March 2017 or August 2017? Crowds vs. heat

[erineab]

Like you, I was very worried about mt first August trip before I went last year. We went later in August, the 21st-28th, and the crowds were not bad at all. It was hot for sure but we we were mindful of drinking plenty of water and stayed out of the sun during peak times of the day (either hung out by the pool or focused on indoor attractions). We had an amazing time and we're going back this August. That being said, the only other time I travel is in March (I'm a teacher and tied to the school calendar) and we love that time of year as well! You can't go wrong either way; as long as you use rope drop and plan accordingly!

 

[Aristocath]

I'm surprised so many people have said March. I've been twice in August, once in March and once in July. I can say we will never go in July again because of the crowds combined with heat. The first week of March was great but the second week is when crowds kick in and it was busy. We love August because while it may be hot, the crowds aren't as bad, everything is open late and we can really take advantage of the mid day break at the pool.

 

[Anal Annie]

We've been at a lot of different times of the year. March can be a fickle weather month - one time we went super cool (had very little pool time due to low temperatures) and 1 time we went it was mid-80's all week. We have done a lot of August trips. ALWAYS hot. But great if you like pool time & water parks. Crowds go down in mid-August while March will be fickle again due to rolling spring breaks.

 

[biondagirl]

The crowds thin out significantly the second two weeks of August. The first two are pretty busy. I learned that and now go the third week.

I've done both months. March can be cool and rainy, too, depending on when you go. It can also be very crowded. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

I'd love to take the kids out of school and go the end of September/early October. THAT is a FABULOUS time!

 

[ElaineB55]

We have been during the 3rd week of August, and the crowds were not a problem. Yes, it's hot, but it is Florida! Rhode Island can also have those dog days of summer. Also, if there are new things opening at the parks, they won't be ready in March. Avatar Land is set for late 2017 - don't know what that means...But in March rides are closed for refurb and things like ice cream carts, etc. are no where to be found. Also things like fireworks, etc. might not be shown nightly. I would say August.

 

[starjazz]

For me, crowds are the first and main thing I want to avoid. I'll take heat over crowds every time. And its not as though it can't be hot in March. Flip side is, sounds like crowds may not be all that much better in August.

But if I was purely choosing crowds vs heat, I'd go in the heat every time.

 

[Ava]

The closer it gets to Labor Day, the less crowded it is. If you can go the 2 weeks right before Labor Day you should have very manageable crowds. The weather is another story, but at least you know it will always be hot enough to swim.

 

[BethR9]

Any thoughts on the last week of March for 2017? Super busy even with Easter several weeks later?

 

[Accident]

The park is always crowded, you can't avoid crowds.. I would say march for the weather over august, so much nicer in florida and weather doesnt' impact you as much.. HOWEVER, there is a lot of stuff coming out and an august trip has the best potential for more things to be opened than march next year. Disney tends to open things for spring and summer and fall/winter is holiday themed events + refurbs.

 

[85glht]

We take mid day breaks, get to the parks close to RD, go back to the resort for pool time for a few hours usually 1-4, then back out to dinner and the parks. We constantly reapply sunscreen, Wear hats, bring gatorade and waters in the parks and are always refilling them, bring salty snacks. I think the most important thing is the break though.. When the sun is the hottest we are back at the resort in the pool!

What he said! There are many air conditioned buildings you can hide out for a time if the heat becomes too much. Run in there, take a break, and head back out....
With that said, I vote for August. Yes it is hot but very easy to pack for that time frame. No jacket required. I can deal with the heat better than crowds. If you go towards the end of August, the crowds will be less than in March. As a matter of fact, my wife and I are going down to WDW on the 27th.

 

[mco65]

The only 2 months we have never been (I think) is July and August.. specifically because of the heat plus the crowd. Still we have been when it was almost unbearably hot and when it was almost unbearably crowded and I think you handle both the same way. Get to the park early (rope drop) and get as much done before it gets hot and crowded... because it will likely be both. Given that you are there 2 weeks, that makes it easier because you will have more time to come back to a specific park and catch something you might have missed before. You wont be pressured to withstand the heat/crowd to see a certain show or ride a certain ride due to lack of time.. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[ILovePixieDust]

The park is always crowded, you can't avoid crowds.. I would say march for the weather over august, so much nicer in florida and weather doesnt' impact you as much.. HOWEVER, there is a lot of stuff coming out and an august trip has the best potential for more things to be opened than march next year. Disney tends to open things for spring and summer and fall/winter is holiday themed events + refurbs.

I hadn't considered the new stuff coming out....that adds another pro for August.

 

[ILovePixieDust]

For those that go back to the hotel for an afternoon swim, assuming that you stay on site and use the Disney buses, does it seem to take a lot of time out of your day to be shuttling back and forth?

 

[MermaidMommy]

The week you're looking at in March is spring break for the majority of Texas, so it will be quite crowded. Not unmanageable, but definitely summer-level crowds. That time of March is also Peak season, which means it will be more expensive than August. The weather can be unpredictable, and you might have both cool and hot days, but it doesn't rain much that time of year, and the temperature will be much more pleasant overall.

I have to disagree with PP about closures and scheduling. As this is a busy time of year, fireworks and parades will definitely be every night, and often twice a night. In the past, they even opened up MK at 8:00am every day during that week (but not this year because of the budget cuts). Closures usually aren't any more prevalent at this time of year, either -- not like they would be in January and February.