Is a touring plan necessary for late Sept?

[bettybeth]

It looks like late September is lower attendance month, even with the free dining plan. Am I naive to think that we can get by without following any touring plans? It would be nice to just wing it and still not have to worry about lines!

 

[Glendamax]

I usually go to WDW in September as well, but I do plan the entire trip. I think it's better to have a plan and don't need it, than the reverse. Last year, some of the restaurants were fully booked, and I was glad that I had reservations. This year I'm using http://touringplans.com/BestDays.htm to plan which parks I will attend on certain days, since it worked well for me last year.

 

[bettybeth]

thanks Glenda.... bumping for more replies.

 

[princess aurora]

This time of year can have a little more opportunity to "winging it" but you're probably better off with just a basic plan/guideline regardless of what time of year you go. It just helps you see the things you want to see!

 

[Aristomommy]

It's true that late September is a great time to go. We have gone two times the last week of September and each time the lines are not too long and we were able to do so much more than in the summer months. But you do need a general plan to get the most out of your trip. We used early entry to Magic Kingdom and were able to do all Fantasyland attractions before the park officially opened. Certain rides like Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan had long lines later on in the day. At MGM we went to RR and ToT and got those out of the way. Animal Kingdom will be different now with EE, because we would do Safari first.
So at all the parks, do the headliners first and you will not have long lines to worry about.
Also with the free dining offer, the restaurants are going to be busy. Get your ADRs since some restaurants may not take walk-ins. Let me know if you have specific questions that I might help you with.

 

[wdwlvr629]

I would highly recommend going w/ a touring plan. Although the crowd levels are usually low at that time of year, w/ the free dining, I think you'll find it rather crowded. I would recommend getting your ADRs set up right at the 180 day mark. Happy planning!

 

[kizmac]

I would highly recommend going w/ a touring plan. Although the crowd levels are usually low at that time of year, w/ the free dining, I think you'll find it rather crowded. I would recommend getting your ADRs set up right at the 180 day mark. Happy planning!

I agree with wdwlvr totally. Crowds will be heavier with free dining. Not terrible.... but a touring plan will be a good thing. We almost always go in Sept. and it was more crowded last year during free dining. We have NEVER gone with an itinerary before and last year I was worried so I joined TGM....made a schedule for everyday and it worked fabulous. We hardly waited in line and got to do everything we wanted and then some. You can always resort to loosey-goosey when you get there. What is crowded to someone can be not so crowded to another. Do make those ADRS for sure.

 

[mickeysaver]

September 2002....had a handful of ADR's and it worked out well....mostly unnecessary.

December 2003....a few more ADR's and it worked out well.....tourism up.....and even in low season, most were necessary.

December 2005....more ADR's than ever, wish that I had made more.....still a low season trip, but TS meals required a plan...partially due to the increased popularity of the Candelight Processional package and the Fantasmic dinner package, but it was a Free dining period.

If I were you, going during a Free dining period, I would make some ADR's. I would make a basic park touring plan. It will be hot and humid. Plan to drink lots of fluids....don't go on a commando park tour.....and be prepared to take it easier due to the heat, frequent rain, and the fact that you should have lower crowds.

Happy planning. Maggie

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

You won't need a full plan. But you will still need to get to the parks at opening, know what 2-3 rides to hit first for your situation and know your basic principles of fastpass usage.

 

[debbiepump]

Sept 29 kicks off the Food and Wine Festival. From the crowds we encountered last year (early October), I'd highly recommend a plan as well as ADR's. Low crowds? Ask the folks who can't find rooms as DVC members!