Need opinions please!

[Amyg]

I am so torn about going to WDW in July! All the posts have stated how hot and humid and rainy it can be at that time.

Here's the thing...we can only go on our trip in July/August and I've been planning this trip for months, just not made reservations yet. Now I'm wondering if we should go to Disneyland and the other S. CA. theme parks instead! This will be a very first trip to WDW. We live in Hawaii so it'll be a long and costly trip to Orlando (but we do really want to go, just don't know about putting up with the humidity!) I've been to DL in July and it isn't that humid (like Hawaii can be).

For those of you who live on the west coast, what would you do?

 

[jenrose66]

I don't live on the west coast, but I would say got to Disney World!

I went the last two years in July. You need to go prepared for the fact that it will be crowded and busy; but a crowded Disney is better than no Disney

 

[GadgetRick]

Personally, I HATE hot and humid, two things you'll run into in July. However, for some reason, I can handle it while I'm down there. It's annoying at times but there are so many places to hide from the heat and humidity it's not as bad as you think. Besides, it's so worth it to hit the water parks.

I say just do it.

 

[james15]

yep have a good time and dont worry about the crowds.It will be hot but there is no better place than a resort pool on a hot day.figure out what you really want to get done and have a plan and you will be alright.

 

[tmt martins]

Don't worry about the RAIN either it just COOLS you off as you duck from ride to ride.

 

[lorik]

We've never been there in July but this summer we went the end of August.Very hot and humid, rained every afternoon, but we brought ice water into the parks and carried mister fans. DH hates humid weather. We all survived quite well and DH wants to go the same time of year next time we go.

 

[Holly]

We went in the summer (late June) last year for the first time. I was nervous about the crowds and weather. It wasn't bad! It did get hot at lunchtime, but we just went back to the room and for lunch/ nap/ swim. It didn't rain at all. The crowds were high, but we used Tourguide Mike's vacation planner and we barely waited in any lines.
Go and have fun!

 

[disfanRN]

It is all in the attitude and coping skills!!

We have been for a long July trip, and it was hot, humid and rainy at times, but that did not stop us from having a blast! You get up early, enjoy the parks before the strongest sun, swim and nap in A/C in the afternoon and go out again when it is cooler. The key is in the coping skills- always have plenty of water with you, mister fan if that does it for you, take frequent breaks in the A/C, bring umbrellas for rain and sun (invaluable while waiting in line not to have the sun beating down on you)

Also, bring something fun for the wait in lines- my family loves 20Q, a small handheld game that tries to guess (and mostly gets it) what object you are thinking of. It keeps my DH and DD happy, and usually a few other people in line with us when they join in!

Most of what will stress you out at WDW in the summer is obviously discomfort and long waiting times, but there are many things you can do to cope, and still have a great time. Good Luck!

 

[Straitlover]

Is the July/August requirement only just for this year, or is that for every year? If it's just this year and you will be planning a big vacation next year or later, I say do DL this year (esp since it's the 50th anniversary) and do WDW next time. If that's the only time you can ever vacation (and you won;t be doing a big vacation any other time soon), I say bite the bullet and just do it, go to WDW. I've never been to Hawaii, but I imagine the humidity/heat's about the same that time of year? If Hawaii's worse, then remind me not to go there!

 

[stacy6552]

We have been in August. I have to say that with a bit of prep, it was no (almost literally) sweat.

The park are open very late in the summer time. Take advantage of this. Everyday, we would get to the parks early and then head back to the resort for lunch and nap/swim time. We'd head back around 5, with a different pair of shoes on and stay until closing. We'd miss the bulk of the heat and crowds this way.

Here are my best tips:

Leave a day open at the end of the trip, just so you dont worry about missing anything.

Wear hates and put spray deoderant on your feet before putting on yuour shoes.

Leave long hair wet and put it up. This will keep it damp and you cool.

Bring misy fans.

Feel the slightest bit carbby? Know youre too hot and its time for a break.

 

[Amyg]

Is the July/August requirement only just for this year, or is that for every year? If it's just this year and you will be planning a big vacation next year or later, I say do DL this year (esp since it's the 50th anniversary) and do WDW next time. If that's the only time you can ever vacation (and you won;t be doing a big vacation any other time soon), I say bite the bullet and just do it, go to WDW. I've never been to Hawaii, but I imagine the humidity/heat's about the same that time of year? If Hawaii's worse, then remind me not to go there!

