Everything you need to know about visiting Disney World in August

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August—thanks to the school holidays—is when most Brits jet off abroad, and if this summer you’re planning a trip to Disney World, then there are a few things you should know.

With August being the rainest month in Orlando, you can expect decent storms at some point in your trip. But don’t worry, Disney World is still the most magical place on Earth—even in the rain. 

Despite the rain, August brings with it some incredible, unmissable events, hot weather, and smaller crowds compared to other summer months. And if you can handle a storm or two, then August is a great month to explore Orlando and the Disney parks. 

I’ve personally visited Orlando and Disney in August with young kids in tow. And although we had to make some alternations to our schedule—like dodging rain showers by grabbing a drink or a snack under shelter—we had a fantastic trip. I mean, it’s hard not to when you’re at Disney World, right? 

With my Disney in August experience, I learnt some valuable tips and tricks to navigate the parks, the weather, and what items to pack. And don’t worry, I’m going to tell you all about them. 

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The average temperature in Orlando in August

The average temperature in Orlando in August ranges from highs of 33°C (91°F) to lows of 24°C (75°F).

August—tied with July—is one of the hottest months in Orlando. But despite the scorching weather, it is also one of the rainiest.

It’s estimated that 14 days of the month will experience rain. So if you’re planning to head to Disney World in August, you’ll definitely need to pack an umbrella and poncho.

If you’ve never been to Orlando before, then let me tell you when it rains, it pours. But luckily, even though the heavens do chuck it down, rain showers typically only last for 30 minutes or so.

I’ve found that with well-thought-of shelter breaks—head to a ride with an indoor queue, a show, or into a sheltered restaurant—you can dodge the showers and still get things ticked off your Disney itinerary. 

And one other thing to keep in mind is that August is part of the hurricane season in Orlando. However, there have only been two hurricanes—Hurricane Elena and Hurricane Charley—to shut the parks in August since 1985. 

How busy is Disney World in August?

Disney World in August isn’t overly busy as the rain and warmer temperatures deter most Americans from visiting the parks.

Combine the hot weather and storms with the fact that there aren’t any major holidays that take place in August, and you’re left with moderate crowds—the lowest of all the summer months. 

Of course, as with any month of the year, the weekends will be slightly busier in Disney compared to the weekdays. So if you can, you may want to opt for non-Disney days on Saturday and Sunday. 

Special events at Disney World in August

One thing I love most about Disney World is the fact that each month brings with it different special events. For example, you could take a trip to Disney in January and have an entirely different experience if you then visited the parks just a few months later. 

With the International Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and after-hours events in not one but two parks, there really is so much to see and do—on top of the regular Disney attractions. 

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Disney World in August is the International Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT. The International Food and Wine Festival runs from the end of July to November. And is the park’s busiest—and yummiest—festival. 

If you love your food, then even on a regular day, EPCOT is the place to be. But with the festival bringing even more delicious and diverse snacks to the parks, it really is a great time to make your way around the World Showcase. 

One thing I will suggest is don’t bother scheduling lunch or dinner. But instead, filling up with snacks from all the different pavilions. That way, you get to taste cuisines from all around the world. 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Yes, Halloween isn’t until October. But Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party actually runs from mid-August, meaning you can celebrate the spooky season early!

The party runs on select nights in Magic Kingdom, and although you do need an extra ticket to join in on the fun, it is a limited-capacity event. Ticket holders can enter Magic Kingdom from 4:00 PM onwards, and the party officially begins at 7:00 PM, running up until midnight. 

Your ticket not only brings with it low ride wait times, but you also get to enjoy trick-or-treating, spooky entertainment, and a special parade. It really is a great time for kids of all ages!

Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests

Disney resort guests—no matter if you’re staying in a value or a deluxe resort—can enter the parks 30 minutes before regularly ticketed guests. For me, one of the biggest perks of staying in a Disney hotel is these extra 30 minutes in the morning, as you can enjoy the parks with very few people around. 

