How Miserable is WDW in August?

Originally Posted By tpieples

We are taking advantage of WDW's discount in August and will be staying at the Polynesian...
Am I making a big mistake going in August?
I have 12 & 9 year old girls.
Is it too hot?
Is it too crowded?
I'd appreciate anyone's experiences.
Thank you!

 

Originally Posted By DisneyMommyMichelle

Too hot yes, not too crowded from what i can recall in 2004 we went at the end of August and it wasn't EMPTY but it wasn't super busy! the lines were about 30 minutes for everything. It's WDW, you'll have fun anyways!! Have fun at the Poly! it's gorgeous and the AC is always pumping coldest there!!!!

 

Originally Posted By BlazesOfFire

its hot and crowded. REALLY hot. This does not mean you canthave a good time! Just take it easy and be sure to drink plenty of water and pace yourself! Since you are staying on property yu could always go back to the hotel for a nap or swim!

 

Originally Posted By RoadTrip

<<Am I making a big mistake going in August?>>

It's never a mistake to go to WDW.

<<Is it too hot?>>

It is very hot. But you can get that in Florida almost any time of the year. I've been there Thanksgiving week when highs were in the 90's and even during January when highs were in the upper 80's.

If you drink plenty of water you will be fine. After the first day or two you really do become acclimated to the heat and it will bother you less.

If it is super-nasty-hot Epcot is a great place to go. Most attractions are indoors and even have queues that are largely indoors.

<<Is it too crowded?>>

Early August would be very crowded. Any time after mid-August would be less so. I went to WDW one year during Easter Week which is one of WDW's peak times (along with the period between Christmas and New Years). Although I had to make some changes to how I typically visit WDW because of the crowds, I still really enjoyed the trip.

Have fun!!

 

Originally Posted By sun-n-fun

The later in Aug you go, the less crowded it is. It is very hot and humid, but since it is rarely like that where I live, I LOVE it when I go to WDW. Water is must. As is somekind of rain gear. It'll rain, but in about 10 spirts. I love going in Aug!!!

 

Originally Posted By ChiMike

I think late August is a perfect time to go. Like others said, the crowds have started to die down and by then so have the rains.

The humidity did not bother me, because frankly, in Chicago it can be just as humid and miserable in August.

 

Originally Posted By sun-n-fun

oops I meant in 10 MINUTE spirts, not just 10 spirts

 

Originally Posted By Coachbagfanatic1

We went the third week in August of 1997 and 2004. The crowds were not that bad. The weather was hot and humid and it rained every day around 4 - 4:30 for about a 1/2 hour. We would go to the park's in the morning return back to the hotel about 12:30 - 1:00 for lunch then go in the pool for a couple of hours. After that, we would shower, go to dinner and then go back to the parks later in the day. Drink a lot of water and you should be fine. Your daughters are at a good age where you don't have to carry them if they are tired. That too me was the worst part about going down in August of 1997. Having to carry my son when it was 95 out and humid. The Poly is great to sit on the beach at night and watch the fireworks. You will have a great time.

 

Originally Posted By NJFIREGUY

I went last August the Week Prior to Labor Day.

I can tell you right now ive been in house fires not this hot...I thought i was melting LOL...OK maybe not that hot

I Really enjoy on the walking i get to do on WDW trips and I usually do a park a day. but the humidity was oppresive.

the bright side was it was really not crowded...hot + Crowded = Miserable.

I got used to it...Just pace your self take it slow and take a break for a dip in the hotel pool

 

Originally Posted By DVC_dad

Well it depends on where you are from as to the heat and humidity. I have been at all times of year with my family and taking my family is WORK! The heat and humidity has NEVER been a problem for us... but then we are from Georiga. August is a great time to go IMHO.

 

Originally Posted By oc_dean

I did WDW August one year .. and it was miserable. The bad thing is the humidity. I did everything I could to stay within air conditioned buildings. I'll never do that again.

 

Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy

I envy you. I crave high heat, oppressive humidity, constant sweat...I wish I called FL "home".

*sigh*

 

Originally Posted By BlazesOfFire

I get to call Florida home! :-D The humidity is the worse part. Florida doesnt get as hot as some other states in the coutry but they sure as heck dont have our humidity which makes it so awful at times, but I would still never live anywhere else!

It has gotten really hot really fast here in my opinion. But I guess thats Florida for ya!

 

Originally Posted By sun-n-fun

If you go in Aug, you have to slow down a little, drink plenty of water and listen to your body. If it needs a break, take it. There are enough air condition places to enjoy. Hope you have a great time!

 

Originally Posted By DVC_dad

You people are a bunch of wusses.

 

Originally Posted By DVC_dad

^---Oh I forgot the symbol

 

Originally Posted By t1lersm0m

<<We are taking advantage of WDW's discount in August and will be staying at the Polynesian...
Am I making a big mistake going in August?
I have 12 & 9 year old girls.
Is it too hot?
Is it too crowded?
I'd appreciate anyone's experiences.
Thank you!>>

We went mid-August 2004, and it was both hot and crowded. All my husband and son wanted to do was swim. We'd be in a park three hours when they'd say "Is it time to swim yet?"

Seriously, I could handle the heat, but they couldn't. I'd go alone at that time of year, but I wouldn't take my hubby and son back with me.

 

Originally Posted By beamerdog

Very hot and humid. We're from a mid-
Atlantic state and I thought our weather was similar, but, hey not even close. I remember one year in DAK they had cms' shooting people with Super Soakers! The parks weren't that crowded both times we went in August.

If you're on the younger side it probably will be bearable. Drink drink drink lots of water. Coke won't do it - it has caffeine which is dehydrating. Wear hats and definitely pace yourselves.

 

Originally Posted By pixarpixiedust

Have you already gone ahead and booked for August? If so, great, because I bet that's the only time your family can go together. So go. I've been there in August. It's super hot. Pace yourselves, relax, and don't push too hard. Have fun!

 

Originally Posted By tpieples

Thank you ALL for your opinions.
We have cancelled our reservations in October and will be going in August for a few days longer since the kids are out of school.
I really appreciate your thoughts.
Tim