Is it really that hot in August?

[debbie]

We have been to Florida a few times in April, but we are now considering going in the school summer holidays. Has anyone been at this time and how hot/busy is it?
Thanks,
Debbie.

[fiona]

We usually go in the summer holidays as still have one daughter in school and we are unable to go at Easter due to work committments.

It is hot - really hot! However, if you pace yourself accordingly you can cope with it. It is busy in July and early August but quietens down once the US schools go back.

If we are visiting the parks we aim to get up early and be at the parks as they open (please note I said aim because I must point out we have 2 teenage daughters and as you know early moring is not something they usually do!). We come back to the villa for a late lunch and swim in the afternoon and then go back for the evening. We usually have Universal season tickets so if they have spent the best part of the day in bed ([xx(]) we drop them off and meet for supper in the evening.

So my advice is pace yourself, slap on the suntan lotion and make sure everyone drinks plenty of water. Also wear trainers not sandals to the parks because of the daily showers - plastic ponchos in a bag are a good idea too - cheaper at the supermarkets than at the parks when you are already wet!

[bellaepovera]

HI Debbie, I am always there during the month of August and it can get very hot, in the 90s but there are afternoon showers that also cool it off. The beginning of August is very busy, but near the end many schools open in the states so you might find it less busy.

[dan]

We always go during the summer holidays too because of our school age kids. Although I found Florida 'hot' it wasn't uncomfortable because
#the villa is air conditioned
#the shopping malls, restaurants, supermarkets etc are air all conditioned
#the car is air conditioned
#when at the theme parks you are too busy going from one ride to another to notice. Plus they have fans blasting cold air and water sprays on you at the entrance of the rides.
# the Americans drive everywhere.

As Fiona said early DO drink plenty of water whether at the parks or not, wear very comfy shoes or trainers at the parks (lots of walking), splash lots of sun lotion on and then you will enjoy your fantastic holiday.

[stavros47]

We like to visit in Summer due to my wife working in a school. The only thing I really hate is the 2hr plus wait for the better rides[msnsad][msnscared][msnmad]

[Nostromo]

The problem with July-August in Orlando is that it is very hot AND very crowded. I can cope with one of these, but not both. Also, sudden tropical thunderstorms can catch you off guard at that time of the year. They seldom last long, but can occur at the wrong moment for you and ruin your day.

On the positive side, most parks are open longer in July-August, giving you greater flexibility of hours.

One important factor in summer with kids and/or seniors is that with excessive sweating, dehydration and consequent tiredness is a significant factor with large parks. This is most noticeable with Sea World where there is very little shade when you are watching something.

In post-Easter April and early May, milder conditions and lower crowds mean less waiting in queues and less tiredness. So, you can do a 3-days on and 1-day rest in Spring, but in August it will have to be a 2-days on and 1-day off sequence. This means that you'll get better value out of a 3-week holiday in April-May than in August.

[Carla]

The crowds are much less from around mid August onwards. Often Universal and Sea World will give you an extra day to encourage people into the Parks. Flights from the UK are often cheaper from around 20 August onwards. The Florida children go back to school at the beginning of August, so less locals are around.

It's one of my favourite times. I love all that heat and like the others have said as long as you keep drinking water, you'll be fine. If anyone seems "cranky" for no real reason then they are probably dehydrating, so make them have a drink - kids dehydrate much quicker than adults.
[msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[esprit]

The end of August is the best as Carla says. Schools in Florida started back about 8th this year so it quietens down. Late July to mid August was really quite wet last year. But it is warm rain. If you cant go any other time...... Snd yo do get the parks open until really late about 10 pm wheras at the moment, they are shut at 6.

[kevinprewett]

We're always there in August, we love the heat but not hte crowds, need to make good use of fastpassetc.[msncool]

[chrisj]

Its Hot and very humid, we love the heat. Always drink a lot of fluids and cover up with sun tan
lotion. Theres nothing better than spending a day outside by the pool roasting and then jumping
in for a swim