Memorial Day Weekend or September?

[fitgirlFL]

We are trying to decide when to book a short trip and would appreciate any thoughts on timing. Right now we're looking at either checking in Wednesday before Memorial day weekend, leaving on Friday night before the holiday weekend, or going in September at really at time during that month.

We will be staying at POP, as we have a couple of free nights to take advantage of. I didn't see any availability during the start of May - only right before Memorial day. Which is why I'm looking at that week. I guess I'm just hesitant because I'm worried the holiday weekend will mean it's crazy busy in the parks. And I kind of wanted to get my Disney fix sooner than later lol - but we can wait till September if it would mean it won't be as hectic. I'm also considering whether the heat will be worse in May or September.

Would you go right before Memorial day for two nights? Or just wait till September? We have Fl resident Silver passes so we're blacked out all summer and can't get into the parks then - so it's end of May or wait till Fall. And I can't decide lol.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I vote September, particularly early September.

Pros are ‘typically’ one of the fewer somewhat slower periods (although earlier MNSSHP parties/F&W and a stronger economy eat into those trends every year), generally cheaper resort rates, depending on your dates you can usually catch a MNSSHP if of interest to you.

Cons are it’s hot (like blistering, surface of the sun hot) and hurricanes can be a concern. A small concern, but a concern none-the-less.

Memorial Day is probably a touch busier on average (start of summer vacations for some parts of the US) and hot but not August/Sept hot. No major festivals going on then.

Probably just shades of grey in terms of major differences one way of the other.

Happy planning!

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I’d pick May just for the heat factor, but you may not be able to get certain ADRs this close, if you wanted them. September will be less crowded, but much hotter, and I can’t take that heat (that’s why we go in Nov/Dec)

 

[AFwifelife]

We are doing both this year lol. We are going 5/21-5/25. I'm expecting it to be slightly crowded but since we are also leaving right before Memorial Day weekend, I don't think it's going to be ridiculous. So far I've had no problems getting the ADRs we want (made these plans less than 180 in advance). Also going for the weekend of 9/14-9/16 to celebrate my/my son's birrthdays. I love going in September because crowd level is always much lower and I love the Florida heat that scares everyone away (I'm also a Floridian).

So really, not much help from me. If you want to get the absolute most out of your trip, September might be a better time (although our weekend is showing two possible MNNSHPs so that can cut into park time).

 

[SCSteve]

I vote for September. Years back it was my preferred time to visit as it had lower crowds. Now all times is crowded, but I think September will be less crowded than Memorial Day Weekend and the weather (should) be better in September also.

 

[ml sumner]

I vote for May. We went last year at that time and the weather was so much better than our previous fall trip. I felt the crowds were not as bad either.

 

[Elsaspiritanimal]

Also consider if seeing the new Toy Story Land is a factor for you. September you would be able to see that as well.

 

[MMR76]

I think it depends on what you would like to do. Epcot will still be hosting Flower & Garden during your May dates. Toy Story Land will not open until June, so you would have to wait until September to experience that. We are heading to WDW in May for our 5th time. We have always gone around the same time, sometime between May 18-June 2nd. The crowds are big but not what I would call crazy. The weather is hot but not unbearable and there was little rain.

 

[SarahC97]

I went last year the week of Labor Day and it was great, much less crowded than any other time I've been. But it is, as others have said, really hot. Satan's armpit hot. But the crowds kind of make up for it because you can actually navigate the parks without being shoulder to shoulder with people for the most part. I vote September!

 

[Airb330]

Memorial Day Weekend has been relatively light crowd-wise IMO the past few years. Labor Day, I'd have to say, we we're also pleasantly surprised by the crowds. I think Labor Day may be slightly less crowded. However, it rains much more in September and there is also the threat of tropical weather. Tough call but I enjoy MDW.

 

[Donalyn]

I'd say May, if you get out before the holiday weekend. People are less likely to take their kids out of school right before it gets out (and a lot of schools are still in season that week before), or they are dealing with end of school year issues. And should be better weather.

 

[anniemae]

May. The weather is beautiful.

Sept is very very hot humid and uncomfortable. It is hurricane season and rains a lot.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

Weather was better in May for us but the crowds were better in September. We didn't have any rain that interfered with any plans in September but it was hot and humid the entire trip.

 

[Airb330]

Weather was better in May for us but the crowds were better in September. We didn't have any rain that interfered with any plans in September but it was hot and humid the entire trip.

This summarizes my May (3x trips) and September (2x) experiences as well. Weather is better in May, crowds are likely better in September.

 

[nkereina]

Another vote for May. May still stands to be hot, but maybe not quite as humid and oppressive as September. September also has a higher probability of rain. We were there just before Labor Day last year and it rained almost daily and for long periods of time. I've gotten to the point where weather is more important to me than crowds, since there is not much of a "low crowd" season anymore.