Crowds in August and FP

[andrelaplume]

I have not been to WDW in 10 years. I recall using limited FP on my last visit but not really needing them since we travelled off season. Folks are telling me I may not need them when we go Aug 20 - 27 as the kids are in school but I am skeptical. I am also having a hell of a time determining where I want to be each day and what time for each FP. I don't know how folks do it...I mean if weather is bad I may want to flip flop my days around. Anyway,

1) Anyone have any experience this time of year with regards to wait times (Aug 20 - 27)
2) Does anyone know if FP has actually added to the length of time you wait without one?

 

[wdwmagic]

You will definitely need to use FP+. Not doing so will put you at a significant disadvantage.

Yes FP has increased the wait time for those without FP.

 

[sxeensweet]

Yes you need FP+ no matter what time of year you go for the more popular rides. We always go in "off season" and still need them. The rides that aren't as popular the stand by is not bad at all, but rides like Peter Pan, Mine train, TSMM (although much better now after they added a 3rd track), Rockin Roller Coaster, Everest, Space Mountain, Test Track, Frozen, Soarin' etc etc you will need one if you don't want to wait 45++++ min.

 

[Foltzy]

You'll need fastpass any time of the year as some waits *cough Peter Pan* go absolutely super slow w/o FP.
However, the time you will be touring is pretty low crowds. The standby waits will all be shorter than in summer and there will probably be less people using FP
Anyways, why wouldn't you use FP, it's free. And if you stress about having to go to a certain park on a certain day, availability should be greater for the day-of FPs
I haven't been at this time in a couple years but it's really enjoyable as it's nice and it's not very crowded. However, the heat can be a tad unbearable
Enjoy your trip!

 

[mouse_luv]

You're going to need your FP+. It's becoming more and more rare to be able to just stroll onto a ride w/o FP.
It's really not all that hard, you just draw up and plan and set up plans/FP+ for that park and whatnot.
And I know this because I've been there every time of the year.

Now my questions for you is, do you have park hoppers?

 

[andrelaplume]

You're going to need your FP+. It's becoming more and more rare to be able to just stroll onto a ride w/o FP.
It's really not all that hard, you just draw up and plan and set up plans/FP+ for that park and whatnot.
And I know this because I've been there every time of the year.

Now my questions for you is, do you have park hoppers?

 

[andrelaplume]

Yes we have hoppers..the issue is planning everything around times hoppers are available..we Shud have done it earlier...still I find it stressful...we will see how it goes....

 

[mouse_luv]

Yes we have hoppers..the issue is planning everything around times hoppers are available..we Shud have done it earlier...still I find it stressful...we will see how it goes....

What do you mean planning everything around times hoppers are available? The hoppers are available for your whole trip there's no limit except for the # of days you got them for.

 

[kmac]

If you are concerned with not being able to be flexible, I may suggest a strategy of making Fastpass+ selections for the morning. That way you just have to decide what park you want to start your day in. Then you're free to hop to other parks and can try for additional FP selections after your first three are used. Also if you're concerned about bad weather ruining your plans, you can rely somewhat on the fact that in the summer storms usually hit in the afternoon so your 3 committed FP selections will already be done.

 

[YozhikRoth]

In my experience, you should book the FPs for early in the day. If you find that the attraction has a short line when you get there, you should have plenty of choices to switch the FP to. Also booking your FPs early in the day allows you a better selection for your bonus FP.