Hop on one of the most popular rides with an extremely short wait time, take photos in front of the castle, or just stroll about taking in Disney’s incredible theming. 30 minutes may not seem like a lot, but it really can make a huge difference. 

Extra Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests

In addition to the extra 30 minutes every morning, Disney Deluxe resort guests can actually enjoy an extra two hours—on select nights—in the parks after the parks close. 

These extra two hours only occur in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. But once a week, from 10:00 PM to 12:00 AM, you can experience either park with only other Deluxe Resort guests around.

It’s best to check the Walt Disney World website before your trip or ask at reception when you check in to ensure you don’t miss these extra hours. And if you’re worried that your kids won’t make it that late, give them an afternoon/early evening nap, and take a stroller along with you. 

Disney After Hours at EPCOT

Another separately ticketed event that happens throughout August is EPCOT’s after-hours event. Purchasing a ticket to this event allows you access to EPCOT from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM. However, you can enter the park from 7:00 PM onwards. 

Although it isn’t impossible to ride all of EPCOT’s rides in one day, it is highly unlikely as most of the bigger rides usually have wait times of 60 to 80 minutes. But with these extra three hours—at a limited capacity—you can ride EPCOT’s most popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Soarin’, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure with little to no wait. 

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

The final event that takes place in August is another after-hours event in Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon runs on select nights from May to September. And gives you two hours—from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM—in the waterpark at night. 

Your ticket to the event gets you in from 6:00 PM. And once all regular guests leave the park, you can enjoy all of Typhoon Lagoons’ attractions, like the wave pool, the lazy river, and the thrilling waterslides.

Once you’ve ticked off all the attractions, you can then get involved with the DJ dance party, character meet and greets, and devour snacks that are included in your ticket price. 

What to wear to Disney World in August

As temperatures reach 33°C in Orlando in August, you’ll want to be dressed in light, breathable clothing.

Even in the evenings, temperatures only reach 24°C meaning you can leave your jumpers and jackets at home—apart from your rain jacket, that is.

With the high chance of rain, you will want to take a rain mac or a poncho to the parks. And you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

What I often like to do is pack flip-flops and change into them when I see clouds rolling over. After the rain stops, I put my trainers back on so that way my shoes are dry for the following day. 

What should I pack for Disney in August?

One of the good things about visiting Disney in August is you don’t need to pack additional layers meaning you have more room for your warm-weather Disney-themed clothing. But in addition to outfits, I also put the following on my Disney Packing Essentials. If you are visiting with toddlers, this Disney packing list will be useful for August too. : 

• Comfortable shoes
• A sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable loose clothes eg moisture wicking, cotton, linen etc
• Flip flops for days in the water parks or around the pool
• Swimwear
• A poncho, raincoat, or umbrella
• Cooling towels
• Mist fans
• Suncream and regular toiletries
• Backpack

Tips for visiting Disney World in August

Having visited Disney World countless times before, I’ve gathered some must-know Disney World Tips and Tricks to help you navigate the parks, deal with the weather, and ensure that you experience everything on your bucket list. 

Rent or Take a Stroller

One of the first tips is to take or rent a stroller. You don’t quite realise how big the parks actually are—until you’re walking around them.

On an average day, you can expect to walk over 20,000 steps. And although this is tiring for adults, it takes on a new level for kids with little legs.

For this reason, strollers will be your best friend. And not only can a stroller keep your little ones happy, but it can also carry all your belongings and your new Disney purchases. 

If you do plan to take your own stroller, then it needs to be smaller than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length. And remember to pack the rain cover! You’re going to need it. 

Alternatively, you can rent a hard-shell plastic stroller from Disney for $18 for a single and $36 for a double—plus tax. Disney strollers are fairly roomy, and with weight limits of 22 and 45 kilos, even your older children can hitch a ride. 

If you’re on the market for a stroller for Disney, then head over to What is the Best Stroller for Disney?

