Going in September - SCARED

[Melrosgirl]

My family of 3 is going in September (mid). I've been planning this vacation since last year, so I'm excited. DH is not too excited though. The heat and humidity of September is what is getting me scared. Did I make a huge mistake? I knew it was going to be warm, but now I'm reading on different threads that September is really HOT and the humidity will kill me, lol.

Here's my game plan. Do you think it's good? (first timers here)

We're staying onsite so everyday we will do a park in the morning and then head back to our hotel for a swim, nap, rest and then head back to the parks for the evening. Sound good? (staying at Port Orleans - fq)

I'm making my PS for meals this weekend - 60 days prior to my trip. Hoping for Cindy's, etc.

If we do the nap, swim in the afternoon, will that save our vacation? I'm so scared that it will be too miserable. Make me feel better :)

[deeshie]

Funny thing, we are going in Sept because we want it hot!

Actually, we like to go off-season, but usually went in November. The only problem is, while the weather was cooler, some days weren't nice for swimming. So this time we decided to go when its hot, maybe even hit a water park.

Anyway, your plan is good, and similar to ours (i.e., mornings at the parks, afternoons in the pool/napping, evenings back at the park). I would also suggest planning on plenty of sunscreen, bringing (or buying) hats, and water bottles (look into the Brita Fill 'n' Go so that you can just get water a the fountains).

Don't worry, take proper precautions and you will have a wonderful time.

[Linda]

Don't worry, the weather starts to cool a bit the end of August however it still may be in the 90's. Going back to the hotel midday will do a couple of good things for y'all. It will allow you a break from the crowds, a rest/nap time, and that is the hottest part of the day. I find no matter what the weather or temperature is it is difficult to stay at the parks from EE to closing -or maybe I'm just getting old -LOL... I was there last year in September and it was very pleasant the whole week, never too hot. Below I have listed my summer touring tips:

Wear loose fitting cotton or light weight breathable clothing, remember dark colors are a no-no as they hold in the heat.

If you have small children (toddlers) bring along a little swimmer diaper into the parks and allow them to play in the fountains, just toss it after, I also recommend fast drying tevas for their feet.
MK – Arial’s Grotto, Donald’s Tugboat
EPCOT – bridge going towards world showcase
DTD – the best fountains! You’ll find them on your way to/from the bus area

Bring a couple pairs of shoes; sneakers get hot so we prefer Teva’s during the day, sneakers at nights. Changing shoes helps prevent blisters, and an extra pair is important in case you’re caught in a summer shower! Nothing worse then wet sneakers, Yuck! . Remember if your feet are hot – so are you!

Wear a hat and sunglasses, also don’t forget to protect you children’s eyes.
If your little one will not wear a hat buy spray on sun block.

Apply sun block before heading out to the parks; don’t forget to protect your lips, ears, bald spots (my Hubby always forgets this one) and the top of your feet if wearing sandals.

Bring meds and cream/powder from home to deal with heat rash. My daughter gets this. We like Caldesene powder (found in the baby section, pink can), antihistamines helps with itching.

Bring meds for all occasions - swimmers ear, sunburn, headache, upset stomach, allergies. My motto is be prepared!

Drink LOTS of WATER!!!!! We carry water bottles into the park; if we stop for a snack I always ask for ice water and refill them. I sometimes bring pre-sweetened powder drink mix such as Gatorade or lemonade to add to the water as my kids don’t like the taste of FL water.

The water misting fans are fun and cool, buy before you arrive to WDW; they are costly at the parks.

Tour early in the morning, take the afternoons off to relax, swim, take a nap, head back to the parks after the crowds and heat have retreated for the day. Remember the parks are open late in the summer.

[RumpleMom]

Relax, take a slower pace when you get hot and find air conditioning. Drink plenty of water- not caffeine drinks. If you live anywhere near Pittsburgh you already know what humidity is like. It's just that in Pgh. after a week or two of high humidity we usually get a thunderstorm and have some relief. We usually go in July/August and rest in the middle of the day. We like having the longer park hours available and the water parks.

