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

[ZoZo]

I think a lot depends on how you handle heat and humidity. I don't handle it well at all. I also live in an area of the country that has fairly mild weather and virtually no humidity (the Pacific Northwest ) so I'm not at all acclimated to Florida type weather.

I've been in September/August several times, and that's plenty hot for me. Personally, I'd avoid August like the plague.

PS - I know others have posted that they are used to heat and humidity at home, burt most folks aren't outside all day long. That's something to think about when deciding: can you handle 10 to 12 hours a day outside?

 

[DVC_Princess]

We've gone in August many times. I even took a 6 month old once. Personally, I don't think it's that bad (ofcourse, I do prefer spring & fall). The key is what everyone else said: have a plan, drink excessive fluids and stay out of that mid-day heat. We usually stay out of the parks from noon-5pm.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Dan, it's as hot in Chicago in August as it is at WDW. Might as well be at WDW enjoying the parks, no ? It is very hot and humid, but it is also a great time for us to go as we sneak in one last trip before summer break is over for our kids. The further in August you go, the more the crowds diminish. We've gone every August for the past 21 years. We're not rope-droppers. Instead we get there between 3 and 5 pm and stay until the parks close. Stay hydrated, be sure to plan for breaks at the pool and/or AC, and have a great time!

 

[Mr. Drauer]

we live here in Orlando - sure its hot and humid, but by no means is surface of the sun. The schools in Central Florida are going back early next fall (teachers go back August 7, students start on the 14th) so that will lessen the local effect. Best strategy does not change - rope drop or early entrance, afternoon breaks, and back for evening and nightime. Rain is intermittant: might rain in one of the parks each day, or maybe all of them, or you might get a big evening storm that washes out the rest of the day. You can never tell. There has only been 2 August hurricanes on record that have hit in Central Florida, so that is not really much of a consideration. Water parks are great - when you go at opening (usually 10:00) you can do all the slides with minimal lines in the first hour and a half, then just relax. The ground does get pretty hot throughout the day, but there are water jets to cool it down on the paths.

Have a great trip!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well Dan, since you've asked...I was there for my birthday two years ago, end of July. Wanted to shoot myself! I've been the first two weeks in August, the last week, as well as Labor Day into the following week. All pretty miserable! When another poster asked this question, a month or so ago, I pretty much got my head handed to me for saying it was 'surface of the sun hot'. That poster said the heat/humidity are no different than a lot of other places, so no big deal. Sure, that's true. BUT....you're not walking around on pavement, for 8+ miles a day, out in the sun. Believe me, that makes a difference. There were many days that the sweat just dripped off me...right down my back. Underclothes had to be changed midday..if I may be so familiar! But we're friends, right?
If you decide to go, be prepared to get an early start, then drink a ton of water. Hit the bathroom at least hourly....if you aren't in 'need' of that bathroom, you aren't drinking enough...and while you're there, wipe down your face, neck, etc., with nice cool water. It helps! Head back to the resort around lunchtime and relax. Even the pools aren't very refreshing during the summer...tepid at best. Return to the parks for dinner, as it cools down a bit. Wear a hat, but I know you do that! And take it easy. It's not as if you've never been to WDW before, right?
I'm going in June, and then again Labor Day into that week. It's going to be Africa hot. It's not the heat so much, but the humidity that gets me.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Well Dan, since you've asked...I was there for my birthday two years ago, end of July. Wanted to shoot myself! I've been the first two weeks in August, the last week, as well as Labor Day into the following week. All pretty miserable! When another poster asked this question, a month or so ago, I pretty much got my head handed to me for saying it was 'surface of the sun hot'. That poster said the heat/humidity are no different than a lot of other places, so no big deal. Sure, that's true. BUT....you're not walking around on pavement, for 8+ miles a day, out in the sun. Believe me, that makes a difference. There were many days that the sweat just dripped off me...right down my back. Underclothes had to be changed midday..if I may be so familiar! But we're friends, right?
If you decide to go, be prepared to get an early start, then drink a ton of water. Hit the bathroom at least hourly....if you aren't in 'need' of that bathroom, you aren't drinking enough...and while you're there, wipe down your face, neck, etc., with nice cool water. It helps! Head back to the resort around lunchtime and relax. Even the pools aren't very refreshing during the summer...tepid at best. Return to the parks for dinner, as it cools down a bit. Wear a hat, but I know you do that! And take it easy. It's not as if you've never been to WDW before, right?
I'm going in June, and then again Labor Day into that week. It's going to be Africa hot. It's not the heat so much, but the humidity that gets me.

I will say the only time I feel this hot is in AK. I want to DIE in AK in August. It literally feels like it's surface of the sun HOT. It's the only time I get irritable and want to leave.