Pack Your Own Snacks

Disney snacks are yummy—there is no doubt about it. But they’re also pricey. So to save yourself forking out hundreds of dollars for snacks and drinks, take your own!

I always like to take at least a refillable water bottle which we can then fill up at refill stations around the parks. A single bottle of water alone costs $3.50, so you can only imagine that these costs add up—especially when it’s hot out. 

I’ve found that one of the best things to do is to head to Walmart or Target at the start of your trip so you can buy ingredients and packaged goods to take into the parks. You’ll inevitably save money this way, and you get to experience an American supermarket, which is something not to be missed. 

For some great Disney snack ideas, check out the Best Snacks to Bring to Disney World.

Visit the Water Parks Early in the Morning

As August is one of the hotter months of the year, it’s best to visit the water parks early in the morning. People flock to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach during midday to beat the heat. So, if you want to avoid crowds, the earlier, the better. 

Crowds do also die down in the afternoon. However, storms are more likely past midday, and you could run the risk of the waterparks closing. 

Schedule Naps for the Middle of the Day

With little ones especially, heading back to the hotel in the middle of the day allows you to avoid the heat. Take a nap, go for a swim, or just relax in the resort before heading back to the parks in the late afternoon.

This tip could also save you from getting wet, as rain is more likely in the afternoon. 

Ride Attractions with Indoor Queues in the Middle of the Day

Alternatively, if you have slightly older children who insist that they don’t need a nap, then schedule rides with indoor queues from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. There are plenty of rides in all four parks with indoor—or at least shaded—queues which can protect you from the sun and also the rain.  

Pack a Poncho or an Umbrella

Unfortunately, rain is highly likely on your trip to Orlando in August. And ponchos in Disney World are over $12. So it’s best to pack your own and spend that money on something better. 

Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Some people swear by Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and others are against it. I’m on the fence.

If the parks are extremely busy and there are rides that you simply have to do, then both of these additional features are worth it. But if the parks are quiet and wait times aren’t ridiculous, then paying for Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lanes isn’t exactly needed. 

Of course, each family is different, and the decision ultimately comes down to you and your schedule. So if you want more information on Disney Genie+, I put together An Easy Guide to Using Disney Genie +.

Download the Disney World App

If you haven’t already, then run to your app store and download the Disney World app. The Disney World app has some incredible features that can help you navigate the parks.

From ride wait times and an interactive map to virtual queues and dining reservations, everything you need is all in one place!

Book Dining Reservations 60 Days in Advance

For those planning to book reservations at sit-down Disney restaurants, then, you need to be ready 60 days before your trip. Dining reservations book out incredible fast—especially for character dining. And if you aren’t prepared and online at 6:00 AM (EDT), you could end up missing out.

If you don’t happen to land your desired dining reservations 60 days prior to your trip, then not to worry. You can still snag reservations on the Disney World app right up until the day you’re in the park.

People often change their minds, which results in dining reservations becoming available. So keep checking the app, as an opening might just pop up. 

FAQs 

How busy is Orlando in August? 

Orlando isn’t overly busy in August as there aren’t any major holidays that take place throughout the month.

The weather—both the heat and rain—also put many people off visiting Orlando. So you can expect low to moderate crowds throughout the month of August. 

What to wear to Disney in August? 

As Disney sees temperatures of 33°C (91°F) in August, you’ll want to wear light, breathable clothing.

Another factor you also have to think about is the rain, so ensure you wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. And pack a poncho in the event of a downpour. 

Are Disney parks busy in August? 

The Disney parks aren’t busy in August as there aren’t any major holidays that happen throughout the month.

The rain and heat that Orlando experiences in August also put many people off, so crowds are expected to be low to moderate throughout the entire month. 

Is Disney World worth it in August?

Despite the potential storms and heat, Disney World is worth it in August.

The parks are worth it any month of the year. But with the added bonus of the International Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT, and extra ticketed events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and after-hour events in EPCOT and Typhoon Lagoon, August is a fantastic month to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando.