How Busy is Disney World in August?
If you’re planning a visit to Disney during the summer, then it’s very possible that you’re researching just how busy is Disney World in August. And that’s certainly a fair question, as August is the month that kids aren’t in school and adults take time off work. So in this article, I’m going to attempt to explain what kind of crowd levels you can expect in August, and how everything from hotel rates to in park events can affect how many people are inside of the parks!
How Busy is Disney World in August
August is my absolute favorite time of the month to visit because, surprisingly enough, the crowds are a bit thinner than you might initially expect. As kids are going back to school, most travelers have wrapped up their summer vacations—especially if you’re visiting toward the middle or end of August.
So, what does this mean for your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World? Well, in my opinion, it means you’ll get to enjoy low wait times, great parade views and improved opportunities to secure coveted dining reservations! On top of that, walking through the parks is so much more enjoyable!
Whenever I’m in Disney during an especially low crowd time, I feel like I always get the chance not just to DO more but SEE more! I love taking in all the little details that make Disney parks so immersive and memorizing.
One great tool for predicting August crowd levels is a crowd calendar.
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Key Events in August
Don’t let fear of the heat (more on the weather later!) let you skip out on a great event month at Disney! There are some wonderful events and sights to take in during this low crowd month.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (my #1 favorite Disney event!) usually kicks off in early to mid-August. There are so many great offerings at this festival! Stroll around World Showcase and take your time savoring every sip and bite of the many food booths, it’s great to be able to get through this festival without the long lines!
There are also some great shows to check out with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, which allows park guests to enjoy shows headlined by some popular artists! It’s a great way to start your evening at Epcot!
Fall Decorations
Disney takes their seasonal and holiday décor quite seriously! The awesome Halloween decorations themselves are an attraction unto themselves! Park goers will start to see the first decorations of Disney fall early in the month. Mickey pumpkins, hues of reds and oranges and Halloween themed merchandise start to fill the parks and resorts!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
August also sees the start of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. This popular event (get your tickets early) turns the Magic Kingdom into an evening filled with spooky delights, eerie performances, and its very own firework spectaculars! Not to worry, this isn’t too scary for the little ones! In fact, they’ll get a kick out of the party exclusive treats, trick or treating for candy, and seeing some of their favorite Disney characters throughout the night!
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When to Visit in August
The start of August still sees the last of the summer travelers throughout Disney World property. While the crowds do start to thin in this first week, I recommend going between the 2nd and last week of the month. They’ll continue to thin out during the month, so that sweet spot between the 2nd week of August through Labor Day is really the prime time.
Travel Fares & Hotel Rates
With the summer winding down and the school year kicking off again, you might find that August is a great time to lock in those air fare deals and hotel rates that you’d typically find during the “slow season.”
Of course, it’s not a guarantee, but it’s never a bad idea to set those travel alerts to give you some updates! If you’re really wanting to stay on property, you can book ahead of time, if Disney releases a promotion after your booking that includes your travel dates, you can retroactively apply it to your reservation for savings!
Weather
Okay. I will be honest with you here—August at Walt Disney World is HOT. Be prepared for very hot, humid weather. While you may see temps in the 90s on your weather app, the heat index can easily reach above 100. It’s also good to be aware that this is also typically the start of Hurricane season.
While you’re likely to get an afternoon thunderstorm dropping in (which is typical for Florida much of the year) The risk for heavier winds and rain is there during this month and leading into September. I’ve visited in August many times, and luckily have never encountered anything beyond daily rain.
If you strongly dislike the heat, this may not be the best time of year for you. However, sticking it out in this weather can reap big benefits when it comes to crowds and wait times. I usually ask myself, “would I rather be hot with less crowds, or cooler with bigger crowds and longer wait times?”
My answer: hot with smaller crowds!
If you plan accordingly, you can easily tackle Disney on the hottest of days! Hats, sunscreen, water bottles and ponchos for those late afternoon storms will be your best allies! Since Disney has thought of everything so you’ll have plenty of dining spots, attractions, and places to rest that will have the AC flowing.
Conclusion
So, at the end of the day, just how busy is Disney World in August? Well, as you have now learned today, the answer is: not quite as busy as you might think!
Overall, August is a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World if your schedule allows! Sure, you’re getting some hot weather (alright, some very, very hot weather), but you are also getting the opportunity to enjoy the most magical place on earth at one of its most peaceful times! I love the slowness that comes with an August visit—there just doesn’t seem to be that rushed feeling during these trips.
Enjoy those short wait times, the great events, and know that you’re probably going to be able to do everything you hope for on a trip during this month!
This article was written by Patricia and edited by Michael.
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