August 2014 Disney World Crowd Calendar, Fastpass+ Booking Windows and Best Times to Visit Disney World
Updated 7/7/14
August is still insanely hot and rainy. It’s the second wettest month historically, so expect an afternoon thunderstorm most days of your vacation. I know it’s known as the “Sunshine State,” but that is just a marketing ploy. It rains often here, especially in the summer. The first week and a half of August is end of the busy summer travel season at Walt Disney World, so the parks are quite crowded initially. The parks begin to lighten around the 10th and will continue with moderate crowds until around August 24. The last week of August is the best time to visit Walt Disney World in the summer season, if you children haven’t started school or you are willing to allow them to miss time. September is the preferred month as far as crowds are concerned and is among the best times to visit. Regardless of the times you can still enjoy the parks by going to a green park, arriving at least 45 minutes before rope drop and following one of my TOURING PLANS to get the most out of your day (more plans coming soon!)
There’s no special events or special entertainment in the month of August at the Disney Parks, so just enjoy the regular stuff and the time with your family.
I recommend the strategy of arriving early and taking a mid-afternoon break. Go for a swim with the kids and enjoy the pool, then take a nap of an hour or so before returning to a park for evening entertainment and rides.
What will the weather be like during your September trip?
| Month | Avg. High |
Avg. Low |
Mean | Avg. Precip |
Record High |
Record Low |
| Aug | 92°F | 73°F | 83°F | 7.71 in. | 100°F (1961) | 64°F (2000) |
August is the second hottest average month and 2nd rainiest in Orlando. If you factor in the humidity, it can feel almost unbearable in the mid-afternoon.
Dress in light colors and wear comfortable shoes with socks that breathe. Bring a small, handheld fan for each child. Bring a poncho for each person and a stroller cover because there’s often afternoon thunderstorms in the summer.
Should I use Extra Magic Hours privilege?
Avoid the trap of visiting a park on its longest hours day. More people will be there and the wait times can be 30% to 100% higher than other days.
If you are planning to use Extra Magic Hours, use the morning ones, they are a great benefit, if you leave after lunch or parade time. Avoid the parks that offer evening Extra Magic Hours because they have large crowds at night and many rides have long lines (Hollywood Studios and Epcot). The exception would be the Magic Kingdom late at night because most guests won’t stay up from 1am to 3am in the morning. If you choose a Late Extra Magic Hour park, you should plan to sleep in the next day.
What attractions are actually open for Extra Magic Hours at Disney World?
What are the hours for Disney Quest and Cirque du Soleil?
- Disney Quest – 11:30am to 10pm Daily
- Cirque du Soleil – 6:00pm & 9:00pm Tuesday-Saturdays
What attractions will be CLOSED for refurbishment during your August trip?
Do you need to know what activities will take place at your Disney World during your August trip?
Updated at the first of each month!
Special Events at Walt Disney World
- Villains Unleashed: Hollywood Studios – August 23
- Frozen Summer of Fun Live! Hollywood Studios – August 1-September 1
- Free Dining Plan – Begins August 31
Do you need a great map that includes attractions, restaurants, Fastpass kiosks and characters?
Typical Best Days to Go
| Magic Kingdom: | Tuesday and Wednesday |
| Epcot: | Monday and Thursday |
| Hollywood Studios: | Sunday, Tuesday and Friday |
| Animal Kingdom: | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday |
| To read the crowd aspect, follow the DATE at the top! |
| Lowest Crowds |
| Low Crowds / Best Park |
| Moderate Crowds |
| Busy Crowds |
| Insane Crowds / Worst Park |
Click on an image for a full sized view. Be sure to print in landscape mode!
