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

[ecmiller]

I am a teacher, so summer is really the only time we can go. We (DH and I) went in July 2004-I will NEVER go back in July. Between the heat, humidity and crowds (including large tour groups) it was not very magical (of course, I also didn't plan anything). We went again in 2004 (this time, including DD, who was 5).We drove down the 3rd week in August. We arrived on Sunday and stayed at Pop for 1 night before moving to POFQ for the next 6 nights. I had done more research and planning this time (with the help of some internet sites and guidebooks). What worked for us

• staying on site
• planning a mid-day swim/nap break
• Park Hopper tickets
• EMH (we only had morning EMH)
• some planned sit-down dinners
• ponchos and mister fans bought at home
• renting a stroller in EPCOT (and explaining to DD that we couold do more if she used it there)
• one day at Typhoon Lagoon

Hope this helps. We are planning to go this year, again in August, but hopefully the last week and I plan even more planning One final tip-do not be afraid to cancel plans (ADRs, etc). We rescheduled Chef Mickey's several times and finally ended up canceling altogether. I was disappointed not to go there, but for our sanity it was necessary.

 

[Mich123]

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.

What week did you go? Thanks for your help!

 

[Mich123]

• staying on site
• planning a mid-day swim/nap break
• Park Hopper tickets
• EMH (we only had morning EMH)
• some planned sit-down dinners
• ponchos and mister fans bought at home
• renting a stroller in EPCOT (and explaining to DD that we couold do more if she used it there)
• one day at Typhoon Lagoon

This is great! Thanks, Eileen!

 

[ShepFam]

But of course we are going in August as well. We have been in February and to be honest I miss the heat and humidity! For me it's Florida so it's supposed to be like that plus it makes the use of the resort pool and the water parks so much more enjoyable. Like others have said, take advantage of the early morning and late night hours, take some downtime in the middle of the day (we always head back to the resort for lunch and swimming) when it's the hottest so you can refresh, and we think the spray misters with the fans are an absolute must. Personally, I will only do Disney again in the summer, so maybe I'm the crazy one!

 

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

I love going in Aug. It is the only time I have been with my family. As long as you are at the parks at rope drop and take an afternoon break back at the resort for a swim or nap. Just go with a good attitude that you are going to have fun no matter what. Be prepaired for rain and just take disposable ponchos.

 

[eileenrbl]

August is a great time to go. It is humid and hot, but the crowds are low and you don't have to wait to see an attraction. Hit the parks early in the day and go back to your resort to swim and relax - then hit the parks when the sun goes down. We always save time to go in late summer before school starts.

 

[Disney-PartyOf5]

Hi,

Agree with a lot of the things that people have said.... it all depends on the individual and I guess what you are actually looking for from your vacation.

When our 3 were smaller we took them out of school twice (as pre-school I think you can get away with it) and made the most of the fact that it was cheaper and less crowded but as they are now in primary school (grade school???) and our eldest is in his first year at college (high school? - he is 11) we know that this option is simply no longer available to us. So, on our last visit we went in August. We had the most amazing vacation. It was completely different to our visits in April and October but still just as enjoyable. I guess due to the fact our children were 7, 8 and 10 they were able to understand that they needed to drink plenty and we were not going to race around. We had lots of breaks (ice-creams / slushi drinks) and spent many a time sat on benches in the shade people watching. We also spent fun afternoons at the POR pool, had late nights in the parks and they even had night-time swims which is something we had never done before. They got a real blast from this. We also factored in whole days at the water parks. They had just as much fun here as they did in MK, HS and AK. At EPCOT we thought the Kim Possible missions were brilliant as they got us inside on many occasions.

Am sure you will have a magical vacation

We are counting down to our trip this year... which is in August

We'll see you there! Mine's a Mickey cookie ice-cream

 

[racechick8293]

We've lived in Florida a few years now, and IMHO, August is the hottest and most humid month of the year. In Central Florida, it's typically very hot and humid by 10-11am and continues through sundown. Even after the sun goes down, it's usually still fairly humid, but you don't have the sun beating down at least. We also do not get the coastal breeze, so there have been many days when I found the summers more uncomfortably hot in Central Florida than when we lived in South Florida.

 

[Tosie]

We've done Aug in 09, 10 and will go again in Aug 12. We travel mid to late Aug (last trip was the 17-26, trip before that was 24-Sep1)

It's HOT. And HUMID. No denying that. It may rain frequently, but it usually doesn't last very long.

We choose not to take our kids out of school anymore (we used to when they were younger) since they are now 14 and 10. So August is what works for us.

The crowds are very managable with a little planning - getting to the parks at RD, taking breaks when necessary, trying not to cram everything in.

Stay hydrated, swim, duck into the AC when you need to. Bring lots of sunscreen!!

