usa school holidays aug 2008

[jono77]

Hi all, Looking at going Aug 13th 2008, I am aware that many american schoolkids go back to school mid aug, does anybody know any specific dates and am i right in thinking the crowd levels noticably get lighter after about mid aug.We have previously been twice in oct when crowds were fairly light apart from weekends and weather was superb, but unfortunately am now tied to school holidays, will not take my kids 12 & 11 out of high school, although i will be paying peak prices , at least the parks will be open later benefitting from the longer days. Any views would be appreciated

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi all, Looking at going Aug 13th 2008, I am aware that many american schoolkids go back to school mid aug, does anybody know any specific dates and am i right in thinking the crowd levels noticably get lighter after about mid aug.We have previously been twice in oct when crowds were fairly light apart from weekends and weather was superb, but unfortunately am now tied to school holidays, will not take my kids 12 & 11 out of high school, although i will be paying peak prices , at least the parks will be open later benefitting from the longer days. Any views would be appreciated

Each USA State is different but a lot go back by the 20th, and crowd levels fall, thats why Disney does the free DDP at that time, but some schools go back the same as us.

 

[poohmadmum]

We spoke to a few American families last month and quite a few of the American states are now going back to school later in August and a few states are apparently now going to try going back after Labor Day which I think is the last weekend of August. This may mean that it isn't as quieter late August as it used to be and of course for the UK this is free DDP time.

 

[DISWolves]

In Orlando this year, the schools returned back, one week later than normal (Monday 20th Aug) Previous years (2005 & 2006) they have gone back the week before. Based on this, I iwll be delaying my 2008 holiday by a week

 

[tashasmum]

We flew out on the 13th aug this year and there really wasn't the crowds i was expecting. The usual rides were busy but the waiting times were a lot better than when we go in July.

 

[lamn85]

I'm originally from the US, and as previous posters have said, each state, and even schools within the states, go back at different times. Schools go back anywhere between the beginning of August and the beginning of September. Mid-late August shouldn't be as bad as the beginning.

 

[rpbert1]

As was said , some americans said that schools in Florida ,starting this year would not be returning till after labour day , not sure how many states have followed them.

 

[wayneg]

As was said , some americans said that schools in Florida ,starting this year would not be returning till after labour day , not sure how many states have followed them.

I believe it was on the Orlando Sentinal website while we were there in August (looked can't find it) they have passed a law that says Schools have to stay out until after a certain date(could be Labor day). As far as I remember the story said it was to do with cutting down on costs and energy use, Schools and government buildings use too much Aircon thru August. It also reported something about only doing 4 days then having Friday off.
Wish I could find the page but maybe they have removed it. My memory is useless
This was starting this year so it concurs with what you heard rpbert1.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Labor Day weekend is always the 1st weekend in September. Florida law is now that public schools cannot begin until two weeks before that. That's the second to last week of August. Can't speak for other U.S. states however often in the NE United States schools don't begin until after Labor Day. You'll see a big drop off in families though during those final two weeks of August. After Labor Day, the only families are Brits (and other nationalities) as the Americans are back in school everywhere.

BobK/Orlando

 

[JohnnySharp2]

In addition to what has already been said the DDP we certainly found last year did affect the crowd levels the last 2 weeks in August.

I wouldn't say the parks were packed, but they were certainly busier than they were in 2005.