Tips for Disney in August

[Tink 0625]

We changed our plans and DH decided it might be better to go in August vs. Thanksgiving week. We drive so I see his point. I told him I would check with the EXPERTS! Any tips for the 8/3-8/13 time frame would be great. Also, we haven't been since 2008. Have there been a ton of changes?

Can't wait to go HOME!!!

 

[pattyw]

It's busy at that time- we've been before. Schools are still out in the south, so the crowds are moderate. It's HOT!! But we like it because you can swim anytime of the day and be warm! You can get good use at the water parks also. If you plan in some mid day breaks you'll be fine.

 

[Uno Mas]

Just went last month and have been before in August - first week and second week - and found the crowds to be very manageable. Never had to wait for any rides more than ten minutes and FP everything else. The restaurants were empty, too - were able to walk up to several in Epcot without reservations at peak times. It is hot, but we are used to that. We do not like to take breaks during the day so we are out there from rope drop to close. Drink tons of water and find places to cool off - the air conditioning is blasting in the gift shops and restaurants - almost too cold. It did thunderstorm nearly every day so be prepared for that. Found it was better to just find a place to hole up or just to get wet rather than wearing the ponchos - they were so hot, and the rain really didn't cool things off. Pools are open after park close so that's when we usually hit the pool. The parks were open much later than we were used to when we go off season - it was almost a chore to stay at MK until 2 AM!

 

[Tink 0625]

Is there a huge difference in the weather from early August to early to mid September. We usually would go in September but as I said in my previous post we are going to go in August because of high school.

 

[StitchSpawn]

Don't go in August. Sorry if you have no choice, but that is ideally not a good time to go, it is very hot and humid and it rains a lot.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

We usually go the third week of August and the local schools are usually back in session, but in '12 we have to go early August because one of the kids will have school starting shortly after we get back.

When we have gone in past we have found the parks to be busy but we never had to wait too long becasue we would get a FP. It is hot and humid, but it's Florida and that's the August weather. It does usually rain everyday but it is a short rain and then it's over. I always have ADRs so the waiting is minimal but Le Cellier always had a long wait, even with an ADR it took 30 - 45 minutes to be seated.

However, in the long run the hot days made the evening dips in the pool very inviting and welcomed!

 

[bpesch]

You have to be prepared for very hot temps! I swore I'd never again go in the summer and have stuck to that. And I'm from the south so I know hot.

 

[Zdog]

We've been to WDW 5 times in August, and have never had a problem. Yes, it is hot, and humid, and there are thunderstorms. But the storms don't last long, and with proper planning and execution, you'll be just fine. We equate Florida with hot weather...and being from the north east, we want tropical when we travel...so August does not disappoint! Also, August is typically value season at the resort we like, so it works. If you are prone to melting in hot weather, if an occasional downpour brings you down, if staying in the pools is a problem, then avoid August. Otherwise, enjoy!

 

[jennyf2]

We go every August & yes its HOT but I'd rather the heat than the crowds. The wait time is great compared to other times of the year. If you are planning any sit down meals be sure to start booked at your 180 day mark--they fill up pretty quick!

Happy planning!!!!

 

[GrUvGrL]

We will be going soon for a September visit, but we have two times before at the start of August.

Here is what we do - Considering the early and late magic hours are still in effect and you have a park hopper pass:

Get to a park for early magic hours and stay at the park till about lunch

During the afternoon heat wave go back to the resort - have lunch, sit by the pool during the high heat wave of the afternoon

At about 4 or 5pm head to the late magic hour park for that day and stay until your feet can't move or the park closes (whichever comes first)

Works for me and my family... hope this helps!

 

[akhenaten]

don't forget you can get free water at any stand that serves fountain drinks!!
We got those a lot this past july!!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Sorry i didnt read the previous posts, so i dunno if this has been repeated.

The disney poncho's are terrible. Theyre soooo hot. I bought my own at my local dollar store/walmart. Worked soooooo much better! plus its cheaper!

Tour the parks when its raining, the crowds thin out A LOT! So you'll be able to walk-on most indoor rides. The wait times are great in cases like this! Just put on your poncho and go! Also, flip flops and crocs are VERY slippery when wet. So watch it. i'd recommend runners.

Dont forget that you can get fast passes every 2 hours. So if you get passes for Thunder mountain at 10am, your next fast pass grab should be at noon, etc etc. This saved us a lot with the popular rides!!!