Off-Season (mid Sept) Touring Plans

[JuJuJasmine]

I've read the Unofficial Guide. I've been lurking (and posting!) for long time now. I've got Deb, Mary and Dave's sites as favorites and hit them frequently.

We're going Sept 14-18th before leaving for the cruise. No holidays, no big events scheduled at WDW for these days.

I know...
There are things to not be missed
There is only so much time in a day
Kids get tired and need "down-time"

So here's the $50,000 question -
Do I really need a touring plan in the off-season?

All comments - pro and con - graciously accepted.
THANKS!
JuJu

 

[tc]

We have been early to mid September the last three years in a row, and, IMHO, you don't really need a plan. There's only two of us, but we've never needed PS's for sit-down restaurants. We only used Fastpass a couple of times. I like to know when Spectro is playing and MK fireworks, but, for the most part, we just wing it.

Have fun!

 

[dturner]

I was there at that exact time last year and before we left I had this itinerary I made up and I didn't even look at it while I was there. The crowds are nil, saw everything that I wanted to which was most of all 4 parks, the only thing I kept to was which park I visited on which day, other than that I really don't think you need to plan each day or anything like that. I had my 6 year old and we went to the parks early, left at about 1-2 everyday for pool time and was back at the parks by 5-6.

Have a great time, I'm going back but at the end of September this year, hoping it's a little cooler which I doubt.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Personally, I'd make PS's just to be on the safe side. At least for anything iffy (R&C for Illuminations comes to mind, or breakfast at the Castle). I'd also know ahead that Saturday in the MK in September bucks the "no crowd" trend.

Beyond that? You'll do whatever you want. I think I used one fast pass last September (ToT), and DW ran down the stanby line for kicks and we ended up in the same elevator. We walked on Splash Mountain. Twice.

September's rule.

Pat

 

[donna in Oz]

Not sure if crowds will be any heavier this year than usual, since the FairyTale Pkg and the military package are being offered. It's possible, though, so you may want to at least have in mind your "Don't Miss" attractions.

And I think it helps to plan a little for MGM; since there are so many shows with set times, it can be difficult to work them all in if you are wandering aimlessly throughout the day.

If you need a link for show times at MGM, try this:

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm

 

[JuJuJasmine]

Thanks, All...
dturner - my tentative plan sounds like your vacation! If it works that way for our gang, i'll be in disney heaven!

I just can't comprehend 25,000 people. Even if it is traditionally "slow", that's still a lot of folks.

I want so much for this to be perfect...but don't want to make myself (or my DS's or DH) crazy in the process.

Doin' that Double Digit Dance,
Respectfully,
JuJu

 

[lentesta]

Hey JJJ,

Let me know what attractions you're interested in seeing (say, at the MK) and I'll tell you how much time a touring plan might save you. It really depends on the attractions you're interested in seeing.

Sincerely,

Len

 

[JuJuJasmine]

Len - thanks for the offer!
I'll get my notes together and send you a PM over the weekend.
Ju