Starting to get nervous about our trip in August.

[wdw&sonny]

The second rule of dealing with the heat is DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE HEAT!. If you have to, make a game out of it -- say you are only allowed to talk abut the heat between 17 and 19 past the hour. Then everyone has to blurt it all out quickly and it becomes sort of a game.

I love this.

We love August.

Our mantra has always been: It will be hot, crowded and expensive. Don't complain. Prepare.

 

[Minnesota!]

We love it! yes, it can get uncomfortable, but it is not unbearable!

• Rope Drop
• stop in bathrooms and splash water on your face/wet a paper towel and wipe down your neck
• break at lunch for table service or go back to your resort
• swim
• head back to park around 530
• take it slow
• reapply deodorant often (please, and thank you )
• I always shower mid-day when we go back to the resort, and throw on a new bra/underwear/shirt.
• I keep my hair in braids, off my neck (my hair weighs about 600 lb)
• WATER. Drink it often!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The first rule of dealing with the heat is do not complain about the heat. The second rule of dealing with the heat is DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE HEAT!. If you have to, make a game out of it -- say you are only allowed to talk abut the heat between 17 and 19 past the hour. Then everyone has to blurt it all out quickly and it becomes sort of a game.

Agreed! I put myself into this frame of mind in two places: 1) running long distances in the summer, 2) summer trips to WDW!

We find ourselves reciting some of Robin Williams' lines from Good Morning Vietnam when he talks about the heat...

 

[BlackMagicWoman]

Dress in clothes that dry easily and enjoy the afternoon rain shower. I've been about five times in august. It's hot but most places have AC so I haven't actually found it to be that unbearable.

 

[JennyDrake]

We go every August. In fact, I've never not been during the summer. I'm from Ottawa, so we get the humidity (except this year summer hasn't started yet), but it's still hot. As someone said in an earlier post, summer = heat. Keeping that in mind, we always have an amazing time! Just follow some basic summer rules and you'll have the trip of a lifetime!

1. Rope drop. Seriously, rope drop. Not a morning person? Tough, now you are. Rope drop. It will still be hot at 8:15 ( yes, get there by 8:15), but you'll get to do the headliners and the other rides will be walk on. This is important as the more you do in the first 2 hours, the less planning and more relax time you have later on in the day.

2. Mid-afternoon break. You will hear from both sides of the camp on this issue, but in the summer, it's extremely beneficial. We like to book a sit down lunch, plan our afternoon/evening ( based on what was accomplished in the am), then go and swim/nap for about 2 1/2 hours at the resort. This really helps break up the day. Then back to the park or hop to a new one that evening.

3. Drink lots of water and go with the flow. Stay hydrated and let your plans fall apart if need be. Colortopia was an hour detour last year, and 1 day we swam and slept longer, but it was needed.

As for the rest, I do frog togs, my wife doesn't. Dole whips cure almost anything, and book your next fastpass right after your 3rd is finished. Smile at everyone, wish those with birthday buttons happy birthday, and pinch yourself every now and then, because you're at Disney!

DITTO all of this especially #1!

 

[heidijanesmith]

Oh, I also forgot about chaffing prevention.

The humidity and chaffing! I use Gold Bond friction stick. It's similar shape to deodorant and easy to use. I use it after every shower and it really helps chaffing prevention. Once you get it, it's hard to be comfy, so prevent it at all costs!

 

[loislane]

All of our trips have been in August or September and yes, it's hot. But it's not unmanageable. Here are some of the things we do to help beat the heat. 1. Carry water bottles and refill them often. Hydration is very important. 2. Carry little battery operated misting fans. Ours are small and have a clip so you can hook them onto a belt loop or bag strap. 3. Duck inside for some A/C - hit up a ride (Ellen's is AWESOME to get off your feet, out of the sun and recharge!)
, a show, a gift shop, a QS restaurant - any place that has A/C when you need a break. 4. Take a mid-day hotel/pool break if you need to. 5. Book your FPs wisely to avoid outdoor/hot queues. 6. Take your time and plan for those breaks. Don't try to do everything. There are still things we haven't done (No Fantasmic yet because there always seems to be something else we want to do instead) and we just tell ourselves it's something to look forward to on another trip.

 

[Parker Clan]

I wouldn't even read those posts. People get a bit dramatic. It's FL in the summer, it's hot.. It's hot MANY months there. We can only go in August as well...if you are smart and follow all the tips it's VERY enjoyable. I'm sick of reading dramatic posts (not yours.. But others complaining like crazy about it) Again, it's FL... Not sure what they expect???
You'll have a great time. Don't be nervous. Going for the 7th time in August and have a blast every darn time....

