WDW in August

[pennylane16]

Hello! In recent years, we've visited WDW in late July/early August, as well as April, but never August. I know August isn't the ideal time to go because of hurricane season, heat, etc. But hit me with your positive experiences of WDW in August please!! Between school for both my kids, as well as my husband and I being in school currently as well, it's looking like August of this year is when we can go. Does anyone feel like it's not all that terrible to visit WDW in August, particularly late August? My kids go back to school August 29th, so we'd need to be home around August 27th. Any pointers? Or should we postpone our plans?
Thanks so much in advance to all who take the time to share your August experiences/advice!

ETA:
Thank you for all these responses! I appreciate each one! I'm feeling a lot more excited about August/less nervous about the heat!
I looked at the crowd calendar (which I know only counts for so much) on TP and it didn't look like a big difference in crowds from say the 8th-16th vs 15th-25th.... do you think this is incorrect? Do you think the crowds will actually be much greater the earlier week? Just trying to give the kids a bit before going back to school (so I'd like to be back around the 24th latest).

Thank you!!!!

 

[Shellyred8]

We were pleasantly surprised with the crowd levels when we were there in late-ish August. We were there around week 3 and 4 of August. The crowds were less because the local schools are back in session by then. It was blazing hot at that time, but from the crowd perspective, it's a pretty good time to go.

If you go at that time, plan to hit the parks early in the day and take a break from the heat in the afternoon and go enjoy pool time or a nice air conditioned room. Then go back in the evening to play.

 

[Tia1977]

We went this past Aug for the 1st time due to it being a surprise for DD's bday (we normally go in early June or Oct) I too was expecting it to be much different. I pre-purchased a bunch of cooling towels we still have packed away unused (lol). It truly felt no different to us than our June trips. We had a blast! The rain wasn't any different than the typical passing afternoon showers either. I think you'll find no difference than your July experience. Just follow all the normal summer things like plenty of water, ready ponchos/rain flip flops, afternoon breaks and/or staggered inside attractions/rides, etc.

As far as hurricane season, I can't speak to riding anything out while on property. But, hurricane Matthew hit on what was to be our arrival day this past October. While we were disappointed to delay going down, Disney provided a full refund for our lost time. We used the refund to treat ourselves to spa services at the GF...lemons into lemonade

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

We went for or honeymoon last year, August 14-27, and it was awesome!! The heat/humidity was intense but it really didn't bother us to an extreme because we took advantage of pools and breaks. We also welcomed the occasional rain storm we got as it cut the humidity and made the day afterwards really pleasant!! Crowds were definitely manageable and I had planned like crazy so that helped too. I think you'll have a wonderful time as long as you go into it knowing it'll be humid

 

[lovethattink]

The local kids are back in school. So weekday crowds are lowered.

It's hazy, hot and humid everyday. Typically a thunderstorm everyday. But ordinarily, they dry up so fast that you could be in an attraction and never know there was a thunderstorm.

 

[Tomh]

I say do NOT postpone your plans. August is fine.

First off, don't be afraid of Hurricanes. We have visited in mid to late August for the past 8 years. In all of that time, we missed a couple of hours in the parks one year because there was a threat of a tornado associated with a nearby hurricane. The parks were open, we just decided to play it safe. Our first trip was in July, and a Hurricane did pass through. We spent the day in MK, it rained a bit, pretty light rain, and was windy. The park was nearly empty, we rode Buzz Lightyear probably 5 or 6 times in a row with maybe a 5 minute wait to get on.

Crowds start to taper off, especially the last two weeks of the month, as Southern schools are back in session (weekends are still pretty busy) and many Northern schools start back up as well. Park hours are still long, so you get to enjoy lots of time in the parks, and lower crowds, which means you get lots of stuff done.

It will be HOT, no doubt about that, and there will very likely be a storm every afternoon. Be prepared for the heat, plenty of sunscreen to keep from burning to a crisp. Drink a LOT. I have plenty of experience in Florida sun, and managed to dehydrate myself so much last summer that I wound up in the hospital, so really pay attention to the hydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty, even if you don't feel thirsty, and take advantage of the free ice water that the quick service locations will provide for you. A bottle of Mio flavoring in the pocket will help to mask the odd taste of Florida water. Be prepared for the afternoon storm, make sure you have a way to keep important stuff dry.

Make sure you have shoes that are comfortable in the heat. It is pretty easy to wind up with blisters on your feet walking around in hot sweaty shoes all day. Much to my wife's chagrin, I wear socks even with my sandals Carry some moleskin with you just in case, it does wonders for blisters on the feet.

Have a GREAT time! We really enjoy visiting in mid to late August, and will be returning again this summer, starting on August 10th.

 

[anniemae]

If you have been in July, it's really no different in Aug. Hotter than the surface of the sun, lots of rain, hurricane season. I hate Disney in Aug, but we don't do well in the heat. It's stifling. We don't get as much done because of the relentless heat and need to take breaks. It's important to stay hydrated, we saw people pass out from dehydration/over heating. You will sweat buckets, as will everyone else. My favorite time is Nov, or in Jan right after new years, but I love the cooler weather. I find it so much more comfortable for park touring. Just go when is best for you and make the best of it.

 

[DisneyOma]

Hello! In recent years, we've visited WDW in late July/early August, as well as April, but never August. I know August isn't the ideal time to go because of hurricane season, heat, etc. But hit me with your positive experiences of WDW in August please!! Between school for both my kids, as well as my husband and I being in school currently as well, it's looking like August of this year is when we can go. Does anyone feel like it's not all that terrible to visit WDW in August, particularly late August? My kids go back to school August 29th, so we'd need to be home around August 27th. Any pointers? Or should we postpone our plans?
Thanks so much in advance to all who take the time to share your August experiences/advice!

