Okay...how bad IS it really, going to Florida in July?

[nilseks]

NO. WAY. You couldn't pay me to go there at that time. Two years ago we went in October when they set a heat record--it was 95 degrees and a billion percent humidity the week before Halloween. We were all miserable. DH hates heat and gets crabby, so that makes me crabby, and on and on. My best friend went last July and in every photo their family looks flushed, hot, soaking wet and unhappy.

We just went in December and had gorgeous weather in the low 70's the whole time. Our trip was so much happier and magical. Unless you are a person who can deal with heat and the kind of humidity that makes a river run down your back and into your underwear I'd go with the ocean!

 

[wishesuponastar]

Even if you got to the water parks during the afternoons? Is it still unbearable at night?

 

[mrodgers]

We went earlier than July. The coolest day during our 2nd week of June trip in 2010 was 103°. Yes, that was the coolest.

I had to laugh at everyone in their ponchos. We went for rope drop only once and was packed into the front area like sardines with everyone sweating so much, the ground was wet from everyone dripping at 8:45 am. That is no exaggeration. Then midday it gives the mid-day 15 minute shower (just like everyone says) when it is 105° or better and everyone covers themselves with thick plastic. We were dancing out in the rain, it felt fantastic.

I don't know if we will ever make it back to Disneyworld again, but I know it sure isn't going to be in the summer, or any time even close to summer.

 

[jujube]

We live in the deep south with high temps and high-95-100% humidity and there is no way I'd go in July. Just walking from my door to my car-10 feet I drip with sweat. If I won a free trip all inclusive with airfare to WDW in July, I'd pass and that is no bull.

 

[Costumesaremylife]

I've been in July quite a few times. I can't handle it anymore.

If you are going to go, stay in and lounge around the room and go out all night when the parks are open late.

It's so hot that watching other people touch was making me cranky, and I really don't get annoyed by much. Disney is my happy place, I'll wait in line for hours if I have to, but we switched our trip to May. It could still be broiling, but hopefully not.

 

[coachb]

We've done it several times and will be there the week after you this year. Our strategies for the heat: 1) get there EARLY for rope drop, 2) we freeze water bottles to bring with us, great as they melt and you add water to them 3) take breaks during the heat of the day and, lastly, plan on an off day(s) from the parks. It can really be exhausting. We manage it just fine, its the rain that bothers me moreso than the heat.

 

[furb & dez]

I'd rather let cars run over my feet. Florida in summer == hell. Florida in summer with thousands of smelly, rude, cranky tourists == well beyond any hell a sane person should have to endure.

 

[jacksmom]

We have gone in July the past 3 years! Going mid June this year d/t ap expiration! We like it! We are from NC though and are used to heat and humidity (though not so much as in FL) We have had great July trips and would not hesitate to take another one!

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

The heat index for our June trip last year was around 108°

The crowds were at a 9 out of 10. I'd much rather go during xmas with 10 sized crowds than summer. On touringplans website it was predicted to be less crowded, then it changed the day we got there. I thought a nice trade-off for the heat was gonna be less crowds. Uh, no.

When the crowd levels are that high, you really HAVE to go in the morning to have any chance of fastpasses for rides. I wish we could have just gone at nite. But then you think...I came all this way, I'm not going to go to x park and not even have a chance to ride x.

What got to me the most with the heat was the stamina piece. It wears you out.. I'm in KS, we have seen 108°, but I certainly don't walk around in it for 12 hours a day when at home. I remember thinking I was gonna die when we were walking thru EPCOT. Couldn't get enough water.

If I were to go again in the summer, I'd definitely spend a lot more time in the pool and a lot less time in the parks. Although baking in 108 in an outdoor pool wasn't very relaxing either...

 

[mhsjax]

I am from Florida and like me, most floridians won't go anywhere near that place in the summer months. YOu don't get used to 100 degree heat with 100% humidity. LOng lines smelly people, Sorry not even if it was free. We do go to the water parks during the summer, but even those get very crowded and have to close to incoming guests around 1:00 in the afternoon. I guess if it is the ONLY time you can go and who really need a WDW fix,I would go, do the water parks during the day, come back to hotel and rest then hit the parks at night after the sun goes down. The humidity will still kick your butt, but at least the sun won't be bearing down on you. Oh and all those daily showers everyone talks about, it only gets the steam up from the ground. Nothing like 200% humidity after a summer shower.

