What's my best option?

[Isafari]

This will be the first year we have been to Florida in the summer (August)
I often hear stories of parades etc being cancelled in the afternoon because of rain.
Would I be better off taking a nice rain jacket with hood with me / buying one of those cheap park ponchos / relying on a brolly?

Will I be bothered with mosquitos in late August?
What about the lovebugs that I've heard about?

[Dawn]

If the parade is rained off then it's party at my villa. :D

[daveann]

Izzy you will be to hot in a rain jacket stick with a poncho :)

[arkvilla]

If the parade is rained off then it's party at my villa. :D


I was going to say exactly the same thing - come see me :thumbsup:

Sandra

[Isafari]

If the parade is rained off then it's party at my villa. :D

cool :thumbsup:


Izzy you will be to hot in a rain jacket stick with a poncho :)

Thanks Ann. So, I'll just buy a poncho at the first need to do so :thumbsup:


I was going to say exactly the same thing - come see me :thumbsup

Sandra

Yay....I'll have plenty to do in the rain then :yes::thumbsup:

[Tink]

Yes, you are going to need mosquito repellent. They are vicious in August. So are the tiny stinging gnats referred to locally as "no see 'ums" as they are to tiny to notice until they've done their damage.

The rain will NOT cool things off, regardless of what you may be told. You'll need a poncho or something along those lines, but know that the whole time you have it on you will be melting from the heat. The real purpose of a poncho is to sit on once the rain has stopped and everything is covered in water. If you can find a flannel lined rain jacket, that would be the most comfortable as it keeps the plastic/vinyl from your skin. However, wherever the rain jacket ends, you'll be soaked. An umbrella is good as long as the wind doesn't get fierce. I use one because I wear glasses and HATE getting them all wet and blurry.

You'll want a small towel or facecloth with you too. :yes: They come in handy for wetting or wrapping around ice to use to cool off.

I carry a pretty precisely packed backpack for the summer months, just because of the heat, humidity, rain and stingin/biting bugs.

Be sure your footwear is something you don't mind getting wet, because you will definitely get your feet wet during the rain. I used to use Crocs, but don't anymore. I just carry a small pair of thongs and when the rain starts switch to them quickly to keep my shoes/trainers/socks dry.

[ukwdwnut]

Yes, you are going to need mosquito repellent. They are vicious in August. So are the tiny stinging gnats referred to locally as "no see 'ums" as they are to tiny to notice until they've done their damage.

The rain will NOT cool things off, regardless of what you may be told. You'll need a poncho or something along those lines, but know that the whole time you have it on you will be melting from the heat. The real purpose of a poncho is to sit on once the rain has stopped and everything is covered in water. If you can find a flannel lined rain jacket, that would be the most comfortable as it keeps the plastic/vinyl from your skin. However, wherever the rain jacket ends, you'll be soaked. An umbrella is good as long as the wind doesn't get fierce. I use one because I wear glasses and HATE getting them all wet and blurry.

You'll want a small towel or facecloth with you too. :yes: They come in handy for wetting or wrapping around ice to use to cool off.

I carry a pretty precisely packed backpack for the summer months, just because of the heat, humidity, rain and stingin/biting bugs.

Be sure your footwear is something you don't mind getting wet, because you will definitely get your feet wet during the rain. I used to use Crocs, but don't anymore. I just carry a small pair of thongs and when the rain starts switch to them quickly to keep my shoes/trainers/socks dry.

omg i wont ever go in august then thats for sure...was thinking about it for a 3 weeker sometime :(

[Tink]

It can be really brutal, Mick. The temperatures are in the high 80s mid 90s with humidity in the 110 and higher percentile. That means that you'll perspire until you are running rivulets off your body, and it won't evaporate because there is too much humidity in the air.

Summer months here are really like winter months elsewhere. You stay indoors, and hide with the AC. If you have to go out, you plan to do so in the early morning when you can breathe and the chance of the fierce thunderstorms are less.

