Last week of August - your thoughts?

[chdice]

Starting to plan a 2014 trip, but I will have two kids in school and really don't want to pull them out (as much as I love short lines and nice weather). So...how bad really is the last week of August? I was thinking Aug 22-30, 2014. I know it will be hot and humid - but is it true the crowds will be on the lower side? Anything else I need to know? Any other recommendations for a week when school isn't a factor?
Thanks!

 

[Master Yoda]

From a crowd perspective it is typically pretty good. Most schools start around mid August which puts a pretty good dent in the number of families there. It will still feel like you are a mile from the sun and it will be so humid that fish can swim in the air, but from a crowd standpoint you are good.

 

[danpam1024]

Well, Florida kids go back to school early August, so the locals will be busy. August for weather is stifling, but the afternoon rains help. And it is peak Hurricane season . If we go up to Orlando in August- it's usually to hang out at the pool or waterparks, so maybe plan some time for that

 

[Violet]

We are going this year, the last week in August. I can't pull the kids out anymore either, at least not in the fall. Anyway, the crowd calendars all look really good. The heat, that looks horrible. We shall see!

 

[coltow]

This is our new week. We really like it. Sure it's hot, but it's really not that crowded, I'll take heat ovr crowds any day. My kids don't go back to school til after Labor Day so last week of August is perfect for us. We have gone that week in 2009 and 2012 and plan to go again 2014

 

[chdice]

Thanks! We went in May three years ago and I remember it being at least 95 everyday and very humid and we survived. I think I'm leaning towards heat vs crowds myself. I think my only other option would be April vacation, but Easter falls on that week in 2014 so I think that could be disasterous.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

From a crowd perspective it is typically pretty good. Most schools start around mid August which puts a pretty good dent in the number of families there. It will still feel like you are a mile from the sun and it will be so humid that fish can swim in the air, but from a crowd standpoint you are good.

Absolutely agree with this, even when it rains, it doesnt cool things off much. The humidity is a humdinger, definately purchase a small misting fan for your trip. It actually does help

 

[luv]

It is very hot, VERY humid and it is crowded. I would not call any part of August a "low crowd" time. And it frequently rains in the afternoons/evenings.

We just had an August question yesterday, lol.

So, prepare yourself. Be ready to make the most put of your mornings. Know what you'd like to do in the even of a rain. Have a good plan for rides. Pack a lot of extra patience and have a great time!

I once vacationed in August and it rained almost the whole tip. My son wanted a pin of Mickey in his yellow poncho because we spent most of our time wearing ponchos, lol. It was still a wonderful trip.

 

[Master Yoda]

It is very hot, VERY humid and it is crowded. I would not call any part of August a "low crowd" time. And it frequently rains in the afternoons/evenings.

We just had an August question yesterday, lol.

So, prepare yourself. Be ready to make the most put of your mornings. Know what you'd like to do in the even of a rain. Have a good plan for rides. Pack a lot of extra patience and have a great time!

I once vacationed in August and it rained almost the whole tip. My son wanted a pin of Mickey in his yellow poncho because we spent most of our time wearing ponchos, lol. It was still a wonderful trip.

I am not sure where you are getting your info from. I go in late August pretty much every year and have done so for for about 12 years. Crowds at the beginning of August are high, but they drop of considerably about mid month. Virtually every Disney planning site has crowds rated as low for the end of August and even Disney's room rates are listed as the Value 2 season.

 

[Vader2112]

End of August is lighter (or was) People preparing for back to school in fact local schools in Florida will have already been back in session for a week or two at this point.

 

[Disneykidder]

I've done that week a couple of times. I am a teacher so I really feel your pain. haha. It is definitely less crowded that week in August but it is HOT!! Water, water, water!! Drink lots of it, wear cool light colored clothing and wear good shoes. It is hot all summer there anyway. Even at 9am it could be 90 degrees. Pace yourselves and it will be fun!!

You will also see some Fall decorations going up, too...it looks pretty. I love all of the pumpkins.

This year we are going 8/12-8/20. in 2014 we will be there the week of July 4th.

 

[Alley7728]

Aside from last year we go the last week of Aug. and do a birthday/anniversary trip. It is still really, really hot. We usually do the morning and evenings. The crowds are usually very light and hitting the rides are super easy. Most days we break from 1 til late afternoon, but we always get our moneys worth in late August. I am from North Fl. so the weather is the norm for us. Hot and humid. Some simple advice, freeze your waters that you bring to the park. I always bring a rag and douse it with the icy water, cools you down quickly. Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen. One of the prettiest decorated seasons in MK in my opinion. Keep an eye on the weather closer to arrival. With that beginning the thick of hurricane season through Sept. you never know. Hope this helps.

 

[luv]

I am not sure where you are getting your info from. I go in late August pretty much every year and have done so for for about 12 years. Crowds at the beginning of August are high, but they drop of considerably about mid month. Virtually every Disney planning site has crowds rated as low for the end of August and even Disney's room rates are listed as the Value 2 season.

Well, I'm not going to quibble with the planning authorities. If Len Testa says the end of August is a "low crowds" time, you won't find me arguing with him.

I personally do not call any time in August a "low crowds" time. But I don't have a site, lol. I just live here and go to the parks a lot. Right now is fairly low, as crowds go. But there really isn't much down time in the parks these days.

Please feel free to take my opinion for what it is: one person's opinion. Disregard it at will.

 

[RedDad]

We were there last year during the last week of August and the crowds were very low. The heat, on the other hand, and humidity were pretty awful. Between that and the frequent (though brief) rain showers, I was soaking wet for most of the trip.

If that were the only time we could go, other than peak crowd times, then we would definitely go late August. Fall is our preferred time, but I'll take heat over crowds any day!