Off Season...

[fonsy]

I'm planning on going to WDW during off season time. But now i'm having doubts. Someone told me that this wasn't a good time to go because many attractions and the parades, or other shows are closed during this time of year. Is this true? This will be my first trip, and my disneymoon, first time for my future DH too, so we don't want to get excited about something that's going to be closed.

 

[AKLRULZ]

Off season touring is a fabulous time to go! There typically aren't that many attractions down - check the Disney website and plan ahead!

 

[sukhakuli]

Off season is the best! We went in Sept. one year, and the park was practically empty. We walked on to almost all of the rides. IMO there aren't enough closures to keep it from being worth your while. The parks do close earlier, and in Sept this was a bit of an issue because it was HOT, so you'd have to spend the heat of the day in the park. But we're going in Jan. this year and that won't be an issue.

 

[Lizziejane]

Biggest advantage of off-season is the crowd level. You can expect to spend far less time standing in lines than, say, if you went in July or August, or heaven forbid, Christmas time. We've always gone in January and never had a problem with parades or fireworks - they still go on despite the fact that it's a little cooler. The weather in January is "iffy" - expect anything. But to be honest, I'd rather tour with the temperature in the low 60's than high 90's and humid, but of course, everyone is different.

Rehabs of rides can happen all year round, but realistically, the most logicial time from their perspective, I suppose, is off-season. This January, Splash Mountain is down and rurmors of R&R coaster (but not sure if that's confirmed or a rumor). On our previous trips, everything was up and running, this is our first experience with a major ride being closed. You will always run the risk of rides breaking down - and that happens quite regularly. I have yet to experience Spaceship Earth without a breakdown occuring (last time I was stuck on it for 20 minutes!). Same thing for TT.

 

[daisyduck123]

That is the best time to go!! We only go during the school year & pull the kids out of school. The only time we missed any good rides was January (BUZZ was in rehab) & this past May (POTC was in rehab) but that always gives us something to look forward to for our next trip!!

 

[Poohbear123]

There's and "Off Season"? Everytime I go, its CROWDED!

 

[fonsy]

Thanks to all of u for posting. I'm more confident now. And as someone said before, if I find some attraction not working, then, that's something to look forward in the future. I'm happy now

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have gone many years right after Thanksgiving, traditionally the slowest time of the year. All the parades run, though Spectro is limited in its days, typically Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. Park hours are shorter than peak times, but can be as the crowds are so much less. Some of the food carts may not be in use either. But for the most part, everything is as 'nomal'. Enjoy.

 

[goofie4goofy]

We always go during "low season" and like others have said, nothing is really closed, but may be more limited. Who cares???? Most everything is walk on, the restaurants are peaceful, you have your choice of resort rooms at the lowest price, there is no pushing shoving or long waits and the bathrooms are really clean We usually go 2-3rd week of Sept ( will be there this time next week) and even though it still may be hot and humid, it is not the blasting heat of July or August. We rode Buzz last year 3X without getting off the ride, we walked right on to Splash. Due to the low crowd levels we are done for the day by 4-4:30 which gives us time to relax back at the resort and go out for a great dinner or out to the MK for Spectro/Wishes.

OH yeah...low season really sucks.....NOT!

 

[Karnak]

It is very difficult to find an "off season" anymore. Seems like there's always some sort of "Disney celebration," "anniversary," or "birthday party," going on at WDW. Or there's some special group gathering at various times of the year: "PopWarner," "Corporate business meetings," "Cheerleaders" and "Jr. Sports Days," or "Gay Days." Not to mention Disney events like "Food & Wine Festival," etc.

"Off season," in my humble opinion, is a thing of the past. But all those events help to keep WDW healthy and running well. So, plan accordingly, and expect crowds no matter which time of the year you choose to visit.

Enjoy.

 

[Cool-Beans]

We go often in winter months. I don't really notice more closures, but some rides open later than others. All the parades run every day (except Spectro, but they post it on the website, you can plan accordingly.) I can't think of any show that isn't running, except that the Poly Luau doesn't go if it is too cold...if it is a concern, book the earlier show (temps keep going down in the evenings!)

The difference between summer and winter is night and day. No crowds, pretty much walk on to everything except the biggie rides. The stores are browse-able. You can walk around the park easily, without having to weave through people, or getting banged into by anyone.

When there aren't so many people around, it is easier to notice the beautiful landscaping or little details that you would just miss when surrounded by bodies.

The parks close earlier, but you can stay in the park longer in the morning because it isn't so hot and crowded. Shorter mid-day breaks are fine when you aren't worn out from racing around trying to beat the crowd and being in the heat.

Waits are shorter everywhere - for the security lines, to get in to a park, for the monorail, at a restaurant, to pay for merchandise. Even less traffic.

And you do not have to deal with that oppressive and unrelenting heat/humidity. That alone is reason enough to go at a down time.

To me, it seems everything is easier and more pleasant in the winter months.

eta: Oh, and congratulations on your up-coming nuptials!

