I wonder if what's happening in late August is the "December effect".
Remember 10 years ago when early December crowds were low? That is until everyone started saying that early December was the best time to go because of low crowds. Now early December is even busier than summer crowds.
I've noticed throughout the year on this board that a lot of people were saying late August/early September has the lowest crowds. Something I agree with because this is usually when we go. But I never promote it because we don't want the secret out.
My co-worker, who is there now and comes back tomorrow, said that her
travel agent told her that this was the best week to go all summer. Her FB posts say it's hot and crowded, and although they're having a good time, they were caught off-guard by the heat, the storms, the crowds, and the ride down times.