Here’s what we’re looking at for August 2013:
The above image is available in a prettier PDF file here. If you’re unfamiliar with what the numbers/letters/symbols mean, read the top of this post which explains it.
Most of August is similar to July, with heavy crowds, hot temperatures, long operating hours at the theme parks, and plenty of nighttime entertainment. Crowds begin to drop off near the end of the month as more and more schools start back up. Crowds in September are much lower across the board, even after the Labor Day holiday is taken into account. If you’re flexible, you’ll want to visit in September, which sees some of the lowest crowds of the year. Like July, August is doable, but most people are going to want to tour in the morning and evening when crowds are lighter and the weather isn’t as restrictive. The daily analysis for August will follow in the next few days. There may be some slight changes to the recommendations and crowd levels at that time, but I’m not expecting things to change much. August is one of the more straightforward months.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
What made the last week go from a 3 in 2012, to 5s in 2013? because I can say it sure didn’t seem like a 3 that week this past August.
Thanks Josh!! My already planned itinerary fits perfectly into your calendar
Jenny – I was about to write the exact same question! Bummer.
Yayyyy! Now I just need DH to say we are a go again for August 13 – 21
Rhonda, what are your dates? Maybe we will run into you again at RnR!
Becoming a certifable disney addict!
ok, so that last week in August went from from 3′s and 4′s last year to 5′s and 6′s this year. Is this because last year was rated incorrectly and was really closer to the 5′s and 6′s, or is there are more anticipated crowd this year? We were ok with the crowds last year, but are concerned if it will be worse in 2013.
Jenny and Jeff – how were the crowds that week last year? We’ve never been at that time, but most of the research I’ve done has indicated that it really slows down that week.
Don’t know if it is worth the heat and rain if it’s crowded too.
With Labor Day almost as early as gets in September, and with the rumors that there may be no free dining or less free dining this year, I’m curious why the crowd predictions went up and what that really means.
Jill – we got the free dining with a bounce back. Labor day was the same time last year (at least for us). We were their the last week in August, and headed home the Sat when Labor Day was Monday.
Hot, umm…YES. But we managed. We did RD, early lunch, back to hotel for a nap and a swim, and then round 2 at the parks. We took a full day off in the middle. We used the “free” ice water from any CS place. We had spray water bottles. We had light clothes. We had Frogg Toggs (awesome by the way). We made it.
As for crowds, it was hard for us to tell. We follow the principals here (as well as those from TGM). We planned, planned and then planned some more. I don’t think we waited more than 15 minutes ever (if that). But, TT was closed, Belle and Little Mermaid weren’t open yet. FP+ didn’t exist yet (but the new FP enforcement was in place).
This was our third year going the last week of August, and it was the most crowded by far this past year…as well as the worst weather. Yes,it was a great trip…and like child birth…you tend to forget the really bad parts. But I remember saying to DH…when we were sweating through our shirts and frizzy hair at 9 in the morning…we are taking a break from August next year!! Lol!!
We have never tried the summer, but with my kids getting older we’re having to start investigating some non-school-year times to visit. This seemed like the best option but I have to admit…I’m nervous.
And y’all aren’t helping!