WDW - End of August, is it that bad?

[K8T]

I have been planning a trip for next year, last two weeks in August, part WDW, and five days DCL.

I mentioned this to a friend of mine in the States and she said that the weather was 'miserable' in Florida at that time of year and the humidity would be 'unbearable' very unpleasant and tiring - This is from someone who lives in Texas and therefore is used to it being hot!

We have only been in February, which was great, so have no idea what to expect in August.

What do other 'Brits'. feel about August, am I making a mistake? I would welcome your thoughts.

Kate

 

[Rohais]

In 2009, we were there for the last week and a half of August, first half a week of September and LOVED it! I didn't think the weather was unbearable or miserable but the only other time we've been though it July so that might be because of that??

I think its a great time to go

 

[ben1993]

Well I haven't actually been in August, but I'm sure a lot of members have who will give your their opinions. I was there a few weeks ago, and it was extremely hot for mid May, like August temps! high 90's and high humidity, it wasn't that bad to be honest. The end of August is actually not that crowded as far as I'm aware, most of the US is back to school then, so that helps with dealign with the temps. I think getting to the parks early, leaving mid afternoon when it gets really hot, for a rest and a dip in the pool, then returning in the evening is a good way to play it.

 

[orangetiggs]

we got married out there in 2008 on 2nd sept in full wedding attire and it wasnt unbearable, the weather was nice and crowds quite low

 

[disneyholic family]

the vast majority of our trips have been in july and august....
yes, it is hotter than hades, but it's the humidity that'll kill you...

but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy yourselves...
first of all - i don't know if you're able to swim in february, but it's way too cold for me to swim in the winter in orlando....
you won't have any problem at all swimming in august

as for the parks, it just means you'll have to take it much slower than you would in august...
and you'll have to be sure to drink lots...

yes, i think it is tiring, but if you pace yourself, you'll be fine!

we tend to get to the parks before opening, then leave about 1 PM for an afternoon swim or a bit of shopping, then back to the parks in the evening...

we love it whenever we go

 

[Constant]

I have been planning a trip for next year, last two weeks in August, part WDW, and five days DCL.


Kate

No don't come then!!!!

Actually it's fine your a Dis'er

It is the perfect time of year for us. We go fairly often and ever since I was a kid we have always gone the last 2 weeks of August usually the first couple of Sept to time in with school holidays. Things I like about this time of year;

1) if you return in Sept often the flights are cheaper
2) most Brits if they take their kids out of school on term time holiday don't do it at the end of the summer holidays, so....certainly the last of our 2 weeks has much fewer Brits as far fewer 2 week package trips come out
3) most (maybe all?) US schools are back at school, similar logic for taking them out local ticket prices etc. still high
4) although hot they cope with hot much better than we do snow, air conditioned everything. Also we tend to only do part days and even with now ds3 and dd6 they have never struggled with the heat but we are sensible.
5) while a rainy day for us tends to set the scene out there rain comes mainly in the afternoon at that time of the year. The last 3 times we have only had to change plans once and that included a hurricane but it is gone in no time at all and back to blue skies before you know it.

I certainly don't think you'll regret it, we never have!

 

[DCLMan]

We went last August and we had 5 very hot days, 5 wet days and 5 warm days. When it's hot we just took it easy, we went to the parks early and did not rush round trying to do everything. We stayed till it got very hot and then went back to the hotel for a swim or went to a water park. We then went back to the park for the evening when it was cooler.

As long as you drink plenty of water, wear suncream and not rush round August is no worse than any other month.

 

[Missish]

The end of August IS very hot - at least, it was the one time I was there. It was humid all the time, but the storm that came around 4pm almost every day cooled it down a little.
Luckily, everywhere is air conditioned!

Still, I don't remember it being unbearable. And the crowds were lovely and low, so it's definitely worth it!

 

[jen_uk]

I love going in August, it is hot but its perfectly manageable

 

[team harris]

School holidays mean that we don't have a choice, but I wouldn't class it as a "no-no".
Yes it is hot and humid, but if you are sensible there should be no problem - take on loads of fluids, use inside attractions and shops as respite, sun cream up in parks especially the water parks and be prepared to adjust plans due to weather - outside shows and fireworks could be cancelled last minute because of weather.
We were worried our first time, but survived to do it again!

