Would we be crazy to go to the World in August?

[Mich123]

My DH and kids just said that they'd love to go to The World of Harry Potter at Universal, which of course led me to think that perhaps I could sneak in a trip to the World (always my motive!!). I had thought I'd have to wait another two years to get there, but now I'm wondering if we could make that our summer vacation. We have always gone in February (except as a kid, I do remember going in the summer--what I most remember were the torrential downpours). So, I have to ask, does anyone have any tips, complaints, etc. about a trip in August?

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

We go the last week in August every year. It's hot, it's humid, it's manageable with proper preparation.

 

[gojoe]

We always travel in the summer with the kids. First we stay on property and get morning extra magic hour. We are able to hit all the thing we want to see and get back to our resort around noon or so. Have lunch & swim. I'm one for a nap but never do. We had back to an evening extra magic park catch a show and save the rides for later when the crowd have diminished. We've been lucky and have not had any problem with rain but we alway carry a poncho. Get the cheapest ones because if you use them there is no way to fold them back up. We also carry those fans with the misters bring them from home the last I check they were around $20. in the parks.
We went to Islands of Adventure last summer. Hotter than the Sun would be an understatement. Imagine Florida in the summer in a green house with no fans. That was Forbidden Journey. Lines for Ollivanders wrapped around the entire island. NO Shade NO Fans. If you venture to Islands of Adventure go at night.
Have a great time. Remember the fans & the ponchos.

 

[Mich123]

We went to Islands of Adventure last summer. Hotter than the Sun would be an understatement. Imagine Florida in the summer in a green house with no fans. That was Forbidden Journey. Lines for Ollivanders wrapped around the entire island. NO Shade NO Fans. If you venture to Islands of Adventure go at night.

Hmm, that's what I'm a little worried about...did you go in August?

We went to DL last summer and loved spending afternoons poolside--something we've never done at WDW--so I'm glad you mentioned that. I'm also thinking we could go to the water parks as well, we've never been there because even though it's warm in February, it's not warm enough!

 

[kmccartney]

As a fellow upstate NYer let me add my two cents. We have typically gone the first week of December. This past year was different, DS turned 16 in August and that is what he wanted for his birthday.... a trip to Disney. Yes we spend 8 days in late August in Disney. Yes, it was hot and humid, but if you are smart it is very do-able! First, expect to take some down time mid-day. A swim is awesome! Second, make sure you stay really well hydrated. Third, go easy... don't expect to conquer the parks like you would normally do in cool months and it will be more enjoyable even in the heat. August is absolutely do-able even with the heat!

P.S. Don't forget the SUNSCREEN!!!

 

[gojoe]

Hmm, that's what I'm a little worried about...did you go in August?

Last year we went the July 4th week. August Heat & Humidity plus massive crowds. Summer is our season with our girls. Water Parks at least twice, because we love them both. Those nights we'll shop at Downtown Disney or hang at our resort. Almost forgot we pack 3 changes a day. Not always needed but just to be sure. Hats are good too. Something for blisters, you can not believe how hot the pavement gets. Boy I sure do make is sound nice but we love it. Make sure you have touring plan for the parks with some rest stops (shows or cool drink at a counter serve restaurant). Have a great time.

 

[managerdreamer]

we went in August and Yep it is hot but you expect that right? It was a great time to ride Kali Rapids and not care that I was wet from head to toe. I found keep a water bottle with you. Plan the things you want to do so your not zig zagging around the park I also found many rides like Like Nemo, American Idol the great movie ride ect are all air conditioned so you do get a break.

We like the heat so we had a great time. The pool is nice in the mid afternoon and we did use the late EMH at MC and Epcot.

As long as you don't mind the heat you will have a great trip

 

[charming]

My DS, DN, and her DF went in Aug, to plan my DN's wedding and it was so hot i would NEVER EVER go in Aug, again. So hot so humid!!
We go useally in early March and i love it. I like being able to wear shorts in the day and a sweatshirt at night. Plus we are from Michigan so for us we leave home when its cold and a foot of snow on the ground so by the time we get to Florida and its mid 70's to us its perfect.

