Starting to get nervous about our trip in August.

[whiporee]

In regards to BLT, that's a walk, but it's not a short one. We were just there, and in the summer heat it could be rough with kids that age. I'd plan to walk to the MK and monorail back, or maybe the resort ferry (the website says they offer that now). A half-mile walk doesn't sound terrible, but in the middle (or the end) of a long day, it can be soul crushing.

The other thing that could help with kids your ages is to be territorial when it comes to ride planning. Try to keep the criss-crossing of the park to a minimum -- so plain on doing BTMR, Splash, Pirates, Aladdin and JC, then take the train to Fantasy and Tomorrow lands. The train will cool you off save on walking time.

Shows are your friend -- even if you don't care, it's 10-15b minutes in AC for the kids. Ponchos are your friend.

Character meals and outside M&Gs aren't. Anastasia and Drucilla were out Sunday, but the line was right there at the castle, with no shade at all, and it can be 15-20 minutes in the heat waiting for a quick interaction. Those things are fun, and the pictures are great, too, but it's a lot of sun and heat exposure for the payoff. Likewise, character meals have you running all over trying to make them, throwing a bun ch of stress and heat you might want to avoid. Chef Mickeys is at your resort, and if you want to do another I'd pitch Crystal Palace, but beyond those it's a lot of effort.

One more thing -- in regards to BLT. That's a crowded pool mid day, but the CR pool often is more empty because, as my kids told me, it is very lame. But if you're wanting to cool down a bit, you might keep the CR pool in mind if you come back mid day.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I have 3 week+ trips in August under my belt. I didn't think the heat was unbearable during any of them.

Def schedule a swim day and remember that the sun goes down around 7:00 PM so night time is a good time to be in the parks.

Have fun! I'm jealous that I'm not staying at BLT. It looks amazing.

 

[goofyintoronto]

My son and I went to disney every year in August. Yes its hot but honestly, dont worry about it. First you have to keep in mind that you CANNOT do it all in one trip. Learn to go with the flow rather than follow a rigid schedule.

-Definitely take midday breaks for nap/swim. We normally left after lunch time and returned at dinner time...so much cooler when the sun goes down.
-Pack your own rain poncho's! get them from the dollar store/dollar tree, $1 each. It normally rains every day around 3pm believe it or not. I noticed the pattern. I actually welcomed the rain because a) i had a poncho and b) the crowds would thin out quite a bit in the rain and c) the rain would cool things down.
-Keep hydrated. You can get cups of icewater at any quick service location. They normally have a ton of icewaters ready to hand out to people at the counter. Even if the kids say they arent thirsty, get them to drink.

 

[Meg1031]

To help stay hydrated, keep in mind that you can get free water from any quick service. The water in a water bottle can heat up really fast, so I usually do that instead of carrying a water bottle in order to get cold water throughout the day. Also, when its really hot out I never walk next to a shop, always through them. For example, instead of walking down main street, I walk through the shops all the way down then pop out about halfway through to take a picture of the castle and go right back in. It might not seem like much, but those 30 seconds of A/C really does wonders.

Its great that you have someone to take the kids back to the hotel if it gets to be too much (and are willing to do so). I see some parents at the park determined to keep their kids going which causes the kids to loose it and everyone ends up miserable. Its better to miss an attraction or two and have everyone happy rather than do everything and have a horrible time.

 

[shm_helene]

Something I haven't seen in here is to remember that the stores are usually air conditioned - sometimes we will just use them as our walking paths if we get too hot and vaguely browse as we are walking! It's not terrible - I do recommend taking a washcloth, have a change of clothes for the evening. Plus, you'll have the stroller so if you want to take a fan you'll have a place to store it! We've done June, July, and August. It's definitely hot but do it right and you'll be fine! (btw, did it with daughters at 3/1, 5/3, and 6/4 so it's doable with kids too!). I would watch all those early morning ADR's though - this can be the cooler part of the day (though it is definitely hot!) and maybe move them to the middle of the day when you want to get out of the heat or are tiring of it! Have a great trip!!

 

[GillianP1301]

This year will be the 6th year in a row that we have gone to WDW the end of August and I really love it. It is definitely hot, but I actually enjoy knowing that I will never need anything other than shorts, skirts and t-shirts the entire time. We plan 2 - 3 TS meals each day and not only do we eat well, but we have built in breaks and cool down periods multiple times a day. My other tips are wear a hat, nothing will bring on sunstroke faster than walking around with no hat in the hot Florida sun. Drink plenty of water. Take a more relaxed pace, if you are feeling overheated pop into a shop or an indoor attraction. There are so many places to cool down in WDW that I very rarely feel overbearingly hot. Some people use a pool break midday, we don't do this often, but it is a good choice and definitely refreshing.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I will add I find AK to be on the brink of unbearable some days. The park feels so much hotter!! Take advantage of the shows to get a break from the heat. I really want to explore AK more but find I can't take it for too long. Years ago I did PM EMH at AK and loved it. I'm hoping that the later hours they now have will make me enjoy the park much more.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Some great ideas above! I am very sensitive to the heat, so here are some of my tricks.