 

[Enchantress01]

We went the last week in August once and everyone told us we were going to be miserable! I was terrified but how wrong they were! It was a blast! My DM 63 tells everyone it's the best trip she's ever taken. (She's been to Germany, Austria, Hawaii, etc. mind you!) It was all in the planning. (did I mention my fabulous planning? ) We hit the parks using EMHs and beat the heat and the crowds which were minimal since many kids were headed back to school the next week. We were armed with lots of sunblock and hydrated constantly. We're from NY but we northerners know not to underestimate the power of the sun. We had ponchos, but I don't remember using them. We made sure to alternate attractions, seeking indoor shows after waits in the sun to limit our exposure and exhaustion. We had fun taking ice cream breaks : and exploring shady nooks and crannies for hidden Mickeys or overlooked attractions. Disney packs details around every corner! At that time, they didn't have the Kim Possible at Epcot, but we use it now to beat the heat - we're simply addicted! It helped to stay until the crowds began to build and then leave for lunch and a swim. Rested and ready to to, we headed back to the parks when it was cooler and stayed using EMHs again. Just take it slow, don't try to take on the heat without protection and be prepared to duck inside and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! So grab your shades and get out there!

 

[jennyf2]

Since my son started HS 3 years ago we have gone in August & we LOVE it! I agree 110% the heat is awful but the crowds are fantastic. I would much rather the heat then spend an hour plus waiting in lines.

I agree with other posters:
-take an afternoon break
-drinks LOTS of water
-bring a poncho (lesson learned last August)

I am "hoping" for FD again this fall since I missed the December deadline.

 

[seadd67]

I am going to chime In here,personaly we have not been In August but we where there last July 4th to. The heat Is Hot and humid,we just took our time and drank lots of water!!,remeber to drink water. The great thing Is the parks are open later and there Is usually no refurb going on. We are going a month later In Sept,so I am hopeing for the same typ of weather.

 

[Td1290]

We had out best trip ever last August. The crowds thinned considerably by the end of the month and I felt the weather was definitely more tolerable than our previous June trips. Would do it again for sure.

 

[perfectparanoia]

It is very hot. However, there are also a lot of air conditioned buildings to get a break from the heat in. I asked the kids the other day if it was hot and they said no (we went end of August last year).

The lack of crowds and not having to pull our kids out of school more than made up for the heat, IMHO.

 

[rottiemom]

I'm hoping to go back this August so, no, I don't think that you're crazy. We went in September two years ago & took heed to all of the tales of heat and humidity. Honestly, I didn't find it that bad. After all, you're still used to the NY heat and humidity since it's summer. We brought misters, sunscreen & lots of water. Apply all frequently. Plus the fact that I didn't have to worry about hair or makeup (ponytail+baseball cap+mascara) was a real timesaver in the mornings . We'd start early, take a break mid day & see where the evening led us. Plus lower crowds=less aggravation. I loved going in September but can't swing it this year because of school so I'm hoping for low crowds late august.

 

[seadd67]

I'm hoping to go back this August so, no, I don't think that you're crazy. We went in September two years ago & took heed to all of the tales of heat and humidity. Honestly, I didn't find it that bad. After all, you're still used to the NY heat and humidity since it's summer. We brought misters, sunscreen & lots of water. Apply all frequently. Plus the fact that I didn't have to worry about hair or makeup (ponytail+baseball cap+mascara) was a real timesaver in the mornings . We'd start early, take a break mid day & see where the evening led us. Plus lower crowds=less aggravation. I loved going in September but can't swing it this year because of school so I'm hoping for low crowds late august.

what time In september did you go, and when you say the crowds are less is it really that noticeable?. Seems even when the crowds are samller it still seems pack

 

[rottiemom]

what time In september did you go, and when you say the crowds are less is it really that noticeable?. Seems even when the crowds are samller it still seems pack

It was our first and only trip so we have no basis for comparison but we went from Sept 17-22 and I don't think that we waited more than 20 minutes max, with the exception of Toy Story Movie Mania which was maybe 30. The absolute best part was attending the Halloween party at MK where all of the rides were pretty much walk on. Even Mickey himself didn't have a line!
Unfortunately that was also our very first visit to the MK and we had no idea just HOW light those alloween party crowds were until we went back a few days later.

If it wasn't for school I would go back for the September/Halloween party combo in a heartbeat.

 

[joeronsonet01]

In 08 and 09 we went the week Labor day week, and loved it. Of coarse it was hot, but i didn't think it was miserable. You do need to stay hydrated and mid swims and naps are the key. The best thing is dinning plan has been included and the crowds have been extremely lite. And this is coming from someone who has been just about every time of the year.

 

[Alice-in-wonder]

We went August 15th-20th last year and the crowds were huge. It was the start of free dining so that probably explains it! I was expecting alot lighter crowds as the Southern schools were back in session at that time. It was hot AND crowded. We are going the second week in July this time, probably now have to deal with the huge Brazilian tour groups!!!

 

[youngb]

When people suggest taking an afternoon break, how does tha work with the last week of august when all the parks close earlier. I don't want to leave a park at noon and by the time we rest swim and get back it will be 4 or 5 have dinner and than parks are closed.