 

[TheDisneyWorldFan]

August is perfect. I like august trips better to Disney rather than July as kids are going back to school so Disney lines are shorter and the heat is starting to fade a tiny bit. Also prices tend to be a little bit lower near the end of august and beginning of July. (please don't quote me on that as things can change)

 

[Jessica14]

August is perfect. I like august trips better to Disney rather than July as kids are going back to school so Disney lines are shorter and the heat is starting to fade a tiny bit. Also prices tend to be a little bit lower near the end of august and beginning of July. (please don't quote me on that as things can change)

That is accurate pricing as I was just looking into this. I would prefer to go in cooler weather as we just did, but i don't want to take the kids out of school again. I think the last week in August will probably be it ans we'll just deal with it and go early, rest, and go back in the evenings.
Jessica

 

[sunshineNJ]

We go in Aug, BUT only the last week of the month. WE have very low crowds. We done this week 4 times. We had a week without a drop rain, one time we were there for Hurricane Faye, we still had agreat time and everything was open. The 2 other times it rained a couple times for maybe an hour. We are going this Aug 25 for 6 nights and free dining. It is hot but we swim in the afternoon, tour in the AM and at night. Good Luck!!!

 

[I-Bike]

All I did as a child was summers and I don't remember it being horrible. Since my kids can't be taken out of school for long periods of time we are trying this August while they are home on break. I know the humidity is brutal but we'll take breaks and keep hydrated.

 

[p&tbrown]

The one and only time we went in August it was so hot and humid-and I lived in Michigan at the time. We vowed to never go through that again. We were misarable, but its up to you.

 

[CLAYINCT]

Just a reminder, to stay hydrated, you can ALWAYS get a free cup of ice water from any soda fountain. They cannot refuse you! (Yes, it is tap water, but in all honesty, I always thought it tasted different than the water from the water fountains. It tastes fine to me! And its FREE!)

 

[Mich123]

Just a reminder, to stay hydrated, you can ALWAYS get a free cup of ice water from any soda fountain. They cannot refuse you! (Yes, it is tap water, but in all honesty, I always thought it tasted different than the water from the water fountains. It tastes fine to me! And its FREE!)

This is great advice any time of the year! Thanks!

 

[Tracerr00]

This is good info to know everyone! My sister and I went in April and we took our daughters. We decided that it was so much work to keep the girls happy (when one wasn't crabby, the other one was), that we are going by ourselves and we are going on August 31st through Labor Day. I know it'll be hot but these tips will help. I like the idea of going early in the day and again late in the day. And last time we only brought one poncho for each of us and we definitely needed more than that because I just wanted to throw it away after it was unfolded so good tip there too.

I'm so excited to go on an adults only trip! We are early birds and our girls (one was a teen) were not so we couldn't get to the parks early. We're going to have a blast by ourselves!

 

[5 for WDW]

Since our oldest is in 8th grade, I will not take him out of school for a vaction. So, this August will be our 3rd time going during that time. Yes, its hot.
But, we don't mind it at all. We are from NY and we handle the heat well.
Crowds are bearable and we have a wonderful time.
Tons of sunblock, spray fans, hats and ponchos are must haves.

 

[ratlenhum]

We always go in August. We've done the end of the month and the beginning of the month. Just as hot and humid at both times but the crowds were much better at the end of the month when the south is back in school.

the horrible lines at IOA last year were probably because HP was new.

Yes it's hot and humid. Dress right, stay hydrated, take breaks and plan well and it's not an issue. At each park we try to do 2 or 3 rides then take in an air conditioned show. We also get 2 or 3 frozen fruit pops or frozen coke/juice drinks along with tons of water. I'm very overweight and I handle the heat well with good planning.

 

[Lily & Giny's Mom]

We went this year in August. The heat and humidity were worse than I had ever imagined. It was abolutely unbearable. Our children cried several times when outdoors even when only walking from one country (in the AC) to the next (inthe AC) in EPCOT-Our next trip will be in January or February.

 

[luvdisney00]

We tried August for the first time last year and really liked it a lot. Yes it is hot, but we go in knowing that it will be, and crowds in August seem to be a lot better than June or July (I can't take the heat AND the crowds). August usually brings an afternoon rain which cools things down and makes it more bearable. Drink, take breaks and know that you won't be able to tour in the same way that you can in the cooler months and you will be fine. We liked August so much last year, we are going back the same week this year.