Thoughts about August 2012???

[Tammysushi]

We have been to WDW quite a few times, always in February except for this last visit which was in May. We chose February due to it being cooler, etc. When we went in May it was extremely hot, records were broken! So, seeing as I survived going in May, I am considering August due to it not conflicting with school here in Michigan (we start the day after Labor Day). I am wondering if anyone has advice for going in August, what the crowds are like (I think for us towards the end of the month would be less crowded due to the Southern states going back to school???), any tips for this time of year?? Crowd info would be most helpful! TIA!

 

[labfan]

We went the last week of August a few years back and had a blast. We also didn't have any issues with the crowds and not being able to get on the rides - we actually didn't wait long at all.
It was very hot though so be prepared for that and possibly take a break during the day and have lots of water.
It worked out great for us as the kids started back to school after labor day and the Florida schools were already in session.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

We, too, usually have gone in the middle to late August and find that the lines aren't too bad except for the MK on week-ends. Even with free dining we haven't found the lines unbearable; however, do stay hydrated because it will be hot and humid and if you can find the neckerchiefs that have the crystal beads in them, then you soak them in cold water for a few hours (I usually do it over night) it helps to keep the heat down.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

1. It will be very hot.

2. It will be extremely humid.

3. It is Summer Vacation for people so it will be crowded.

4. Almost every day there will be heavy rain and thunderstorms during the afternoon.

5. It is almost peak of Hurricane Season with high possibilities for either Tropical Storms or Hurricanes (instead of just thunderstorms and rain).

 

[LSchrow]

the neckerchiefs that have the crystal beads in them.

any suggestions on where to buy those? we usually carry a wet wascloth in a ziplock

 

[wcw57]

we'll see you there! leaving 8-22-12 for 8 days!!!!

 

[noahdove]

I will be there August 5 for 6 days with my 2 DGD I usually go in August and I carry a hand towel pinned to my bag and I keep the towel wet to help with the heat. I can take the heat way better than I can with the cold. I just remember, it's air conditioned everywhere we go, and at times those places especially the buses are quite cold. It will be just as hot at home and I don't have air condition so, I think its a great time to go

 

[luvdisney00]

This summer will be our 3rd late Aug. trip in a row and we love it. It's really not that bad, we get out early tour all morning, swim all afternoon and go back out at night. I think Aug is much much better in terms of crowds and heat as compared to July. It's not for everyone, but it works out well for us.

 

[slytherinchick]

I will see you all there, we are coming over from the UK

If you see a pooh shaped red head staring around totally bemused or getting over exited come and say hello xx

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Done late August twice and July 4th week once. August was much less crowded-even with free dinning. We'll be back again this year Aug 21-28th!

Although it is hot outside it is COLD inside so we needed to take sweaters with us plus a rain poncho because it did rain almost everyday.

 

[iheartpeterpan]

I am a teacher so we ALWAYS go in July or August. My upcoming trip will be my first ever non-soccer vacation that was not in the dead of summer!

1. Take advantage of rope drop. Crowds are lower, it is cooler, and you can gather up fast passes.
2. Plan TS lunches if possible to rest in air conditioning.
3. Take along a misting fan.
4. Post-lunch long mid-afternoon resort breaks every day.
5. Return in the late afternoon/evening as everyone else is crabby/leaving to use up the fast passes you collected earlier.
6. Deliver water to room before trip and use it - stay hydrated!
7. No commando!!

 

[KateB]

Hey fellower Michigander here! We are looking forward to our upcoming August trip. Our first trip was in August & everyone was telling us it was a bad idea. We were happy for the fewer crouds and Disney AC is always on MAX!
1. Neck bead handcercheifs are sold at REI and are a life saver.
2. Frozen water bottles throughout the day on pressure points
3. TS restaurants
4. REST
5. Go to the water parks and pool
6. Be prepared for random rainstorms they usually last about 10-15 minutes
7. HAVE FUN

 

[jennyf2]

We have always gone in August & LOVE it. Its hot but the crowds (or lack there of) are great! We rarely need to wait more that 15 for a ride & some are walk-on. It does seem to rain everyday, but its a good cool off. Just make sure to drink lots of water & take breaks if needed.

Have a great trip!

 

[tzolkin]

I posted in another section about summer dates, but didn't get many responses. We're also planning to go in August this year. I know the last week is less crowded, but I'm trying to figure out if there are any big differences for the other weeks.

I work at a university that starts the Fall semester on the 27th. It would be easier for my work schedule to go earlier in August, but I'm wondering if the crowds are significantly less the week of the 20th to make it worth pushing our vacation so close to the start of the semester.

Can anyone compare different times in August?

 

[hooch11bear]

We went last year for the first time in August, the last 2 weeks. I do have to say that the 3rd week was busier than the 4th week. It's Florida, so any time in the summer is going to be pretty hot!! We really enjoyed it, so we are planning to go back the same time this year. We have been there right after school ended in June too, which wasn't too bad, but I do like it better in August!!

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

I will agree with many of the above posters. We have gone at the end of Aug and our trip was great! Of course it can be very hot, but if you are prepared it is fine. We had very few lines, and only rained 1.5 days, and not all day. We do what many others suggested. Water bottles, mister fans, taking mid day swim breaks, and I second that you need a pull over or something for very cold AC in restaurants and what not. Have fun! Time for me to return, its been way tooo long!

 

[amber.miller]

We have gone the last few years in May as well, but are changing it up and going August 19-27th this year. I was born and grew up in Florida so I understand that it will be hot, but we're looking forward to a change in our touring style and trying out some new TS restaurants to beat that middle of the day heat. No matter what, we'll have a great time

 

[Gorechick]

Another Michigander going in August! We're going 18-25. Have been in August before so I know what to expect but this is first trip with kids. Planning on taking advantage of AM EMH hours to get a lot done in the mornings and early afternoon. How are waits for longer MK attractions like HOP, CBJ, and COP in mid afternoon? We are not getting park hoppers so we'll have to make do with one park per day and I was hoping to take advantage of a TS lunch, some shopping, and these attractions to pass the heat and crowds of the afternoon.

 

[Dreamsdocometrue9112]

We've gone every year for the past 3 Augusts and never had a problem when it came to rain and thunderstorms (knock on wood!). It has been extremely hot, but lots of breaks and pool time helps. Often times, there's a rain/thunderstorm in the day that lasts about 15-20 minutes. The crowds are definitely smaller, so you aren't as crowded in the heat.

We're going the first week of September this year for our honeymoon and we are crossing our fingers for good weather!

Have fun!!

 

[August2010]

We have gone the last two Augusts. The second time we went Aug 16-21 and it poured rain part of almost every day. We found this week very busy comparerd to the previous year a week earlier. Not sure why. Maybe the economy was worse in 2010? It is very hot this time of year but I don't mind the heat. You can always jump in the pool in the hot afternoon if it gets too bad.