 

[memo10]

I live in Florida, but I'm pregnant and the heat makes me cranky.... already. We really enjoy going to the parks either really early or after about 6pm. I find that you can get as much done during those times along as you can staying the entire day.

It will be hot, make sure you stay hydrated and wear cool clothing. And sunscreen! I can always spot a non-local when their feet are sunburned, so don't forget your feet!

 

[my2lovedisney]

We have gone in March, April, May, June, July....August is our favorite month. We don't mind the heat or humidity and we are from the north. It all depends on your tolerance. We do take a mid break and go to the pool or eat at a place with air conditioning and return back to the parks. We have been going on the last two weeks of August for the past 8 years and we love the crowd levels.

I'm happy to hear this! I just booked our 5th trip today for 8/26-9/2. I am so worried about crowds. Not so much the heat as we've always gone in September (beginning and end) and it's HOT and humid then too.

 

[Candris79]

I have flight vouchers that need to be used by the end of August so I'm thinking of planning a trip too! Thanks everyone for all the info!

 

[Tonyz]

...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.

Super hot and humid. If that's a major issue you're not gonna have a good time.

It will definitely be crowded... probably second business month of the year. But you can work around the crowds if you use your FPs properly, use EMH, get to the parks early, and take breaks during the busiest times of the day (afternoon).

 

[tigerlilly]

Ok this thread applies to us...we are going August 17-26. We are from California (the hot dry bad air miserable part of California.... as in it is going to be 100 degrees on May 4 tomorrow and it is 100+ basically June-Sept. give or take a few days). Still the humidity has me a little concerned...

For those who have done August. Do you recommend magic mornings? Is it worth it to get up at the crack of dawn to make 8 am rope drop (coming from west coast)?

I am taking notes from this thread... cooling towels (check), water bottles (check)....lol

 

[Disneylover99]

It will definitely be crowded... probably second business month of the year. But you can work around the crowds if you use your FPs properly, use EMH, get to the parks early, and take breaks during the busiest times of the day (afternoon).

Thinking in terms of the busiest month or second busiest month is not a true indicator of crowds for a particular week though. The last week of August is the lowest crowds I've ever experienced in DW and I've been during a variety of different months.

 

[maryj11]

We will be there this August the 3rd week. The same reason as you, because of school. We went the same week in 2015. It is hot and humid. Midday is the worst. There were thunderstorms almost every afternoon around 3:00 for about an hour. We still had fun by staying out of the heat midday most the time. When we were out walking in the parks we always had a spray misting fan, we carried a small cooler with bottled water and made dining reservations in the air conditioning . We also took some breaks in the air by watching a few shows like carrousel of progress etc .We had the most fun at night when it cooled down a little . Our AK day we got there right as heavy rain hit and a bunch of people left. That was great because it cooled down and there were less crowds. In my opinion all the summer months are hot and humid from my experience but you can manage with a plan.

 

[davale4]

I'm happy to hear this! I just booked our 5th trip today for 8/26-9/2. I am so worried about crowds. Not so much the heat as we've always gone in September (beginning and end) and it's HOT and humid then too.

We will be there the same week and also returning on 09/02. We always get my DS the guest DAS because he is special needs. We have not had the need to use it in August ever. The only thing that gave me pause for this year on the last week of August is that MNSSH starts earlier this year (08/25) and F&W also starts early as well (08/31). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that crowds stay the same.

 

[kbmartin]

Ok this thread applies to us...we are going August 17-26. We are from California (the hot dry bad air miserable part of California.... as in it is going to be 100 degrees on May 4 tomorrow and it is 100+ basically June-Sept. give or take a few days). Still the humidity has me a little concerned...

For those who have done August. Do you recommend magic mornings? Is it worth it to get up at the crack of dawn to make 8 am rope drop (coming from west coast)?

I am taking notes from this thread... cooling towels (check), water bottles (check)....lol

I absolutely recommend going as early as you possibly can. Be there even before the park opens so that you can get through security and into the parks ahead of the pack. Since you'll probably take afternoon breaks because of the heat, you want to be there when the crowds are lowest (the morning - people always want to sleep in). You can get a TON of rides done - try to do the big ones first, the ones you don't have for Fastpasses. If you're upset about waking up early, just plan on taking a nice, long nap in the A/C in the afternoon.

Just in case you haven't done WDW before: I know it seems like a great idea to always go to a park with Extra Magic Hours. While it's not a bad idea to attend the EMHs, I typically wouldn't spend an entire day in that park because that is where the crowds are. Everyone thinks that a park with EMHs is the best place to be. So, let's say Epcot had an 8 am - 9 am EMH. I would for sure go there in the morning, but I'd probably bail after the morning and head to a different park in the evening that is less crowded. I guess that only applies if you have Park Hoppers, but I thought I'd offer the advice just in case.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

We used to go to WDW in October but started going in August when DD started college.

