School Starts For Florida Kids 8/5, Will That Reduce Crowds?

[DisneyRefugee]

Florida kids are going back to school earlier this year (8/5), from what I understand. Our annual passes expire 8/15, so we are going from 8/5 to 8/15.

We normally go each year around 8/15 (since they usually seem to go back to school around then), and the crowds are usually not too bad. We are going earlier in August, but Florida kids are back in school, so I guess I am wondering what to expect for the crowds given these considerations. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[stingfancb]

Palm Beach County goes back on 8/10 - and we are a huge county. Something like 170,000 students. Not sure about Broward and Dade.

 

[imwithgoofy]

Hey there,

The Florida kids may go back Aug 5 and some other states in the south, but think about the rest of the country and the visitors from other countries.

We've always gone in the summer, because our kids are off from school until September and there are tons and tons of folks...children too!

I wish it were the case, but it isn't. The crowds are thick, and the weather is humid. I'll be looking forward to our first vacation in the fall when we need to bring a sweater!!! I can't wait. Enjoy.

 

[DisneyRefugee]

Yes, I miss the days when our daughter was in K-2nd grade, and we could take that first entire week of December off! Decorated for Christmas and low crowds - there is no better time to go!

 

[kerrynic78]

Today was sooooo crowded at MGM, it seemed like the place was over-run with high school age kids, they were everywhere.

 

[Praying Colonel]

We were there last year the week after they returned to school, and we found the crowds heavy but manageable if you employed FastPass and had a plan. But there was still quite a crowd and if you didn't plan, you could get jammed up pretty easily. E.g., we went to Blizzard Beach and it gridlocked around 11:00 a.m.

 

[DisneyRefugee]

Actually, perhaps I should clarify. I found the crowds bearable from 8/15 on. Do you think the crowds will be much worse since we are starting 8/5?

 

[Gagebre]

Georgia schools start back about a week before we do. We're actually going to Disney on the 5th since they lifted the black-out days on our seasonal pass.

 

[Feralpeg]

Florida kids are not what makes the crowds so heavy. A large portion of the kids in Florida rarely go to WDW. My DD was shocked to learn that many of her friends here have never been to any of the Disney theme parks even though they've lived here their entire lives.

 

[Carolinagirl1063]

I was at WDW last year when school locally there started back and there was a huge difference from the 5 days before they started back. That being said the week-end was still bad. Have a great trip!

 

[MKCP5]

we have found the mid to late august crowds to be much much lighter than the rest of the summer. JMO! That's why we are going back this year the 12-19th!

 

[cjb71870]

I'm in Sarasota county and they start here Aug. 8. But During the summer the parks aren't crowded because of our FL kids! The summer is when the international groups come! From Brazil, everywhere. Our students don't make much of a difference! But, all the traveling groups from around the world go during the summer! Same shirts, flags, etc.. Just plan your day and you can do all the fun stuff!!!!

 

[DisneyRefugee]

Fortunately I am pretty good at getting the most of the DisneyWorld and planning around crowds. Thanks to everyone for all the feedback!