OK, does anyone go in Sept.?

[momnum1]

As I read through the posts, I'm wondering if anyone goes to the parks during the month of Sept. Is it the weather, or what? We'll hopefully be there at this time next year (Nov. is our other option) and even though I don't like crowds that much, a few people is always nice. Besides, AAA rates are pretty good for this time of year!

 

[MScott1851]

We always go in September, and it is NEVER crowded. Hotels are cheaper, airfare is cheaper, and we love it.

I'll put it this way....last Thursday afternoon, we rode several rides two to three times in a row WITHOUT getting off the ride!

 

[momnum1]

Do you stay on-site? If so, do you think it's worth the $$? It doesn't sound like you have to use FOTL at all.

 

[MScott1851]

We always stay onsite...I like being able to walk to the parks, I love all three of the Loews hotels, and FOTL still comes in handy on non-crowded days as far as I'm concerned. I don't even like to wait ten minutes. On weekends and pretty days, you can still get up to a 60 minute wait time to things like the Hulk, Spiderman, etc. We've never been to Universal that we didn't stay on site, so I have nothing to compare it to, and I don't plan on finding out.

The Universal Express entrances often let you skip most of the queue even if there is no line. You don't have to wind around and up and down and back up to get to the ride. A lot of times, you'll head through a door and up a walkway and BOOM, you're at the loading area. I love it.

 

[momnum1]

Thanks for the input. We've only stayed on-site too, and I feel the same way. I actually have res. for Nov.(2006) as well, just in case the weather isn't that great. Have you ever had really bad weather that time of year?

 

[MScott1851]

September is still very hot. It averaged 90 degrees while we were there, and it has been that way every year. We always go the week of the 21st, it is our anniversary. We live in Memphis, so you know the weather is very similar this time of year in Orlando...I can imagine someone who isn't used to the heat and humidity might find September still unbearable. There were showers most afternoons, but we just put on our ponchos and go on. In fact, the day we rode stuff over and over, it had came a monsoon, and continued to drizzle off and on. IMHO, it was the best day we've ever had at Universal. The pic in my signature was taken that day...we even went to Typhoon Lagoon that morning and had a blast, riding things over and over and over. The rain was our friend!

We are tentatively going to go at the end of February next year, trying to avoid Presidents' weekend, but go before the Spring Breakers start. I think it will be fine...it might be nice to wear jeans or a windsuit and not sweat to beat the band the whole trip. I can live without water rides.

 

[ksdave]

We went in September twice and loved it both times. We stayed at Portofino and practically had the Beach Pool to ourselves. This was so great that I told my wife, if we win the Powerball jackpot this week, I'm building a duplicate of this pool in my new backyard, bar and all!!
Seriously, September is awesome because the weather is still warm, but the parks are very empty. The ONLY negative is that there are usually a few attractions down for maintenance.

 

[robvia]

No one goes in September because kids have just gone back to school.

If you don't have kids, then go and take advantage of the light crowds.

February is the other month with light crowds. Most think it's still winter, but temps are 55 for the low, and 75 in the afternoon.

 

[momnum1]

Thanks for the info! Anyone know how far in advance you can get a refurbishment(sp?) schedule? I thought Nov. was a nice time to go, but cold once the sun went down. I don't mind the heat, but the humidity would probably get me!!