March versus September

[Monkeyfeet]

We have always gone in March and line waits have been well over an hour to two hours for attractions like Splash, Peter Pan, Soarin' etc.

We've always gone with a well thought out plan and never waited in those lines.

We are planning to bring our kids for a week Sept 19th. I know that is a quieter time of year. But for one that has only gone in March, how will going at that time in September compare?

We've only been able to go a few days here and there over the years. So I just am trying to research if we are making the right decision to go then for a week.

Also, with it being quieter, will some of the rides be under refurbishment?

Thank you!

 

[DisneyCAL]

We went third week of September this past year. It was hot, but not unbearable. Most lines were under 30 minute with some being walk-ons between 9am open and 2pm. Then we took a break and enjoyed swimming. We had two days that were rainy but still doable. Although when we went, food and wine hadn't started so that could change things. The only downside I saw to September was the threat of hurricane activity and being glued to the weather channel worrying, even though nothing happened. I've gone in March years ago and the weather was better but the crowds much worse, although that was under a different FP system. The only rides under refurb was pirates of caribbean and liberty tree was closed.

 

[Volfan1]

Wait times will be a lot less in September. Sept is usually the least crowded month in the World, but as the previous poster stated it all changes once Food and Wine starts.

 

[Monkeyfeet]

thank you!

 

[sharonabe]

and if historic trends continue, you may be eligible for free dining, which CAN be a huge discount, depending on the make up of your party and where you like to stay.

 

[Paigesmom2013]

We went first week of September two years ago. The crowds were low but the heat and humidity was awful. (The worst was SeaWorld and baking in the stands waiting for a show to start.) But if heat doesn't bother you, most rides were walk on.

 

[kathy884]

March used to be my favorite time too, but the place has just gotten more and more popular, and for Disney parks in particular, it's just more crowded than I like. I don't like heat and humidity, though, so while good from a crowd perspective, I personally wouldn't consider September. I'm taking a chance (due to my son now being in college and having a long winter break with spring semesters not starting until after MLK) and going mid January between the Disney marathon and the MLK holiday. Now I may have the opposite problem of September -- weather may be colder than I like. Still I can always put on more layers of clothing. In summer or September the only place I really like is the water, so I end up spending most of my time at the pool, waterparks, and beaches. I just really don't like going to theme parks and walking around in the heat and humidity.

 

[senadler]

As everyone has said, very different from a weather perspective. I think if you can plan to get to the parks early, you can get much more done than you can with the March crowds. Plan to spend more time at the pool or water parks in the afternoon, and hope for the best in terms of rain. While we have done a trip in September, I much prefer mid October for lower temps and less humidity.

 

[klove]

We had rain like I have never seen rain before for our only Sept trip. But it was still a blast. We bought new shoes, got wet, and still went home saying "best trip ever!" Our last trip was the 1st week of March, and I think that's my favorite time to go (or it could be just that whenever I come home we all are saying "best trip ever!" because it's Disney!) The big off season refurbs were over, the crazy spring break crowds hadn't started and we came home to the tail end of winter which was easy to deal with. Enjoy whenever you go!