Better Crowds; Sepetember or early January?

[Russell]

Hi Folks!
Planning the next trip. I'm considering going September 18-22 2--6 (monday through friday) or January 3-7 2007 (wednesday through sunday). How do the crowds compare? Will the the New Years crowd be gone by the third since New Years will be on a Monday?

September lets me avoid the weekends. January lets me avoid the heat and hurricanes! What to do? I know it's early but well...you know what it's like to have a Disney addiction.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

That's a tough one. I've been there during both times. In September we were between hurricanes (this year). And in January 2003 it was mild during the day and chilly at night. The crowds seemed similar. BUT, you're also chancing snow storms in January. Plus you may see more rain in January as we did in January 2002.

I would probably gamble more for September, though.

 

[dcmbshafe]

If you would throw in October, I would say then definitely. As CRSNDSNY implies, crowds are really not going to be your primary consideration here - it is the weather. One thing about September that is mildy irritating is the "love bugs" - they are absolutely everywhere. By October, they are gone as is the biggest hurricane risk. January you might hit a mild patch, but it also might be down right cold.

 

[spiceycat]

Sept is value season, Oct is regular season.

go late Sept - and stay for the food/wine festavial starting in Oct...

Sept you can still use the hotels pool - Jan is a little cold.

 

[Russell]

So both times are about the same as crowds? How soon does the park get lighter after New Years? Forgot about those bugs!

 

[mkpat]

We're going this upcoming January. Hope we are not making a big mistake!!!

 

[ErinInCT]

We went just after Jeanne this past Sept. I will say that I never watched The Weather Channel so much in my life as I did during the month of Sept. But there were NO crowds whatsoever. Many fast pass machines were not even on b/c everything was walk on. It was great. The weather was pretty unbearable (heat & humidity) but no rain at all. I prefer to have the heat (let's me know I am in FL) & be able to use pools or water parks. So I vote for Sept!
I had friends who went in Jan & they had to wear layers b/c it was cold early morning, got warmer during the afternoon & cold again at night. No thanks!

 

[goofydad621]

This January's weather is going to be low 80's during the day and 55-60 at night.

I already put my order in and with three sprinkles of extra pixie dust

 

[goofydad621]

check out this link


http://www.wunderland.com

has historical weather data for the past 5 yrs I think. Even with the cool days the day time temps are usually in the 60's. Comomg from New Hampshire in Jan tha tis shorts and tee shirts for us

 

[Mymatisse]

We have been both in September and Jan and I like both. However, I think for me January may win out just a smidge.

January is a lot less humid and is dryer. Some nights get very cool and you may not be able to use the pools as much, but usually there is still some opportunity to swim.

September is hot! (although I did not think it was unbarable and I'm not from a warm weather state) It also rained everyday, but usually only for a brief period of time. I think the one thing I hated most about September.. especially THIS September was the threat of hurricanes. There was so much anxiety over if we would be actually able to travel or not it added some stress to the trip.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by Russell
So both times are about the same as crowds? How soon does the park get lighter after New Years? Forgot about those bugs!

I've been 3 times right after NYE-one time (soon for the second time) I checked in on NY Day. It's amazing how quickly the crowds have thinned out after the first-one CM told me that from the partying she'd seen, she figured that everyone spent all their money and had to leave right after NYE. Since I'm checking in again this year on NY Day, I'm hoping that's true again. I think lots of the public schools start up on 1/3 or 1/4 so after the first few days, it should quiet down dramatically.

 

[stich626]

I went in Jan 3-7 of this year. The weather was okay. the first few days it was in the 60's then 50's. Early rain in the am one day. It wasn't too much of a problem since I am from Michigan. It was only in the 20's when we left. The crowds were fine. We were able to walk right onto all the rides. Got to do Kilimanjaro Twice (my fave)!! Can't wait to go back!!!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Sept you can still use the hotels pool - Jan is a little cold.

We never swam in January -- too chilly outside (even though pools are heated).

One thing about September that is mildy irritating is the "love bugs" - they are absolutely everywhere.

I've heard of these but we didn't experience these in September this year.

check out this link


http://www.wunderland.com

This is one of my favorite links!

I also want to add that we're planning our third January trip for this January (05). The chilliness doesn't keep us away! I love the low crowds!

 

[Lucky4me]

I think the link you mean is
www.wunderground.com

Not wunderland?

 

[Russell]

Thanks everyone! I would love to see how the crowds are this year right after the first. I am concerned about hurricane season and the heat! I'll see how it goes this year and see what happens on the first.