Regardless of which month you visit Disney World, you’ll still be able to make a worthwhile experience out of it. However, some months aren’t that great due to a couple of factors, and August is one of them.
For starters, Florida’s weather during this month is anything but pleasant. Then there’s the fact that crowd patterns during August tend to be unpredictable. But hey, at least you can look forward to some seasonal events near the end of the month.
That said, if you’re set on visiting Disney World during August, you first need to know how busy the place can be this month. Let’s find out.
Crowd levels in Disney World during August can be complicated. After all, the place receives unpredictable crowd patterns throughout the month. However, the first week can be quite busy, so you can expect to see massive crowds when visiting the place.
The second week also maintains massive crowds, though it won’t be as busy as during the first week. In the third and fourth weeks, you’ll notice a major decline in crowds as classes resume during this period.
Do note that there will be some exceptions, as special events can cause a surge in crowds even during the least busy days of the month.
Keep in mind that August is a peak season at Disney World. This means that you can expect lots of people but also a handful of exciting events to look forward to.
How Busy Is Disney World in August
It’s worth noting that August still falls during the summer season. This means you can expect Disney World to be packed with crowds of people enjoying their summer vacation. If you’re not the type to enjoy summer vacations in crowded places, you might want to hold your visit to Disney World until later in the month.
Eventually, you’ll notice that crowds will start to decline near the end of August. This is because families are readying their kids to return to school by the end of the month.
On the flip side, summer months at Disney World only mean extended hours of operation. This allows you to visit as many attractions and enjoy as many rides as you want on any given day. So make sure to go to any park as soon as it opens to maximize your schedule. Also, make sure to bring your Disney Fastpasses with you!
When it comes to the parks you should visit on a given day, that will vary depending on which week you decide to visit Disney World in August. Nonetheless, here are some general things you should keep in mind:
- Regarding crowds, Hollywood Studios tends to be the first to reach full capacity. This has been consistent throughout the years because it has some of the most popular attractions throughout Disney World, such as the Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance.
- Magic Kingdom remains the most popular park out of the four. This means you can expect it to reach full capacity quickly as well. But, for the most part, it’s the one that most first-time visitors will head over to when planning a Disney World adventure.
- Of the four, Animal Kingdom is the least crowded considering how massive its total area is. As a result, you can easily walk around the park without worrying about any major crowds.
- EPCOT can also be pretty crowded due to its many festivals, including the Food and Wine Festival. Due to its festivals mainly including food and alcohol, you can expect it to be quite busy during August, especially on weekdays.
Disney World’s Special Events in August
To get a clearer view of how busy Disney World is during August, let’s look at the special events in the area throughout the month.
As far as we know, three special events occur throughout Disney World in August. These are Disney After Hours, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and the International Food and Wine Festival. The first two occur inside Magic Kingdom, while the latter occurs inside EPCOT.
Let’s have a look at each of them.
Disney After Hours
The Disney After Hours event is a special ticket event that only happens at night. It lasts for up to three hours on certain nights during August. This only means that it’s not as crowded as other events. If you’re not a fan of huge crowds while visiting Disney World, this event is perfect for you and your family.
You can also enjoy a handful of special offers, including unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and unlimited beverages from a few selections.
Since this special event features up to 25 attractions, it’s one of the best ways to make the most out of your Disney World adventure without dealing with a huge crowd.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Another popular special event in Disney World during August is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. If you’re looking for one of the best-ticketed events throughout Disney World, you should not miss this one.
After all, it’s an event where you get to meet many Disney characters and enjoy trick-or-treating with your family. This is followed by the Boo to You parade alongside a Halloween-inspired fireworks display.
The event starts from the second week of August to the end of the month. It’s undoubtedly a lengthy celebration, and you can expect massive crowds at Magic Kingdom throughout its duration.
International Food and Wine Festival
Our final special event is the International Food and Wine Festival, held at EPCOT. Unlike the other two, this one isn’t exclusive to August. Instead, it runs from the second week of July until the third week of November.
This is another event that many crowds will visit, mainly because it features more than 30 food and beverage booths that visitors can check out. You can also expect a ton of locals as they “eat and drink their way around the world.”
If you want to avoid massive crowds, we highly advise visiting EPCOT during the weekdays.
Takeaway
If you’re planning a summer vacation at Disney World in August, you have to prepare yourself for some massive crowds. After all, everyone will be taking their school break during that period, so you can expect Disney World to be busy during the first few weeks.
It won’t be until the third or fourth week that the crowds will start to decline as students prepare to return to school. That will be your best opportunity to walk around Disney World parks without having to deal with massive crowds and longer wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Disney World the Least Crowded During August?
The best time to visit Disney World in August would be during the second to the third week of the month. This is the time when most visitors, particularly students, will start to prepare to head back to school. Weekdays are also advisable since many locals visit on weekends to celebrate the International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT.
Does Disney Offer Cheap Rates in August?
August is one of the cheapest seasons if you plan to visit Disney World. Just like January, February, and September, you can expect several discounts when you visit during August. However, avoid staying on holidays as the parks tend to be packed with visitors.
