Does September ruin you forever?

[clarkfamily]

On our first-ever trip, we had crowd levels of 1s and 2s for our entire stay. I was also able to plan the trip so that we would be in the recommended parks each day. We walked onto almost everything we no wait at all. I think the most we ever waited was one ride cycle. It was crazy, and we loved it. I'm seriously nervous, though, that I will now be disappointed with the reality of going at any busier time of year... (Not being able to let the kids ride things twice, missing out on some attractions that you planned to hit, etc. All a very normal part of Disney...if I just hadn't experienced it the other way! )

Does September ruin you forever?

 

[nkereina]

I'm interested in the responses, as we have the same worry! We went last week of September for our first adult trip. A lot of people, particularly those who go every September, have said that was a busier than normal week for that time of year but we still found it to be great. We also walked on to almost everything. I would like to try to go in November on our next trip due to the cooler temps but am nervous we will be miserable if we have lines for everything. Curious to see if September people have tried other times of year and their thoughts...

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

From what I have been reading on these boards lately this past September found more crowded parks than anybody has been use to and ppl aren't liking it. It's like the secret is out now and ppl are starting to go in September.

 

[Jacie]

Nah. We went to DL last year and it was so nice and calm (Except for Saturday, it was crowded.) And then when DH and I went to WDW in May for SWW it was packed (9/10) and it was still fun. Just more patience and planning went into those weekends.
We are going when it's about right in the middle of those two trips.

 

[momtobrynncess]

I feel exactly the same way. Having been in many Septembers/Octobers when crowd levels are low, I say, yup. When in Sept did you go?

Actually, we went 10 days after 9/11/01 (the day), and there was literally NO ONE in the parks or the resorts. It was HEAVEN!! For a bad reason, yes. Don't get me wrong, PLEASE!!! I have a great sadness in my heart for that day, having spent the first 10 years of my life growing up in NY, and having a sister who still lives there. My point is that I have never seen crowds that low in the 15 years I have been going to Disney.

 

[Ramsfan28]

I was at the World the last week of September this year and it was more crowded than years past. I think the big 40th anniversary celebration at MK had something to do with it.

Still though, besides that Saturday at MK, crowds were light overall and we didn't really have an issue getting on many rides. Also, we were a party of 6 and booked our ADR's at the 90 day mark and got everything we wanted (Le Cellier, California Grill, etc.)

I am heading back in about 3 weeks, I am thinking the crowds will be about the same as they were in September once Jersey week is over.

To the original question, September - November spoils you in that the crowds are usually light and the weather is great. You couldn't pay me to go to the World from Memorial Day weekend till about the 3rd week of August.

 

[pepe of ohio]

As far as we're concerned....word was not out yet...we were there 9-10 to the 16th....walk ons throughout the parks and we never use crowd counters, park recommendations or touring guides.....we've gone in October, much more crowded but kind of on the cool side and late November and early December, crowds used to be low but that cat has been out of the bag and it's just too iffy with the weather (not gonna spend 2K to wear a coat in Florida anymore) same for January....

We plan always for value season for the cheapest room rate, snag a discount and we're good to go......love September until that word gets around..

 

[clarkfamily]

September - November spoils you in that the crowds are usually light and the weather is great.

we were there 9-10 to the 16th....walk ons throughout the parks and we never use crowd counters, park recommendations or touring guides...

Yep, yep, yep. This is exactly what I was afraid of.
And now I went and spoiled myself on our very first trip...
(I can envision it all now: me, in a long line, wearing a parka.
Oh, January. You will have big shoes to fill.)

 

[delaneyc52]

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

 

[Mikey'swife]

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.

 

[Glennie5]

We went in Sept 2008 and it was perfect! There were hardly had any lines (probably the best wait times we have ever had) and the weather was perfect! Has it spoiled us? Absolutely not - I will take Disney any day any time!

 

[luvthemouse71]

We had done 5 years in a row in September. This year, we went in May and will go in May next year as well. So, I wouldn't say September ruins you.

 

[minniebeth]

yes...

 

[MikeSF]

Not for WDW, but I've been in DL on those awesome days where you get in by rope drop, and by 5pm you leave the park because you went on everything 5 times over... something that is super duper cool about it taking longer to walk through the queue of Space Mountain than it took to wait in line once you stopped.

However I do say that when it's busy it is a tiny bit of a let down, not terribly much, plus there's something nice about the park right before closing time, usually when the parents with kids have left the park (sorry guys, it's true ).

But unless I'm going with a huge family group (i.e. those with kids) I won't go during peak season. I have for the past 6 year been planning vacations on the 2nd week of January simply because I don't go back to work until the 3rd (as a teacher ironically ) and the kids go back by the 2nd week... however schools doing all sorts of weird crap to their schedules I'm finding this plan doesn't work as well as it used to.

 

[jesswindsor]

I have only gone to Disney in Sept. I would like to try a Feb. trip sometime.

 

[mom2rtk]

The traffic didn't pick up this September until late in the month. That had a lot to do with the start of Food/Wine, but also because for a long time that was the latest in the year you could get free dining. Early to mid-September remains a low crowd time to visit Disney.

But once you're used to low crowds, don't ever go back to the dark side. Everything else will pale in comparison.

 

[SSR]

In a sad way, October 2001 spoiled us forever. Everything was walk on to the point of being sad. We were even asked if we wanted to upgrade since we were the only people on our floor at CBR.

 

[Aurora in blue]

Yes... I think so. We have gone 5 times in September this year 9/3-9/10.
Alas, my DS starts High School next year and my DD the year after, so I think our September trips are over...I am not sure If I can do summer crowds although we have in the past. However, going in Summer is better than not going at all..

 

[UndercoverMama]

In a sad way, October 2001 spoiled us forever. Everything was walk on to the point of being sad. We were even asked if we wanted to upgrade since we were the only people on our floor at CBR.

Wow.

We did February first and I think it spoiled us. Our last two trips were September and it was great but a little too hot for us so we are going in January next time.

 

[bumbershoot]

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!!!!



(but what DOES ruin me in terms of crowds is going to Universal and staying on site there....so luxurious....)