Crowds - Is this normal!?

[MickeyLuv'r]

Your words were " 90 degrees hottest WDW usually ever gets ". This opinion is hugely inaccurate in June, July, August.

No, no it isn't.

According to World-Weather, July 2021 Lake Buena Vista temps were: 81, 82 (4), 84 (4), 86 (6), 88 (9), 90 (3) and 91 (4days). that puts the average high well below 90 degrees. August hit 90 (9 days), 91 (8 days), and 92 (2 days). Thirteen days were below 90. June did not go above 90, and LBV only hit 90 on 4 days. The rest of the month the daily high was in the 80's.

So for those 3 months, IMO, 90 is usually the hottest WDW ever gets. In June/July/Aug it hit 91 a total of 12 days, and 92 twice.

I didn't say it never goes above that, but it did not hit 100 degress. I think in 2020 + 2019- in all 6 months (J/J/A x2) it hit 95 twice, otherwise it was mostly in the upper 80's.


Here is the link if anyone wishes to verify: https://world-weather.info/forecast/usa/lake_buena_vista/june-2021/

 

[Lilofan]

No, no it isn't.

According to World-Weather, July 2021 Lake Buena Vista temps were: 81, 82 (4), 84 (4), 86 (6), 88 (9), 90 (3) and 91 (4days). that puts the average high well below 90 degrees. August hit 90 (9 days), 91 (8 days), and 92 (2 days). Thirteen days were below 90. June did not go above 90, and LBV only hit 90 on 4 days. The rest of the month the daily high was in the 80's.

So for those 3 months, IMO, 90 is usually the hottest WDW ever gets. In June/July/Aug it hit 91 a total of 12 days, and 92 twice.

I didn't say it never goes above that, but it did not hit 100 degress. I think in 2020 + 2019- in all 6 months (J/J/A x2) it hit 95 twice, otherwise it was mostly in the upper 80's.


Here is the link if anyone wishes to verify: https://world-weather.info/forecast/usa/lake_buena_vista/june-2021/

Your body and mind experiencing the high temps including the heat index in July for example on Main Street at MK would not make it feel like anything close to 90 degrees.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Your body and mind experiencing the high temps including the heat index in July for example on Main Street at MK would not make it feel like anything close to 90 degrees.

Sorry.

My body doesn't mind WDW in the summer. To me it feels like, summer. And I happen to like summer.

Winter's a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I'll be - a happy snowman!

But we don't all have to like summer.

I imagine that's why some folks are choosing to visit in January.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Well put. We get our DVC points and try to plan a trip that suits everyone's schedule. After that, we've stayed at numerous hotels in Kissimmee. Very good ones and reasonably priced for a family. Only thing is there's no rodent in red shorts and yellow shoes walking around the lobby and picking your pocket.

I have many mouse trips under my belt....Originally, we always stayed offsite.

But then for a solid stretch of years, the Swan/Dolphin had a great deal and then WDW offered years of decent deals and solid perks for staying onsite. So for a number of years we mostly stayed either onsite or at the Swan/Dolphin. (oh - also a little bit at/near Universal.)

I hear you. I trusted WDW onsite was such a good deal, that it would - more or less- always remain a decent deal. That WDW would want to maintain their lock so to speak. I didn't think they'd be inclined to do away with Extra Magic Hours, for example. That was such a worthwhile perk.

But now...prices for 2022 are just absurd. Just my conjecture, but I think maybe that's why Jan is so busy- this is the lowest rack prices. ="Value season." It also sorta didn't look like WDW was going to offer any of their traditional discount offers. To date, they have not offered a 'bounceback' offer, for example.

 

[flynnibus]

No, no it isn't.

According to World-Weather, July 2021 Lake Buena Vista temps were: 81, 82 (4), 84 (4), 86 (6), 88 (9), 90 (3) and 91 (4days). that puts the average high well below 90 degrees. August hit 90 (9 days), 91 (8 days), and 92 (2 days). Thirteen days were below 90. June did not go above 90, and LBV only hit 90 on 4 days. The rest of the month the daily high was in the 80's.

So for those 3 months, IMO, 90 is usually the hottest WDW ever gets. In June/July/Aug it hit 91 a total of 12 days, and 92 twice.

I didn't say it never goes above that, but it did not hit 100 degress. I think in 2020 + 2019- in all 6 months (J/J/A x2) it hit 95 twice, otherwise it was mostly in the upper 80's.


Here is the link if anyone wishes to verify: https://world-weather.info/forecast/usa/lake_buena_vista/june-2021/

NOAA tracking of daily maximum at Orlando

Climate at a Glance | City Time Series | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Historical and spatial comparisons of local, county, state, regional, national, and global meteorological data to determine trends and patterns

www.ncdc.noaa.gov

Even Orlando's tourist board lists the area average above 90

Add into that that July and August are generally pretty much PEGGED at the 'oppressive' levels of humidity daily.. I think everyone can agree, the place is crotch rot hot all July and August. Much more than any simple 90-92 average air temp number suggests.