 

[Poohbear123]

It is very difficult to find an "off season" anymore. Seems like there's always some sort of "Disney celebration," "anniversary," or "birthday party," going on at WDW. Or there's some special group gathering at various times of the year: "PopWarner," "Corporate business meetings," "Cheerleaders" and "Jr. Sports Days," or "Gay Days." Not to mention Disney events like "Food & Wine Festival," etc.

"Off season," in my humble opinion, is a thing of the past. But all those events help to keep WDW healthy and running well. So, plan accordingly, and expect crowds no matter which time of the year you choose to visit.

Enjoy.

I feel the same way, especially when they have that "free dining" promo! Feb=POP Warner/Dance kids...May=Flower and Garden and free dining...Aug=Summer crowds and free dining....Nov=SSW and Jersey Week and other things...Dec=MVMCP.. all crowded times for me.

 

[goofie4goofy]

I feel the same way, especially when they have that "free dining" promo! Feb=POP Warner/Dance kids...May=Flower and Garden and free dining...Aug=Summer crowds and free dining....Nov=SSW and Jersey Week and other things...Dec=MVMCP.. all crowded times for me.

Believe me there are windows in between there, I know this for a fact.
From reading these boards, I have been able to fine tune our trips. We are going again this December....after the taping of the Christmas Parade and all that other stuff and we are out of there on the 15th, just as everyone else is checking in. We literally had the Osbourne Lights all to ourselves...there were no crowds. We went to MVMCP and had a great time...5-10 min waits and no crowds or lines for cocoa and cookies. We went on a week night. I had read some nightmare stories about the parties, but it did not happen to us. The only ride we waited for was Soarin' and that was 20 minutes. Everything else was walk on or 5 min.

The same is for September. We are going before F&WF, between MNNSHP and before any new celebration. I have found it best to check in on a Sunday and leave on a Saturday. Weekends are never part of our trip. We go every September and it is empty. Last year we were even upgraded to a suite at the GF!

Free dining does not affect the crowd levels in the parks. It just affects some popular TS restaurant reservations. These windows of opportunity exist because most people going to WDW have children in school. Even with free dining, most parents will not take their kids out of school for a vacation. So the busy days will be over weekends and days off from school.

The week before Thanksgiving is total Deadsville too...same as September.

In May it is very quiet for a 2 week period as well even during the Garden and flower festival. We walked around EPCOT and saw very few people.

We have never ever waited on a line longer than 20 minutes in all our trips to WDW (nearing 60). So it is possible, even today to have WDW to yourself...well almost.

 

[winterman]

I'm planning on going to WDW during off season time. But now i'm having doubts. Someone told me that this wasn't a good time to go because many attractions and the parades, or other shows are closed during this time of year. Is this true? This will be my first trip, and my disneymoon, first time for my future DH too, so we don't want to get excited about something that's going to be closed.

We have been to WDW 8 times. Only once was not in 'off season' - that was early August - hot and crowded. We haven't done that again. But what do you mean by 'off season'? I mean what time are you looking at? You would get much better info if you were more specific. Also the disney web site lists what attractions are planned to be closed. If you know ahead of time it is much easier to deal with.

 

[juligrl]

What's not to love about off-season? Parades happen, just not every night. EMH end at a reasonable hour to still make morning EMH's the next day. Lines are either nonexistant or significantly shorter than during peak crowds. Resorts are cheaper. Shall I continue?

 

[goofie4goofy]

Anyone doubting the LOW season check out the new thread named Just Back! Update on Crowds....

This is the only way we have ever seen WDW

 

[Poohbear123]

Anyone doubting the LOW season check out the new thread named Just Back! Update on Crowds....

This is the only way we have ever seen WDW

I have a trip planned for Oct. 17 at Epcot to see Little Richard, I will let you know "how Crowded" it is than. I am also going Nov. 9-13th and Dec. 2-5th hope its not too crowded than.

 

[tacomaranch]

Honestly, it is such a long trip and so expensive that we only go during low season. I just can't do a value so we are always looking for a good rate on the mods'. Of season is perfect for us.

 

[outlander]

as others have said 'off season' can mean different times. though unforeen things can happen, you can keep tabs on what will be undergoing renovation/refurbishment through the disney site.

good luck and have fun whenever you go!

 

[goofie4goofy]

I have a trip planned for Oct. 17 at Epcot to see Little Richard, I will let you know "how Crowded" it is than. I am also going Nov. 9-13th and Dec. 2-5th hope its not too crowded than.

In Dec you have the Pop Warner (till the 9th) and I also think that the taping of the Christmas Parade with Regis and Kelly is around Dec 3rd and that takes 3 days, but it is in the MK. The crowds should not be bad, but don't expect it to be like what you see in the pics. The crowd level really elevates starting the 15th...it goes from moderate to insane.

Nov 9-13 should be really quiet and much cooler as it is before Thanksgiving.