Please Help Grandma

[liltoot]

We just found out that my son and dil won't be able to come to Disney with us. However, they have said that they want us to go and take our two grandsons. The boys will be 7 and 9 this summer. FIRST TRIP TO DISNEY!!!!Finally I am getting to the question. How crowded is it the first two weeks of August? Would you suggest late June or July instead? TIA

 

[spiceycat]

August is not as crowded as June or July.

the kids in the south are back at school generally in August.

but the heat and humdity are really bad.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Summer is busy and hot, so cannot get around either of those. The heat and humidity can be oppressive (no exageration), so if possible, choose a resort where you can easily go back during the hottest part of the day and relax.

We've been all of the times you mentioned. The time we went a few days prior to July 4th it was pretty low key until July 3rd, then the lines were hours long! Late June would include just before the first week of July.

The 2nd week of August became our favorite summer time to visit. Festive, but not body to body guests. We do not do commando, but plan early mornings, return to room around noon, relax/swim or whatever (one day for DTD) until 4 to 6ish, then head back for the evening - we rarely stood in a line.

The heat can be horrible, but I still like that time of year. With free dining beginning later in August, the first 2 weeks should be pretty good crowd wise Crowded for sure, but not horrible.

My children were exactly that age on their first WDW visit They are all grown up now and we are excited about the arrival of our first grandbaby this September!

Sounds like so much fun!! Have a wonderful time planning and a magical trip!

 

[abca]

I agree with spiceycat. August is better than June or July. September is really great!

 

[kat3668]

The summer is always super crowded and super HOT!!! If you can hold off the last 2 weeks of Aug the crowds start to diminish a little as some of the southern states go back to school. I went once in lat June early July once and I will never do that again! WAY to hot for me I could'nt handle the humidity but it does'nt usually get that hot up here! July 4th is a madhouse in the parks as well. they are usually to full capacity! I much prefer the cooler months to do Disney like Feb and December but if I had to pick it would be after labor day...
Good Luck!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

liltoot: You are an awesome grandma!!!

Have fun!

 

[lmhall2000]

Where are you staying and will you be there for 2 weeks? If you're going for just one week I'd shoot for the 2nd week in August...June/July are soo crowded and hot! August is pretty hot, too just plan a day out at the water parks for some cooling off!
If you're staying onsite, I'd pick a resort with a good pool that's not so spread out....Polynesian/CR have a small enough pool that you can see them at any vantage point....that relieves a lot of stress when you're watching others children!

Give us more specifics and we'll try to help you make it an EASY and FUN vacation!

Tara

 

[mickeyluv'r]

As others have said - late June through middle of August is pretty crowded - with July 4th being very crowded. Last two weeks of August are better.

The room rates change at most resorts after August 3rd. It is considerably less expensive then, but there is also a greater risk of a hurricane at that time of year.

 

[liltoot]

Thanks for all the help. Grandpa and I (grammy) stay at the Beach Club. I think the grandsons will love SAB. We are at the mercy of the school schedule so we can't go in September. They get out of school late in June but the youngest grandsons birthday is June 29th so I don't want him away from mom and dad on his birthday. My son and dil can't go because she has a chronic medical condition that is progressivley getting worse. I have tried for 8 years to make this trip come true for all my family. We are heart broken that they can't come. My dil has never been to Disney but she doesn't want us to keep postponing. I could wait until next Feb or April school vacations but I've done that before with our son and I hate the crowds. Is it more crowded during Feb and April vacations than in August? TIA

 

[lmhall2000]

liltoot....so sorry to hear about your dil...I'll be sending warm wishes/prayers her way...what a great treat to have you take her children! You can create a memory book with photos of y'all on the rides/parks and give it to her when you return!

As long as you don't mind the heat..you can plan your days around it...go to the parks early, go back to hotel to swim during the day then hit the parks again after 4:00. Avoid MK on weekend dates...I've found Mondays-Thursdays are great for MK....use weekends for MGM or the other two...Pre-book your dining..the boys would love Sci-Fi, Chef Mickey's, and Liberty Tree Tavern...my son was 6 & 9 when we went and those were his faves..he also loved 'Ohana's...I think you'll be happy going the 2nd week in August...and it would be a nice break for your dil and son to just enjoy each other!

Have a wonderful trip! I know you'll make some incredible memories for these boys!!!

Tara

 

[jel0511]

Thanks for all the help. Grandpa and I (grammy) stay at the Beach Club. I think the grandsons will love SAB. We are at the mercy of the school schedule so we can't go in September. They get out of school late in June but the youngest grandsons birthday is June 29th so I don't want him away from mom and dad on his birthday. My son and dil can't go because she has a chronic medical condition that is progressivley getting worse. I have tried for 8 years to make this trip come true for all my family. We are heart broken that they can't come. My dil has never been to Disney but she doesn't want us to keep postponing. I could wait until next Feb or April school vacations but I've done that before with our son and I hate the crowds. Is it more crowded during Feb and April vacations than in August? TIA

I've been at both times, summer and Spring Break. It is more crowded during Spring Break, but not as hot, so it makes waiting in line easier. IMO, I'd rather wait for 90 min in 80 and low humidity than for 45 in 95 and high humidity. This is our 3rd trip during spring break coming up. You can't get to everything, but can hit all the high points, especialy with getting up early and using fast pass. I've sworn off the summer, too much torture for me.