 

[K8T]

Pleased to hear that it is 'manageable'. Consensus seems to be to go for it.

I am going to continue with the plan then!!!

Watch this space.

Kate

 

[theminx08]

We went end of August last year and it was fine. Yes its humid but not unbearable. We had DS3 and DD2 with us and they were also fine.
The major bonus was it was really quiet in the parks as American kids had gone back to school and British kids due to go back so wait times for rides were low, for example EE, 10 mins!!

You will have a great time, and a lovely tan.

I would defo go at the end of August again.

Enjoy xx

 

[DjdBrit]

Our family usually goes to WDW in April/May, now the kids are getting bigger school work is kicking up and I feel its best not to take them out. This year we are doing a 10 day trip in August.

Having 1st visited WDW when I was 17 in August and remembering how HOT and HUMID it was I do have reservations. However, it will be warm everywhere by then and there are plenty of ways to keep cool.

I live in MA and most kids in the Northern States do not go back to school until after Labor Day Sept 5th this year. I know plenty of families who are doing who will visit in the last weeks of August. It works for us as crowds will be lighter, having most of the Southern Staes back in school.

If you plan on hard core touring in late August heat your in for trouble but if you plan on hitting the parks and including pool/down time all will be fine

 

[Pinkgirl]

We have been the last two years at the end of August. Giving it a miss this year but back again next August for three weeks.

Yes it is hot. But if in the parks you dont necessarily spend that amount of time outside. The queue area for most rides is undercover. The shops all have aircon so you can nip in to cool down.

Last year we had quite a lot of rain our second week as well so it was never too hot. We didnt find the humidity too bad either - had it a lot worse in September.

 

[epcot.girl]

I mentioned this to a friend of mine in the States and she said that the weather was 'miserable' in Florida at that time of year and the humidity would be 'unbearable' very unpleasant and tiring - This is from someone who lives in Texas and therefore is used to it being hot!

Texas heat is very different to Florida heat. Texas heat is much more dry than Florida heat. Sounds like your friend just doesn't do well in humid conditions.

All that said, I've ben during August/September a couple of times and, yes, it's very hot and very sticky but I've never found it unbearable (September is more humid in my experience). Just stay in the shade and air con where possible and you'll be fine!

 

[fuse04]

like many we are tied t school hols and last year was our first trip in August. It was hot and humid but very doable. For most of the disney rides the lines are on the shade or indoors, drink lots, and take it a bit slower.

 

[heatherbelle]

We always go in August, as I'm tied to school hols.

Yes its hot, but after a few days you get use to it. Last year we had a couple of rainy days, so spent them shopping, but otherwise its okay.

Just make sure you get a pocho, drink plenty and spend the hot part of the day by the pool and its fine. My fav time is October, but its not worth going for just one week.

 

[fairytale]

We too are taking on the August challenge next year due to DS starting Senior school in the September, we are regular October vistors and have only experienced October crowds

Sorry to hijack OP but can anyone share any experience on crowd levels for last 2/3 weeks in August. I understand the US children return to school mid August does this impact quite dramatically on the ride wait time

Many thanks

Annette x

 

[DjdBrit]

We too are taking on the August challenge next year due to DS starting Senior school in the September, we are regular October vistors and have only experienced October crowds

Sorry to hijack OP but can anyone share any experience on crowd levels for last 2/3 weeks in August. I understand the US children return to school mid August does this impact quite dramatically on the ride wait time

Many thanks

Annette x

The US children do not all return to school mid August. I live in MA and we don't go back till after Labor Day, Sept 5th. Most of the North East schools follow that schedule. However most of the Southern States do go back mid August which works for me. We will be arriving August 19th

 

[cliveywolves]

We shall be there this year from 24/8 - 6/9 , Yes Hot Yes Humid Drink plenty ,Just plan and hit parks early I mean rope drop time and use afternoons for chilling and shopping you won't go far wrong I don't think