Pros & Cons for June & July trips

[adsrtw]

I have a limited window for when we can vacation next year (my DS is in school). My Mom took me in July but I was too young to remember the crowds. Then I visited a few years back in early August for a convention and it wasn't terrible. We had drizzle, so that had to help our cause. I'm still debating on staying onsite vs. offsite, so I know parking can be a factor. Would anybody like to share their June/July experiences?

 

[sraiford]

Hot Hot Hot

 

[wendyinaustin]

We went June 2004 and the heat was brutal - high 90's to 100degrees and 100% humidity every day. (typical Florida summer) We vowed we would never do summer again. 2007 - we decided to try summer ONE MORE TIME. We went last week in July, first of August. It was actually not too bad weather wise. (we are from central Texas - we are used to summer heat) It was still hot, but we lucked out on not too much humidity. It was crowded but the parks are open really late so we came back to the parks after a mid-day break and stayed until 3am for EMH.
Bottom line: summer is HOT. Go early am, swim during heat of day, go back to the parks in the evening for the EMH. I would recommend staying onsite to do the middle of the day breaks.

 

[hapandpam]

Negative- Hot and Crowded.


Positive- The parks are open late. You don't mind getting wet because it cools you off. Packing is easy- shorts and lightweight shirts. You appreciate air conditioning, cool pools, and afternoon naps like never before. You are at WDW- What could be better?

 

[adsrtw]

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[pixie08]

Negative- Hot and Crowded.


Positive- The parks are open late. You don't mind getting wet because it cools you off. Packing is easy- shorts and lightweight shirts. You appreciate air conditioning, cool pools, and afternoon naps like never before. You are at WDW- What could be better?

I agree!

 

[PrincessShea]

When I used to go with my parents/sisters as a kid we only went in October. I have since become a teacher and can only go in the summer. I went this past June for the first time and it wasn't as bad I was bracing myself for. Granted I went with my finance so we were patient and not dragging screaming kids around. Also, we usually left around 1-2 in the afternoon for naps/breaks.

 

[kiddisney]

just back from 8 days - and it wasn't as bad as we thought it would be - the rain was tough - but we thought that it would be unbearable and it wasn't - emh was good - but the shows didn't go that late - so you have to plan - but my daughter's school schedule is going to be tough again next year - so as we usually go in october and/or november we're thinking of doing a longer trip again in june - my recommendation is also that if you're trying to use ponchos for the rain - try to get two so that you'll have a dry one on alternate days - and sometimes we're thinking of using umbrellas so that we don't sweat - but again - it wasn't as bad as we thought it would be -

 

[LovinPooh]

We went June of last year. and we also agreed that we would never go to FL in the summer again. It was so hot that you would sweat just breathing !! Thankfully though, it didnt rain once. We still had a good time, dont get me wrong, but there is just something about going to FL when there is a few feet of snow on the ground at home.

 

[JESW]

Just got back yesterday...it was hot but not as hot as August. But the crowds were larger than August. There were also LOTS of Brazilian tour groups - never had an issue with behavior (that may matter where you stay) but it was just the sheer MASS of them when you were trying to go somewhere - we would see the flags and go the other direction. We also had rain just about every day. The worst was when dd9 & I were stuck in Animal Kingdom with the thunder & lightning - rather intense!

Every time of year has its good and bad points...

Jill

 

[mom2aandj]

we went this year the second week of June. The crowds didn't bother me, nothing a good touring plan and use of fp didn't take care of, but it was just too hot. Never again. The one advantage of staying online I'd point out is that there is just nothing worse at the end of a hot day in the park then walking through the hot hot HOT parking lots, only to have to get in your oven of a car! ugh! I missed the nice cool busses a lot at the end of the day!

 

[Disney Ella]

I'm a big heat wimp. We went last August when temperatures were in the 90's and I didn't think it was bad. I don't usually go in the pools since the water is too cold for me, but this trip the water was perfect. Of course, everyone else said the water was too warm.

