Who goes in the summer?

[Teresa Pitman]

I'm writing an article for a Canadian publication about going to WDW (and Florida in general) in the summer. I know most of us think about going in the winter to get away from the cold weather, but some of us have no choice - we can only get vacation time in the summer, or we don't want to take kids out of school.

So here's what I'd like to know:
Why do you go in the summer?
Yes, it's hot and busy, but are there some good parts to these summer trips? (Based on my past experiences, things like longer park hours, special deals like free dining, added shows and events, enjoying the water parks, etc., help make summer trips worthwhile. What have you found?)
And finally - any tips to help families cope with the heat and crowds and enjoy a summer vacation in WDW?

You can PM me if you'd like to be quoted in the article (I'd like to be able to use your name and hometown, and I'll let you know what publication this is for), but if you don't want to be quoted I'd love to hear your comments in this thread anyway.

Thank you!

Teresa

 

[wdw-ocd]

The best tips we have for travelling to Florida in the summer are:

-go to the parks EARLY to avoid the heat and crowds (we usually eat a light breakfast in our room as we all get dressed) We've never had to wait more than 5 minutes to get on our favourite rides in the morning.
-have your kids drink lots of water before they say they're thirsty(nothing like dehydration to make a person cranky!)
-schedule your breakfast ADRs at the park around 10 (that way you don't spend an early morning eating in a restaurant while the lines grow longer and longer) and/or your lunch ADRs at the park between 1 and 2 (nothing like sitting in an air conditioned restaurant during the heat of the day to recharge your batteries!)
and most importantly:
-remember that the parks aren't going anywhere and that you're there to enjoy your family!

 

[canadaman]

My family went last summer. It was our first ever trip to WDW. My wife didn't have much vacation time so we only had 4 nights there. We done a lot of research on these boards and knew it was going to be hot. We were prepared for hot and when we got there it wasn't as bad as we had pictured. I don't know what we had prepared for, matbe we thought there would be lava flowing around or something. The temp was in the 90's with high humidity every day.
Since it was our first ever trip to WDW it is hard for me to say anything about crowds, but again we had prepared for worse. We have been to canada's wonderland many times during the summer and didn't find the parks to be anymore crowded then that. The lineups for rides were shorter then wonderland as well. There was a lot of tour groups who were quite inconsiderate to the people around them.
There are many benifits to going in the summer. We really enjoyed being able to stay at magic kingdom till 11pm, though it did make us tired for the next day. Another thing we enjoyed was after coming home from the park we would go for a swim at the resort till midnight a few nights. At other times of the year it would be to cold at that time. it did rain everyday during the afternoon but it felt nice, it didn't ruin anything for us. it would rain for a while and then stop.
We are actually planning another trip for next summer (2010) We are thinking 8 or 9 day this time.

 

[rjan67]

We went in the summer to camp at Fort Wilderness. We do not have enough time except in the summer to do this. My tip would be as one mentioned above. If you are a resort guest, take advantage of the extra hours. One of the best times I had was when my daughter and I went back on our last day to Magic Kingdom after a very full day of park hopping. We went over at about 8pm and stayed to 2am. It was a totally different perspective on the park at night with the lights on and for the fireworks. We were also there for a heat wave so it was a little cooler and definitely didn't have to deal with the sun beating on us.

I would also recommend getting the hopper option so that you can take a break and go to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. That was awesome!

We also preferred to drive to the parks, especially if we went early. We usually got a spot in the front if we were early and we could leave without waiting when we were ready to leave. The buses are ok, but with your own car, no waiting or crowds! It is also free because you are a resort guest.

 

[caisland]

We've gone August 06/ August/08 and hoping August 09.

Big advantages for us are being able to spend 2 weeks at Disney without taking the boys out of school. My DW takes 5 weeks in August so timing workings there and my work is busy in the spring so summer is much better.
Free dining is huge for us with 2 boys 16 & 14 so both are "adult".
Living on PEI summer ends with Old home week in Charlottetown (Mid August) so we do miss our own summer, we extend it. We can count on it being hot in August versus hoping for warm in Feb/Mar.
Don't stay out in the heat long and drink lots of water.
there is A/C everywheres on WDW anyway so if you need an escape it's there.
The water parks are very enjoyable in August. My boys love the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon.
We get a rental car and go back mid afternoon for a break each day.
Late August the lineups are not that bad except for the new 'hot' rides.
A second week at disney costs very little after the first week with free dining.
Tickets for days 8-10 cost less than $25 per person and rooms at values less than $90/night so the second week is less than $750 for the 4 of us.