Standing water create mosquito hoards, and the non-sea water lakes and ponds reach temperatures above 80 degrees which then breeds those deadly amoebas.

Seriously, Florida in the summer time is not necessarily an attractive place. :sorry:

[arkvilla]

My Jai spends the whole of our holiday looking for shade...

It is very humid and Tink is right - you always feel sticky and hot.

We are stuck with school holidays, otherwise we'd choose a different time to visit

Sandra

[ukwdwnut]

It can be really brutal, Mick. The temperatures are in the high 80s mid 90s with humidity in the 110 and higher percentile. That means that you'll perspire until you are running rivulets off your body, and it won't evaporate because there is too much humidity in the air.

Summer months here are really like winter months elsewhere. You stay indoors, and hide with the AC. If you have to go out, you plan to do so in the early morning when you can breathe and the chance of the fierce thunderstorms are less.

Standing water create mosquito hoards, and the non-sea water lakes and ponds reach temperatures above 80 degrees which then breeds those deadly amoebas.

Seriously, Florida in the summer time is not necessarily an attractive place. :sorry:

im ok with high temps like that but the humidity would kill me i cant breath with the steam from a hot bath so thats a defo nono for me then. 3 weeker will have to be easter then, would luv to go at christmas but hate it if it was cold, i dont do cold :lol:

[Keith]

If DW sees me typing this she'll sulk but August time is the only time I won't go. OK this is just me, loads of people, DW included, love those months.

I couldnt even venture outside without struggling to breathe, mouth full of bugs when I did, biting insects all over.

I remember making a REAL effort to go to the studios. I carried enough ice water and was well prepared nevertheless, waiting for the bus to come was awful. Finally got there and immediately bought one of those fans with water spray from outside the gates. Soon as I got it, I sprayed the water on my face and it felt like thousands of little pins sticking into my face.

Nope, not my time of year at all.

[Tink]

Those mister fans are the worst! You are already sweaty, sticky and downright wet. Those fans just add more water to your poor body and don't do anything to cool it off! Then you are stuck carrying the silly thing around. :sigh:

Yep August (and July too, if we're being fair) is just not a nice month. This July is reportedly going to be quite nasty. :D :D :D :laugh: :sorry:

[ukwdwnut]

If DW sees me typing this she'll sulk but August time is the only time I won't go. OK this is just me, loads of people, DW included, love those months.

I couldnt even venture outside without struggling to breathe, mouth full of bugs when I did, biting insects all over.

I remember making a REAL effort to go to the studios. I carried enough ice water and was well prepared nevertheless, waiting for the bus to come was awful. Finally got there and immediately bought one of those fans with water spray from outside the gates. Soon as I got it, I sprayed the water on my face and it felt like thousands of little pins sticking into my face.

Nope, not my time of year at all.


and people on here say last 2 weeks in august is a good time to go!!

[Isafari]

oh joy! :unsure:

Thanks for the great advice Tink.......not really what I wanted to hear though!!! :lol:

I only usually carry a teeny tiny bumbag with me for the day. Looks like I will be looking for something bigger so that I can have a survival kit! :yes:

Still looking forward to it though :thumbsup:

[Keith]

It's all personal preference, I'm not a sun worshipper at the best of times. December in Orlando is my perfect time whereas others would say it's too cold!

DW would go in August and absolutely love it

[Tinkfan]

How is it at the end of November to the beginning of December? It's really cold at home sooo...? We want to make ressies to see the decorations, will we need shorts or pants lol?

[catrancher]

Tink's right about all this. :yes:

Florida in July and August can be brutal. The daily rains that seem to come at exactly noon and 5PM do absolutely nothing to cool things off. In fact, it's usually worse after them because the moment it stops raining, you'll see steam rising up from the pavement. Walking around in that is exactly like walking around in a sauna. :mental:

However, Love Bugs aren't usually an issue at that time of year. They emerge in the Spring and Fall, usually May and September and are most annoying if you're driving your own car the front end of which will be almost black from mowing down the annoying little critters.