My son just turned 9 so we wanted to save a little cash by using child plan before his next birthday. Also, we usually spend our vacation visiting relative in three other states so we'd prefer Disney this year and hopefully in another couple of years.

I doubt that Hawaii is as humid as Florida, it's extremely humid here only a few weeks a year and even that I can barely stand! We're not planning on doing the water parks at all because we wanted to concentrate on the other four main ones, but we will be going to the pool I suppose. Well, guess I'll just have to suck it up and try and brave the humidity. I really appreciate everyones input!

 

[Skroops]

We went this year in July, and boy was it HOT!! One bit of advice that no one has mentioned yet (the ideas were very good, and the fans are a must!) is that I'd sit way back if you go to see Fantasmic at MGM. It was a dripping hot day and all of the fire from the show is a killer if you sit up front.

I'd have to agree that a crowded, hot Disney day is better than ANY day at home!!

Enjoy!

 

[AnaheimGirl]

If I could only go in July or August, personally I'd pick DL over WDW. The weather is so much nicer in California at that time of year.

That said though, you've received some good suggestions on how to keep cool at WDW. The parks are open late in the summertime, so you can do a lot of the parks in the evening, when it's not as hot. Of course, everyone else will be doing the same thing, so it'll be crowded. If you know what to expect and go with the flow, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[Robindianne]

Amyg,

DH and I moved to Seattle from Hawaii approx 1 1/2 years ago and went to WDW in April (I know, much less humid than they say July is) and we nearly cried with joy for how the heat and humidity made us feel like we were at home in HI. I say go to WDW. You'll sweat but who cares right? My 2 fav places in the world, WDW and Kailua-Kona area

Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

DW and I took a July trip once and while I wouldn't recommend it I have to say if you do decide to go.....be sure to go back to the room in the hottest and most crowded part of the day. Kick back in the AC, take a nap, watch tv and head back as some of the crowd is heading out of the park in the evening...this will get you through.

 

[deide71]

I agree w/ the park in the morning-rest@hotel in the afternoon-return to the park in the evening plan.

It worked for us in August, you beat the heat, avoid most of the rain, and the crowds are better too.

Totally do-able .

 

[patsal]

I go every year in July, for the most part I will not pull my kids out of school for a vacation (I will be in FL for family business in a few weeks and plan on taking the kids and other family members to the Christmas Party as a treat). I think any time of year is what you make it. Yes it is hot and humid, but the attractions get you out of the sun, plan a leisurely air conditioned lunch to recharge, head back for a nap after getting up early to do things ahead of the crowds and heat, swim and shop in the very hottest part of the afternoons. Drink plenty of fluid and enjoy the later park hours.

 

[Hopefully]

How long would you be going for? It is a long way from Hawaii, so I assume you would be staying awhile.
If you have time, I would suggest you try one of the water parks, they are a blast. If it doesn't fit into your plans, Storm Along Bay at the Beach and Yacht Club is a beautiful pool. Have you decided which resort you will be staying at? If leaving in the afternoon to recoup is going to be your plan, be sure you choose a resort that is easy and quick to return to for a rest and swim.
We went this fall in October, leaving just hours before hurricaine Wilma hit. Because of all of the weather activity in the tropics, on Wednesday the humidiity came roaring back in, just like the summer. It was HOT and HUMID and I hate both. I also didn't expect or plan on the heat and humidity we had. I coped however, by taking a break at the pool in the afternoon, when I got to be really hot. This was not in our original plans, but it was my survival technique. We had a great vacation.
Only you can decide whether you will be able to enjoy yourself or not.
WDW is wonderful and magical and your 9 YO will love it. I have been to DL, and WDW has so much more to offer. I would vote for WDW, but if and only if, you think you too will enjoy it.
Good Luck in your decision.

 

[Goofy4]

We went this fall in October, leaving just hours before hurricaine Wilma hit. Because of all of the weather activity in the tropics, on Wednesday the humidiity came roaring back in, just like the summer. It was HOT and HUMID and I hate both..

It was amazingly humid just before Wilma. We could not believe that it was late Oct. and the evenings fealt worse than our Aug 2003 trip.

The good news is that it usually tops out between 92-94 in July and August. That's also the bad news, but it could be worse.

 

[disneymoon0606]

Can anyone tell me where to find those famous misty fans?