 

[CanadianPaco]

Less lines, and guarenteed heat! How can you miss!!! We love going in the summer because our summers can be so hit and miss. Last summer, didn't it rain all but 3 weekends!! It was a lousy August for weather too! At least you know you'll get heat in Florida... and a hurricane but that'sthe chance you take!

 

[pooksma]

As a teacher whose husband has to take a month vacation time, summer is really our only option.

Knowing your limits and those of your travelling party is essential. Don't feel you have to be a park commando and cram everything in. Take breaks in the afternoon for a swim and even a nap in your AC room (we always stay on site)

Stay hydrated, take advantage of EMHs, try to remember its a vacation. We often plan our larger meal of the day as a late breakfast (10 am) or an mid afternoon lunch to keep us out of the heat.

 

[rodeo65]

Well, since this is our first family trip, and the first trip for DH and I in 15 years, I don't have much in the way of tips for today's Disney. From the years growing up we didn't have to contend with nearly the concerns like ADRs, crowds, FPs etc that I read about today.

The tips I've used at least in the planning stage are to read this board (obsessively), I've picked up the UG and am using it as a guideline for my touring plans. I got up and made ADRs at 7am 90 days out. I have planned our park days around the EMH and what I think my DH and kids can handle.

Our reason for going in summer; first of all DH will not fly and so we have to automatically add 6 days driving time to our trip. The kids are old enough now that I don't feel comfortable taking them out of school for two weeks at other times of the year. My family also owns a condo near the Tampa area, so we are adding another week on to the end of our Disney week to relax after the business of the parks and before the drive home. All in all we'll be gone around three weeks, and that just isn't something we could do during the year.

We may, however, depending on how this first summer trip goes, think about March break next year. Our kids get two weeks plus a day off from school in March, so that may be worth considering if the heat and crowds are unbearable.

 

[iluveeyore]

We go every summer, sometimes just our family, and sometimes another family joins us (like this year). We go in the summer because my kids are teenagers and don't want to miss school. We also love the Florida heat - it somehow seems different than here - whether it's the type of humidity, or just seeing the palm trees!!!
Anyhow, we found heading out in the mornings to parks, especially for EMH is smart. Usually by 11 am we're back at our villa to think about lunch and what we want to do for the afternoon. Some pool time after lunch later in the day is usually in order (around 2 or 3), then back to the a/c in our villa to relax and decide what to make for dinner. Some time on our patio at OKW, then head out to the parks for the evening out of the sun. Summer is great for late EMH and later park hours. It's still so nice and warm - feels like a wonderful WDW hug, but without the sun blazing on you.
Disney parks are easy to handle in the heat of summer anyhow - so many attractions are inside in the air conditioning, and there's always a gift shop to look around in . You can also get a free cup of ice water at any counter service, which is helpful in keeping hydrated.
It's easier to pack as well. We've been in December and January, and you have to pack for all seasons. In the summer, all you need is shorts, tank tops/t-shirts and your bathing suit.

 

[aristocat65]

We've been twice in the summer and are going again this August. The main reason is that our son is too old to miss any school, and as we don't go back until after labour day out here, late summer works out great. I have also found that the last week in August is not that crowded as schools in the southern states for the most part are already back in session. Some of them go back as early as the 2nd week of August. Another reason (probably related) is that WDW considers this low season and the resorts are cheaper even without free dining. I had entertained the idea of going in 2010 in February to try and escape the Olympics, but was surprised at the resort rates at the time of year. Much higher. We don't even mind the heat so much. We usually go for 8-9 days (such a long trip from our part of the country) so we can pace ourselves and take it slow. As others have said, many areas are air conditioned and you really aren't outside all that much, and you can always rely on the mid afternoon shower (hurricane season you know!) to freshen things up. HTH

 

[canucktyke]

We went last August, it was cool and rained - no, poured for the entire time thanks to a tropical storm that refused to move. The parks were empty, but we were constantly soaked.

 

[cudworth]

We went last August as well . The rain sure did dappen the crowds but sitting & waiting for Fantasmic in the rain 2 nights in a row only to have it cancelled was no fun . I would do August again. Now if I could only convince the rest of the family.

 

[dvcdisney]

We started going in the summer last year. We didn't want to take our son out of school for too long. We liked vacationing in May and October, but we were taking him out too much and now that he's getting older we decided to go during the breaks - 2 weeks in March break and 2 weeks in August.

The August trip is a more relaxing trip. Because it very hot and humid, we tend to go to the parks in the morning and go back and swim at the resort in midday and then go back for dinner and more rides at night.

Taking it easy is the best advice I can give. With the heat, it's easier to get exhausted and overheated. Sometimes the pool gets too hot and we just go back into the AC resort/lobby/shops and take photos.

