hub, just the ones you could see from this angle.

Totally agree with this. We were there late Sept/early Oct once and it was still oppressively hot. I almost passed out waiting in the sun for the bus (staying at a value resort). I just don't do well with the heat. I popped out the umbrella and it got me through. I used it until we got into the park, where we could start ducking into the A/C when I needed.

 

[CrabbyPatty]

Just wanted to mention this while it was on my mind. We just got back from an August trip - August 11-16th - and it was actually a bit COOLER than we thought it would be! Temps were in the 90's and yup, I spent a good portion of each day dripping with sweat, but we really utilized FP+ and tried to get inside in the A/C quite often and it was do-able. It rained every day for a short period of time which brought the humidity down for a while. We got to the parks early and did a lot of stuff before noon and that also really helped.

Before we left for our trip, I'd thought our days of doing August trips were done. But, honestly, after this trip, I'm planning another August trip for 2018 - we got free QS dining (We're staying at Pop Century) - and I'm looking forward to it!

 

[maryj11]

Just wanted to mention this while it was on my mind. We just got back from an August trip - August 11-16th - and it was actually a bit COOLER than we thought it would be! Temps were in the 90's and yup, I spent a good portion of each day dripping with sweat, but we really utilized FP+ and tried to get inside in the A/C quite often and it was do-able. It rained every day for a short period of time which brought the humidity down for a while. We got to the parks early and did a lot of stuff before noon and that also really helped.

Before we left for our trip, I'd thought our days of doing August trips were done. But, honestly, after this trip, I'm planning another August trip for 2018 - we got free QS dining (We're staying at Pop Century) - and I'm looking forward to it!

We were there the same days, we left on the 17th lol. The 16th was a bit cooler and I think it was the only day I didn't feel like a sweaty mess! It was hot and crowded but with a plan it's doable.

 

[mamamelody2]

Good for you! I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip!

We went mid-September last year and weather was pretty similar to August. DH loved the umbrella he brought. It also made him easy to find. LOL. I loved the necklace fan I had. Lovely to have a breeze blowing up my chin/face, but hands free (as I had to be pushing my son's wheelchair.)

 

[pbb&j]

We were there the same days, we left on the 17th lol. The 16th was a bit cooler and I think it was the only day I didn't feel like a sweaty mess! It was hot and crowded but with a plan it's doable.

I went last August, and swore I would never go again in August. But I did! We were there August 10-19, and it felt cooler than last year. Cooler, but not cool! I'm actually looking forward to trying it again next year. Bring on the sweat!

 

[Dan Murphy]

We returned from WDW a couple days ago. It was hot and humid for sure. Used the tips from this thread, made it bearable. UV umbrellas, misters, LOTS of water, some Powerade, afternoon breaks every day back at the resort. Worked out well.

Felt good to get back to some unseasonably low temperatures back in Chicago, in the 70's.

Thanks again to everyone and their many tips.

 

[pens4821]

We are thinking of going next year, last week of August. I'm not looking forward to the humidity, but my biggest worry is not drinking enough water. I know I've read that places offer free water. What places do? Do the food carts that have fountain machines, or just the quick service places? Do you have to stand in line at the QS places, or do they have them off to the side? I think if we can make sure to drink water, eat lunch around 12/1230, back to the resort, then back to the park between 5/6 we can be ok.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

We returned from WDW a couple days ago. It was hot and humid for sure. Used the tips from this thread, made it bearable. UV umbrellas, misters, LOTS of water, some Powerade, afternoon breaks every day back at the resort. Worked out well.

Felt good to get back to some unseasonably low temperatures back in Chicago, in the 70's.

Thanks again to everyone and their many tips.

I hope you had a memorable time with your family