Tom (:macwave:... all steamed up!)

[catrancher]

How is it at the end of November to the beginning of December? It's really cold at home sooo...? We want to make ressies to see the decorations, will we need shorts or pants lol?

There's really no way to tell in advance. Since you're from western NY (Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Phelps?), you probably won't notice the cold like us Southerners do, but....

My DW and I used to go to WDW the day after Christmas and stay through New Years. There were years we went that there wasn't a day under 80 degrees. Other years, there wasn't a day above 55. There's just no way to tell. We finally gave up on trying to out guess it and started packing both our winter clothes and our summer clothes. Made for a lot of suitcases! :ROFL:

Tom (:macwave:... hot, cold, hot, cold, who can tell?)

[arkvilla]

I went end of November last year and our first few days were so cold I had to go and buy jumpers and then the rest of the holiday it was high 70's or low 80's....

Evenings cooled a bit so take a jacket

Sandra

[tb2830]

and people on here say last 2 weeks in august is a good time to go!!

i thought it was perfect

weather wasnt that bad just the rain annoyed me

[Keith]

How is it at the end of November to the beginning of December? It's really cold at home sooo...? We want to make ressies to see the decorations, will we need shorts or pants lol?

I love it :yes:

As everyone says though, it's very variable but even if warmer, it feels less humid (to me anyway) so it's a nicer heat. Evening always then gets cooler and more manageable.

Christmas decorations are up and it's all just wonderfull

[Dawn]

August is our only choice at the moment - one of the downsides of being a school employee. But we'll plot and plan and deal with it. :thumbsup:

And if all else fails it's still pool party at ours. :mental:

[foreverducky]

Ahhhh yes, the summer months in Florida...not fond memories. ;)

The midday rain is crucial though, if does not rain then it feels even hotter. I also bring a small umbrella and a poncho (both are easy to carry). Lot's of sunscreen is needed and be prepared for all the other hot, sticky, and easily annoyed people. It just happens....with heat comes crankiness. Myself included. I also find it hard to breathe, the humidity is killer.

[Tink]

If you can imagine it, once it rains, the pavements actually steam and it's HOTTER than just before it rained! :eek: It does sometimes cool off a bit about an hour or so later, but not so's you'd notice much.

You'll deal with August. Drink, drink, drink, and wear natural fiber, loose, comfortable clothing and bottles of sunscreen. Put the mosquito repellent on your clothes more than yourself.

Plan on doing something other than the parks in the afternoon. You can escape the rain, have a lovely nice lunch, and then take a swim and return to the parks when it's coming up early evening/late afternoon. :yes:

Bring a light hat, and of course sun glasses. :yes:

[catrancher]

And if all else fails it's still pool party at ours. :mental:

Or there's Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Both Castaway Creek or Cross Country Creek can be nice to just float around in and cool off! :thumbsup:

Tom (:macwave:... who likes just floating!)

[Isafari]

Plan on doing something other than the parks in the afternoon. You can escape the rain, have a lovely nice lunch, and then take a swim and return to the parks when it's coming up early evening/late afternoon. :yes:


And miss the parades....not an option (unless they are cancelled for rain)

[Tinkfan]

There's really no way to tell in advance. Since you're from western NY (Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Phelps?), you probably won't notice the cold like us Southerners do, but....

My DW and I used to go to WDW the day after Christmas and stay through New Years. There were years we went that there wasn't a day under 80 degrees. Other years, there wasn't a day above 55. There's just no way to tell. We finally gave up on trying to out guess it and started packing both our winter clothes and our summer clothes. Made for a lot of suitcases! :ROFL:

Tom (:macwave:... hot, cold, hot, cold, who can tell?)



Won't my huband be pleased!! He always rolls his eyes at what I bring anyway!!:yes:

[Tinkfan]

I love it :yes:

As everyone says though, it's very variable but even if warmer, it feels less humid (to me anyway) so it's a nicer heat. Evening always then gets cooler and more manageable.

