August is peak season at the Disney World parks and you are going to want to be prepared for the brutal heat, afternoon rain showers, and of course, the crowds. If you are going to Disney World in August, there are some things you are going to want to know.
Guide to Going to Disney World in August
Crowds at Disney World in August
Summer brings tons of people to Disney World and you can expect it to be packed through most of the month of August.
While we never recommend traveling to Disney in the summer months, if you are planning a trip to Disney World in August you should try to plan to go later in the month rather than earlier.
If you take a look at any of the Disney crowd calendars you will see that the crowds tend to go down the closer you get to the end of the month.
This is because families are getting ready to go back to school.
Summer months mean that Disney has longer hours so I suggest going to the park as soon as it opens.
Just make sure that you use Genie + & Lightning Lane, because you are going to need them!
Disney World Events in August
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
August 5, 12, 19 and 26
This special limited ticket event allows guests to experience Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park after dark!
The waterpark will be fully illuminated while guests ride their favorite water rides, swim in the surf pool, or relax on rafts on Castaway Creek.
There will even be a DJ and a dance party!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
August 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, & 29
I know it is hard to believe, but Disney World starts celebrating Halloween in August!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event that allows guests to trick or treat, meet hard-to-find Disney characters, and see the one-of-a-kind, Boo to You parade followed by some Halloween-inspired fireworks!
If you are planning on visiting Disney in late August, then you will want to get your tickets to Disney’s Halloween party in advance!
Disney World Events in August
This free event (with paid admission) runs the entire month of August and allows guests to purchase sample-sized food and beverages from food kiosks throughout EPCOT.
Along with food & wine, there are also free nightly concerts! Here is who you can see at Eat to the Beat in August:
- August 1-3: Funkafied
- August 4-5: Southern Fried
- August 6-7: Tiffany
- August 8-10: Champagne
- August 11-12: Ruben Studdard
- August 13-14: Bacon Brothers (Yes, it is Kevin Bacon!)
- August 15-17: M-80’s
- August 18-21: Joey Fatone & Friends
- August 22-24: The Female Collective
- August 25-26: Ayron Jones
- August 27-28: Philip Phillips
- August 29-31: Element
Weather in Disney World in August
August is just like July, HOT and HUMID, only even more intense.
The temps are going to be in the high 90s all month and it is going to feel even hotter because of the intense humidity.
If you aren’t familiar with the humidity in Florida, it is a sticky feeling like you are constantly sweating even when you are standing still.
You will find that your body has a much harder time cooling off due to the humidity so you are going to want to stay hydrated.
Disney World parks are prepared by offering free cold water and having misting fans strategically placed in places where people tend to congregate (like outdoor queues).
You can count on it raining at least once a day (usually in the afternoon) but don’t dismay. The rain will pass and often rainy days make the crowds leave which means you can enjoy shorter lines.
Why You Should Visit a Disney Waterpark
Trips to Disney World in August mean that you will need to take time to cool off and one of the best ways to do this is at one of the Disney waterparks.
Disney World has two different waterparks to choose from.
Take a look at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach so that you can make an educated choice about which one is best for your family!
Right now, you can also enjoy a night at Typhoon Lagoon during their special summer event!
Disney World Packing List for August
When packing for a summer trip to Disney World, you will want to make sure you have these items with you:
1. Poncho
The poncho offers supreme coverage, keeping you dry and dirt free when you need it the most.
Florida in the summer means that it will rain just about every day.
Typically, the rain hits in the afternoon and doesn’t last long.
Bring an inexpensive Rain Poncho so you won’t have to buy one at the park!
2. Sunscreen
This non-comedogenic roll-on sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with Vitamin E. It is oil-free, water-resistant and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant. This Face Stick is great for all skin types.
In order to make sure you don’t get sunburned on your vacation you will need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
I bring a sunscreen stick in my Disney day bag because it is easy to apply when you are on the go.
3. Misting Fans
Beat the heat with a personal cooling system. This portable misting fan from O2COOL offers a fine mist of cold water and a powerful fan.
These misting fans can be a real lifesaver on a hot day in the parks. It is the perfect way to cool you off when you are in line for a ride or waiting for the parade to begin.
4. Small Travel Blanket
This travel blanket makes it very easy to be folded and packed back into the attached storage pouch, Hook it onto your bag or simply put it in your pocket! It's so small and compact it will not take up much space.
If you have to sit on the pavement to watch the parade, you will be glad to have a picnic-style blanket to place on the ground.
The black asphalt retains heat and you can easily burn your skin if you touch it.
Choose one that is also waterproof in case you have to lay it on wet pavement.
5. Sunglasses & Sunglass Strap
Never lose a pair of sunglasses again. This Sunglass Strap will fit securely around the ends of your sunglasses, and keep them on your face or hang comfortably on your chest instead of tightly around your neck. The stretchy Neoprene straps will fit most sunglass frames.
You won’t want to be without your sunglasses.
You will find yourself taking your glasses on & off quite a bit, so it might serve you to have a sunglass strap to keep them from being misplaced.
6. Insulated Water Bottle
This bottle has Tri-Layer Insulation with radiant heat reflective technology keeps you refreshed and restored in any and all temperatures
It is Leak Proof. The Sport Cap design guarantees leakproof transport, giving you the freedom to go
100% BPA-free insulated water bottle
Did you know that ice water is free at Disney counter service restaurants? We like to bring our own lightweight, insulated bottles with us to the parks and refill them with ice water throughout the day.
7. Freezable insulated lunch bag
- Features a patented freezable gel permanently built into the liner, no need for ice or gel packs, simply fold your PackIt flat and freeze overnight
We often bring drinks & snacks to the park. One of the best purchases you can make is for a Packit bag because they keep everything cold!
You just pop it in the freezer and it stays cold for hours!
8. Cooling towel
- Features a patented freezable gel permanently built into the liner, no need for ice or gel packs, simply fold your PackIt flat and freeze overnight
Did I mention how hot it gets in Disney World in the summer?
These cooling towels are amazing. Simply put a little water on them and wrap them around your neck. They turn icy cold and dry incredibly fast!
9. Hair Ties & Brush
Space-saving full-size hair brush folds down to mini size, so it's great for a purse, backpack or pocket! Also has a mirror which is perfect when you need to touch up a ponytail!
Girls with long hair are going to notice the hair sticking to the nape of their neck after the first hour in the park.
I always pack extra hair ties and a small travel hair brush to pull up our hair if we misjudge the Florida heat!
10. Cleansing Wipes
These pre-moistened, ultra-soft, cooling body wipes naturally deodorize, refresh and instantly cleanse away dirt, oil and sweat -- no rinsing required.
The heat can really take a toll on your skin. You will find yourself sweating throughout the day and one thing that really helps you cool off is cleansing wipes.
These body wipes are great for the sweaty parts that need a little extra attention!
11. Chafing Stick
This hard stick formula is intended to be used as a skin barrier to the effects of rubbing, chafing, pinching, and friction from shoes, protective gear, and other irritants.
When it gets hot & sticky outside, your skin pays the price. This means more skin irritation.
You can use this
If you are still trying to decide on the best time to visit Disney World, be sure to check out all our Disney World crowd calendars.