Going in August

[PoppinsFan]

My family is quite excited, we just booked our Disney Vacation this year for Aug.23-30th. We had thought about going the end of October, but were one of the lucky ones to get a pin for free dining. Just couldn't pass it up. The past few years we have gone mid May. I checked out touring plans,it predicts crowd levels to be a 6-7. Has anyone gone this time of year? How bad our the crowds? We are also planning on it being very hot, but curious about the rain? Any additional information regarding this time of year would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Up until 08 we went during August most years. That week would normally see a noticeable fall off in numbers in the parks compared to the weeks previously. Very hot, humid and temperamental weather which can impact your touring plans. I seem to recall that you may encounter rehfurbs starting as summer draws to a close.

 

[Monty]

I've been the last two years in late August/early September and crowds are quite manageable by my thinking. Rain hasn't been an issue either time, but it's very much luck of the draw... It is hurricane season, so anything is possible. Other than hurricanes [which I've yet to experience], even if it rains it doesn't slow us down, you get wet, but dry quickly when it's done.

As my mother always said: "You were born wet, there's no doubt you'll get wet again!" :animwink:

 

[miles1]

Late August has been our trip time for the last few years due to school and work constraints. We've found the crowds quite manageable with some planning; make sure you get a copy of The Unofficial Guide and follow the touring plans, at least for the morning hours.

As far as the weather--How you deal with it depends upon what your used to at home. It's hot, but really not much hotter than what we're used to in Southern New England by the end of the summer, and the humidity is equal to the worst days we have at home. If you pace yourself and don't try to run through the parks you'll be fine. Plan on daily pool breaks at your resort in the early afternoon. Also, for the safety and convenience of those around you, you will want to shower before heading out for dinner.

You can also expect a relatively brief torrential downpour at some point in the afternoon, so dress in clothes and footware that will dry quickly. If you don't mind getting a little (or a lot) wet, this is a great time to tour since it really thins out the crowds.

I hope this helps. Have a great time.

 

[surfsupdon]

Was there for your dateslast year in August. The parks were surprisingly manageable. Mornings and evening/nights were terrific. Very little waiting. Afternoons still had some crowds, but nothing like we have seen during other time periods. Late August is now one of our favorite times to go.

The weather should be hot! Very hot in the afternoon, but usually always a chance of a torrential downpour for a few minutes. I wouldn't expect this would happen to you, but last year we were in Disney for TS Faye, and all she did was sit and spin and dump rain onto WDW for 4 days straight. So def bring rain gear b/c you will either encounter brief thunderstorms or remnants of a hurricane.

Still a great time to go, especially with the heat and smaller crowds.

 

[slappy magoo]

I've gone in late August a few times. Because many school in the USA re-open in mid-August, the attendance drops at WDW drops off dramatically. Of course, it has gone up as the people who live in areas where schools open up after Labor Day learn about the late-August crowds, resulting, naturally, in larger crowds. But it's still more manageable than other times in the summer.

It's going to be hotter than hot most days. The sun will be unforgiving. Stock up on sunscreen. Try to get back to the room for a swim or nap during the afternoon. Take advantage of late night EMH (crowds will be larger, but the sun won't be as painful), and even then you'll probably be sweating through your clothes most nights just standing around thinking.