How Crazy is Labor Day Weekend?

[JaxDad]

I had some schedule changes, and I'm now thinking of going to IOA and US next weekend instead of my currently planned weekend trip at the end of September. The kids will be out of school Monday, so I would get an extra night and day out of the trip. I would also have longer opening times for US, since it will be before HHN. Although it would be more expensive overall, it should be worth it to have the extra time (this may be our last trip with our APs.) Anyway, how crazy will it be on Labor Day weekend? The crowd calendars don't look too bad, except potentially at US on Sunday. We will have EPs.

Bonus Question: How is Portofino compared to Royal Pacific, as far as getting to/from the parks, resort food choices, and pool experience for the kids (10 and 13)?

I've done some research, but I would appreciate hearing your experience. Thanks!

 

[biochemgirl]

I have not been for this particular weekend and am about to find out We will be staying during the week and leaving Saturday night (Sept 2). I based the decision to travel during this time on needing one more use from our APs, using EP for part of the time and we will squeeze in a Halloween party over at the Magic Kingdom.

Especially with EP on your side, it should be fine.

Oh and you'll get one more chance to ride Dragon Challenge if you go over Labor Day. It closes soon, Sept 5, I think?

 

[JaxDad]

Great point on Dragon Challenge! It is one of my son's favorites.

 

[kohlby]

I went that weekend before but I can't remember if we just did Disney or if we squeezed in a day or two of Universal - I think it was two years ago but there's a chance it was three years ago. The crowds weren't nearly as bad as I expected. Most kids have had school already start so it's just the locals. Some of the locals try to avoid the heat and most don't stay all day, so that helps. However, Dragons closing could raise crowd levels. But since you will have express, I wouldn't worry about - you'll be fine either way.

As for RPR and Portofino, My kids liked both. I have done Portofino twice recently but it's been a while since I did RPR. (It was during the time rooms were being refurbed). So, I don't remember about the ease of getting to the parks compared. I want to say Portofino seemed like a longer boat ride though. Neither was hard. As far as resort food, my youngest is picky and there wasn't much he would eat at RPR. We haven't had a chance to eat at most places at Portofino. We did do Sal's pizza there once and that worked out well. As for the pool, they liked pools at both places. Remember too that you're allowed to resort hop to try out the other pools. (We did this to HRH once. They liked RPR pool much better than HRH for some reason. I'm not sure why. We've stayed at CB before and those pools worked out great for them).

 

[macraven]

My opinion is the Labor Day holiday period is less crowded than the other holiday periods at the darkside

Now it can have crowds at some points but nothing compared to the other holiday times throughout the year

Waits would not be a reason to avoid going then

 

[heidi8]

There are private events in Diagon Alley after hours each night next week, too, but those are after hours & shouldn't impact the days much.

 

[JaxDad]

Thanks for the feedback everybody! I just committed to going this weekend. A club level room at RPR came open, and I decided to go for it. I never stayed at club level at any of the resorts, and I'm looking forward to it. The times they have food and alcohol match our general touring style pretty well, so hopefully I will maximize the benefits!

So, @heidi8, can you get me into those private events in Diagon Alley?!