Summer at Disney: 10 Reasons August is the Perfect Time for a Trip

If you’re looking for shorter wait times, delicious food festivals, and exciting entertainment, August might be the perfect time for your Disney vacation. From exclusive events to money-saving deals, here’s why August is a fantastic month to visit Walt Disney World.

1. Lower Crowds After Early August

August starts as a busy month with families taking last-minute summer vacations, but crowd levels begin to drop as mid-August approaches. Many schools across the U.S. restart mid to late August, leading to a noticeable decline in park attendance. If you’re looking for shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience, planning your trip toward the second half of August can make a big difference.

2. Great Deals on Disney Resorts

With the summer rush winding down, Disney often releases special promotions and discounts on resort stays in August. If you’re considering staying on the property, watch for limited deals to help you save on your Disney vacation. Additionally, lower demand means better availability at some of Disney’s most popular resorts, giving you more options to find the perfect place to stay.

3. Special Summer Entertainment and Attractions

Luminous: The Symphony of Us at EPCOT

If you haven’t experienced Luminous: The Symphony of Us, EPCOT’s breathtaking nighttime spectacular, August is a fantastic time to see it. This dazzling display combines fireworks, fountains, lights, and music to celebrate the magic of Disney storytelling. The show is currently running and continues to be a guest favorite. Pair this nighttime spectacular with a meal at Space 220 for an unforgettable evening.

Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom

Nothing beats ending your day at Magic Kingdom with Happily Ever After. This stunning fireworks show brings Cinderella Castle to life with projections, music, and heartwarming moments. If you visit in August, you can enjoy this spectacular nighttime before heading home. Grab a Mickey Pretzel or a Dole Whip to enjoy while you watch the show!

4. Seasonal Food & Beverage Offerings

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

One of the biggest reasons to visit Walt Disney World in August is the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. This annual festival showcases incredible flavors worldwide, offering global marketplaces, live entertainment, and exclusive food and drink offerings. Be sure to grab a Festival Passport to track the dishes you want to try!

Limited-Time Summer Treats

Disney always introduces special seasonal snacks and drinks during the summer months. Look for exclusive treats like the Mango Peach Float at Sunshine Tree Terrace or limited-time cupcakes at various bakeries. Whether it’s a refreshing frozen lemonade or a uniquely themed dessert, there’s always something new to try when visiting in August.

5. Reopened and Must-Visit Restaurants

Several iconic Disney restaurants continue to be guest favorites in August:

• Connections Eatery (EPCOT) – A modern quick-service location with diverse menu options.
• Wish Makers Enchanted Dining (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) – A magical character dining experience featuring Cinderella and friends.
• Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort) – A rooftop dining spot offering stunning views and delicious Spanish-inspired cuisine.
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort) – A must-visit for steak lovers looking for a signature dining experience.

6. The Return of Live Entertainment

Disney has continued bringing back beloved entertainment options, and August is a fantastic time to enjoy them:

• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – A Broadway-style retelling of the classic animated film.
• Turtle Talk with Crush (EPCOT) – An interactive, family-friendly show where guests can chat with Crush from Finding Nemo.
• Country Bear Musical Jamboree (Magic Kingdom) – A classic attraction featuring a lively, musical performance from animatronic bears.

Live entertainment adds so much magic to a Disney vacation, and August is a great time to experience these fan-favorite shows.

7. Lightning Lane Offers Time-Saving Convenience

Disney’s Lightning Lane system allows guests to bypass standby lines for select attractions, making it easier to experience more rides in a single day. With lower crowds in mid-to-late August, using Lightning Lane strategically can make your park days even more efficient.

8. Water Parks and Pool Days

August in Florida is hot, but it’s the perfect time to take advantage of Disney’s fantastic water attractions. Whether you spend the day at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon or simply enjoy your resort’s themed pool, cooling off is easy and fun. Many resorts also offer poolside activities and movie nights, making for a great way to relax after a busy day at the parks.

9. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Spooky Fun Returns This August

Halloween starts early at Walt Disney World, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in August! This special-ticketed event at Magic Kingdom offers:

• Trick-or-treating throughout the park
• Special character cavalcades
• Shorter wait times for top attractions
• Complimentary snacks like popcorn and ice cream novelties

Since many dates sell out quickly, visiting in August ensures you enjoy this spooktacular celebration before the Halloween crowds arrive.

10. Experience Classic and New Attractions

Walt Disney World is home to a mix of beloved classics and exciting new attractions that make every visit unforgettable. Some must-visit rides and experiences include:

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – A whimsical ride that puts you inside a Mickey Mouse cartoon.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom)—This exciting new attraction, inspired by The Princess and the Frog, opened on June 28, 2024.
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) – A reimagined stage show featuring favorite Finding Nemo characters.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT) – A thrilling, high-speed roller coaster featuring Marvel’s legendary Guardians.

Whether revisiting classics or checking out something new, August is an excellent time to experience the best Disney attractions.

Plan Your August Disney Vacation Today

With lower crowd levels, fantastic seasonal events, and exciting entertainment, August is an underrated yet wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, there’s no shortage of magic to experience.

Planning Tip: Book early to take advantage of resort discounts and event tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. And don’t forget to check the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival schedule to plan your foodie adventures!

Are you ready to make magical memories this August? Start planning your Walt Disney World vacation today!