When you start planning your Disney Vacation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make it when to visit. If you’re contending with school-holiday calendars, you may be visiting during the busiest and most expensive times of the year (schools out = more families traveling). But I’ve got a secret that I’m dying to share! The best time to visit Walt Disney World is… AUGUST!
Being at the mercy of a school-holiday calendar means two things: heavy crowds and sometimes even heavier costs. But have no fear! Your KMV Travel Advisor is here to let you know that you can still experience all the magic and take advantage of lower costs and lower crowds during the summer!
You might be thinking, “August in Orlando? NOPE!” While August can be incredibly hot mid-day in Central Florida it also means that lots of families don’t visit during this time of the year, keeping crowd levels down. Not only are the crowds a bit lower in August, but you can take advantage of lower pricing and more availability.
But trust me, I get the concern about the heat! Check out a few ways I’ve learned to avoid the heat during a summer vacation at Walt Disney World below!
Take Advantage of Rope Dropping
Rope dropping in August is a MUST to beat the heat! Rope dropping means that you enter the parks at opening (when they “drop the rope”) and go right to an attraction. Crowds will be the lowest early in the morning and later in the evening (usually during fireworks/evening show times). Plus, the temperature will also be the lowest at these times, so you definitely want to take advantage!
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort getting the added benefit of Early Park Entry. Each morning you are able to enter the park 30 minutes prior to general opening. 30 minutes may not sound like a lot, but I can pack in 4 rides in Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom in that time!
Hit the Pool in the Afternoon
When the temperatures start the rise, so do attitudes (for us adults too!). I avoid the mid-day meltdown by heading back to my Resort and hitting the pool or just relaxing at my room. This is another one of the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort – proximity to the parks, so you’re not spending a ton of time driving back and forth to accommodations off-site.
Every Walt Disney World Resort has at least one pool and if a moderate or deluxe resort is in your budget, the main pool will be equipped with a water slide! Be sure to also check out your resort’s daily activities board to see what fun pool games will be offered, adding even more magic to your stay.
My favorite Walt Disney Resort pool is at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. This resort has a total of five pools – two feature pools and three leisure pools! My favorite, the Paddock Pool, is the resort’s second feature pool area and is located in the Paddock section of the resort. The Paddock Pool tends to be less crowded than the main feature pool located near the Resort’s main lobby. The Paddock Pool is also home to the Paddock Grill which serves as the poolside bar. I highly recommend the House-made Saratoga Chips! The Paddock Pool has a zero-depth entry on one side and a 146-foot-long water slide! This pool also has an incredible aquatic play area for Mickey and Minnie’s little guests and features two mini water slides! Parents have no fear – Disney fenced this area so you do not have to worry about anyone wandering into the main pool area.
Don’t Over Pack Your Days
My typical August Park Day might look something like this:
- 7AM: Arrive at Park for Early Entry to begin at 7:30AM
- 7:30AM – 11AM: Utilize Genie+ to maximize ride times
- 11AM – 4PM: Head back to Disney Resort to enjoy Pool and Lunch
- 5PM: Back to the park for cooler temperatures and to enjoy the nighttime spectaculars!
I make sure to take advantage of the resources Disney provides, like Early Park Entry and Genie+, to make the most of the time in the parks and ensure I’m out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day! This allows me not to over pack my days and enjoy the low crowd levels during August while beating the heat!
Attend Evening Events
Another great part of visiting Walt Disney World in August is the evening events! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party historically kicks-off in mid-August, with the lowest ticket prices of the season. During the nighttime event, you’ll have even lower crowd levels and can experience event exclusive entertainment.
I recommend planning your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary event on the evening of a rest day. Spend the day hanging out at your resort or checking out Disney Springs so you’re ready to enjoy the full evening in Magic Kingdom!
Pack The Essentials
If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World in any of the summer months, you’ll want to be prepared for the heat. Be sure to bring:
Have I sold you on visiting Walt Disney World in August? If you’re ready to start planning your next Disney Vacation let me assist you! My help is complimentary and I assist with everything from booking your accommodations, tickets, dining, ground transportation, and more, plus provide you the resources and ongoing support you need to truly enjoy your vacation. Start planning today!
Author: Erika Rylee | Director & Travel Advisor