[tinaluis]

Keep hydrated and you should be fine. Besides, the parks have "water -park type attractions" that you can cool off in if you wish. My girls love the waterspouts at EPCOT near TestTrack. I'm not sure if a break at the hotel in the afternoon is practical because the parks usually close early in September (around 6 or 7, except EPCOT which closes at 9). Good luck.

[*Fantasia*]

When taking the mid-day break, don't stay away from the parks too long cause they close early during slow season except Epcot, they are usually open until 9pm any season.

We went last year mid-Sept and yes it was very HOT and very humid! It was so terrible that we were only in the parks for only 4-5 hrs then we just go back to our room. We just couldn't handle the heat anymore. We didn't even take a mid-break because we figured that by the time we head back, the parks will be getting ready to close. It's not worth to wait outside in the heat for the bus to head back to the park.

[Pooh93]

Take your time, rest when you need to and keep a sense of humour and everything will be fine. We went the middle of Sept, 2 years ago and yes, it was hot, but it was also neat to be swimming in the pool late at night after the parks closed down. It was a relaxing way to end the day.

[sherry7]

We are also going in September (14th-23rd). At this point, we don't plan on doing a mid day break since the parks close so early during that time. But, DS will be 12 years old when we go, so that is not quite like having little ones who get tired out easily. Look into buying a Squeeze Breeze fan before you go, you can mist yourself while the fan cools you off. Or, buy a mini fan with no mist...they are much smaller and will easily fit into a fanny pack. I'm going to throw our Squeeze Breeze in the suitcase, but I doubt we will feel like carrying it around the parks. I hope the mini fans will be okay.

[lookingforward]

We went in September and Loved it! The crowds were almost non existent, the weather was hot enough for the water parks, etc during the day and cool enough at night. It was truly lovely. You will really enjoy it!
We are going in December this year and I am sure sweating that! I am afraid of cold weather then, oh well. Have a fantastic trip.

[6_Time_Momma]

We went in September last year, and I did not think it was bad at all! We are going again this year, maybe we'll have different weather! I am more concerned about storms and rain. Last year, we left two days before one of the hurricanes blew over! Last year, we never waited for more than five minutes, the crowds (or lack of )was wonderful!

[jwfla422]

September is one of our favorite times to go because of the less crowded everything. We're going the weekend after Labor Day. Sure it can be hot, but from experience, many times it is overcast more and it can even be nice. A few years ago we were thrilled to have a beautiful weekend in the low 80s with low humidity, which is unusual, but I can tell you it is much more tolerable than June is (we were just there then, that's hot and it's busier then too).

As Almenkc mentioned, the only drawback can be those not so welcomed hurricanes. It is the peak time for hurricane season and it seems that every time we go in Sept there's one threatening somewhere along the east coast. I believe there was one close to FL the yr we went when it was beautiful and it just sucked up all the humidity and that's why it was so nice. Just have to hope for the best, but otherwise Sept is one of the least crowded times of the year.

[idontknow]

I was there at the end of Sept last year. The only other advice I would give you is pack colors other than white. (take along white clothes, but make sure you have a variety) That said, here's the reason.........LoveBugs were ALL over the place last Sept! You could not sit on the lounge chairs at the pool because of them. I talked to the lifeguard at ASMo and she said it was the worst she'd ever seen them. (so this year could be different) She also said that they are attracted to white! As long as you were in the pool, you were fine. but if you were trying to lay out on the white chairs, they swarmed you. The pool was the only place I really encounterd them, though. So, if you are being swarmed by them, just stay away from white things.

And don't tell your DH I told you. ;) (No need to worry him if you don't encounter any/very many lovebugs)

I would not hesitate to go back in Sept because of them. I walked onto almost every ride. The weather was wonderful, too! It was hot, but the humidity was low, which made it perfect. (for me anyway) I actually started thinking of taking DS down for the weekend with all of the specials the airlines and Disney are running, but my Grandmother is giving us a family reunion to WDW over Thanksgiving. I can't justify going in Sept and then again in Nov no matter how much I try. ;)

[catwho]