We usually go to WDW in November and start at one park early in the morning and stay there until we are tired. In August, we took the mid-afternoon breaks everyone recommends because of the heat. By the time we got back to the parks in the evenings, lines were very long so we really didn't get to do much. We get a lot more done in November and prefer going then, but I didn't mind August at all and would go then again if we didn't have another choice.

 

[elastigirlfan]

We've always gone in the summer except for one year when we went for Thanksgiving. Like everyone else said it is hot! We just got back last week from Disney and it was hot this year but normal hot not the oppressive heat we've experienced before. I love the fact that the parks are open late, MK offers Spectro 2X a night. It is very crowded so you have to utilize FP and take advantage of EMH when you can. No matter when you go it will be magical!!

 

[DJ Disney Kid]

CONS: WAY TOO HOT! WAY TOO CROWDED!

PROS: Parks are open later than at slower times of the year.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

Heat: It truly depends on where you're from when it comes to the heat. We're from Austin, TX and 100+ weather is normal through September so we're pretty experienced in battling the heat. Now if you're from the NE I can see how it could get to you. I would stay onsite for the Air conditioned busses and a quick ride to your hotel to swim. Try your absolute best to not be park touring between 12 and 3:30 or so. The sun will be at its highest and hottest with the least amount of shade throughout the day. Swimming is a great way to cool off and stretch out your leg muscles before you head back to the park. Make sure you drink more water than you ever thought you'd need to. By the time you get symptoms of dehydration (headache, grumpiness, thirst) its already too late. It always easier to prevent something, than to deal with it when youre hot, tired, and wanting to do other things than sit on a park bench for 45 minutes recuperating.

Crowds: If you go to the parks when they OPEN and have a solid morning touring plan, you'll get through a good portion of the park before noon. (DBF and I always got through more than half). Maximize FP use and get them whenever you can. Because theres more people, the return times will become later in the day faster than during slow times. Its not a huge deal, you don't have to run to the FP machines or anything, just be aware. The crowds are the highest a little after lunch, which conveniently is when you should be at your resort swimming, missing the heat and the crowds.

Later Hours:Later closing times are such a blessing. Besides the obvious more time in the parks, there are usually multiple showings of Spectromagic and Fantasmic meaning less people in each showing, especially the second showing. Also, its cooler at night, a definite plus.

ADRs: Because its a busy time of year, make your ADRs asap. Don't wait until you arrive.

 

[czycropper]

I have to agree with the previous posters!

Cons - the heat & humidity and did we mention the heat & humidity It was brutal and I lived in Alabama till after college and currently live in Jersey where it can get pretty dang bad! We actually enjoyed when it rained and since we had ponchos we just walked around and went into the rides that were nearly empty of people.

The other con was how crowded the parks were - but we were prepared for that so it wasn't as annoying. I have to agree with the groups from Brazil - if we saw them we just went to our next scheduled ride so that we wouldn't have to be near them. They weren't bad just a little annoying when they had a few in front and then others tried to get in with them - a couple of times we just looked at them and said "excuse me" and they didn't try to cut

Pros - later park hours, even though I have younger kids so I really didn't have a chance to stay till closing.

I will say that in all my years of going to Disney I hadn't been there in June/July and I will never be there at this time if I can help it. I have no problem of taking the kids out of school during the school year so I will do that. Unfortunately, the whole family will not be going for a while since our next big family vacation will be going to the Finland, Russia, & England in 2009and then to the Galapagos in 2011.

I'll be there with my oldest DD for a cheer exhibition later this year but it will be at the beginning of December (NO, it's not with Pop Warner )

 

[adsrtw]

Thanks gang! I'm from southern Indiana, so 90% humidity is usual for the summer. Looks like a June 2009 trip is in the works! I can't wait. I'm a single mom, so this is going to be a big chunk of my kiddos Christmas. I'm going to make up identical gift bags for the tree (with the exception of the characters I use, lol). I hope they are as excited about the trip as I am just planning it.

 

[jacksmom]

Hi! We are going soon! It will be our 2nd trip in July and we have also gone 1 time in June! It is hot and humid (but it is here in NC also)! We like the summer because it does not conflict with Baseball, Basketball or Scouts!