9/16 - 9/24 Trip Observations: a few facts

[Mambo Junkie]

First, it is HOT. With low 90 temps and humidity, it feels like over 100. Besides being a Saturday, a very hot day is not a good day for F&W, IMO. Nothing smelled good (except Canada had some promise). It was crowded, but it was Saturday; probably not so bad during the week. Still had a good time, though.

September is still a great time to go to Disney World, except it is hot. I do think it is unusually hot this time, though it is normal to be hot this time of year

If you are going during a crowded time, early is the ticket. We had PPO ADRs at Garden Grille, and we were on Soarin before park opening. Headed to Test Track, and were getting on Mission Space by 9:30.

FEA breaks down A LOT. We had 1:40 fps and basically tried off and on all day to ride, but it was down every time. It was closed until park close, so never did ride. One parent who was stuck on it with her family tried to console her little girl (around 5) with, "But you had fun while it was running, right?" to which the little girl said she never wanted to ride it again.

Friday at HS (EMH night) was great! Crowds were manageable, loved the Star Wars fireworks. (Don't get the attraction of the paid parties - I've tried both Wishes and Star Wars - but that's just me. I don't like the desserts, we don't drink, and IMO the view is questionable. I'll admit, with the views, Star Wars was way better. But, I've tried it and now I know)

If you are staying at an Epcot resort, do not count on boat transportation if it is raining (storming). The boats shut down (rightly so) and are very crowded when they resume. Do not wait until the last minute if you have reservations because you may have to walk.

Last, parents: Please do not have unrealistic expectations of what your children can handle. Even if you are unable to leave the park, find a cool, quiet place for a chill out session. I know it is very hot, but I witnessed so many meltdowns with kids who were just overheated and tired. Some of them were just screaming (and not just babies), their faces beet red. If your child cannot take it, try to work in a rest period. At that point, neither children nor parents are having fun. I saw 1 mom with her child sleeping in the stroller while she walked around a cool shop, which I have done many a time. That little 30 or more minutes will work wonders.

If I think of anything else that will be of help, I'll post it.

 

[miamimi]

Thanks for the post. The thing I appreciate the most about you, Mambo Junkie, is that you are able to criticize Disney, even though you love visiting the parks. It's always great hearing from you because I know your posts are balanced. Thanks.

 

[yulilin3]

First, it is HOT. With low 90 temps and humidity, it feels like over 100. Besides being a Saturday, a very hot day is not a good day for F&W, IMO. Nothing smelled good (except Canada had some promise). It was crowded, but it was Saturday; probably not so bad during the week. Still had a good time, though.

September is still a great time to go to Disney World, except it is hot. I do think it is unusually hot this time, though it is normal to be hot this time of year

If you are going during a crowded time, early is the ticket. We had PPO ADRs at Garden Grille, and we were on Soarin before park opening. Headed to Test Track, and were getting on Mission Space by 9:30.

FEA breaks down A LOT. We had 1:40 fps and basically tried off and on all day to ride, but it was down every time. It was closed until park close, so never did ride. One parent who was stuck on it with her family tried to console her little girl (around 5) with, "But you had fun while it was running, right?" to which the little girl said she never wanted to ride it again.

Friday at HS (EMH night) was great! Crowds were manageable, loved the Star Wars fireworks. (Don't get the attraction of the paid parties - I've tried both Wishes and Star Wars - but that's just me. I don't like the desserts, we don't drink, and IMO the view is questionable. I'll admit, with the views, Star Wars was way better. But, I've tried it and now I know)

If you are staying at an Epcot resort, do not count on boat transportation if it is raining (storming). The boats shut down (rightly so) and are very crowded when they resume. Do not wait until the last minute if you have reservations because you may have to walk.

Last, parents: Please do not have unrealistic expectations of what your children can handle. Even if you are unable to leave the park, find a cool, quiet place for a chill out session. I know it is very hot, but I witnessed so many meltdowns with kids who were just overheated and tired. Some of them were just screaming (and not just babies), their faces beet red. If your child cannot take it, try to work in a rest period. At that point, neither children nor parents are having fun. I saw 1 mom with her child sleeping in the stroller while she walked around a cool shop, which I have done many a time. That little 30 or more minutes will work wonders.

If I think of anything else that will be of help, I'll post it.

To your last point, I 100% AGREE
It's so hard to hear parent yelling at their kids or saying things like "I didn't pay all this money for you to complain". I hear this all the times at the parks but more so during really hot days

 

[Jennasis]

I didn't think it was awfully hot...but I live in the south. My parents, who live in NY, were having a very difficult time with the heat. Depends on what you're used to I suppose.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I'm trying to be impartial and informative. Often people who are trying to plan a Disney vacation and they ask about the temperature especially those who don't live in hot climates. I live in Virginia myself and on the past I have travelled in September a lot; it always seems hot but this is extra steamy. I think it's the humidity that is worse than the heat.
One thing I will rarely criticize about Walt Disney World are the CMs. In almost every case they have been great! I highly recommend the crew at the Yacht Club. I forgot to mention I got pixie dust as soon as I arrived. I had booked a package then dropped all but 1 night when my son and family were preparing to join us on Saturday. After they decided against it, I tried to add a day back but it was booked. Finally I snagged a room only from constant online checking. I then called and tried to link them and she did but told me to mention it upon arrival. We arrived at around 9:30 am and I asked about early check in, high up and to not have to check out them back in. First he found a room high up plus 2 days then he worked on the early check in. After a few minutes, he told us he found something and was giving us an upgrade from garden to water view! It was wonderful! We could see both the Epcot ball and the fireworks. Extra special pixie dust!