We also go to TL and/or BB during our August trip. It's often a bit busier than the other parks but, if you can take it easy, it's fine.

Staying onsite is also a very good idea. It's easier to go back and forth for midday breaks.

Also, drink LOTS of water (as many will give this advice), lots of sunscreen (buy the ones that can spray which is very cool on your skin during a hot day).

Also to remember to go to the shops for AC fix.

Bring extra clothes for children in case there is an area for water play so they can cool down.

Other than that, have fun and relax.

(Last August, we were there during the storm (Faye?) and the parks cleared up during the storm. MK was flooded in the front, we had to walk through a foot of water. When we were going to 'Ohana, we were were stuck in the monorail for about 30-50 mins because it was too dangerous for the monorail to go. But it did cool down quite a bit, so I wasn't complaining. I don't like heat!)

 

[disneynuts777]

We started going in the summer last year. We didn't want to take our son out of school for too long. We liked vacationing in May and October, but we were taking him out too much and now that he's getting older we decided to go during the breaks - 2 weeks in March break and 2 weeks in August.

The August trip is a more relaxing trip. Because it very hot and humid, we tend to go to the parks in the morning and go back and swim at the resort in midday and then go back for dinner and more rides at night.

Taking it easy is the best advice I can give. With the heat, it's easier to get exhausted and overheated. Sometimes the pool gets too hot and we just go back into the AC resort/lobby/shops and take photos.

We also go to TL and/or BB during our August trip. It's often a bit busier than the other parks but, if you can take it easy, it's fine.

Staying onsite is also a very good idea. It's easier to go back and forth for midday breaks.

Also, drink LOTS of water (as many will give this advice), lots of sunscreen (buy the ones that can spray which is very cool on your skin during a hot day).

Also to remember to go to the shops for AC fix.

Bring extra clothes for children in case there is an area for water play so they can cool down.

Other than that, have fun and relax.

(Last August, we were there during the storm (Faye?) and the parks cleared up during the storm. MK was flooded in the front, we had to walk through a foot of water. When we were going to 'Ohana, we were were stuck in the monorail for about 30-50 mins because it was too dangerous for the monorail to go. But it did cool down quite a bit, so I wasn't complaining. I don't like heat!)

Love Disney in August!!!!!!!!
We must have been there the same time. The water was so deep entering the M/k that it flooded in the bus doors.
The monorail we were on was struck by lightening and was stuck for an hour.
We dressed up to go to Narcoosee's and we were dripping wet by the time we got there. Ended up in the bathroom wrapped in towels wringing out our dresses in the bathroom sink. Ate in wet clothes.Was still one of the best meals I have ever had.
It always ends up being an adventure. Much more relaxed because of the rain and the heat.
Going again this August and I can hardly wait.

 

[Bea]

We go in the summers because Maritime summers are not always the best. We started getting frustrated waiting for hot summer months, while waiting through a loooooong winter, only to find that those hot summer months, just weren't hot enough. Now we are guaranteed hot, bright sun!!We know no matter how cool the summer months are, we have a vacation to a hot location waiting for us in August.

Another reason we go in the summer is because there are five of us, flying out of Halifax is not feasable, so we drive to Maine where airfare can be atleast 1/2 of what we pay in Halifax. We don't want to attempt this drive (atleast 10 hours) in the winter months.

In the summer, we can take 2 weeks and the vacation is more than going to WDW. It means time to relax, and sit out by the pool. It is a more relaxing vacation than going over March break where we always felt rushed.

We have three children, so we plan our day according to them. Get up early do one park in the morning, come back to the hotel around 1:00 have lunch, swim relax and head back after supper and stay later. When the kids are older we will adjust our plans but for now that is what works for us.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

We've been the last two Augusts. Two years ago it was super hot. Last year we were there for tropical storm faye and it was like a different trip. Here is my advice.

-Quick Dry clothing, an absolute must. You get so sweaty that it really helps especially when going from the heat to the air conditioning. I would advise the ladies to stay away from white unless you want to enter a wet t-shirt contest.

-Pack a longsleeve T-shirt or lightweight sweater for those cool restaurants or rides. They can seem really cold when coming in from 100 degree weather.

-Take a dollar store rainponcho for each person for each day of the trip. If you have any left leave them as tips for mousekeeping.

-Wear "neck coolers". They are a bandana that has a cooling gel inside and you wear them around your neck. Although my daughter likes to wear hers around her waist (wish I were that small). We bought our at Tilly's Endurables but I have seen them at Walmart or even directions to make your own. Mine stay cool and wet for a couple of days. It takes over two weeks to completely dry them out.

Here's a picture of my son on his 5th birthday and I wearing them.