[qltingrl]

I just booked a trip for August!! This will be our first summer experience at the world and we are a little leery. We've always gone in the fall so we don't know what to expect for heat and crowds. Any tips from anyone?

My second question is for AP ticket holders. DS and I each have PAP from last fall but we are taking DS#2 who does not. Would it be better to get him a 5 day PHplus or just a regular PH and buy the water park tickets there with the 20% discount? How busy might it be that we might not be able to get him a ticket to the water park for the day? Is this an issue or am I just fretting for no reason?

Thanks!

[LRTJS]

We went the first week in Aug. last summer. I have been several times in Aug. and yes it was crowded but not that bad. Using Fast Pass we really didn't have too much trouble. The most crowded was the MK, it was also the hottest day. At the other parks we really had very nice days. Showers cooled things off and at AK we had very few lines at all. Schools are starting so much earlier now I don't think it is as crowded in Aug. as it used to be. Have fun!

[MrDisneyfan1]

We visited last july, the water parks were no problem, though we usually get an early start to them.
If you planing another trip back you should probably think about an AP. Is DS#2 close to the age where it's questionable for the need of a ticket?
Den

[qltingrl]

Thank you for the replies. DS#2 is 9, DS#1 is 16. We have gone every year for the last several years but this may be the last time with both boys for some time to come. DS2 has reached the age when taking him out of school becomes more of a problem and ds1 starts college this fall (he was homeschooled and finished a year early) so his travel time is drastically curtailed.

We did the math and found the 5 day php advance purchase with the DC discount is less expensive than the 5 day ph and the PAP discount at the gate of the water park!

I guess our next trip will have to be dh and me on our own... hmm.... sounds better and better!

[Park Hopper]

The parks are still quite crowded in August. If your previous experiences have been in the fall, you will notice the difference. More of an issue, though, will be the heat. Central Florida's summers are very, very hot -- expect temperatures to hit at least the mid-90s, every day -- and the humidity is stifling. Be prepared to sweat. Afternoon thunderstorms are common here, which will cool it off a little, but then when the sun comes out again the humidity skyrockets.

Try to combat the heat by dressing sensibly. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes made of materials that breathe -- like cotton -- and avoid shirts and blouses without sleeves. They just expose more skin to sunburn. A hat is a good idea, too. Speaking of sunburn, do use a good quality, waterproof sun block. You'll be glad you did. And don't forget to drink plenty of water.

[qltingrl]

Thank you Park Hopper. All very good advice. I do sunburn very easily so I am planning to work on a tan before we go. I hope I am prepared for the humidity. We live in MD where we get 95-100% humidity most days in summer but for some reason it still doesn't seem as bad. Maybe because we stay in and are not wondering around large concrete areas all day!

We are trying to plan for the crowds as well. Luckily we have been there many times so we don't feel like we have to see everything. Nevertheless we are still very excited about the trip!

Thanks!