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

To your last point, I 100% AGREE
It's so hard to hear parent yelling at their kids or saying things like "I didn't pay all this money for you to complain". I hear this all the times at the parks but more so during really hot days

Last time I was there I heard a woman cuss her child out for crying.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Glad to hear you're having fun!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I just want to remind people of something I learned from reading the Dis boards. You can get a party ticket and not use a day from your tickets. While the party is from 7 pm to 12 am, you can get in at 4 pm. I had made fast pass reservations for Space Mountain, 3:20 - 4:20, 7DMT 4:20 - 5:20 and Splash from 5:25 - 6:25 with a Skippers Canteen dinner at 6:10. We got there around 3:30 and they let us in around 3:45. We got to Space by 4, went on 7DMT next, then took the train to Frontierland (killing time). Still had time so we jumped on Pirates before Splash, then got to Skippers a few minutes early. Had a nice dinner while they cleared the park. Saw the Hocus Pocus show, the parade, then went over to the Haunted Mansion, then next we went over to pick up a few party souvenirs. Walked back over for the Celebrate the Magic show, but a storm came up. We ended up leaving but we had a great time and did everything we wanted. In fact, we are scheduled to go back to MK on Thursday and we may just do something else then hit it for one last MSEP.
Using the fps and the early admittance made everything work despite the rain, and I have all the great people at the Dis for sharing their knowledge!
A little sprinkle of pixie dust: When we first arrived at MK, they ushered us to a full monorail car (no big deal), but 2 young people got up and insisted we take their seats, though we protested. We finally gave in and took them and it was a nice gesture. The only downside, I told DH, was that I didn't realize we looked that old.

 

[MrsHammer]

I agree with the heat and kids comments. We had always only been in the summer, but went in early April this year. OMG April was so much better weather wise! It was completely weird that we had to wear jackets one night at HS, but I don't think I will ever be able to go back in the summer again. Spring Break crowds were somewhat heavier, but it's still so much better when it's 83 as compared to 103 degrees.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I just have a couple more comments. As we went through our stay, we realized that less is more. By our 3rd day, we were no longer carrying anything that would not fit in our pockets. I carried: 4 (anti nausea) ginger candies a small tube of 50 sunscreen, card case with a credit card and drivers license, and a rain poncho folded very small. DH had keys, wallet, poncho and Epipen in his. So much easier.

PPO adrs are great, especially in crowds, heat, and when you want a mid day break. You get so much done. I did not go for the 8 am. We did that last time and it was all we could do to power walk to BOG and get there on time. We got 8:25 adrs. You still get in early, can take your time and enjoy the park without having to hurry, and they will still pretty much take you as soon as you check in. We were done by 8:40.

Big tip for moms and dads if you don't know this already. If at Epcot and it's hot and you all need a break, go into Innoventions West! It's dark, for the better part quiet with the exception of near the Visa Meet and Greet, and cool. I saw lots of nappers, including parents.

Utilized the Tony's Main Street Electrical Parade VIP lunch. Totally worth it for us. We wanted to see MSEP one last time, and we had been to MK for PPO breakfast, hopped to Epcot, then came back for our 3 PM lunch/dinner at Tony's, then left the park for a swim and rest. We got back specifically to watch Wishes, CTM and MSEP and got space on the front of the hub area, where we had great views of all 3 (I know there are better for Wishes and CTM, but I was happy with the overall view of Main Street and the Castle), plus MSEP started in the front so we were able to get out quickly. Well worth it to me. Had we sat in the atrium area in Tony's, we would have had somewhat of a view of the FoF parade as well.

September is still a great time to go! (except this was unusually hot and humid) I got a little teary seeing Ellen and MSEP (possibly GMR?) for the last time, and my DS was beside himself that he couldn't go.

When we arrived at MK for our MNSSHP, we face timed my 2 DGDs with the castle in the background. They were so excited, they went on and on, until we had to go so we wouldn't miss our Space Mountain fps.