(and yes, I know Orlando vs LBV.. but the data doesn't vary that significantly when you look at Kissimmee either). It's hot.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Let's be greatful that Pro Bowl was finally removed out of Orlando and no Superbowls were happening in the state...

Not even sure if the tour groups have flocked back or The Cheerleader competitions that happen around this time we're making it even busier and those 2 things are The norm at the mid point of Jan through Feb.

 

[GuyFawkes]

The worse the weather is in the North East the bigger the crowds will be in FL.

Cruises? LOL. Good luck with those. Leaving the country for vacation? I'm a guy who has traveled the world and the scary part now is you may get stuck in a country, if you can get in, in the first place. Had the thought but not worth it to me.

 

[Lilofan]

Let's be greatful that Pro Bowl was finally removed out of Orlando and no Superbowls were happening in the state...

Not even sure if the tour groups have flocked back or The Cheerleader competitions that happen around this time we're making it even busier and those 2 things are The norm at the mid point of Jan through Feb.

Who wants to play in the decrepit Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando?

 

[Lilofan]

Sorry.

My body doesn't mind WDW in the summer. To me it feels like, summer. And I happen to like summer.

Winter's a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I'll be - a happy snowman!

But we don't all have to like summer.

I imagine that's why some folks are choosing to visit in January.

Right after Labor Day, early Nov, Jan are slower times compared to the busy brutally hot and humid summer. All right by me.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

NOAA tracking of daily maximum at Orlando
View attachment 618129

Climate at a Glance | City Time Series | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Historical and spatial comparisons of local, county, state, regional, national, and global meteorological data to determine trends and patterns

www.ncdc.noaa.gov

Even Orlando's tourist board lists the area average above 90
View attachment 618131


Add into that that July and August are generally pretty much PEGGED at the 'oppressive' levels of humidity daily.. I think everyone can agree, the place is crotch rot hot all July and August. Much more than any simple 90-92 average air temp number suggests.

(and yes, I know Orlando vs LBV.. but the data doesn't vary that significantly when you look at Kissimmee either). It's f'ng hot.

Er, I quoted the SAME webpage you did, the Visit Orlando one.

I LIKE visiting WDW in the summer. The weather doesn't scare me.

If other people are afraid of - er, -rotting?!?!?! YIKES! I can see why they would be afraid.

It sounds like a nasty medical condition.

 

[flynnibus]

Er, I quoted the SAME webpage you did, the Visit Orlando one.

I LIKE visiting WDW in the summer. The weather doesn't scare me.

If other people are afraid of - er, -rotting?!?!?! YIKES! I can see why they would be afraid.

It sounds like a nasty medical condition.

Known in other parts as swamp butt

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Right after Labor Day, early Nov, Jan are slower times compared to the busy brutally hot and humid summer. All right by me.

Traditionally, WDW has had long park hours in the summer, so there was ample opportunity to tour the parks in the evening. The periods you list tend to have much shorter park hours - including January.

Early September weather is nearly the same as August. According to NOAA, the mean rain amount for 1901-2000 for Orange County:
August = 6.82 inches of rain.
September = 6.53 inches of rain.
July =7.38 inches of rain.

So early September WDW offers almost the same weather, but shorter park hours. If afternoon heat isn't something one enjoys, then early September might not be the preferred time to visit.

Jan's mean is a mere 2.31 inches of rain. November is even lower at 1.93 inches. Jan is certainly dryer than summer!

Every season/month has trade-offs. Weather is just one factor. Crowd levels, hotel prices, and park hours are other important factors.

IF one can take advantage of the peripheral park hours, long park hours are a HUGE benefit, and useful way to dodge crowds and afternoon storms.

September's short park hours +afternoon downpours = significantly limited park touring. During a thunderstorm, much of AK stops.

Stops: Safari, bird show, Gorilla Falls, Discover Island animal attractions, Everest, Kali, Triceratops Spin, wild Africa, Maharajah,
Open: Tough to be a Bug, Flight of Passage, Lion king, DINOSAUR!
(I'm not sure about Rafiki's Planet Watch train/Conservation Station/petting zoo.)

Everyone that stays in the park crowds into the few attractions that are open. When AK is open late, it is possible to wait out the rain, and take advantage of a nearly empty PM park. When AK closes early, that's it. EE stops running at storm o'clock and stays down until park closing.

 

[witandwander]

Most lines were less than a half hour; alot were 20 minutes or less.

I miss those days!

As the hours return to normal and are expanded, you can actually do pretty well on production if you prioritize the later hours -- maybe even work on ride production during the fireworks if you're willing to skip them.

I’ve been watching the posted wait times for the last several weeks and I think you may be on to something, but SHHH! Don’t tell anyone. I’ve got 3 kids, but for our upcoming trip I’m pretty sure we’re going to sleep in and stay until the bitter end each night. But watching the hours is a really good point!

