Visiting parks in mid-August but not onsite?

[The LK 4]

I am thinking of purchasing the 2+ three free days passes because they are such a great deal. As much as I would like to stay onsite and utilize FOTL passes, I just don't think it's within our budget.

If we stay offsite and plan on getting to the park first thing each morning, would we realistically be able to see mostly everything during our 5 days? I'm hoping this would allow us ample time to explore each park and also be able to ride the main attractions a few times each during our stay.

 

[tinaluis]

We visited the parks in mid-August 2004 and were surprised that the crowds were so low. Chicago Public Schools don't go back into session until after Labor Day but most schools in the south, and definitely in Orlando, are back in session at the beginning of August. I think you should be able to see everything you want to see in 5 days, especially by arriving early. Have a great trip!

 

[The LK 4]

Thanks for your response!

 

[robvia]

Schools go back sooner and sooner each year. The 1st week of August is busy, then it drops off quickly.
You'll have no problem. In the morning, the place will be a ghost town.

 

[The LK 4]

Sounds good to me!

 

[Flyin2MCO]

Crowds were light in late August 2005, but it was smokin hot. It's tough to do more than a few hours at a time in the August sun and humidity. No doubt you will be able to see everything at a reasonable pace within 5 days.

Budget constraints are understandable, but keep an eye out for specials and deals for that time of year. Staying on site is an experience not to be missed, at least once in your life.

 

[wilma-bride]

Although I've never been in August, I would imagine that as long as you get there early (at least half an hour before the park opens), you will get to see most if not everything.

We don't really have a strategy for touring US but I will share with you the touring plan we used last year at IOA.

Arrive early. When let in, head straight for the Hulk. Ride twice (if possible, first time in front row). Then ride Dr Doom (if the wait time is showing less than 10 minutes). Next go to Spiderman. We normally ride this at least twice.

Then, we double back on ourselves and head towards Seuss but carry straight on through and ride Duelling Dragons (normally do front and back of each coaster). Depending on the weather (and if you want to get wet), we then ride Jurassic Park River Adventure, followed by Dudley's Ripsaw Falls and Bilge Rat Barges. If the wait time is too long, we head back to Seuss and ride Cat in the Hat and One Fish, Two Fish (even though we're adults ).

Then, we start touring the park in a more leisurely manner for the rest of the day, catching Poseidon's Fury and doing some character meet and greets. We usually aim to be round by Mythos about 12ish for lunch, then head wherever we like after that.

Hope this gives you some ideas of the best way. I will add that, although this plan has always worked for us, we usually go in September so the crowds aren't that high. Worth a try though, eh?

 

[The LK 4]

Thanks Flyin2MCO and wilma-bride for your input!