June or August?

[NelleBelle]

We are wanting to take our oldest DS to WDW/Universal to celebrate his 8th-grade graduation. He gets out of school June 1, 2018 and as much as I despise the time of year, we're kinda limited as he no longer wants to miss school for WDW trips (dang it)!

Should we plan a trip for early June or early-mid August? Not sure if there are any benefits to either? We typically visit Sept/Oct, Jan (we've run the marathon and then stay), and then May. Have done July once (never again!) and late August. Can't recall if there are any new rides that are supposed to open next year? Would love to hear thoughts/opinions.

 

[Master Yoda]

You will want to go as late in August as possible.

It is going to suck weather wise no matter when you go, but the crowds begin to lessen that later in August you go.

 

[NelleBelle]

Weather-wise, yup--will totally suck but being from the Pacific NW, we kinda like the heat (will give us a good excuse for visiting the water parks--can't wait to visit Volcano Bay)! So crowd-wise, early June is not so good? Our kids head back to school late August (which is early for the Seattle-area, which tends to start after Labor day) so sucks a little that we can't go as late in August as I'd like. I know there is a "love bug" season, but can't remember if it was late August/Sept when we had it or if was earlier in August--we definitely don't want to go when that's occurring!

 

[Master Yoda]

Weather-wise, yup--will totally suck but being from the Pacific NW, we kinda like the heat (will give us a good excuse for visiting the water parks--can't wait to visit Volcano Bay)! So crowd-wise, early June is not so good? Our kids head back to school late August (which is early for the Seattle-area, which tends to start after Labor day) so sucks a little that we can't go as late in August as I'd like. I know there is a "love bug" season, but can't remember if it was late August/Sept when we had it or if was earlier in August--we definitely don't want to go when that's occurring!

As a general rule, crowds start to build in early June until they peak in late July. August is the beginning of the decline which is why I tend to prefer it.

Public school in Florida typically starts on or around the second Monday in August, but that can vary from county to county. The Brazilian tour groups also start to leave starting in early August.

Love bugs really do not have a season, but they tend to be out in May and September. Either way, they do not bite and are at best a nuisance.

If you can score that second or better yet the third week in August, you should be good.

 

[NelleBelle]

Great! That really helps me start making plans--we definitely want to avoid the dreaded "tour" groups!

 

[Figgy1]

I've done both and the first 2 weeks of June weren't too bad but by the third week look out CROWDS! last year we did August we did Disney the 1st -15th and the first week was busier than the second but not horrible and didn't notice more than 2 tour groups. The 3rd and a good part of the 4th week we did UNI and a few other things and the 3rd week was great there and the 4th week we thought we had the place to ourselves. Hope that helps.

 

[NelleBelle]

I've done both and the first 2 weeks of June weren't too bad but by the third week look out CROWDS! last year we did August we did Disney the 1st -15th and the first week was busier than the second but not horrible and didn't notice more than 2 tour groups. The 3rd and a good part of the 4th week we did UNI and a few other things and the 3rd week was great there and the 4th week we thought we had the place to ourselves. Hope that helps.

Would you say that the 10-days in June were about equal to the first 10 days in August? I think my kids are headed back to school the 3rd week in August so that sweet spots for that month are out .

 

[Figgy1]

Would you say that the 10-days in June were about equal to the first 10 days in August? I think my kids are headed back to school the 3rd week in August so that sweet spots for that month are out .

I'd give the edge to the first 10 days in June. crowds are a bit lower. The NY/NJ mobs seem to hit about the 20th and that's when it really gets crazy busy.

 

[capedisneygirl]

we have always done the week before labor day weekend in august (my daughter goes back to school mid week before labor day), if you go in august I recommend going towards the end as far as you can, not only do resort prices take a good price drop but so do crowds.

 

[NelleBelle]

I'd give the edge to the first 10 days in June. crowds are a bit lower. The NY/NJ mobs seem to hit about the 20th and that's when it really gets crazy busy.

Thanks! That certainly helps!! Initially, I wanted to leave June 1 or 2 since DS 8th grade graduation is the 31st. Would love to just hop the plane and fly down for his "present"!

When do the Brazilian tours tend to start?

 

[NelleBelle]

we have always done the week before labor day weekend in august (my daughter goes back to school mid week before labor day), if you go in august I recommend going towards the end as far as you can, not only do resort prices take a good price drop but so do crowds.

