What to expect mid to late August?

[JBurke]

We have had 2 family trips to WDW, both taken in October.
We are in the planning stages of a August 2003 trip. We are picking August because a) my oldest turns 10 in September and I dont want to pay adult prices for yet, b) my youngest turns 3 in September and I would like to get in one last free trip for him, c) I wont have to take kids out of school, and d) looks like there are later park hours in August vs. October.

I was just wondering what to expect in mid to late Agust as far as crowds, weather etc.

Any info would be appreciated!!
Thanks

 

[Pinnie]

In one word HOT!

Another thing to consider this year is that the Citrus Bowl in Orlando will host the Drum Corp International finals (DCI) so that is going to bring in some crowds. (Aug. 4 - 9).

I'll be there!!!!

pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCVs 2002

 

[ksumn1]

We took our 1st trip last year from August 25-30th. A few other people I know from around the boards also went around this time and agreed that it wasn't really crowded. (I had nothing to compare against) Our plan was to be up early every morning. We're used to getting up at 5am anyway. We ate a light breakfast in our room-cerael, pop tarts etc, and were on the 1st bus to the parks. The weather didn't get too hot until after lunch. We did try to alternate rides with A/C with ones that weren't. We lingered over lunch in the A/C restaurant, and tried to take it easy in the afternoons. We usually left the parks around 4 or 5 and swam and hung out at the pool until bedtime. I'm from GA, so I'm kinda used to the heat and humidity. I don't think you'll have any problems, as long as you (1) Drink lots of liquid, especially water, (2) take A/C breaks in shops, attractions etc, so you don't get overheated, and (3) go gung-ho in the mornigs before it gets tooo hot, and try to slow down the pace a little in the afternoons. And since the parks will be closing early (6 pm when we were there) there was still time before bedtime to swim and recuperate. Hope you have a great time! Wish it were us

 

[elgerber]

We went the very last week in August of 2001. The heat is amazing! Even at 10pm, it's extremely warm. That said, the crowds were definitely tolerable. We always went first thing in the am, and utilized fast pass where we could, and didn't have to wait much at all. The only exception being, Saturday night at the MK, when we went back for the parade. The lines were horrendous, an hour for Goofy's barnstormer, so the only thing we rode that night was the carousel, and Buzz (with a fastpass). We would go again in August, no problem. The heat is a big factor, but there are a couple of plusses to it. The pool always feels wonderful in the afternoon, and all you have to pack is shorts and tanks. We packed a few t-shirts and never wore those.

Erika

 

[Kallison]

If you are expecting longer park hours in August you might want to check the hours from previous years. I believe they reduce the hours the 2nd - 4th weeks in August. We are planning a late August trip too. Mainly due to the fact my soon to be 7th grader refuses to miss school for trips. I'm a little worried about the heat, but think we will be ok. I gave my kids the choice of heat or crowds and they chose heat! I'm nervous about hurricane season, has anyone heard it is supposed to be a particularly bad year?

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

We've gone in August for our past couple of trips. We're from the Northeast and since most of the country has gone back to school by the end of August, the crowds are tolerable. The heat is pretty bad, especially in Animal Kingdom, but I'd chose the heat over crowds any day!

Have a fun trip.

 

[Pete W.]

The summer season (as far as peak crowds and extended park hours are concerned) ends on saturday, August 16th this year. Beginning sunday, August 17th, park hours are scaled back and some on-site rooms become cheaper because many schools start on monday the 18th. Therefore, there should be a drop in crowds on that date (and a corresponding decrease in available park hours) but no reduction in heat!

 

[JBurke]

Thank you for all the info.
I guess we will have to make a choice: go before 8/16 or longer hours or after for less crowds!
Thanks again!