Disney released the August 2013 operating schedule today at the usual link: http://media.disneywebcontent.com/StaticFiles/DTA-Domestic/pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_aug.pdf. Click the refresh button on your browser if it doesn’t say “August 2013″ in the upper right hand corner. As always, this is the “official” schedule that will be live on DisneyWorld.com closer to the end of the month.
Most of August is similar to July, with hot temperatures, high humidity, heavy crowds, and an additional set of evening Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom on Fridays. Crowds do taper off as it gets later in the month, culminating in average to slightly above average crowds in the final week. If possible, delaying your vacation until September would result in far lower crowds, even if that trip includes Labor Day Weekend. If you’re looking at June through August, then your best bets are as early in June as possible or as late in August as possible. It will still be hot and crowded, but not July hot and crowded.
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WooHoo! Getting closer!!
There’s a MSEP every night through the 26th this year, where last year there was one every night through the 18th. Hmmm…would this seem to indicate heavier crowds farther into the month?
With our dates being most likely 21st-31st it certainly gives us more chances to see it without having to pick a red day perhaps.
Do we have an estimate on when we might be getting the park recommendations per day? Time to start planning.
Jason – I hope you are wrong on the crowds. We were these those dates last year and found it pretty light. Not empty, but not crowded by any means. We booked a bounce back with free dining, so I am not sure if they got a big response to that. If they did, it could mean they won’t offer it now to the general public. All speculation of course and Josh is much better at that than I am.
Jeff – I’d like to be wrong on the crowds as well.
Its seems as if they may finally be weening us off free dining offers anyway so I’m going forward assuming we won’t get one. If its offered we’ll take it, but at this point hoping for at least a room discount.
Jeff, I have that same bounce back for 22-31. Last year, the water parks closed at 5 last week of August. Now its 7. It will be moderately crowded, but if you do the morning/pool/evening you’ll miss most of them.
Brian – Morning/Pool/Evening is the only way we will go in August.
I noticed they have removed the regular dining plan from the deluxe resorts in the UK and swapped it to the quick service. Ergh.
Let the planning begin!