This is definitely true! I think the latest we could do it would be that 2nd week heading into the 3rd (I think they start school on 8/22)

 

[DfromATX]

The earlier in June you can go, the better. That is our preferred summer month. It always seems to be a little less crowded and a little less hot than July and August. August sounds miserably hot.

 

[DfromATX]

When do the Brazilian tours tend to start?

They are usually there in July and December. However, we were there last July 2016 and there were very few large tour groups compared to what we've seen before. We were pleasantly surprised. It was just so darn hot!

 

[ToTBellHop]

The earlier in June you can go, the better. That is our preferred summer month. It always seems to be a little less crowded and a little less hot than July and August. August sounds miserably hot.

It's 91 degrees most afternoons in June. 92 degrees in August. It doesn't really make much difference, but I will say this--sunset is later in June, so it stays hot longer. Some of my hottest trips have actually been in late May, because the sunset is very late and it tends to rain less. Some years it was upper-90s Memorial Day weekend. Most days in August don't get out of the low-90s due to afternoon t-storms.

We love August.

 

[NelleBelle]

Super thankful for everyone's input! Weather-wise, I figure it will be hot and humid, regardless of which month we choose (which for someone who is chronically cold almost year-round, I look forward to in some sort of sadistic way ). Interesting point about the sunset. I kind like the idea of having longer daylight, for some reason (probably because it doesn't feel like "summer" unless the sun isn't setting until nearly 10pm like it does up here in Seattle). I need to figure this out fairly soon and then decide if we are going to stay onsite this year or off (I always vote onsite...DH and his wallet vote offsite, especially when bringing the both grandmothers, making it necessary for 2 rooms).

 

[Figgy1]

Super thankful for everyone's input! Weather-wise, I figure it will be hot and humid, regardless of which month we choose (which for someone who is chronically cold almost year-round, I look forward to in some sort of sadistic way ). Interesting point about the sunset. I kind like the idea of having longer daylight, for some reason (probably because it doesn't feel like "summer" unless the sun isn't setting until nearly 10pm like it does up here in Seattle). I need to figure this out fairly soon and then decide if we are going to stay onsite this year or off (I always vote onsite...DH and his wallet vote offsite, especially when bringing the both grandmothers, making it necessary for 2 rooms).

If the vote is for off don't get 2 rooms rent a condo for less

 

[Nemo14]

If the vote is for off don't get 2 rooms rent a condo for less

I totally agree. You can rent a condo or house for a considerable saving, and much more privacy and convenience.

 

[NelleBelle]

If the vote is for off don't get 2 rooms rent a condo for less

Oh totally! Last year we stayed a few nights at Coronado before our cruise (never stayed there before then and I really liked it). After the cruise, we rented a 2-BR condo at Wyndam Bonnet Creek (really liked it for a non-disney property) for another week. We figured after spending all that $$ on the disney cruise, I had to concede something to DH and agreed that disney/uni. were better off-property than no disney/uni after a cruise . But next summer is a "no cruise" year and oldest DS has finally said what he wants to do as a celebration for his 8th grade graduation, so I'm pushing for on-site!

 

[NelleBelle]

I totally agree. You can rent a condo or house for a considerable saving, and much more privacy and convenience.

We've done both many times over the years, deluxe and moderate at Disney and renting homes when we've gone with extended family. Last year was the first time we've done a condo. I have to say that I really liked WBC and it's location. We really only were there to sleep, but it gave us the opportunity to have breakfast before we hit the parks and late-night "snacks" when we got home from the parks. I also liked to pack snacks to take to parks as well as make sandwiches/hotdogs (since we're vegetarian, we struggle getting enough protein in our diet if we don't bring in our own stuff periodically, especially when you're staying for more than a few days). So I do appreciate having the kitchens when we're off-site (never have done a DVC rental and likely won't).

We were able to ride everything we wanted/see everything last year even with the limitations of the 30-day window for FP instead of 60-days. But that was late October/November (darn my child for being responsible and not wanting to miss school; disney was so much easier when we could pull them out, have them do school work while waiting line/restaurants ).

 

[mdubm]

I'd give the edge to June. If you are going early in June, crowds will be lower and so will temps. August will be crowded and sooooo hot. Not that June isn't hot, but we went in June this year and it was actually nice. Temps in the mid 80s. It wasn't the total norm, but very bearable and crowds were okay.