 

[deserrai]

I live in Florida and like summer heat usually, but be warned, it is HOT in the early afternoon. As long as you take water, it is bearable. We went July 16-23 last summer and we found the crowds not too bad. If you pay attention to the recommended parks on the planning Websites (I use easywdw.com) it works out pretty well. We went back the week before Christmas and the crowds were much worse.

 

[dhardawa]

I went in August once. The deal was just too good to pass up ($599 per person for seven days with park hoppers, dining plan - the upgraded one that still had appetizers and tips included, and airfare). When we left, we swore we would never do it again even if it were free. It was unbearably hot. We were toward the end of August so the crowds weren't too bad, but the heat was opressive.

 

[DisneyEater]

For those who wouldn't go in July, would it change if you did a no park trip? Just hang at the resort in the pool and go out for meals, ect.

I have been toying with this idea instead of our usual summer beach vacation. Just wondering what others think.

 

[jujube]

For those who wouldn't go in July, would it change if you did a no park trip? Just hang at the resort in the pool and go out for meals, ect.

I have been toying with this idea instead of our usual summer beach vacation. Just wondering what others think.

I can't speak for the other posters but I would consider this type of trip.

 

[North of Mouse]

We live in FL, 25 min.from Disney,we have annual passes,and believe me-NEVER go in July-August-unless you want to be miserable! We only go after 6pm in those months,and we don't expect to get on more than 3 rides! The heat alone is suffateingly HOT! And it seems to be getting hotter every year. If that's the only time you can come,I really won't plan on making Disney you're whole vacation.You'll be exhausted after you leave!

Our best time to go (and I'm a deep south girl originally) because of the long park hours, more parades and shows. I just love summertime. We do go in April for F&G show because it's spring or none and we love it, also first week of Dec. a few times (froze) but the short park hours help nix it for us. We are not miserable in the heat because even in NC it is HOT in the summer as it also was in DC area when we lived there, so we are not going to stay inside or in the water all summer. We love the outdoors and deal with the heat. But to each their own

 

[ceecee]

We always go in June or August ......it's so hot the squirrels at Fort Wilderness use oven mitts to collect their nuts.......

 

[North of Mouse]

I went in August once. The deal was just too good to pass up ($599 per person for seven days with park hoppers, dining plan - the upgraded one that still had appetizers and tips included, and airfare). When we left, we swore we would never do it again even if it were free. It was unbearably hot. We were toward the end of August so the crowds weren't too bad, but the heat was opressive.

If you get a free trip in August, please, may I have it

 

[ceecee]

For those who wouldn't go in July, would it change if you did a no park trip? Just hang at the resort in the pool and go out for meals, ect.

I have been toying with this idea instead of our usual summer beach vacation. Just wondering what others think.

If you are just going to hang at the pool, don't go to a Disney Resort. You will still have a ton of people there!

 

[princessmom29]

I live on the gulf coast, so I am used to the heat, but I would NEVER, EVER pay to do Disney in the summer. I can just as well sweat and be misreable at home. The heat is BAD. I don't think you can really have a concept unless you have experienced it. It is completely different from heat in other places becuase of the near 100% humidity. It is like trying to breathe through a blanket soaked in hot water. From the moment you step out the door in the morning to the time you step back in you will be drenched in sweat. Right down to your underthings, everything will be soaked. You will need to hydrate constantly. Uncomfortable is an understatement. Late July to early August is the worst of it. The absolute highest temperatures and humidity. Plus, there is the added bonus of the nearly inevitable afternoon thunderstorm. It rains just long enough to soak everything and turn the outdoors into a steam room. We try to spend as little time outside as possible during the heat of the day.

 

[princessmom29]

Regardless, I'll be there with you. We (almost) always go in July. Being teachers/coaches, we have no choice. It is hot and crowded. Remember to: bring panchos, eat early, go back to the resort and relax in the afternoon, hit the pool as often as the parks, read up on TheDIS & enjoy. Remember it is Disney and you're lucky to be there!

I teach, and we don't go in the summer. We go at thanksgiving break, christmas break, Mardi Gras break (That one is regional though), or spring break. Any of those whould still give a full week without having to miss school and would be better than summer. You CAN go and not have to do the summer, unless someone is coaching a soprt that plays during all of those breaks?? I cannot think of one.