Tell me a bit about going in August....

[EaglesfanNJ]

Morning folks! So I once again turn to the most knowledgable Disney folks around, the WDWMagic'ers!

In years past, we've visited the World in late September, ususally around the start of Food and Wine. We now have 1 child who is school age, and we want to the responsible thing and not take her out of school (not that those who do that are wrong, let's not start that thread :animwink.

Anyway, I was thinking late August, maybe last week would be a good alternative. We live in NJ, and schools typically won't be back until first week of September. Now, aside from being hot............ tell me about the crowds, any special offers Disney has released during this time in years past, etc.

Is this a good alternative? We don't want to mess with any Xmas/Easter/Presidents Day breaks as I've ready the horror stories.

Thanks ahead of time, and Happy New Year!

 

[Master Yoda]

In late August you will surprisingly find light crowds decent room rates and promotions. It will still be as hot at the 9th level of hell, but everything else will be great.

 

[rsoxguy]

In late August you will surprisingly find light crowds decent room rates and promotions. It will still be as hot at the 9th level of hell, but everything else will be great.

I have been to that level, and it's called "watching figure skating on TV with my wife". Yes, August is hotter.

 

[EaglesfanNJ]

Thanks fellas.. so i've heard!

Well we were there this past Sept. including the 40th.. That particualar week i was told by many of the CM's felt just like July/August, it was indeed hot.

I'm thinking with the availabilty of resort pool water parks, and indoor attractions, we can make the best of it. It's a good trade off, take the heat and leave the crowds/high prices.

For anyone that reads Jack Spence's blog on allears... I just read his most recent article about the dreaded "Week between Xmas and New Years". We LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney, but you could not PAY me to go that week, especially after reading that article. Sounds like late August it is.

 

[real mad hatter]

Some like it hot

We go in July and yes it's hot in the parks but were from Scotland,so were not complaining,we have acquired an item called cooling bandanas,they have polymer crystals which when soaked in water and placed in the fridge,the crystals expand and when put round your neck it keeps your body cool all day,best thing ever for these hot days,they are from a company from Texas.anybody out there from the lone star state that has heard of them.

 

[rsoxguy]

As Master Yoda stated, the end of August usually yields lighter crowds. Early to mid August, not so much. In all seriousness regarding the heat, it can become excruciatingly uncomfortable (this coming from a Floridian). Shade and AC become valuable commodities. Also, expect afternoon thunderstorms. They can be brief, but also strong at times.

 

[BrittanyRose428]

Late August is my favorite time to go. It is verryyyy hot and humid, but if you can deal with that the room rates aren't horrible and its not crowded at all.

 

[EaglesfanNJ]

As Master Yoda stated, the end of August usually yields lighter crowds. Early to mid August, not so much. In all seriousness regarding the heat, it can become excruciatingly uncomfortable (this coming from a Floridian). Shade and AC become valuable commodities. Also, expect afternoon thunderstorms. They can be brief, but also strong at times.

Yes I appreciate the heads up, as I've got 2 little ones to think about. I think we're leaning this way, and make the best of the heat with shade, AC, pool, Water Parks, Indoor Attractions and activities, afternoon naps with an evening return to the parks.

Is Free Dining extended during this time? Or should i phrase it.... Has Disney extended free dining in the past during this time?

 

[Master Yoda]

Yes I appreciate the heads up, as I've got 2 little ones to think about. I think we're leaning this way, and make the best of the heat with shade, AC, pool, Water Parks, Indoor Attractions and activities, afternoon naps with an evening return to the parks.

Is Free Dining extended during this time? Or should i phrase it.... Has Disney extended free dining in the past during this time?

Both free dining and room discounts are common during the last 2 weeks of August.

 

[bmarkelon]

We are about to book our late August trip for the second year in a row. I was so afraid to be down there at that time but it was really not as bad as I expected. Lots of pool time, stay hydrated and hop into the A/C every once in awhile and you are good. Oh and expect some pretty crazy afternoon storms like every afternoon, they can be intense but they pass. I say go for it! :wave:

 

[jlevis]

We're going to be there the 5th through the 18th of August. Combined celebration of my 70th birthday and our 46th anniversary. We've been there in August before and as everyone has said it is hot. It will be crowded but managable. Take it slow, drink lots of water and hit the air conditioning often. Remember Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids are you friends.

