Trying to Pick Dates for Our Trip - HELP!

[scanne]

OK, originally we were going to go for 6 nights from 8/24 to 8/30. Then I looked at historic park hours and didn't like that MK closed at 9pm and that SpectroMagic anf Fantasy in the Sky were only shown once a week. So now we're thinking 8/10 to 8/16. Park hours are a little longer (historically) and the parades and fireworks are every night (historically). I also like the longer park hours because then I feel like there is more time in the middle of the day for a swim, nap and shower. It's HOT in August!

So are the crowds really THAT bad the 2nd week in August? I've been over July 4th and Christmas........it can't be as bad as those times, can it?

Thanks for any input!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bjakmom]

scanne - DS and I were there last week of Aug and the crowds were very low. We, too, were upset about the parks closing early, but we went early, swam after lunch, napped during the afternoon rains and still found plenty to do in the evening. I think you'll have a great time earlier in Aug, too - if you're willing to get up early, take breaks, and return to the parks in the evening you should be fine - I've also been at Xmas, 4th of J, and NYE - no, I don't think Aug will be that bad - I dont think many southerners visit in Aug - our Fla friends thought we were nuts to go then - but we had a blast!!

 

[wdwnutze]

We went in Aug. 2001 the 11th-17th. You already know about the heat. Drink lots of water, use a mister fan and take midday breaks. There were also lots of people there. It is very crowded but I'm sure not as crowded as xmas or 4th of July. If you take advantage of EE you should be able to deal with the crowds and get to do the things you want to do. If we were to go in August again, I think we would go later in Aug. and take advantage of less people. Less people means you can get more done in the parks during the day. Since you will definately need breaks for naps and swimming, I would say go to EE or be at whichever park at park opening. You can get lots done in those first few hours. The heat will get worse as the morning goes on so I would plan to take a break about 11:30 for lunch and swimming, naps etc. By 2:30-3:00 you could head back to the parks for a few more hours. The other thing you could do is save Epcot for the evening when the other parks close earlier. I would definately go when the crowds are less.

 

[Gillian]

If the MK really closes at 9 (I thought it actually closed earlier most weekdays) you will have more than enough time to do everything! I know it's better to have the fireworks, but Fantasmic & Illuminations are shown every night. Even if the parks close at 7, when the crowds are low you get more done. And it makes the heat more bearable.

It's a tough choice! We like the off season, even if it means concessions like earlier closings & ride rehabs.

 

[jel0511]

I've been there 4th of July 2002 and Mid August 2001, and I really couldn't tell much of a difference in the crowd levels. We generally tour the parks early in the day to avoid the afternoon heat. We're napping and at the pools in the afternoons, and back to the parks at night. I've also been late August, but that was 1996, right before Labor day, and I didn't see MUCH difference. Most southern schools go back around the middle of August, so you lose crowds there, but Northern schools go back first week of September, and camps around here in NJ get out beginning to middle of August. I know ALOT of people who plan taking their family vacations after camp is over. If you truly plan on going back to the room for naps and stuff in the afternoons, I don't think you'll have a problem in mid August. It's DEFINATELY nothing like Christmas!!!!

 

[bobcat]

We've been August 8-17th the last two years and the crowds aren't too bad. Towards the middle of our trip we can see the crowds start to thin down, except for weekends when the locals still come. I love this time of year to visit WDW. I've been during off season and the crowds are great but the weather is too unpredictable. Just MHO.