Although we prefer the winter, September isn't too bad. We did a day in September a few years back and it was not too bad. I live in the same climate zone as WDW and although September can be hot, it generally is worse between noon and 3:00, then it starts to cool off for the evening. It can sometimes rain during September, but the rain doesn't last all day, generally a quick shower and then it is over. If you find the heat unbearable, take a mist fan (available at Walmart for aroudn $5) and make sure you pack plenty of water to take with you into the park. We bought small ponchos for $3 each at Walmart before going and put them in our back pack. They were flat and there if we needed them, but we never did. We have carried them with us on every trip and they have still yet to be used! (not that it hasn't rained, just not enough to bother with the ponchos)

Don't worry about Dh not being as excited. WDW is truly magical and we took my grandfather (who had a "bad back" and a worse temper) and as soon as we parked and walked through the gates he was like a kid again. We asked several times if he wanted a wheel chair and he always said no. He was spritely and didn't complain about his back the entire trip. We got back in our motor home to leave and he turned back into a curmudgeon!

:earsgirl:

[abbyndrewmom]

We are going in September as well. In my opinion this is the absolutely best time to be there. The line are non-existent. We have been in September, November, December and June and by far September is the best. The weather is not too bad as you are not waiting forever out in the hot sun. We are also traveling with small children and will take an early afternoon break then a make a quick trip back before closing. I rember on our last trip we did get a few quick showers but we would go on a ride or inside a restaurant or store and they would be gone by the time we came out. Have fun!!

[We4mickey]

We to are going in sept 19-23
When is everyone else going?

[MommyKate]

We will be there Sept. 18-22! Reading these boards, it sounds like it might be crowded:{, But we should all still have fun!

[6_Time_Momma]

September 8-15 here!

[rhiannonwales]

we are going in september too from the 6th to the 10th.

BTW as a side note, about the love bugs situation,......
Love bugs are very dependent on the weather, they need lots of rain during the summer to breed properly. So perhaps because of the severe drought going on in that part of FLA, we might be spared the love bugs.......the only good thing about the drought in my opinion.

:earsgirl: :wave:

[Dr. Happy]

Melrosgirl, that's the way we do WDW in the heat of the summer. With early admission, you can get into the parks when its cooler and do a couple of attractions before heading back to the hotel for the afternoon. We would leave the parks typically about 11:30am for the hotel. That seemed to beat the lunch hour rush on the transportation system. Swam and napped until about 4pm, we would then head back to the parks for dinner and then more rides and attractions until closing. Our kids (daughters, 2 and 6) do well with this schedule. The heat and humidity, however, will be something to contend with. Bring an insulated jug filled with ice and water; purchasing water at the parks is just too expensive. Stay well hydrated so not to pass any kidney stones (as I did last summer) which was very painful, due entirely to lack of hydration (even though I would drink continually I still became dehydrated). I would suggest doing Animal Kingdom on a cooler day or doing it early (as AK is incredibly hot due to its vegetation which reduces breezes and creates even more humidity to deal with!).

But despite these cautions, you'll have a marvelous time I'm sure!

[nuzmom]

We'll be there Sept 15 -24th.

I so agree with taking a break and heading back to resort. It's so important with little ones. I like going in Sept - this will be second Sept trip. The lines are very short.

We go to whichever park opens early and stay until our "lunch break". Then head back to our resort for a quick meal and break (it's great to stay in a resort with a kitchen). After our break we go to a different park and stay until close (usually the park with the "special" program for the evening).

Here's another tip. There are "attractions" that are air conditioned. If you REALLY need a break, but aren't ready to stop for the afternoon, head to one of these!!!! Let's see, if I remember, some of these include Buzz Lightyear's space ranger spin, the waiting line for Test Track, the Hall of Pres, Lion King, Bug's life, etc. You can look on Disney's webpage or I'm sure other "veterns" can tell you.

The big thing with the heat is to NOT stand in LINE when it's hot. Do the "long wait" attractions first thing in the morning or after it cools off. Staying on rides and out of the sun is the goal for the early afternoon, if you stay in a park.

I hope that helps. I can't wait for our trip, too. September is a great time for Disney!!!

[nuzmom]

Ok, rookie mistake....

This thread is OOOLLLDDD and I feel silly for replying. Oh well.

