Crowds/Heat/Weather over Labor Day?

[blondinkaya]

We've been to WDW in April (not during spring break), early May, over Veteran's Day, and the week after Thanksgiving. All have garnered beautiful weather and relatively easy crowds (thanks to our rope drop strategy).

We've decided just a few days ago to go back again! This time over Labor Day weekend to help minimize the time the boys will miss school. For anyone who's been there during this time, do the crowds seem to be the same/more/less than the times I mentioned I've already been there? Also ... I know it's going to be hot. I live in central GA and it can get pretty dang sultry here. Should I expect it to be more intense? We'll have water spray fans, hats, lots of water, and plenty of sunscreen. Any other ideas to help deal with the FL heat of early Sep?

Also ... It rained during only one of our days in all of our WDW experience (this past Dec). I'm guessing that, like Louisiana, it's par to have an afternoon thundershower. Do you use ponchos or wear quick dry clothing and brave the weather? I'm trying to figure out the best course of action. With it being so warm, I'll probably just wear my hair in a ponytail and have little to no makeup on. Should we bother running for cover if it rains? I think the worst we'd look like are wet rats ...

TIA!

 

[momtobrynncess]

Having been there from a few days prior to Labor Day, during Labor day, and a few days after, sorry to say, IMO, we would not return during that time period. The weather is VERY hot, but being a southerner, you may be very used to it. We live in upstate NY, and to us, it was HOT!! That being the least of my worries, the crowds, imo, were pretty ridiculous! To the point that we would not choose to go back at that time again. After Labor Day, however, things improved immensely. I would love to be able to take my family during a break from school. As she gets older, I may be forced to attempt to do that, however I won't be happy. We strive to go during off peak periods. Good luck!

 

[Robo]

1- do the crowds seem to be the same/more/less than the times I mentioned I've already been there? Also ...

2- I know it's going to be hot. I live in central GA and it can get pretty dang sultry here.
3- Should I expect it to be more intense? We'll have water spray fans, hats, lots of water, and plenty of sunscreen. Any other ideas to help deal with the FL heat of early Sep?

Also ... It rained during only one of our days in all of our WDW experience (this past Dec).
4- I'm guessing that, like Louisiana, it's par to have an afternoon thundershower.

5- Do you use ponchos or wear quick dry clothing and brave the weather? I'm trying to figure out the best course of action.

6- I think the worst we'd look like are wet rats ...

TIA!

1- Busier. Maybe. It varies.
2- Yes.
3- Yes.
4- Yes.
5- Yes.
6- Lots of fellow rats there with you.

 

[CarKey]

We often travel to WDW with my BFF and her family. Last September they went to Florida for a family reunion over Labor Day weekend and since it was so close to Disney, and it was free dining, they decided to stay on site and go to the parks for a couple of days. I thought it would be crowded as heck but she kept sending me photo mail of the 5 minute wait times!! She said Labor Day weekend itself was moderately busy but by Monday the crowds were nonexistent. She and I started planning immediately for this year's trip and you guessed it..we'll see you there Labor Day weekend (and the week after)!

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

The week of labor day is actually pretty good crowd wise. DS has 9/1 b-day and go around then each year. the days following are best but it is HOT with very high humidity. It is usually rain every afternoon unless there are tropical, hurricane type storms through the areas which has happened at that time of year-04 . Then you get a lot of rain. Bring ponchos and flip flops and enjoy.

 

[pooch]

We often travel to WDW with my BFF and her family. Last September they went to Florida for a family reunion over Labor Day weekend and since it was so close to Disney, and it was free dining, they decided to stay on site and go to the parks for a couple of days. I thought it would be crowded as heck but she kept sending me photo mail of the 5 minute wait times!! She said Labor Day weekend itself was moderately busy but by Monday the crowds were nonexistent. She and I started planning immediately for this year's trip and you guessed it..we'll see you there Labor Day weekend (and the week after)!

We're booked for 9/4 thru 9/11 but actually plan on arriving Sun 9/5. I'm thinking about AK for Labor Day itself, in my mind likely to be the least crowded of the 4 parks? and then hoping for light to nonexistent for the rest of the week. We don't mind heat but hate crowds!!!

 

[CarKey]

We're booked 9/3-9/11. I'd like to spend Sunday and Monday at Universal checking out HP but with it being so new the crowds on a holiday weekend will probably be higher than at WDW. The September heat is a trade off for light crowds.

 

[marciemouse]

I went last Labor Day for just a quick stay. I skipped the parks, but they didn't look too busy. The restaurants in the resorts seemed slow. It was right on the heels of a hurricane/tropical storm though, so maybe that deferred some folks. It was exceptionally sticky but not insanely hot (Mother's Day 2008...ugh!) and had one super-short afternoon shower. I'd go then again, but I'd avoid parks on Labor Day itself. make that you pool and DTD day!

 

[kaffinito]

We've gone over Labor Day for the past few years. It's crowded that weekend, but just before and just after is pretty good crowd wise.

We do get wet from the after noon showers, but I usually just do a ponytail and a hat and usually don't bother with a poncho unless I have my DSLR with me. It is during hurricane season though - so the rains might last a few days like they did one year if there's a hurricane close enough. As far as the heat goes, I love the heat and love to bake so the weather is perfect for me.

I like going that time of year - it's my favorite time to go to the parks!

 

[Golf4food]

We've been Labor Day weekend the past two years. It is not crowded until maybe Labor Day itself of the day before/after. The few days prior last year were practically empty. I have photos of the wait time boards at Epcot with everything at 5 minutes, etc. Ghost town. The MK on the Sunday before Labor Day was a little crowded, but not the worst we've ever seen and certainly not debilitating - you can still do everything more than once.

It is still hot. If you are from GA and used to the southern heat it shouldn't be a problem - you know how to deal with it (stay out of the sun whenever possible, drink plenty of water, wear a hat, etc.)

 

[blondinkaya]

Thanks, everyone for your input. I spoke with dh, and unfortunately, he refuses to wear sandals. I guess two pair of shoes and wicking socks will do for him? I can try to work on him, but he's never worn sandals all day in our 15+ years.

The boys and I will be wearing crocs/sandals/flip flops. I just need to figure out which/what type ...

Thanks again!

 

[David_Thibert]

Is there a weather chart showing rainfall for each month?

 

[ols386]

We were there last September over Labor Day, and it was terribly hot and humid. We also found it to be very crowded at that time. I would not schedule another trip at that time for those two reasons, although I do understand that you selected that timeframe so your kids won't be missing as much school, and I can understand that.

My kids are grown now, and I love going to WDW during the less hot & busy seasons.

 

[thunderbug548]

We went ON Labor Day a couple of years ago and it was empty! Eerily empty almost. We walked up Main Street and were so surprised at the lack of people. The weekend of is usually pretty busy but I think everyone starts leaving on that Sunday. School starts for many kids that week too.