US / IOA in August

[Leota]

Since my son entered HS, I've stopped pulling him out of school for long trips.... I have gotten used to WDW in Aug & find there's plenty of cool-down opportunities in the Parks - How is it at US/IOA - is there various fountains, indoor AC attractions etc... to cool down in while at the Parks? Or should I plan more days there for shorter periods of time?

 

[BarryHom]

To cool down, definitely hop on Popeye. It's the wettest ride on property! Most of the queues have really cold AC, so you shouldn't sweat it a lot.

 

[Leota]

Thanx Barry.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

there are also several "cooling" areas throughout the parks in the form of mist fans.

 

[meesie]

We went to USF / IOA this past August. One point that I would recommend is to plan for later in the month. We were there the week before Labor Day (Aug 26-31) and the lines were great! We stayed at POrtofino Bay and were able to get a great rate on the hotel as well as FOTL. They tell me that schools down south go back to school around the middle of August where up North public schools usually don't go back until after Labor Day. If you can take advantage of that window you should be able to avoid alot of crowds. As for heat, it was verrry HOT!!! IOA was great since there are so many "water" rides my kids walked around in their bathing suits (with TEVA sandals) all day and were perfectly comfortable. There is an area in Seuss Landing that has some watery play areas for kids and the young at heart. USF was a little warmer although all the rides were air conditioned to a nice chilly temp! At USF the Curious George play area is basically all water games designed to soak you and of course there were plently of misting stations around.

We are going back during the week after Christmas and are wondering if those wet rides will have any appeal at all when it's not 90 degrees and humid!!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

peopel will still go on the water rides for the thrill of the ride. people just wear ponchos cuz cold + wet = bad

 

[Leota]

Our plan is the late part of Aug. We discovered the lesser crowds/better resort deals for that time period with WDW - figured it'd hold true for US/IOA. I also discovered if you roll ice up in a bandana & tie it around your neck, it really helps cool you down - Might look strange & white t-shirts might not be the best idea, but, hey, if I'm keeping cool & getting more ride time, I don't care.

 

[Captbligh]

I too was at US/IOA last Aug. 25-30 at RPH. I thought the crowds were below average except for the most popular attractions (spiderman, T2, DD, Hulk). However, FOTL makes line issues a moot point. I didn't find the weather that oppressive, very comfortable at night. The only down side is that the parks close earlier this time of year (considered the start of slow season).
Barbara

 

[Leota]

US/IOA doesn't wait til Labor Day to cut it's hours back?

 

[Captbligh]

Both parks closed at 7pm weekdays, 8pm weekends when we were there. Citywalk is open very late though.

 

[Cindy B]

Leota--

We have been going laste August for the past two years now. The lines weren't bad at all, and we didn't stay onsite. We would just get there early, and do everything.

We had two kids, and they were fine. Yes, many wet areas in IOA... between Popeye, Dudley, and Jurassic Park, you will be wet somehow, someway...