Crowd level Aug vs Sept???

[tjknitz]

I have already booked my vacation for Sept 19-26 and as I was looking at Touring plans, they actually show lower crowd levels the last week of August/Begining of September (the week before Labor Day). Historically, are the park crowd levels lower the week before Labor Day? Or would you say that they are going to be lower later in the month?

My priority on my trip is warm weather and low crowds. I realize that the parks are never going to be empty, but I'm trying to find the best week to take advantage of a lower crowd level. Suggestions?

 

[anniemae]

I think Sept will be less busy. Aug is moderately crowded at the end. Crowds drop off after labor day as all the kids go back to school. I think this year will be very crowded the week before Labor Day since LD is so late this year, I think it's the 6th or 7th, so many schools won't be starting until the 8th or so. I think many folks will take advantage and go that week.

End of Sept may see increased crowds due to F&W, but I don't know when that starts. I still don't think it will be as crowded as end of aug/beg of sept. For the lowest crowds, I would say the second week of Sept, after labor day would be extremely low, but I think your week will be slow as well.

 

[Vernie822]

Our trip in September '14 was the 13th through the 20th. We found that crowd levels were very manageable. We got to ride everything we wanted and waits were not bad at all. The Food and Wine festival started on the 19th (Friday) last year, so we were there for the first day. It was not terribly crowded. The weather was HOT though!!

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

Early August all kids are out of school. Late August northern kids are still out of school. September all kids in school. So as you can see as you go from early August (very crowded) to late August (crowded) to September (less crowded) it is easier. However, I've noticed Disney shortens the hours and often has less rides at each attraction running which results in longer lines anyway.

 

[Stbissell]

We like to go around August/September. The day after Labor Day WDW literally empties out. I'd go that week if you want low crowds and warm weather.

Last year we went the week before Labor Day and it was still very manageable. Some days were more crowded than others.

We went the third week of August and we thought it was noticeably more crowded that subsequent weeks. Still very manageable.

The best was when we went over Labor Day. Like I said before it was crazy how empty it was in the days following Labor Day. Usually free dining is available as well.

 

[DisneyFive]

I have already booked my vacation for Sept 19-26 and as I was looking at Touring plans, they actually show lower crowd levels the last week of August/Begining of September (the week before Labor Day). Historically, are the park crowd levels lower the week before Labor Day? Or would you say that they are going to be lower later in the month?

My priority on my trip is warm weather and low crowds. I realize that the parks are never going to be empty, but I'm trying to find the best week to take advantage of a lower crowd level. Suggestions?

Late sept is when we've done our last four trips and crowd levels are always very low compared to other times of the year. Hardly any difference in a TP 1 versus a 3. We only have noticed heavier crowds when an individual park is rated 5 or higher.

Weather between the two options is nearly identical.

Dan

 

[PrincessNelly]

It probably appears lower because late September is MNSSHP and Food & Wine festival and probably free dining.

The last week August wont have the typical summer crowds because southern schools start and northern schools are about to start. But September should be fine.

 

[msb578]

The last week of August is not crowded at all, when Labor Day is early (it was 9/1 last year). I believe next time it's 9/7, so that will likely make a difference in late August.

 

[magnusx1]

A few years ago (2010 I think) we went on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and stayed until Wednesday after. It was probably something like 9/4-9/8. Anyway, Saturday was not too bad, Sunday was worse, and Labor Day Monday was easily the busiest, yet still mostly manageable. And then suddenly on Tuesday, it was like the fog had lifted. Everywhere we went, no issues, freedom to move around, short waits for just about everything. I really wish that was the first day of our stay instead of the last.

Go in September!