VWL in August- Are we crazy?

[emma'smom]

We just switched a quick vacation from May to August this summer. Well be at VWL for four nights in mid-August with dd4 and dd2.


We have free airline tickets, already have AP, and points to use. Seemed like an almost free vacation. We switched to August to avoid traveling on Memorial Day week-end (free tickets woudn't work then) and to avoid pulling dd out of school.

Are we crazy to go in August? We've done June before and survived. Quite frankly, we go often enough that we don't need to go "park crazy" and are happy doing the resort thing some of the time. Anyone have feedback on this time of year?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We went last year with whole family including DGC ages 1,2 and 3. We were there around August 19th for 5 nights. It was not easy. DGC are from Boston and had a very hard time with the heat. Swimming was fun. We're going in October, Halloween week, this year and hope for a more comfortable time. You never know unless you try.

Bobbi

 

[Muushka]

I am a little biased, but of all the DVC resorts there are, if I HAD to go in August, I would choose VWL. It just seems cooler there to me! Enjoy!

 

[ammo]

Drink lots of water! How can you pass up a free trip? And VWL has lots of shade to enjoy in the heat of the day.

 

[kimberh]

Aug is hot, there is so doubt. For some unknown reason to me, I have booked two trips in Aug, in the last two years. Once you start the day, it seems to get ok. Wear light colored clothes, white socks, your feet get very hot in dark socks or footies, cannot stress the amount of water that you will need to drink. We went to the park during EMH the first night, Magic Kingdom, really did a lot in those hours. I would plan on skipping the heat of the day. VWL does seem to be cooler, it may be all the trees.

 

[ebenmax]

It seems like July and August are unbearably hot to many, but we roast in Ohio too during those months with soaring temps and out of control humidity.
SO - we manage fine. We just take advantage of EMH and come "home" early afternoon for naps or a swim. Then we often venture back out in the evening, but it is still hot and humid. It all depends on how tolerant your family is to the heat/humidity.

Have fun - I am sure you will!!

Ellen

 

[newholidayx2]

In Aug 2005 & Aug 2006 DS14 and I spent 2 wks each time at WDW.
This Aug we're returning for another week - we'll be at Riverside 8/10-12 and VWL 12-17 - maybe we'll see ya there. Planning on lots more downtime (less park time, more pool time which DS prefers anyways) than when Im there solo in Apr and Nov.

 

[Olaf]

The crowds do tend to get better after the middle of August, but the heat is awful.

 

[MEM]

We'll be there the last week of August and have gone that same week since 2001. The crowds have always been manageable (even August 2006 with free dining). There are multiple opportunities to get cooled off. The heat tends to make you slow down and enjoy things. We always do the park with the morning EMH and leave by Noon for lunch at the resort, time in the pool, and a rest in the room.

 

[dizzneebabe]

Our favorite time was to go Labor Day weekend, so 1st week Sept. There's no doubt--it's hot as H***! LOL But the OP who said they roast in Ohio is right. Chicago is hot and sticky in the summer, too, so that being said--just be prepared. Drink lots of water and take a break when you need to--don't push it. You should be fine! I too agree--WL seems cooler. Good choice!
Have a great time!

 

[mwehttam]

We just switched a quick vacation from May to August this summer. Well be at VWL for four nights in mid-August with dd4 and dd2.

Not as crazy and DW, DS, and I going in mid-July. DW is a teacher so the summers are about it. We have banked points to use by the end of July so July it is. In the future we will be going end of Aug (DW starts after Labor Day) when crowds and points are slightly less.

-Matt

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I've been there the second week of August (last year, actually) and was pleasantly surprised. Although it was very very hot (I can handle that), the crowds were bearable! It felt like mid to late May crowd levels to me. I wouldn't hesitate to go back at this time again.

 

[Granny]

Are we crazy to go in August? We've done June before and survived.

You're only crazy if you can't handle the heat. If you've done June before and had no problems, then you'll be fine in August.

Quite frankly, we go often enough that we don't need to go "park crazy" and are happy doing the resort thing some of the time. Anyone have feedback on this time of year?

I think this is the key to enjoying a summer vacation at WDW. The DVC membership allows us to relax, go at a slower pace and enjoy the resort amenities much more than previous trips before DVC. I think you will enjoy the trip and find the crowds more manageable in mid-August than in June.

Have a great trip!

 

[eliza61]

Are we crazy to go in August? We've done June before and survived. Quite frankly, we go often enough that we don't need to go "park crazy" and are happy doing the resort thing some of the time. Anyone have feedback on this time of year?

Personally, I don't think you've done "hot" until you've rode in a NYC subway from 153rd street to 34st in August during rush hour with a guy who thinks deodorant is optional but that's another story.

We always go the last week in August because the crowds are usually lighter than full summer and we still have school age kids. I can take the heat because there are so many ways to cool off at WDW. Just plan to take breaks and don't plan on "rushing" any where. Since VWL would be my first choice no matter when I went, I think you'll love it.

 

[Muushka]

Personally, I don't think you've done "hot" until you've rode in a NYC subway from 153rd street to 34st in August during rush hour with a guy who thinks deodorant is optional but that's another story.

This is scary. I read this line and knew that eliza61 had written it!

 

[cindy_k]

Personally, I don't think you've done "hot" until you've rode in a NYC subway from 153rd street to 34st in August during rush hour with a guy who thinks deodorant is optional but that's another story.

Been there , done that.. Then I moved to Florida.

August is a good time, because most of the local schools are back in session. So the locals don't go to the park during the week anymore.

Remember its still rainy season, so you will probably have the late afternoon thunder storms between 3-6.

Remember that there is movies shown at the Wilderness Campground in the evening. Bring the Bug Spray. They have a campfire with Chip and Dale. And they sell Smores packages with Marshmellows, Graham Crackers and Chocolate and sticks. So you can make your own smore's. Its a lot of fun.