The trip started out a bit badly for me, though it was my own doing. Our first park day was for DHS, and after looking at my new package of Sea bands, I never saw them again. Day number 2 I lost my prescription sunglasses at Epcot, and though DH and I retraced our steps to both Soarin and TT, looked in the seats and the cars we sat in, and followed the path, still couldn't find them. I went to Guest Services twice (once at mid day and once at days end) and still nothing. It doesn't help that my description is, "they are brown frames, dark lenses, my left eye is really bad, and I can't remember the brand" - wish I had carried the Ray Bans. FEA broke down continuously from 1:30 on, and remained closed at least the last hour or 2 that day. Plus, I lost the top to my favorite coffee cup that I have had for years. Then, yesterday we started at MK. I was looking through my bag I no longer was carrying to see if I needed anything, and found my sea bands tucked into a pocket. We had PPO adrs at MK and jumped on a couple of rides, went to the Big Top to get a few 45th anniversary items, and headed to Epcot to see FEA. (success! It was running and only Elsa was frozen). On a whim, when we got to TTC, I said to DH, let's check the lost and found. So I described them as brown, kind of big, dark lenses, don't know the brand, and she came out with one pair. I could see again! I was so happy I almost cried! Super special pixie dust, and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to whoever turned them in!

Any questions, feel free to ask but most of all, have a great time. It is what you make it!

Oh yes: ETA: when we got home tonight and were unpacking, I found the top to my coffee cup in a pocket on my cooler bag!

ETA one more thing: We got a great viewing place in front of the fence for Awakenings at AK, but it was getting crowded so we moved back a ways and the views were much better. We could see a lot of special effects we couldn't see or didn't notice close up.

 

[Shanan]

We were there 9/13-20 and it was our first September trip. I agree that is was miserable hot and I live in Texas. We tried 3 different times to see FEA and never got to see it. Since we have AP, we will try to ride it another time. Enjoyed F&W. Have to agree wholeheartedly about the CM's - truly awesome and wonderful From DeJuan at AoA who was manning the bus stops to Mikala at AK at the turnstile and many others ...the CMs are the ones who make WDW special and why we go back (probably not in Sept again- due to weather )

 

[Mambo Junkie]

We were there 9/13-20 and it was our first September trip. I agree that is was miserable hot and I live in Texas. We tried 3 different times to see FEA and never got to see it. Since we have AP, we will try to ride it another time. Enjoyed F&W. Have to agree wholeheartedly about the CM's - truly awesome and wonderful From DeJuan at AoA who was manning the bus stops to Mikala at AK at the turnstile and many others ...the CMs are the ones who make WDW special and why we go back (probably not in Sept again- due to weather )

I have been many times in September and while it is hot, this time was unusually hot. With temperatures in the low to mid 90s plus humidity making it feel over 100, that's not normal. It is normal to be in the mid to high 80s though with some humidity.

 

[NephieRN]

I agree on it being extremely hot. We were there 9/17-9/23 and some days it was miserable and we live in Texas. We just took midday breaks most days to relax and cool off.

 

[JerseyJanice]

So glad that you had a great trip in spite of some bad luck initially. Your story about the Sea Bands reminds me of myself except my MIA item was cold medicine.

Did you post restaurant reviews? I'm going to look. Welcome home!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

So glad that you had a great trip in spite of some bad luck initially. Your story about the Sea Bands reminds me of myself except my MIA item was cold medicine.

Did you post restaurant reviews? I'm going to look. Welcome home!

I have yet to post restaurant reviews though I can say our best meal (this visit) was Yak and Yeti!

 

[snowybelle]

Great post! I am just back (9/18-9/23) and I completely agree about the heat and humidity! It did not spoil my trip but oh man it was oppressive! I was at MNSSHP last Sunday and someone just ahead of me in line for the Jack & Sally M&G passed out from heat exhaustion. Medical team and stretcher were brought in, etc. It was intense.

I also have to echo your final point... I saw so many kids having midday meltdowns and parents screaming at children who were clearly overheated and overtired, more than I've ever seen on a pervious WDW trip. I really think people need to manage their expectations when traveling to WDW with small children, especially when it is so hot!

(And don't get me wrong, despite the above I had probably my BEST Disney trip ever this time around!)

 

[JerseyJanice]

I have yet to post restaurant reviews though I can say our best meal (this visit) was Yak and Yeti!

I want to hear about what you had. It is on our list in our upcoming trip. I joined the Landry's Select Club and have $50 to spend from that plus a couple of gift cards. I have my eye on the sushi and dim sum basket for appetizers and the wonton dessert. Don't know what entrees and drinks we want tho, and I'm looking for ideas.

 

[Shanan]

I want to hear about what you had. It is on our list in our upcoming trip. I joined the Landry's Select Club and have $50 to spend from that plus a couple of gift cards. I have my eye on the sushi and dim sum basket for appetizers and the wonton dessert. Don't know what entrees and drinks we want tho, and I'm looking for ideas.

We also did Yak & Yeti and it was my first time there. I would definitely go back again. Good and drinks were awesome and so was the wait staff. I had steak and everyone at our table (party of 11) had something different and wveryone loved their meal.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Posted the dining reviews on the Restaurant board.

 

[ArielSRL]

I definitely think this year is hotter. We went in the beginning of June and it seemed as hot as the end of July a few years ago. And I'm from GA (similar heat and humidity)...but it was still incredibly hot. With a 2 & 4 yr old, plus two over 65 (and myself), we did midday breaks at our resort (SSR) everyday, but we had our car and my dad has a handicap placard so it was fairly easy to get in and out of anywhere except MK.

Glad you found everything you lost and had a great trip!