Good way to tell when crowds are low

[tigger2002]

The best way to tell when there will be low crowds is to look at the price of tickets. August 7th seven day ticket is $495, September 7th seven day ticket is $447. Does that make sense that the prices are lower because the crowds are lower?

 

[Upatnoon]

Disney only discounts when it has to.

September is hot, streamy and peak hurricane season.

Most schools are back in session. It's too early for snowbirds.

It has to be the slowest time of the year. You may get a bit of a labor day weekend bump, but that's it.

But bargain hunters watch out for reduced theme park hours and rides running at lower capacity.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

There are several defined seasons for ticket and resort prices that are clearly outlined and public info, you can search a variety of sites and find ticket prices for the year. But, in normal times, I'd say yes, that is normally a good indicator of demand/crowds but for 2021 and early 2022, I think all bets are off in that department. I think the only real assumption you can make about crowds that will hold is that it will be slightly less crowded when kids go back to school, especially the local school districts and that it will be more crowded around holidays. Outside of those assumptions, I think we are poised for good crowds through the next 6-12 months. And while low crowds is a subjective term, I think that WDW will remain healthy in terms of a full park for quite a while.

 

[theFoof]

Keep in mind that if you're looking at a ticket starting on Aug 7, that is a Saturday and therefore including 2 Saturdays in the price. Sept 7 is a Tuesday (granted right after labor day) so you only have one weekend fit in there. That's not to say the crowds won't be lower it's just not the only factor.

 

[Eastern]

Also, if you use a ticket price calculator/comparison tool, you may get a different price. Since the tickets are good for a range of starting dates, the calculator will start you on the cheapest day possible. So if you book a 7 day ticket, and the tickets are good for 10 days total, the calculator picks the cheapest day to 'start' your ticket. I don't think Disney website does this for you.

 

[MomOTwins]

Traditionally, mid-september is not too crowded because it still has summer weather, plus increased likelihood of hurricanes, plus is right after school starts but before fall breaks begin.

However, all bets are off this year because there are many who will want to avoid the 50th anniversary crowds that begin October, or see HEA one last time, etc., and people are comfortable traveling to theme parks more now that they are vaccinated. Plus, Disney's seasonal pricing actually help distribute crowds more throughout the year--it is not just the tickets, rooms are cheaper too (both cash rooms and DVC rooms rented/booked on points). So you get bargain hunters then too. The other thing to consider is that Disney often cuts back on staffing when parks aren't as busy, so that can keep wait times higher even though crowds are shorter (e.g., rides like space or big thunder that normally have two loading areas will only have one running) .

I think crowds THIS september will be lower than they are currently, and lower than Oct when the anniversary happens, but higher than most septembers.