I will take a washcloth and freeze it overnight, then in the AM put it in a zip lock baggie. It feels great to cool and wipe off my face. I refresh it in water fountains or sinks along the way.

I found a larger, rechargeable, personal fan on Amazon-Opolar model. It has a much stronger breeze and helps me keep cool. The high setting will last me about 4 hours. I recharge during our afternoon break. It also converts to a table fan, so you do not have to hold it the entire time. It is also very quiet. You can also attach it to an umbrella.

I bring a travel size UV blocking umbrella for when there is no shade. It's small and perfect for the queues or paths with no shade. I will add my fan to it and oh boy does it help.

 

[ucfknight]

Start drinking water before you go to the park in the morning, and keep drinking continuously throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you wait until you are thirsty it may be too late.
Seriously consider a daily mid-afternoon resort pool break.
Alternatively, hit all of the indoor shows and rides you can from 1:00 to 6:00 PM.

 

[prprincess]

We went last August, and while it was of course as hot/humid as everyone says, it wasn't unbearable and much like August here in South Jersey. We took the togg towels, but never used them. We did use personal fans one day. The rest of the time the mid-day showers helped cool us off, and we only took a mid-day break one day, so it must not have been that bad for us. Pace yourself and drink tons of water. I'm not saying anything anyone else hasn't posted yet, except for the fact that it may not be as horrible as you expect.

 

[Flounder0715]

My family of 5 traveled to Disney World in August 2014 and are returning in August this year (between my work schedule, the kids' sports schedule and school, it's the only time that really makes sense for us).

I agree with all of the PP's advice. Just be careful with Disney wash cloths and hand towels. I used them in August 2014 and they are very linty (is that a word?). I ended up with half of the towel stuck in my stubble. This year I plan to pack the hand towels I use at the gym. The kids will also have their misting fans and cooling towels. Can't tell you how much wiping the sweat off your face every now and then provides so much relief.

But yeah, rope drop, mid-day breaks and A/C are your friend. We are pretty much commando type visitors and try to hit as much as we can. The kids complain at first but once they realize how much they've done, they are actually kind of appreciative of my not-so-subtle nudging to pick up the pace. Definitely doable in August as long as you have a solid plan.

 

[DisneyMim]

We've been going in August for more years than I remember. 25plus? For us it's not that bad and we are from NE. Yes it is hot but we have always had a good time. We are not rope drop people (ok everyone stop gasping! Ha ha). Drink water, stop when you need too, don't try to do everything. Funny I would give this advice for any time of the year. We also go the week between Christmas and New Years. As you can see we are not your typical dis family. We go when we can (teachers), don't give it a thought, and always have a great time. I am a believer that people go when they can and I hate when others try to tell them how terrible it is. Too hot, too cold, too rainy, too many tour groups, stars are not aligned. Take your pick. We have been going to Disney forever and imho there is not a "perfect" time to go anymore. Maybe years ago, but Disney has done a great job of making sure the parks are full. You have to go when the right time is for YOUR family. We will be there for two weeks this August and again for New Years. It can be done. Do some planning and then relax. It's a vacation!

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[monorailsilver]

I *love* August!

That being said, we eat breakfast in our room while we all take turns getting dressed, sunscreen the ears and nose. Then we leave by 7-7:15 to get to the early entry park of the morning If there is one for rope drop.

We have lunch in the park and return between 12-1 and we had been going back to our room for a nap. Yes we skip the pool! On my now 16 yo dds 2nd trip she was 4 1/2 and I took her to the pool while DH and our 22 mo old napped. Well my dd napped in Epcot at about 6-7pm. Lesson learned, the sun and the pool tired her out as she was passed napping stage. So after that it was no pool on the mid day break (we do planned pool days). Then we return to the park at dinner time.

Yes it's hot but pretty much all rides have a/c and when we are not covered in our own sweat we are covered in some kind of water from a sprayer or a ride. No sneakers are allowed in my family!

We do water, water, water! We have the thermos bottles and fill them up in our am getting ready time with ice followed by bottled water and take a few extra bottles to the park with us. Water stays cold which is lovely and refreshing.

And added bonus to summer is you don't need a light coat, pants, or long sleeve shirts.

 

[minnie1012]

We went 2 years ago in August and are going this August. It's very hot but manageable. I found MK to be the most bearable, mainly because there are so many rides and a lot are inside or very shaded waiting areas. Lots of water and Frog Toggs or Mission towels-something for around the neck, maybe a clip on fan for the stroller and misting fans. Start taking the kids outside now to get them used to the summer heat. If the 8 year old is going to walk and not be in a stroller, start going out for walks at night. It helped my daughter a lot.

