Less crowded - after Labor day, early Dec, or Jan?

[TammyC]

I would love to have your opinions on which time might be less crowded so we can plan another trip before DS starts school. We visited in early December 2003. I would not say that it was crowded, but it did actually seem busier than when we visited in February 2000. Also, which months do you tend to see better (on-site) hotel rates? Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts.

 

[Deb in IA]

I don't know about Dec or Sept, but you may want to avoid the Disney World Marathon in January. About 20,000 runners alone!! Needless to say, it's pretty crowded that weekend.

 

[nasmith]

September (except Labor day weekend) is VERY slow at WDW - much less crowded than early December - about the same as January (except Marathon weekend). For example - My son and I ate at Ohana's last Sept. - window seat, with a view of the fireworks - and the restaurant was only half-full during fireworks!

Weather could be a consideration - Sept. might be hot, and January might be cold - Depends what you are looking for (swimming? etc.) . As far as room rates go - both are "Value" season - but last year, there were no discount codes offered for Sept.(except for specific -state residents) (although there have been in years past).

 

[Uncleromulus]

Our trips are frequently in Sept. after Labor Day and it's always been quite manageable crowd-wise and the weather is fine. Our early December trip was only a bit less crowded--but it was cooler. But there are all those Xmas decorations up--!!

 

[Chattyaholic]

When DH and I go to Disney it's always in January (during the week, not on a weekend) and there are never any crowds. No need for "fast pass." In fact, on e-ticket night (we stayed at the Contemporary) when we rode "Pirates of the Caribbean" we were the ONLY people on the ride!!

And when we rode Thunder Mountain Railroad they let us stay on for another ride, since it wasn't crowded at all. It was GREAT!!

During the day it was warm enough for shorts and t-shirt, but after dark we put on jeans and sweatshirts. Still lots of fun!!

January is our FAVORITE time of the year to go. And it's "off season" for hotel rates too.

 

[mickeymo]

Our last trip to Disney World, we arrived the day after Labor Day, the parks were empty during that week following Labor Day. The biggest example, 5 minutes before the mk parade, we found a curbside spot in front of the castle!

Last minute character lunch in the land ended up being the best meal we had - we were the only ones in the revolving restaurant, so Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale spent lots of time with us. (It's been 5 years too long - can't remember the name of the restaurant...)

I also remember being the first ones on pirates at 10:10, thinking it wasn't open yet...

Yes, the weather was hot. We stayed in the fw cabins. Could refill and freeze water bottles. Worked great!