The low down on August

[Mummycat]

Hi all hoping to pick a few brains
We are considering booking for the last 2 weeks of August for the first time next year. We have always previously gone September/October time but as our daughter starts senior school next year we are now going to be constrained to the holidays.
Here's a few questions that I need help with:
-Is it considered high season still or will it significantly have quietened down? I realise that the American kids will be starting back at school then but does it get busy with nationalities?
Can't be doing with massive ques!
-are the flight prices horrifying? I realise that it's a matter of booking as soon as I see a price I like and have some Virgin atlantic air miles to use. I have never even looked at August prices so have no idea of ball park figures
-do the flights get booked up quickly?
- I understand it can be hot hot and humid but will we notice a massive change from the weather we usually get mid sepetember? I can deal with the rain as there's normally quite a bit of that in September.

Any further tips you can give me re travelling/touring at this time of year would be great as feel really out of my comfort zone going at a different time of year (6 trip all in September/October call me a creature of habit!!)
Big thanks to all

 

[TheFram4]

Hi,

We have been tied to holidays in August for the last few years (but this is the last year) and have found:

- the parks quieten down noticeably after mid august and although the crowds seem busier than Sept, they are not unmanageable, I have actually found the ride queues sometimes seem to go down quicker in August as they still seem to have 'more lanes open' than the quieter periods. I think that although the rides seem busier, surprisingly, the time spent queuing is probably about the same in august as in Sept/oct.

- I find that the rain is worse in August and a couple of years ago got sick of going to the water park and then having to leave lunchtime due to electrical storms - so I would advise going to water parks first thing to at least get some time there even if it has to close.

- in my experience it tends to rain most days in august and can sometimes go on to evening

- flights yes they are more expensive and you don't tend to get the bargain prices on Virgin miles plus money, although I have been lucky with flights from Glasgow in the past two years because in Scotland the schools go back early august (I realise from your location this probably isn't an option, and virgin prices seem to have shot up now in august from wherever ).

- Indirect is an option and I am still looking at that for this August as I still haven't got my flights booked but we are hoping to do a few days in New York before flying down to Orlando. I have a price in my head I am willing to pay and as soon as a flight becomes available at that price I book but the key is to check check and check prices every day as they can differ by hundreds of pounds and to be flexible if possible.

August whilst not ideal is not as bad as you might imagine and going in August is better than not going at all
I once went at Easter (can't recall why) and that was far worse due to college students (mainly drinking around Epcot) and that was a 'NEVER AGAIN' time of year.

 

[TheFram4]

Just a quick update - there have been prices Lon - palm beach airport at around £600 return with BA, 1 connection.
Not the best of stopover times but not horrendous either. It depends on what inconvenience you want to endure to get a cheaper price, everyone is different.

 

[Mummycat]

Fab thanks for the tips. Roughly per person direct what's the most expensive and cheapest you've ever paid?-I really have no idea what to expect
Good luck booking this years flights and thanks again

 

[TheFram4]

Not really good ball park figures for you as these were from Glasgow:

2011: last 2 weeks Aug £550 per person miles +money VA direct to MCO
2012: last 3 weeks august £720 m+m VA Direct with PE on return leg (we actually upgraded on outward leg as well at airport for something like £125 per person)

Hoping to pay around £700 this year indirect but still looking for the 'magic' fare. I also admit (like many others here ) to being a bit obsessive about getting the right flight at the right price

 

[Mummycat]

Big thanks
Basically the tip is search obsessively then book ASAP before the airline changes it's mind and ups the price

 

[TheFram4]

It can also be a case of holding your nerve, like this year for me
I am a DVC member so I have my accommodation already booked and can change dates easily at no penalty up to a month beforehand
It used to be a lot easier booking Oct/Nov as there used to be a lot of flight choices at reasonable prices.
But soon I will be a lot more flexible and in 8 yrs when I retire I shall be able to go on a whim!

 

[scoobydooby]

Fab thanks for the tips. Roughly per person direct what's the most expensive and cheapest you've ever paid?-I really have no idea what to expect Good luck booking this years flights and thanks again

The most I have paid in August per person was 1k and the least £500. I would be very happy with £700 per adult in August direct with VA now.

 

[Mummycat]

The most I have paid in August per person was 1k and the least £500. I would be very happy with £700 per adult in August direct with VA now.

Thank you gives me a good idea of what to expect

 

[Mummycat]

But soon I will be a lot more flexible and in 8 yrs when I retire I shall be able to go on a whim!

not that I'm wishing the years away but that sounds lovely!

 

[TheFram4]

Yes but what's not lovely is that since my post yesterday I haven't slept - been at work (nightshift ) just about to sleep now (after checking flight prices hehehe)

 

[Mummycat]

Me too! I managed 3 hours sleep before going to sell cakes at the kids school (but yes had a sneaky look on here before going to sleep)