 

[IvyWinter]

Ive been in August and yes, it's hot. But my tips are, early morning and late evenings if you can, with mid day breaks. Drink a LOT of water. Make sure your inside AC rides that are easy to get on are scheduled as well, to take a break! Walk through stores where you can. Remember, you're at disney, and a hot disney is still better than no disney

 

[leebee]

Frozen wash cloths. I bought an insulated lunch sack at Dollar Tree to carry them in, to keep them colder longer. I simply soak washcloths (folded in quarters) in the evening, put them in sandwich-sized zip locks, and freeze overnight. Pop them in the insulated lunch sack, then into the backpack. They feel so darned good on your arms, neck, face in the middle of the afternoon!

Frozen water bottles. Fill your water bottles (the regular kind you get in the grocery store- AquaFina, Poland Springs, whatever) about 1/3 full and freeze overnight. Top up with fresh cold water in the morning and stick them in the backpack. They'll stay pretty cold for a long time.

If you don't want to carry water bottles, take advantage of being able to get ice water for free from all QS restaurants.

We bring powdered drink sticks- the little tubes that have instant tea, drink powder, whatever- or MiO drops as we find there's only just so much water we can drink before feeling gross. Somehow the flavors make it easier to get the water down.

Walk in the air-conditioned shops. They interconnect along the main streets/walking areas. Take advantage of these small shots of air conditioning!

SHOWS. These are known as "the rides where you sit down in a/c" in my family. Twenty minutes sitting in dark, air-conditioned bliss? DO IT.

I'm not saying it's for everyone, but we don't rope drop. We sleep in, swim a bit, relax, and get to the parks around 11am. We do some rides, have some lunch, do some more rides, have a TS dinner around 7-ish, then stay until the parks close. We tried doing rope drop one trip, then back to the resort for lunch and a swim. UGH. It was us and 2 billion of our closest friends in the pool, which was warmer than the ambient temperature and not at all refreshing. We really are night-park people; we always choose the park that is open latest, and stay as long as we can. Can't be at Epcot at 8am if we were still in MK at 1am! It works for us.

TMI time. You are going to sweat, and be wet to the skin. Your undies are going to be wet all the time, from the sweat. Please bring a second set of clothes for each day, or be prepared to do laundry mid-trip. If you go back to your hotel for a break at any point, you are going to want to change your clothes. If you go swimming, you are not going to want to crawl back into icky, wet, sweaty clothes. Trust me on this.

We spray our feet with antiperspirant deodorant every morning. It cuts down on foot-sweat, which cuts down on chafing and blisters.

I have these fans that hang around my neck. They are shaped like iPods, only big, and are battery operated. The fan hangs around your neck and blows air upward onto your neck and face. They are pretty sweet. I got them at Walmart.

If you take an umbrella, please, please, PLEASE be aware of other people around you.

 

[mousefan73]

We find it bearable as AC is everywhere. Plan indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day. All the shows etc. misting sprays IMO make things worse ( humidity) and remove sun screen.

The only experiences I find the heat really affects is dining. At epcot/ AK there are great places to eat outdoors. Forget it. Also at MK the car track ride. DO NOT do it when the sun is beating down!!! Morning or at nigjt. Trust me. You will melt and die waiting in the load and offline lanes in 100 degree heat surrounded by exhaust fumes.

 

[smidgy]

I have to agree with rope drop. I am a night person. see? it's 12:45 pm in Illinois and here I am posting. I tend bar, waitress. at home I never get up until 10 am at the earliest (unless I'm babysitting grandkids) however.. at disney? I morph into a morning person. lol
it is SO worth it. you "knock off" so many attractions in the first couple hours. and it's not as hot.

I will say noe thing though. we went in mid august one year cause our DIL is a teacher. the heat was bearable (for us) the one irritating thing was often when we would go back in the afternoon to swim, there would be lightning in the area. and they close the pools and the pool decks then.

 

[newestkg06]

I 100% agree with those who suggest some kind of washcloth. Frog togs didn't work for me, the misting fans were big and bulky. The smaller fans didn't do much. We're going stroller free on the next trip, so I'm not bringing that stuff along. BUT, I will definitely be bringing washcloths in a ziploc. Get an extra ice water from a quick service while you're hydrating, wet down the washcloth with cold water, and put on your neck and face. Getting the sweat off makes a huge difference! We didn't take afternoon breaks last Sept, but we're planning on them this August. I'm prone to heat stroke, so I'm extra careful. I agree with making sure your touring plan includes breaks in air conditioning, even in the morning. Definitely get moisture wicking socks!!
Look for air conditioned places to eat (not all quick service have indoor seating!).

 

[mdelano4]

We almost always go in mid to late August due to a standing commitment I have the beginning of the month. Until this year I was always an XL to XXL (happily I am now down to L) and I never had an issue with the heat. As others have said, pace yourself and don't think you are missing some of the experience because you go back to the hotel for a midday dip in the pool. So many of the attractions are indoors and air conditioned. Alternate one in the heat then one inside. I learned to skip the golf shirts and heavier cargo shorts. I wear light tee shirts and get the lightest weight shorts (cargo, because I still love all the pockets for walking around the parks). Enjoy!!