Has anyone seen any comparisons lately (since Genie+ has stabilized a bit) on posted wait times vs actual? Or posted vs Touring Plan wait times?

 

[Disstevefan1]

Gone are those "mini lines." (no pun intended). We used to religiously schedule one of our trips around the first or second week of December from around 2000-2012. It was perfect. Most lines were less than a half hour; alot were 20 minutes or less. Heck, I remember walking right up to the doors in Haunted Mansion now that's probably an average of 45-60 and they push that queue along !

Beginning of December was also our preferred time to go. It was great.

I am thinking, today with the tiered pricing of the tickets, you could consider the lowest crowd levels would be the times when the tickets are at their lowest prices as determined by Disney.

That said, the lower ticket prices are meant to make folks go during that time, so we are back to where we started. Crowded

 

[Raxel7851]

Your body and mind experiencing the high temps including the heat index in July for example on Main Street at MK would not make it feel like anything close to 90 degrees.

I was camping in my Chevy Van at FW in 1977 and it snowed. Maybe it was 1979. Anyways, it was unseasonably cold the entire week. Good thing I took an electric heater with me.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

Sorry.

My body doesn't mind WDW in the summer. To me it feels like, summer. And I happen to like summer.

Winter's a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I'll be - a happy snowman!

But we don't all have to like summer.

I imagine that's why some folks are choosing to visit in January.

I wish my wife felt the same way. I seem to do ok weather a big chilly(though once in November I found myself buying one of those burlap like ponchos in Mexico as the only warm thing under $50 for sale in Epcot) not does heat bother me, but been in late August and mid June and my other family members do not love the humidity and heat. My Father in law almost passed out just walking into Epcot(he was pushing his wife in a wheel chair and refused to drink more water and let us help).

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Beginning of December was also our preferred time to go. It was great.

I am thinking, today with the tiered pricing of the tickets, you could consider the lowest crowd levels would be the times when the tickets are at their lowest prices as determined by Disney.

That said, the lower ticket prices are meant to make folks go during that time, so we are back to where we started. Crowded

Another semi-prime time to go- well partly prime time to go (around 2010-2015ish), was the start of the spring peak season pricing. It was sucky in terms of WDW hotel pricing, but since it was before spring break crowds got cranked up, the crowds were low. Back in that time, since WDW offered hotel discounts, the different between pricing seasons was not quite as crazy as this year.

This year, the pricing is crazy high, but I suspect there will again be some lulls. Disney now has very dynamic hotel pricing; hotel prices change week to week, and they now not only charge more for weekend nights, but also Thursday nights.

Rack rate on a Standard view room at BC (according to Mousesavers):
Wed 2/9 = $522
Wed 2/16 = $666
Wed 2/23 = $718
Wed 3/2 = $666
Wed 3/9 = $718
Wed 4/13 = $783 (Easter)
Most Wed in July/Aug = $580
Wed 8/24, 8/31, 9/14 = $522
but then 2nd half of Sept (9/21) = $664

You might be correct about low prices= low crowds, but WDW can also now change the price of park tickets at any time, just as the airlines do. If they want to manipulate people into the second week of February, all they would have to do is lower the price of a ticket that week. Conversely, if they fill a quota, they can change the price upwards if they wish.

Perhaps we should study to see if ticket prices for a specific day are fixed or if they change.

What's the current price of an adult 7-day non-hopper for the week of April 24-30 via the WDW website?
UT says WDW's price is $545.50 (they offer $497).

OH: UT has a pop-up warning that a ticket price change is coming soon! (at least via their webpage.)

 

[TOMIESTEEL]

I was there last Tuesday 1/25 when the park closed at 4:30pm and I had no more then a 10min wait for every ride. The rest of the week the parks were packed

 

[Disstevefan1]

I was there last Tuesday 1/25 when the park closed at 4:30pm and I had no more then a 10min wait for every ride. The rest of the week the parks were packed

I have to believe the 4:30 close time made folks stay away as to not use up a ticket for a park that closes early?
This assumes the close time was communicated well in advance (because of park pass reservations) ?

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

I wish my wife felt the same way. I seem to do ok weather a big chilly(though once in November I found myself buying one of those burlap like ponchos in Mexico as the only warm thing under $50 for sale in Epcot) not does heat bother me, but been in late August and mid June and my other family members do not love the humidity and heat. My Father in law almost passed out just walking into Epcot(he was pushing his wife in a wheel chair and refused to drink more water and let us help).

One thing we noticed is that it pays to take daily outdoor walks before a WDW trip, no matter the season. At least 3 weeks before a trip is helpful.

I used to coordinate extended family trips and once saw similar. Two family members thought, "WDW=vacation!" where "vacation" = drinking nothing but coffee in the AM and alcoholic beverages the rest of the day. They only made it to day 3 and spent the rest of the week in bed recovering from dehydration.