Yes, it is hot and humid and rains every afternoon. But we love it! We found the crowds to be lower than during October. It is nice to walk through WS without the walkways clogged with F&WF crowds. This year will be our 3rd year in a row going in August. Like other posters have said - hit the parks early, stay very hydrated, go in the A/C frequently, and take a mid-day break back at the resort.

 

[kbmartin]

There were many days that the sweat just dripped off me...right down my back. Underclothes had to be changed midday..if I may be so familiar! But we're friends, right?

Absolutely agree. I actually have done laundry on each August trip. You'll need to change clothes after an afternoon break... unless you don't mind being extra stinky. (And most people in August are! ) Plan on bringing twice as many outfits as usual or plan to do laundry and wear those outfits again. Bring a few pairs of shoes so that you can air them out after a park visit.

 

[tarak]

We have gone in March, April, May, June, July....August is our favorite month. We don't mind the heat or humidity and we are from the north. It all depends on your tolerance. We do take a mid break and go to the pool or eat at a place with air conditioning and return back to the parks. We have been going on the last two weeks of August for the past 8 years and we love the crowd levels.

This is us in a nutshell. August in Pennsylvania isn't exactly lovely. weve gone twice the third week in August and I am absolutely willing to trade the heat for lower crowds. My kids are at the age where I'm not comfortable taking them out of school for a week because it stresses them out to miss class (well, the oldest one, at least). We're planning to go back next summer at the same time. We hit the parks early, stayed until about one, went back to the hotel for a swim and/or nap, then went back to the parks until close. Yes, I went through two sets of clothes each day. It really didn't bother me that much.

Ok this thread applies to us...we are going August 17-26. We are from California (the hot dry bad air miserable part of California.... as in it is going to be 100 degrees on May 4 tomorrow and it is 100+ basically June-Sept. give or take a few days). Still the humidity has me a little concerned...

For those who have done August. Do you recommend magic mornings? Is it worth it to get up at the crack of dawn to make 8 am rope drop (coming from west coast)?

I am taking notes from this thread... cooling towels (check), water bottles (check)....lol

Where are you from? I grew up in Southern California where it was routinely 110 in the summer. I don't care that it was a dry heat, it was bloody hot. We tried the cooling towels and after the first day, no one bothered with them. Folks here seem pretty split, though. So you might fall into the camp that loves them.

See my comments above, but yes. We got to the parks early and stayed until it got too hot, then headed back for some AC and the pool.

Never underestimate the value of something like Hall of Presidents and Carousel of Progress. Half an hour in the AC can be pretty rejuvenating when it's 95 and the percentage in humidity.

 

[tigerlilly]

Where are you from? I grew up in Southern California where it was routinely 110 in the summer. I don't care that it was a dry heat, it was bloody hot. We tried the cooling towels and after the first day, no one bothered with them. Folks here seem pretty split, though. So you might fall into the camp that loves them.

We live in the central valley south of Fresno... the summers here are basically miserable and the air is like breathing dirt lol. We lived in Texas for 10 years and way back then we actually preferred the humidity and 90 degrees to 110 degrees we often have here during the summer.

Just in case you haven't done WDW before: I know it seems like a great idea to always go to a park with Extra Magic Hours. While it's not a bad idea to attend the EMHs, I typically wouldn't spend an entire day in that park because that is where the crowds are. Everyone thinks that a park with EMHs is the best place to be. So, let's say Epcot had an 8 am - 9 am EMH. I would for sure go there in the morning, but I'd probably bail after the morning and head to a different park in the evening that is less crowded. I guess that only applies if you have Park Hoppers, but I thought I'd offer the advice just in case.

We have been debating doing EE (or EMH..we are frequent frequent DLR people so I always have called it Early Entry). We always do Early Entry at Disneyland and DCA but we are coming in still kind of on west coast time so I am a little worried. We do have park hoppers! Our first day is set for Epcot since it is DD 21st Bday but that morning is EMH at MK so we sort of debated trying to do both I am leaning toward doing the EMH for sure at Animal Kingdom and we have PPO breakfast for BOG on both a Saturday and a Sunday (trying to decide which day is better)...if we do the Saturday we could do EMH at HS on Sunday. All these crowd calendars and touring plans etc. are making me question everything I do lol.... we have not been to WDW in 12 years so it's a lot to take in! Thanks for any and all advice

 

[hkkatie]

Someone mentioned alternating outdoor and indoor lines.... is there any way to plan in advance for this if we've never been there before? Which rides' lines are indoor and which are outdoor?

We are also planning our first WDW trip in August of next year, most likely August 13-22, so this thread is very much appreciated.