 

[sorahl1]

I’m not sure if I am posting this in the right spot. But, we are going mid-August and staying at the Bay Lake Tower for 7 days. It is my wife, myself and our two daughters 8 & 2. Because of our schedules August was the only feasible time to go. I am getting a bit nervous reading all the posts that say August is unbearable and will be miserable with the heat. Do any of you have suggestions to make the trip more enjoyable and to help keep cool? Thanks in advance. I have not been to Disney World in 25 years.

I have only been to WDW in August... ITs a GREAT time to go... if you aren't 'THEM'.
don't go without a plan
don't go commando all day long with young kids (or... at all in my opinion)
did I mention don't go all day long??

DO be at the parks for RD...
DO leave shortly after lunch for an afternoon break.
DO plan to do the majority of your riding in the am visit...
DO plan to do your 'smell the flowers' touring in the pm visit
Do...enjoy yourself.. Be smart and you will have the BEST TIME of your life...

 

[sorahl1]

We almost always go in mid to late August due to a standing commitment I have the beginning of the month. Until this year I was always an XL to XXL (happily I am now down to L) and I never had an issue with the heat. As others have said, pace yourself and don't think you are missing some of the experience because you go back to the hotel for a midday dip in the pool. So many of the attractions are indoors and air conditioned. Alternate one in the heat then one inside. I learned to skip the golf shirts and heavier cargo shorts. I wear light tee shirts and get the lightest weight shorts (cargo, because I still love all the pockets for walking around the parks). Enjoy!!

I can't LIKE this post enough... That's exactly the right approach and attitude See you there with my Ears on

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I have only been to WDW in August... ITs a GREAT time to go... if you aren't 'THEM'.
don't go without a plan
don't go commando all day long with young kids (or... at all in my opinion)
did I mention don't go all day long??

DO be at the parks for RD...
DO leave shortly after lunch for an afternoon break.
DO plan to do the majority of your riding in the am visit...
DO plan to do your 'smell the flowers' touring in the pm visit
Do...enjoy yourself.. Be smart and you will have the BEST TIME of your life...

We like booking our FP+ for the evening park after our midday break. Starting around 5-6 pm. We get so much done in the AM also, especially with AM EMH.

 

[michelepa]

The reality is August is very very hot and with children 2 and 8 you will not get as much done as you may hope due in part to the heat just sapping your energy quicker.
Good news is that the kids at those ages will not know what they are missing so you just need to be realistic as to their limitations so you will not disappointed, especially given the money you are spending.
So wrap your head around that now.
So many of our trips I hear parents yelling at their crying children about the of the cost of the trip
I didn't read all the posts but I brought my son to Disney in August when he was 4 1/2 and I brought my daughter when she was much older (12 and 13) in August.
With my son I brought an umbrella stroller that saved the trip for us.
He sat in that stroller from the time we got off the boat or monorail until we got back on transport back to the hotel. In fact, he happily sat in it from the Poly CL building through the grounds and main building to the monorail as well. You don't realize how much walking there is. (MK front gates to It's a Small World area is quite a walk too and I was in great shape!)
I bought him the fancy Disney mister fan to keep cool.
I would absolutely not buy one of those tiny little fans. I gave one to my daughter when she was 12 and within a minute she got it her hair knotted in it.
He did really well because he was in the stroller.
I know your one child is 8 but I would rent one of those Disney strollers and put them both in their along with your gear.
They will last a lot longer if they do not have to walk in that heat all day.
Bring Brita water bottles and refill them with cold water throughout the parks.
Do some indoor rides and some outdoor rides.

If midday breaks back at the hotel work for you then that's good.
I do not park hop even now but stick with one park a day.
We never went back to hotel mid day for a swim break it just seemed to take too long when they were little so we just stayed at the park until we were done or tired. We then left the park for the day to swim, shower and have dinner and enjoy the hotel activities or went to the park later in the day if we wanted to watch the fireworks and do evening stuff.
A 2 year old and 8 year old schedules are very different and no matter what your schedule is at home or on normal vacay I find you never know what it will be like when at Disney.
So again flexibility and patience are going to be key.
You and your wife will likely need to split up to care for the children's needs at times.

Also, plan on a short or longer daily storm around 2-3ish.

Good luck!

 

[micheleq]

We like booking our FP+ for the evening park after our midday break. Starting around 5-6 pm. We get so much done in the AM also, especially with AM EMH.

We are going in late August and I booked all our FPs for early evening, thinking along the same lines that we can rope drop and get in a bunch of rides with reasonable waits early in the day.

 

[ChristineOH]

I know everyone says rope drop, but unless you're gunning for FoP or 7DMT, it's just more time in the heat. It's hot and humid even early in the morning. We like to show up right before or after the park is opening and head to a ride that doesn't have a crazy RD rush but will still save us a line later in the day... or we schedule our first FP for 9-10, and try to hit that in the second half of the window. This didn't work when they held you outside the tapstiles, but it works fine now.
My kids are older, and they still love the afternoon break. The one day we didn't take one, they asked to never do that again.