first week Sept. crowds?

[brockash]

We're going to Disney the first week of Sept., and staying at ASMo's. I had been reading that it's a slower time of year, but when I checked the website about room availability (long story, but my sister is now looking for an additional room) there was nothing available at any of the All-Star resorts, except family suites at ASMu. I know there's free dining, any ideas on the crowd levels?

 

[stba2006]

We went to orlando for a week starting 4th Sept last year and it was perfect. We hardly had to wait long for anything really. We managed to do all disney parks, typhoon lagoon and both universal parks. We got on all the rides we wanted (which was all of the big rides and a couple of the kiddies) and watched a lot of shows too. The longest we had to wait was for Soarin at epcot and that was about 40 mins. Apart from that the longest wait was maybe 10-15 mins per ride.

Having said that there was only 2 of us, so we didn't have the problem of co-ordinating a big group and we did get to the parks very early each day which helped, but even later in the day was still fine. The busiest times were the light shows in the evenings. I can't guarentee that it is always like that at that time of year as I have never been before and we could just have been very lucky, but in my view it is a great time to go.

 

[brockash]

thanks for the input, that makes me feel better

 

[amloveaffair]

I've heard it's crowded, but I've also heard it's not. We're going the same week [staying at PoP Century]. I would assume it won't be too busy since most schools have started up again. Labor day is the 1st though so that day might be a little busier.

 

[Microcell]

We have gone in September for the past four years, and though the crowds have gotten heavier as the years have gone by, it is still much better than June. The restaurants will be very busy, but the ride waits are not usually over 20 minutes, and that is for the really popular ones like Peter Pan, the mountains etc...

Soarin was 45 minutes usually in late September last year.

I have not been the first week, but we will be getting there the 5th, and I have heard that the parks really clear out after Labor Day.

Also, if you are plugging in dates that start around Labor Day weekend, then you will find booked up hotels, but I bet if you look at Sept 3 or something as a starting date availability will be greater.

 

[imthatgirl]

yes the resorts are crowded, and the restaurants are crowded, but the parks are sort of a medium crowd. but whats a medium crowd? well that means different things to different people. someone whos never been before will think its quite busy. someone who usually goes christmas week will love the short lines. its all subjective.
we also go about this time every year and in the past ive drove myself crazy worrying about the lines(im not saying you are, this is just me) but ive decided this year, it doesnt matter. we are going that week, if its busy we will still have fun, and i cant change it so ive stopped worrying. i now go knowing there will be lines.

oh and i forgot this part..i know its confusing, why if the resorts are sold out are the parks not busy. well bascally the resorts sell out most times of the year, but whats not at full capacity this time of year are the outside hotels. this time of year it benefits you to stay in the park, its value seson, plus theres great deals like 40%off or free dining.
then something that also helps with the parks is there are so many people dining. with free dining that means there are more people waiting for adrs and eating at them. it helps get them out of the park.

so all in all it wont be busting at the seems, but you arent going to find empty ques.

 

[brockash]

We have gone in September for the past four years, and though the crowds have gotten heavier as the years have gone by, it is still much better than June. The restaurants will be very busy, but the ride waits are not usually over 20 minutes, and that is for the really popular ones like Peter Pan, the mountains etc...

Soarin was 45 minutes usually in late September last year.

I have not been the first week, but we will be getting there the 5th, and I have heard that the parks really clear out after Labor Day.

Also, if you are plugging in dates that start around Labor Day weekend, then you will find booked up hotels, but I bet if you look at Sept 3 or something as a starting date availability will be greater.

Well that was a great idea! Thanks! I just checked, and they have availability from the 1st. Thanks again!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

We always go the week after labor day (arriving either Thur or Friday after Labor Day) and we usually walk onto the rides (restaurants however, are really packed). Also the hotel is probably not really sold out. When we stayed at POP, they didn't have ANYONE staying in 80s and 90s because they didn't need to open/staff those buildings. Meaning for you that they are probably holding back rooms that really are "available". Also, I know that value resorts are used as shelters for hurricanes...and you are going during hurricane season. They might be holding rooms for that. She could try to call closer to the trip. The people who have packages will have their final payments due in the next week so there might be more rooms opening up.

 

[tmills]

Glad to hear the crowds aren't horrible around Labor Day....we will be in WDW for our first trip, we arrive August 29th & will be there until Sept. 5th...hopefully the crowds won't be an issue!

 

[Jakesmom504]

I've heard it's crowded, but I've also heard it's not. We're going the same week [staying at PoP Century]. I would assume it won't be too busy since most schools have started up again. Labor day is the 1st though so that day might be a little busier.

Glad to hear the crowds aren't horrible around Labor Day....we will be in WDW for our first trip, we arrive August 29th & will be there until Sept. 5th...hopefully the crowds won't be an issue!

We are going Aug 30-Sept 6, also staying at POP! From everything I've read I'm just expecting Labor Day Weekend to be crowded and the rest of the week to be somewhat tame. Hopefully I'm not way off!

 

[Wannabinnc]

We have always gone in Nov and Dec, this is our first trip in Sept. We actually picked the day after Labor Day to arrive thinking the kids (up north here) go back to school on Wed. after. Like someone else said, it doesn't matter because we are still going!!! Yipeee

 

[Tammysue5]

We are going the same time!!! Aug. 29-Sept 5th! Yeah!!!

 

[erynsmom]

We are also going Aug 31-Sept 5 and staying at POR. It is good to hear that the lines won't be horribly long.

 

[saratogadreamin09]

if your going over labor day too try booking the room after lbor day and you'll see that's it's probably just for the weekend

 

[IndayMichelle]

Well during Value Season don't they take time to refurb rooms? You figure since it's supposedly slower that that's when they do it.

But I know you should keep checking. When people have a fairytale wedding they block rooms until a certain date. So they should be releasing rooms every day, as they have weddings pretty much every day.

I can't get a room at any of the resorts my DBFF blocked for her wedding because we're not using the wedding code but my DBF's CM discount. We might switch our ressie after they release her room block.