Get back earlier than the 27th is school starts the 29th. It will take a few days to make sure the kids are well rested and fully hydrated and recovered from the heat and exhaustion.

If you've been in early August then you've been there in August! It doesn't change much that month, until the end when the park hours shift to shorter ones, and there may be a price shift for rooms then as well. The pools will still be warmer than the air, the sudden deluge of afternoon thunderstorms will be a constant threat, and people will be stinky! So, if you are used to July you are used to August. We always go in August, and have a great time as we know what we are getting into.

 

[mdelano4]

We always go later in August due to a yearly commitment I have early in the month. It's hot, but we learned to deal with it. Lightweight shirts and shorts, taking "breaks" inside air conditioned attractions and afternoons poolside. As others have said, Southern US kids are back in school and the camps are done for the season. Crowds not bad. We have no issues going last 2 weeks of August.

 

[ArwenMarie]

If you can take the heat, late August is great. We have gone that week for years now and we have never had a bad trip. (Not true for our trips at other times of the year!)

 

[pennylane16]

Wow - thanks everyone for the very helpful input! It's always so reassuring to hear from people who have done it before! Thanks for reassuring me that August isn't a terrible idea!

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

We always used to go to WDW in mid-October but when DD started college in 2015 we started going in mid-August before her classes started. I thought August would be more crowded than October. Actually, the crowds were lower. I had an inkling that would be the case when the airfare was cheaper and I had an easier time getting ADRs and FP+ before the trip.

Then when we got there the crowds were fine. I thought I'd miss F&WF at Epcot but it was actually nicer to walk through WS without clogged walkways. There were times we were the only ones around (early in the day). When we got to Mitsukoshi we were the only ones doing the Pick-A-Pearl and usually that area is crazy.

Yes, it was VERY hot & humid but we just stayed hydrated and went into the AC a lot. It rained each afternoon but we were back at the resort for a rest anyway.

We'll be back again this August and I can't wait!

 

[mousegear]

As weather wise, July and August does not make much difference. It's hot and humid to a point, you definitely need to take mid-day break at the pool or inside with AC blasting. We've done both July and Aug several time each and prefer the end of Aug because of much lighter crowd level. With well planned FP and morning rope drops, you should be able to get most things done. Just drink lots of water!!

 

[monorailmom]

We also have done Aug. for the past several years and love it. Due to our older daughters' schedules last summer, we did July instead and didn't like it nearly as much! We are back to Aug. again this year and I can't wait!

We visit WDW about 4 times a year, so have much to compare it to. Crowds are not bad. Heat is something to deal with, as is daily rain, but neither is a deal breaker! Dress in light clothing (sometimes we girls find we prefer sundresses with slip shorts underneath to shorts and t shirts). We find it's helpful to have several changes of shoes. I find I can't wear socks AT ALL in Aug. as my feet just get too hot and I end up with blisters. I love Skechers Go Walk Super Sock shoes so I don't need socks and they are just so comfy. I switch off with Abeo brand flip flops that have terrific support for problem feet like mine! Bring ponchos or light rain jackets for when those quick storms hit. I agree with others about being at the parks at rope drop, taking a break at the resort or pool during the afternoon heat, and heading back out in the evening.

You will have a magical time!!!

 

[Mommytobree]

I love August! We go the 3rd or 4th week, when the locals have gone back to school and the crowd levels are lower. I actually find the weather in August to be more tolerable than June. June kills me with the heat, maybe because its so hot and crowded? But I find August VERY enjoyable.

 

[pennylane16]

Thank you all so much!! I love these responses! Now I'm excited for August - I keep playing around with dates. Do you think the 8th-16th would be ok in terms of crowds or will it still be like June/July? I know the later we go, the better, as far as crowds go, but as someone mentioned above, I shouldn't cut things too close to their first day of school (Tuesday Aug 29th) so they have time to rest after all that walking and heat! It's interesting how the prices can differ though - the 8th-16th was one price, the 15th-22nd was MORE expensive, and 18th-26th seemed cheapest. I'm confused!

 

[prprincess]

We visited the last week of August last year. I was worried about the heat, but to be honest with you, it wasn't any worse than our brutal summers here in the South Jersey area. We did get caught up in the remnants of a hurricane, so we had more than one downpour per day which caused us to miss a few things we wanted to do. But the weather did not ruin our trip at all, and we still had a wonderful time. I was also pleased with the crowd levels, and would definitely go back during the end of August again.

 

[North of Mouse]

There are some people that will go at any time, so August is not the worst time to go, but it is a month that we will not repeat!

 

[ChloeChipper]

We have been 3 times late August, and actually really enjoyed it. Worked out that it was just the best time for us to go. When the kids were younger, we would time it to get home 2 days before the kids started school. The first trip we got home the night before school started (that was rough on them). Yes, its hot and humid. Just plan for it and you will be fine. We planned mid-day hotel breaks to swim and relax. Always ate early evening during the rain storms, then went back out and closed down the parks. Evenings were the best! Not only cooler, but the crowds seemed to really thin out. We have also been in March and December (week prior to xmas) and late August was definitely the best crowd-wise. And the parks were open longer, too. Bring disposable rain ponchos, shoes that can get wet, moleskin for blisters, small towel in a backpack to dry off if needed.

My daughter and I are going late April and hoping for nice weather, and not super heavy crowds. We are going specifically to see Wishes before it leaves, but we would have otherwise easily gone in August instead.

You're going to have a great time!!!

 

[Darcy03231]

We've been in August several times and I don't find the heat/humidity to be much different than at home (we live in Central NH). In fact, we're going back in August again this year.