whats it like going late july/august?

[crabbie1]

Hi all
We normally go to florida in november but this year have decided last minute to go but the only time my DH is off university for more than a week is from july 20th to 12th august.Its a lot more expensive but we cannot go for 2 years without a florida holiday.Just wanted to know what it is like this time of year.Iv hear so many horror stories about long queues etc.I know it is not going to be like november and if staying onsite at least I suppose you take advantage of the magic hours.I haven't booked yet but have had a browse.Shall I book seperate or as a package.7 nights off site 7nights on with DD plan.Any tips would be gratefully appreciated.

THANKYOU

 

[Soprano]

It will be wall-to-wall, rock solid, full to the brim with visitors even with Magic Hours. Queues will be 90 minutes plus for the bigger rides. Everywhere is busy. Very HOT weather without a breeze is the norm.

I'd NEVER go in the time you are saying. EVERYONE is out of school then!!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Staying on-site would give you an advantage with the Early Morning Hours etc
However, as for the crowds/weather, very busy (maybe slightly quieter early August) and extremely hot with high humidity.

To be blunt whilst any holiday in Florida is a good thing, it's not the ideal time to go at all - sorry.

The best advice is to get to the parks for opening each time you go take a break for lunch and return in the evening, this way at least you should miss the worst of the crowds and heat.

 

[foxylady]

We have to go at that time due to DH having to have his holiday then. For the past three years we have gone end of July/beginning of August.

Yes, the parks are quite crowded, but not uncomfortably so IMHO. If you are staying on site, then obviously you can use magic hours. However, last year we didn't and we still got everything done that we wanted to.

Get to the parks early and get some of the bigger rides under your belt. Leave the parks for lunch and then go back later and stay 'til late.

We are going again this year at the same time, and to my mind I'd rather go then, than not at all.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have completely free choice when to go.

 

[XAVIER]

We were there in August 2001 and it was very very HOT!! But having said that we never found it a problem. We just took it easy and enjoyed ourselves.
The crowds were a bit heavy and the queues were long but I can't say it was that much worse than when we usually go at the end of May early June. Plan your day and use fastpass!
We are going again in late July/Early August this year because the kids are at secondary school now. We are staying on-site (one week at Disney and one at Universal) which will make things easier.
If that is the only time you can go then do it!

 

[wicket2005]

We faced a July Orlando holiday with some trepidation for the first time in July 2005 after only going in February before. Yes it is an expensive time but if you are tied down to education holidays you don't have much choice.

I planned around quietest days for parks, avoided early/late onsite guest openings (parks extremely busy on these days) and rose early in the morning to be at the parks prior to opening times. As a result the first park we hit in the morning had lines that were just walk ons, we just hit the rides we wanted to go on several times, then left the park lunch time for chill out at hotel before going into another park later in the afternoon. Lines were not a problem at all if you are early. Leave it till late and you have had it, lines especially for water rides were 90 minutes and there was no way we were going to line up for that length of time so we always hit the parks early. The longest length we had was about 20 minutes or so. In the afternoons, if the park was busy we just nipped on single rider lines, most of the time you end up being in the same car as another part of the family (okay if kids are big).

We went to IoA one day and just stayed on Popeye's ride for about 3 to 4 times without even getting off, then did the other water rides a fews times (might as well get soaked all at the same time).

So if you like to sleep in you will experience long lines, if you can be up early and be there prior to opening times, lines are non existent or minimal.

 

[castanea1985]

Hi,
We also go at this time every year.. because of school holidays/ DS golf tournaments etc. Yes the parks are very crowded, but as long as you plan your days you can still have a great time.
The only thing to watch out for is, the fast passes often get used up early, so again, plan your rides in advance.
Other than that, be prepared for 95 degree heat and daily downpours...lovely!
We usually get soaked on or around the 15th/16th hole!
Tracy

 

[crabbie1]

Thankyou all for your replys and soprano you can obviosly go anytime and like I said I am prepared for the early starts as I have always done when we have been so I am going to book.It is hard when you have both children and a DH in full time education!!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thankyou all for your replys and soprano you can obviosly go anytime and like I said I am prepared for the early starts as I have always done when we have been so I am going to book.It is hard when you have both children and a DH in full time education!!

Definitely, we have been in August the last 2 years, and are restricted to school holidays too especially as my wife is a teacher.
Just our son really suffered in the heat last year hence our choice to go at Easter instead.

If you have to go during holiday periods it is very difficult to find that perfect balance of low crowds and ideal weather.

Sure you will have a great time anyway, just try and get to the parks early that really is the key I feel.

 

[Netty]

we are going on the 26th July-10th August, we usually go later than this, but since the free dining plan has come into existence the parks have been alot busier/packed/HEAVING! usually from around the 12th August.
I am also tied to school hols as I work in a school, and August isnt really the best time for me to go, as I can't stand the heat!!!

 

[dossie]

We have always had to go around this time as I am a teacher too (not complaining though - would rather have 13 weeks when I'm told to than 6 free choice like a lot of other workers have). We will be there this year between 28th July and 14th August. Not much else to add to what has already been said, except to say that I think its better to go then than not at all and I look forward to the daily thunderstorms - all part of the fun!!! I think planning is the key and you will have a wonderful time whenever - just because it's Disney - I'd rather be there queueing for 90 mins in the heat than waiting the same length of time for a ride at Alton Towers or Thorpe Park.

Hope ou have a great time

 

[crabbie1]

we are going on the 26th July-10th August, we usually go later than this, but since the free dining plan has come into existence the parks have been alot busier/packed/HEAVING! usually from around the 12th August.
I am also tied to school hols as I work in a school, and August isnt really the best time for me to go, as I can't stand the heat!!!

Hi Netty
I have had a price through virgin for those dates your going.We have our 10% discount and also vouchers which we were given last year for a mix up .The quote is 3847.30 for 2 weeks but we are doing a 6 nights at all stars movies and the other at port orleons riverside. with DD and 14 day passes(hopefully)
Where are you staying?