Does September ruin you forever?

[WendyBelle]

We've done four trips in late Sept. or early October in the last six years and one trip first week of December. We also did a couple of quick side trips to Disney in the spring, one when we were in Orlando for a separate event and one last April before our cruise.

Although, our Sept./Oct. trips have always been the least crowded, we've always enjoyed our visits. You do have to get there at opening for sure during a spring break week, but we are rope drop people already. I also think our knowledge of the parks helps out, too. We know the shortcuts and how to get where we want to go without studying a map. I think that gives you a big advantage over many.

Our December 2008 trip, even though it was slightly more crowded, was one of our favorite trips. We loved the cooler temps. and seeing all of the beautiful Christmas decorations. We are going back in about 5 1/2 weeks and I am so ready to see Disney at Christmas again.

 

[disnut8]

For me, no. I've gone just about every time of the year except Spring Break and I have to say that sometimes the slower times are more disappointing because I don't get to see people. That sounds strange but walking around World Showcase with almost no one else is a downer to me. I guess I like to experience Disney World not just for myself but to see other people's reactions to things. Sure, there are whiny complainers and the "problem people" but there are also some wonderful moments watching others having a special moment. I don't find the magic in going along in an empty park with no one else around. I want the human factor there. No, I don't want wall to wall people like at Christmas time but I still want others there. I've had way too many special times with complete strangers who are just there and in the Disney Zone. I miss that when the parks are empty.

 

[nkereina]

We did our first trip in September unfortunately a hurricane interfered with us getting there and cost us time and money. Crowds were nice but I not sure if we will go then again.

Nothing's been ruined yet.

early to mid December, froze, low crowds.

September 12-27, broiled, low crowds.



At this point I wouldn't mind some crowds, if I could just find a slightly more temperature temperature!!!!

Also looking for a happy medium! The hurricane/mass amounts of rain threat in September is enough to make me try and find another time to go. We were fortunate and had great weather the last week of September but had we gone a week later, we would have been drenched every day. This is why I am looking November, the statistically "dryest" month. Hoping crowds are similar to September...

 

[2Tiggies]

shushhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! Please stop advertising MY September!!!

In a word: Yes! We were spoilt with low crowd levels this september. We did the last week September/1st Week October and it is the least crowded we have ever seen the parks. Keeping in mind that we had previously traveled during Easter week/Spring Break and then last year thought we were ruined by the calm of October ... I would say yes, it certainly does spoil you. But only to a point. There is something about the extra hours and parades during busier times that I love and I would certainly not shy away from the opportunity to visit over Easter or in the middle of summer, given the chance. It is just that budget wise the off peak times have a further advantage.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Yes...............and now my vacation windows have changed and we can no longer go in mid September. We get to go in mid May instead. Not sure how it will compare, but we will see in May 2012.

 

[CCClement]

While our kids where younger (still in school) we would go the 1st or 2nd week in June. We did ok, using FP and knowing the parks, we rode everything we wanted. THEN the wife and i went in November. The rides where walk on or very little wait. The only thing was we missed the Osborne Lights. We are going the 2nd week of November with no kids and hoping the lines are the same. We are however bringing 4 first timers which will be great. There is nothing better than WDW with people who have never been.

 

[sargenca]

Yes!! Growing up we went in July. Just thought that an hour wait for a ride was "normal" and unavoidable. Then discovered September about 10 years ago and it is wonderful.

We just returned and although the crowd numbers were listed on the low side, October was more crowded than I would have liked. Even the line to the Crystal Palace buffet had a line. We are use to just walking up to the food, haha.

What I did like about October compared to September was that my make-up didn't melt off and my hair looked great in our pictures!! It's was refreshing to not sweat the day away.

 

[duffy]

I feel this way about early February.

We went in late September of 2001, and I mostly remember the heat and bugs. Give me February any day. I'd way rather be cold than hot.

 

[CarrieR]

Trips this year: Memorial Day weekend, July 4th week, Sept 24-Oct 2. Honestly didn't see that much difference between the three.