Christmas decorations are up and it's all just wonderfull

I can't wait, I've always wanted to go at Christmas time. I think I'm more excited for this trip than any other. Our TA is looking at the WL for us. We got a lovely pincode yesterday. It will be our first deluxe. Hmm WL or AKL? Which one....

[Tinkfan]

There's really no way to tell in advance. Since you're from western NY (Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Phelps?), you probably won't notice the cold like us Southerners do, but....

My DW and I used to go to WDW the day after Christmas and stay through New Years. There were years we went that there wasn't a day under 80 degrees. Other years, there wasn't a day above 55. There's just no way to tell. We finally gave up on trying to out guess it and started packing both our winter clothes and our summer clothes. Made for a lot of suitcases! :ROFL:

Tom (:macwave:... hot, cold, hot, cold, who can tell?)
You're close!! That's our Finger Lakes region, a very beautiful area I might add. We love to go without the kids especially in the fall for wine tastings! We live about 45 minutes from Buffalo Ny in the ski district.

[Tinkfan]

I went end of November last year and our first few days were so cold I had to go and buy jumpers and then the rest of the holiday it was high 70's or low 80's....

Evenings cooled a bit so take a jacket

Sandra

good idea, I'm always cold in the evening especially in the restuarants!!:yes:

[lisaw]

I didn't find last August anywhere near as bad as I though it was going to be :unsure: It was extremely hot but we dealt with that by taking in a lot of the shows etc that are indoors to cool off (or have a nap as DH found in Hall of Presidents :lol:). The only thing we found was that we could hardly ever go back for a swim in the hotel pools in the afternoons - every time we tried the pools were closed because of lightening storms in the area even though we didn;t have that much rain. Makes me wonder if people would think about this if staying in villas or is Disney being over cautious? :unsure:

[Keith]

I can't wait, I've always wanted to go at Christmas time. I think I'm more excited for this trip than any other. Our TA is looking at the WL for us. We got a lovely pincode yesterday. It will be our first deluxe. Hmm WL or AKL? Which one....

Wellllllllll the Wilderness Lodge is my favourite of the two :yes: The location is just brilliant, and the boat across to/from the magic kingdom really adds something to the experience in its own right.

However the Animal Kingdom Lodge is great in its own right and if you're an animal lover it's hard to beat.

Between the two, I'd still recommend the Wilderness lodge ESPECIALLY at Christmas. It's theming is amazing

[foreverducky]

WL all the way. Like Keith said, especially at Christmas. It's stunning.

[Tink]

LisaW, Disney is hyper cautious about allowing access to pools with lightning in the area. All a lifeguard has to do is see one bolt of lightning/flash, or hear thunder and out of the water for everyone until they think it's safe again.

We don't swim if we see a flash, nor if we hear thunder. Our Seth gets so frustrated with us! :lol: One time there was no lightning and no thunder but a soft gentle rain and he wouldn't get out of the pool! :lol: Said there was "no bad stuff" and he was "wet arreddy" so in he stayed!

August can defintely be "done" and as you say, with some planning for being in the cooler attractions during the heat of the day.

[lisaw]

LisaW, Disney is hyper cautious about allowing access to pools with lightning in the area. All a lifeguard has to do is see one bolt of lightning/flash, or hear thunder and out of the water for everyone until they think it's safe again.

We don't swim if we see a flash, nor if we hear thunder. Our Seth gets so frustrated with us! :lol: One time there was no lightning and no thunder but a soft gentle rain and he wouldn't get out of the pool! :lol: Said there was "no bad stuff" and he was "wet arreddy" so in he stayed!

August can defintely be "done" and as you say, with some planning for being in the cooler attractions during the heat of the day.

:lol: Good for Seth - he had a point! :lol:

I am happy to go with Disney being over cautious - there were a lot of lightening storms last August, although little rain. The lifeguards at AKL told us they shut the pools if there is lightening within a 20 mile radius.