Sorry!!!

[CrazySun27]

We'll be there Sept 12-18. My family is used to the humidty we are from Houston, TX.. and the mosquitos and the love bugs, just as long as the lines keep moving, I'm sure we will do FINE!!!

[TinknBoys]

We go in September every year. Yes, it is hot, but try to alternate between inside attractions and outside. Use fast pass whenever you can. The lines aren't very long at all then so you shouldn't have to wait. You might get rained on, there are thunderstorms in September, but you can go inside or get a Mickey poncho and keep going. Drink lots of water. Have Fun!

[Goofymum]

I went last year Mid September. Unfortunately what I remember mostly about the trip was how miserable I was because of the heat. I made sure to pack sleeveless shirts and carried around bottled water to stay hydrated. I would just advise if going to AK - watch the weather and go on the coolest days. The humidity in that park can really get to you!

[hokiefan33]

No offense to you, but I get really tired of hearing people complain, be worried, etc... about going to WDW knowing it will be hot and humid when they go. Goodness sakes, guys, you know what the weather will be like when you go. Either quit complaining about the weather when you are planning to go, or plan a different (cooler) time to go!! What is hard about that? It's not like anyone is making you go to WDW, you are choosing to go. And why not - it is after all the happiest place on Earth!

We went last July the week after the 4th, and are going this July the week after the 4th again. It was extremely hot and humid last year for the 8 days we went, and we expect it to be the same this year, too. But you know what? You're at WDW!! How bad can it be, really? There are plenty of indoor shows/rides, etc... that you can cool off in. We have 2 kids, who last year were DS 7 and DD 4, and they made it ALL DAY at the parks, no nap or anything. We rented a double stroller everyday we were at a park, and they simply got in it if they wanted to and walked if they wanted to. They felt a lot better KNOWING that if they wanted to, there was a stroller there for them. The DD stayed in it quite a bit, and the DS off and on during the day, but that's all they needed. We got them each a misting fan before we went ($5 at Wal-Mart or $17 at Disney, you decide where to purchase), and they kept that running non-stop all day, but that was a lifesaver. We did not go back to the resort at lunch for a swim, nap, etc..., b/c we didn't want to. And our kids did fine. We have traveled with them a lot since they were born, so they're used to having their schedules rearranged and "out of whack" on vacation. However, your kids may be different. But I never wanted my kids' "schedules" to rule how our vacations were, and they don't to this day. If you keep the kids relatively cool and happy, and don't make them walk everywhere but give them the option to ride if they would like, they should be fine.

Just my 2 cent's worth!

[thaggie]

.

[mlbretscher]

We are going for the first time too in Sept (9/10-9/18/04). You can now book your PS 90 days in advance (not sure if someone has already said that) so you may be out of luck if you wait to day 60 to try and book Cindy's (or maybe not if the crowds are as low as I hope they will be). If you need a PS for CRT I need to cancel mine for Thur. 9/14/04 at 8:30 am for a party of 6 if you are interested.

Good Luck!

:earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[moinab]

You can now book your PS 90 days in advance (not sure if someone has already said that) so you may be out of luck if you wait to day 60 to try and book Cindy's This thread was started 3 years ago, and accidentally bumped back up. :o

[DisneyMomx7]

We went in AUgust last year and we're going in July this year, so we're used to hot and humid! I think the nap/swim break really does save the vacation. We went to the parks as soon as they opened, and generally stayed there until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Then we went back to the hotel and swam and hopefully napped. This way the kids were refreshed and recharged and were able to make all the nightime parades and firework shows. Our kids were young. Last year they were 2, 4 and 5 and they handled it amazingly well. ALso if we needed a break while touring we would just go through small world or some air conditioned show to catch a break. I also make a lot of ps's at sit down restaurants because I found that break also helped us regroup. It is hot and it is humid but it's also a magical time. Have fun!

[shmora]

We are going Sept. 20th to the 30th but we are doing the cruise from the 26th to the 30th so I hope we have great weather. It is me, my husband, and my 4 kids first time in WDW, on a plane, on a ship or in the Bahamas so I hope it is a trip of a lifetime vacation.

Shmora