Park hopping during summer best way?

[rjmdds]

We will be going to the World during the last week of August 2014. It will be our first time going during the hot summer. I am treating the summer heat as a major factor in planning our days. I am wondering if it would be best to park hop everyday with a pool break in between hops. I just think it would be silly to take a break and then head BACK to the park we just left. I would be inclined to just stay then. Since we are staying at a MK resort, the MK would be the exception. But in terms of the other parks, do you think doing two parks a day with an afternoon break would be best for the hot August days?

[SurferStitch]

I thinks it's a very good idea.

It's a nice break in the day where you can cool off in the room or in the pool. I love going back to the room and just relaxing on the bed for 30 minutes with a nice glass of wine or a cold beer. Then I can shower, freshen up and change for the evening. It really gives us a second wind to enjoy a nice long evening at a park.

We never go during the summer, but I do remember a couple hot and humid September/October trips where a break at the room (and another shower) felt wonderful.

[mrte62]

You will see a lot of fellow Garden Staters and folks from New England, as most of the country will already be back in school. We found it a great time to go with smaller crowds but quite hot and humid.

We would be a rope drop, stay at the park till about around 1 pm, then head out for nap and some pool time - every day regardless of what park we were heading back to in the evening.

Even our teenagers (at the time) felt it was the only way to do WDW.

[stephicakes]

do you think doing two parks a day with an afternoon break would be best for the hot August days?

I also vote YES! You'll be surprised how a midday break either back at your room or at the pool can really perk you up again. The summer heat can really start getting to folks when they are doing a lot of walking around - and usually not drinking enough water. People start getting cranky, worn out, and sometimes overheated. A midday break is PERFECT for resting, refueling, and making plans for the evening. It has always been the perfect remedy for us.

Enjoy!!

[disneymom15]

We do that quite often too! Like to freshen up and relax a bit before heading back out

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

It isn't silly even to leave and return to the SAME park!

We've tried not returning a couple of times, and always end up regretting it. It is just so hot, a break back at the hotel gives you time to rest and cool off.

I do warn you though, it is VERY tempting to stay in the park and press on, so plan which attractions you'll do before leaving.

Another advantage is that QS meals at the resorts tend to be better than at the parks, so you can get a better meal while you swim or relax.

[MargaretMessler]

Regardless of whether you return to the same park or a different park, the afternoon break is an excellent idea. I've tried "pressing on" through humid days and you end up so worn down by dinner time it's not worth it. If not swimming or napping (for the kiddos) there's always a DTD side trip or a nice relaxing TS lunch indoors.

[LVT]

We even include a nap. The break of 3 hours or so allows us to stay up late, and the parks get cooler after dark.

[marlyn]

I agree that you need a break of some sort. My boys are older now so they have been teens on our last few trips. They didn't do well at waking up early, but liked to close the parks down during EMH. We would sleep in, go to parks late morning and then take some form of break around dinner...air conditioned dinner, swim at pool, chill at resort, DTD, anything that would be a break.
On our next trip I purchased the Water parks and more option since it is August. That was we can pop into a water park to cool off for 2-3 hrs, then head back out.

[faline]

This is the way we have usually done it in the past. Keep in mind, though, the new fastpass+ system currently allows only 3 fastpass+ reservations in any given day and all 3 must be in the same park. This might impact how you tour!!

[rjmdds]

Keep in mind, though, the new fastpass+ system currently allows only 3 fastpass+ reservations in any given day and all 3 must be in the same park. This might impact how you tour!!

I thought of that as well. It will take some careful planning for sure. I think the best use of it will be to use them for the afternoon park and not use them at all for the morning since touring is usually easier at rope drop. Just one more thing to consider. It's things like this that still make me amazed at how so many people go here without a plan. Boggles my mind.