 

[rapunzelfitzherbert]

Walking through the stores is a great way to cool off, and since they have multiple entrances to most stores you can use them to get around a bit.
I'm also a big fan of taking mid-day breaks at the hotel, especially if you're staying on property. Even when it's not extremely hot outside I like to go to the hotel, relax and cool off and change my clothes. It makes the later part of the day so much nicer.

 

[anniemae]

Yes, bring lots and lots of clothes!!! You will sweat the instant you step outside. We always wind up changing at some point from the sweat, sunscreen and stink. Speaking of stink, everybody will stink, be prepared for the stench. deodorant is your friend!

 

[SL6827]

If I ever go back in August, it will probably be under two conditions.

#1 We are staying at the Yacht/Beach Club.
#2 We are only doing water park days.

No joke.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We love August.

We don't use any kind of Frogg Toggs, and we avoid misting fans. They just make us clammy and gross. We agree with the folks who prefer to stay dry. We swim, and do water rides, but misting fans are just icky. Dry or drenched, but not in between. We don't wear hats at WDW- too many chances to lose them on rides, but they are great for some folks.

Our attire varies, but we've generally not had problems wearing t-shirts as long as they aren't a dark color. Though sometimes we prefer tank tops or lightweight materials. Along the same lines, a heavy bag on your back=sweaty back.

As others have said, drink lots of water.

I also agree wit those who suggest planning for afternoon storms. They don't happen every day, but often they are serious bursts of rain. Also-keep in mind- if the storm has lightning- and often it does- than all the pools, boats, water rides, and outdoor coasters will close until the threat passes. ESPECIALLY be aware that WDW plays it SAFE. Often MK is still sunny, but there's lightning just a few miles away - so they close/stop everything. Animal attractions like the safari also close, so AK can be especially hard hit.

Instead of 9am rope drop, we prefer 8AM morning EMH as much as possible, but if you haven't planned for AM EMH, don't change your plans this late in the game. When/if possible, DO hit the parks after 7pm.

Be careful with chocolate! For us, somehow WDW in summer always = chocolate! MELTED chocolate! At the DVC, you'll get a good freezer, but most WDW rooms have tiny dorm fridges that don't get very cold. Also be mindful of food safety. Perishable food reaches unsafe temps very quickly in WDW summer temps.

YES - to water tolerant, quality walking sandals! As another person said, Tevas, Keens, etc. are all smart. Personally, I also make sure to pick a style that has adjustable straps.

We also make a point to avoid any long lines in the sun. No show or attraction is worth an hour of standing in the sun. Sometimes even the ice cram line gets long. Your best bet is to ALWAYS be flexible at WDW. Maybe you'll see the fireworks, maybe the pool will be open, maybe you'll just hang out in the hotel lobby for a bit. This mindset becomes especially helpful summer.

Oh, the other painful mistake I've seen too many times is the uncomfortable (princess) costume, totally impractical outfit, or heavy make-up on a miserable child. Crinoline feels terrible in the heat/humidity. Braids are good, and some updo's are great. Pirate League make-up just melts in a hurry. If you are going from your hotel- to dinner - then back to your hotel, a costume if fine, but all day in the parks is miserable. Sometimes parents get a bit carried away with insisting that their child has to endure a costume all day.

 

[scrappinginontario]

• 100% cotton clothing
• drink water, water, water.
• Frogg Togg
• take your time and take a break
• accept that it will be melt-your-face-off hot and ask if all people in your party can handle that

The only reason I add the last one as I always thought everyone could handle the heat with the right pacing, clothing, and lots of water.

I was wrong. We went one August and my friend's granddaughter couldn't physically handle the heat and it changed the trip for all of us. She was 15 so finally on the last day we asked if she would prefer to stay in the resort room and she said yes. Ended up being the best day for all of us!

 

[Harmacist]

Been going in August for a bit. Do EMH morning park if you have that option, stay until lunch, return to resort for naps/swim time, return to a different park for dinner and evening. It stinks you are losing park time, but I find it necessary.

I like to wear either cargo shorts (fashion faux pas I know) or shorts with large pockets, and loose fitting thin shirts with a moisture wicking undershirt beneath. I bring with me to the parks a hat that can fit in pockets folded up, so when I'm indoors I don't need to keep it on, this absorbs moisture and protects my bald head from the sun. I also bring a handkerchief to dab the sweat, sun glasses and a cell charger w cable. This year I bought a USB portable fan (that can fit in my cargo shorts front pocket) so I'm anxious to see how that works with my cell charger. I also bought a frogg togg, but not sure if I'll use it.

In the parks hydrate, and find indoor things to do. Some of my personal favorites are Finding Nemo the musical at AK, American Adventure and Ellens Energy Adventure (not sure if still open) at EPCOT, Philharmagic and Hall of Presidents at MK. All are get places to cool down, or take a nap if you've seen them a few times like I have.