Next trip: Dec 26-Jan 2. Nope, haven't been ruined by Dec!

 

[Lohninck]

I am definitely spoiled by autumn (Sep-Nov) trips. I'm lucky enough that I'm able to schedule vacations from work easily and I don't have kids (yet!) to work school schedules around, but man, it was almost criminal how you could just walk right onto any ride in MK early in the mornings this past September. The weather was kind to us, too, not too hot and not a drop of rain the whole time.

Oh, right.. the love bugs were pretty much awful though.. I never saw one until last month and I'd live happily if I never had to see one again.

 

[GrumpyDad1974]

YES... We used to have a 3 week fall school break (year round) now we have a traditional school calander and really miss the last week of September-1st week of October. This is the best time of year to go period, MNNSHP and F&W.

 

[d1gitman]

we will be finding out first hand for ourselves. we have done teh sept-october thing for 4 yrs running and loved the low crowds, weather etc....this year we are doing the polar opposite....12/25-1/1.

We have adjusted our mindset as to what the trip will be, planning on rope drop on emh's and lunch in the parks at noon and then heading back to the resort for the rest of the day, with possibility of venturing off-site.

We know it will be mad busy but can't resist the prospect of opening presents with the kids on Christmas morning and having the tickets to WDW in their stockings....and then to actually be at the World that very same day, too much magic for us to pass up. THis is our 'east coast' farewell tour and we can't think of any better way to go out with a bang. We have plans to be back in SoCal next summer, living a mere 20mi from DL.

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

The holiday season has ruined me forever! Cooler temps, low crowds, all the holiday festivities. It is, by far, my favorite time of year at WDW. We're going to WDW for Halloween for the first time ever next weekend and yet, despite myself, all I can think about is that I'm missing the lighting of the castle by only 2 days. How pathetic am I? LOL

 

[MikeSF]

Not having kids is such a perk to going to Disney (or anywhere else for that matter!)

However having a job in education, all but removes that perk...almost... there could be a week that *koff koff* I start to feel sick right in the middle of the semester

 

[coconutprincess]

I would say yes. unless you find a time of year with comprable levels. While September is crowded, its not July. As DH and I walk through the longer ride queues - we always say what would you do if you had to actually wait through the section they let you bypass. We are spoiled.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

If you think Sept has ruined you with low crowds.. go during January... a few days after the 1st and before MLK weekend.. there are even less crowds then...

 

[Don Disney]

Absolutely! We have gone at different times,and September has definately been the best as far as crowds and wait times-walk on,and 15-20 minute max for headliners!Hot as fish grease though!!

 

[clarkfamily]

If you think Sept has ruined you with low crowds.. go during January... a few days after the 1st and before MLK weekend.. there are even less crowds then...

So glad to hear you say this...and I'll try to stay optimistic! Our second trip is planned for January 4-10, as I thought this was also a very low week. However, the crowd calendars simply do not agree. They are showing 5s and 6s for our January days as compared to 1s and 2s for our entire September trip last year. ?? It looks the rest of January is very low, but not the first week and a half. Guess we'll find out!

 

[mom2rtk]

So glad to hear you say this...and I'll try to stay optimistic! Our second trip is planned for January 4-10, as I thought this was also a very low week. However, the crowd calendars simply do not agree. They are showing 5s and 6s for our January days as compared to 1s and 2s for our entire September trip last year. ?? It looks the rest of January is very low, but not the first week and a half. Guess we'll find out!

I read a lot of threads here on the DIS that first week of January indicating that the parks stayed very busy until after the first weekend AFTER the first of the year. I think that was marathon weekend, but mostly had to do with some schools not heading back to class until that second week of January.

 

[Karlzmom]

For us, NO! We have found comparable crowds in Feb, without the heat and humidity...I was so miserable with the weather that the lower crowd really didn't make a a great impression. Of course, if I'd had to deal with the weather and a crowd , well...