Disney World in August 2024
Hurricane Idalia update: Disney World, Universal Orlando and the other Orlando area theme parks are all currently operating as normal. They are continuing to monitor the storm and will adjust schedules as necessary to prioritize guest and employee safety. The Orlando airports are also operating normally. Click here to read more.
The first two weeks of August can be quite busy but the crowds slowly decrease over the last half of the month as kids head back to school. A little advance planning will reap huge rewards in vacation enjoyment. Keep reading to find out about crowds, closures and special events during your August trip to Disney World.
Average High: 92° f
Average Low: 73° f
Average Monthly Precipitation: 7.85"
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Disney World Ride Closures and Refurbishments in August:
Magic Kingdom - Due to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (separately ticketed event) the Magic Kingdom will close early and regular evening fireworks will not be offered party dates. 2024 Dates to be Announced, but are typically offered on select nights from mid-August to either October 31 or November 1. Click here for more information.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter - Room refurbishments will occur from now until November 2024. Expect to see and hear construction during daytime hours.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas - Exterior refurbishments will occur from now until December 2024. Expect to see and hear construction during daytime hours.
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course - Open now as a 14-hole course. Full 18-holes coming later this year.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower - room refurbishments will take place from September 2024 - September 2025. Expect to see and hear construction during daytime hours.
The Magical Extras Savings Card is included in every Walt Disney World Resort vacation package and provides discounts at several restaurants, shops, and activities. Click here for full details.
Click here for Universal Orlando closures and refurbishments.
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Special Events at Disney World in August
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Select night at Magic Kingdom / 2023 Party Dates: August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 / September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 / October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31 / November: 1, 2023.This is a specially ticketed event - you cannot use your Magic Your Way or Park Hopper Ticket - and is a lot of fun for families. Ticket prices range from $109 to $199 + tax depending on the date and age of participant. These parties include special activities, a parade, fireworks, rides and trick-or-treating and many guests wear costumes. Remember that this time of year can still be hot so choose costumes that will be comfortable. Warning: The Magic Kingdom generally closes early to the public on party nights and won't have the Disney Happily Ever After fireworks on these nights. Restaurant reservations in the resorts closest to the Magic Kingdom fill early on these nights.
Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival - July 27 to November 18, 2023. This very popular event is included with your regular Epcot admission although there are special events related to this festival that do have a separate fee. Enjoy food and wine themed demonstrations. Chefs and winemakers from around the globe have booths were you can savor the amazing flavors available for sale- both in full meals and in snack sized portions. Disney Dining Plan credits can typically be used for non-alcoholic items - in fact, a lot of people "hoard" their snack credits just to use at the festival. Tip: This is a very popular event so the weekends will be more crowded than usual at Epcot as locals and annual passholders come to take in the festivities. Weekdays, especially Mondays, will be much less crowded..
The Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road (Disney Springs) Dates to Be Announced. Four days of spectacular Irish music and entertainment.
Disney Springs - Lego Store Events - The Lego Store offers periodic activities like building events or Lego Club meetings, and special offers. Click here for the current month and next month's calendar.
The Magical Extras Savings Card is included in every Walt Disney World Resort vacation package and provides discounts at several restaurants, shops, and activities. Click here for full details.
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Crowd Warnings for Disney World in August:
Thoughts on Early Entry - Every day, all four Disney World theme parks open 30 to 60 minutes prior to the general posted opening time for guests staying at the official Disney World resort hotels and select “Good Neighbor” hotels. This is a fantastic perk for those who qualify and is a great time to ride one or two popular rides. It is still a good idea for off-site guests to arrive prior to posted park opening time because the first hour of the day tends to be less crowded but you’ll also see crowds decrease for the last two (2) hours before closing.
Be smart about Character Breakfast reservations - The theme parks are at their least crowded and coolest when the parks first open for the day so I don't want you sitting in a restaurant when crowds are low and then heading to the parks when lines have formed and it is getting hot. If possible, book a character lunch or dinner that gets you out of the direct sun and out of the crowds later in the day. If your family loves character breakfast, try a resort character breakfast before going to the water parks or on your departure day. Another option is to book a late character breakfast seating and treat it like brunch - this will still let you enjoy the short lines at park opening before sitting down to eat.
Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios (returning sometime in 2022) - Fantasmic! will have at least one performance every night in August. If a second performance is offered, it will always be less crowded than the first. Plan to arrive 60 minutes prior to the show. Warning: This show is excellent but it does feature villains for a good 8-10 minutes and the lake catches fire, which can be frightening to some small children.
Save time and money by having snacks, bottled water and other food items delivered directly to your resort by Garden Grocer - Click HERE for more information.
Put a Disney expert in your corner - If you found this information helpful, you will love having one of our Disney-focused travel agents help with your whole vacation planning process. We provide expert advice and information, make well-informed recommendations and help with dining reservations so you have a wonderful and memorable Disney World vacation - the best part is there is no extra cost to use our services when you book through Build A Better Mouse Trip.
Use the month buttons below for lists of Disney World ride closures, attraction refurbishments, special events and crowd warnings by month. We hope this information helps you have a wonderful and memorable vacation.