 

[EaglesfanNJ]

We're going to be there the 5th through the 18th of August. Combined celebration of my 70th birthday and our 46th anniversary. We've been there in August before and as everyone has said it is hot. It will be crowded but managable. Take it slow, drink lots of water and hit the air conditioning often. Remember Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids are you friends.

Well first and foremost, Happy Birthday,and Happy Anniversary.. I hope you enjoy.

I'll be sure to check back shortly after that this August for a report

 

[Crush Dude!]

Hi there :wave:

This year will be my 5th trip and our 4th time going in August! It is Hot but coming from Ireland i love the heat of the summer and the humidity doesnt bother me! Thunderstorms are pot luck, sometimes its everyday sometimes once a week!

We will be there from the 4th to the 25th, the first 10 to 12 days will be fairly crowded but the last 10 crowds will dwindle and will be nowhere near he hell of public holiday times!

Any info you need just pm me :wave:

 

[Mr.Stitch]

Morning folks! So I once again turn to the most knowledgable Disney folks around, the WDWMagic'ers!

In years past, we've visited the World in late September, ususally around the start of Food and Wine. We now have 1 child who is school age, and we want to the responsible thing and not take her out of school (not that those who do that are wrong, let's not start that thread :animwink.

Anyway, I was thinking late August, maybe last week would be a good alternative. We live in NJ, and schools typically won't be back until first week of September. Now, aside from being hot............ tell me about the crowds, any special offers Disney has released during this time in years past, etc.

Is this a good alternative? We don't want to mess with any Xmas/Easter/Presidents Day breaks as I've ready the horror stories.

Thanks ahead of time, and Happy New Year!

We go around that time almost every year and find it a pretty good time to go. You will find the crowds a bit heavier before labour day - after is always lighter - but the last week leading into long weekend is better than the week prior. We like this period for the same reasons you do (school) but also because they offer free dining. Not sure if they will run again as they already did that promo for this year but worth the trip at that time for reasonable crowds & free dining. We have been in late Sept/Oct too and can be just as hot so may not be much a difference from what you are used to.

I would say the only real difference you will notice is the crowds as they are a bit heavier before labour day - the long weekend can be a bit busier too. We find the weekdays pretty good that week though - last year we went to Universal Studios the 3rd week of August and they weren't too busy. Due to Harry Potter in Islands Of Adventure, that park is busier but Universal Studios was pretty dead - rides had decent times. We were able to ride everything at least once with minimal or no wait.

Going to the parks early is always better - due to heat and crowd levels. We find the water rides & Water Parks always get packed at this time of year - Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids. So, we use fast pass a little more than you would after labour day, but still very manageable. Only thing I will say is the crowds for parades & fireworks can be busier, so may want to get a spot early or pay for Fireworks Desert Party. I would say most rides will average a 30 minute or less wait time - but there are the exceptions for the always busy rides - Peter Pan, Winnie The Pooh, Toy Story Midway Mania, Soarin.... these seem to always be busy & need to get there early or use fastpass.

We also went in October for a short trip last year & the day we went MK it was far busier (due to MK being closed two days prior for Halloween Party - so no parade & fireworks) than I've ever seen in August.

I say go for it!!

 

[coltow]

We started going late August to avoid the school issue. Here school doesn't start until after Labor Day so this year we plan to fly home on Labor Day.

In the past free dining has been during this time and we are keeping fingers crossed that it is again

 

[victoryyy]

Glad to hear all the good comments about August, we are booked August 21 - 28. We did get free dining for our stay when we booked in December. I think it was only for Canadians and maybe the UK at the time. Perhaps they will extended the offer to all.

 

[Stellajack]

We are also booked 8/15-8/23. Glad to hear about the lower crowd levels.