Second Week of September Crowds

[shanethesaint88]

Hey guys and gals, was just wondering if anyone knows how the crowds were around mid September last year. Trying to gauge how crowded the parks will be for our upcoming trip September 9-17th. I've never been anytime besides during the spring and summer so I don't know how the crowds are during the fall. I've seen a few crowd calendars and they have very low numbers, 1-3s, for the entire week but I find that hard to believe. So what do y'all think?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hey guys and gals, was just wondering if anyone knows how the crowds were around mid September last year. Trying to gauge how crowded the parks will be for our upcoming trip September 9-17th. I've never been anytime besides during the spring and summer so I don't know how the crowds are during the fall. I've seen a few crowd calendars and they have very low numbers, 1-3s, for the entire week but I find that hard to believe. So what do y'all think?

My favorite time of year to go, personally. I would go every year during the first two weeks of September if I could. Parks are generally less crowded (note, I didn't say not crowded) than any other time of year. It's hot, but the trade off for the slightly less crowds is a big benefit.

But, things are a tad different this year. F&W starts much earlier, whereas it has been closer to the third week of Sept in the past. For a couple of recent years I went in that Labor Day-start of F&W window and I thought it was great. Curious to see how things are this year with both F&W and MNSSHP starting much earlier.

 

[shanethesaint88]

My favorite time of year to go, personally. I would go every year during the first two weeks of September if I could. Parks are generally less crowded (note, I didn't say not crowded) than any other time of year. It's hot, but the trade off for the slightly less crowds is a big benefit.

But, things are a tad different this year. F&W starts much earlier, whereas it has been closer to the third week of Sept in the past. For a couple of recent years I went in that Labor Day-start of F&W window and I thought it was great. Curious to see how things are this year with both F&W and MNSSHP starting much earlier.

Thank you! I'm hoping that the crowds will still be pretty light! That would be a great trade off for the heat like you mentioned

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Been there at that time for the last several years.
Great time to go.
Can be a little hot.
Parks and water parks are great to enjoy with the low crowds.

 

[barbliny]

The Jewish holidays have some effect on the crowds in September and October.

I googled it, and Rosh Hashanah falls on the last 2 days of the week following your trip. In most public school districts in NY - and I'm sure other states - those 2 days close the schools. A lot of people use the shortened weeks to take their kids out of school to get a trip to Disney during non-peak times (yes, I did it quite a few times when my children were in the first few years of school).

So, there may be a bump in the crowds for the week of Rosh Hashanah - which would include the last weekend of your trip. Not crowded, but numbers will be up from a typical mid-September week.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

We went that week last year and it was great. I think the 2s and 3s of today are like the 5s of the past, but it's all relative. Crowds were easy, especially in the early mornings. Wishes at MK on non-party nights was insanity- wall to wall with pushing and shoving people. Other than that it was fab.

 

[mcurran]

Best time to go. Went last year same time. Though increased chance for more rainout days (more than a passing afternoon storm) but it's worth it. Epcot food and wine and mnsshp.

 

[stink]

We'll be there same time. Hoping for light crowds and lots of sunshine !

 

[scrapquitler]

We are likely going that week as well. We went that week two years ago, and did run into an unexpected (by me) bump in the crowds the last two days we were there because of the Jewish Holiday. It wasn't a huge crowd, but a bit more than the previous days had been and it caught me a bit off guard. I don't know how that is going to fall this year.

 

[wdw4rfam]

We go the first 2 weeks every year also. Last year we went 1-11th, this year 10-20. It's the best time for crowds that we have found. The weather on the other hand......

 

[anniemae]

One of the best times to go. Right after Labor Day all kids are back in school, basically the first two weeks of Sept are great. Hot but great.

 

[shanethesaint88]

I'm really glad everyone is saying the crowds will be light! That is really getting me excited. I can deal with the heat. I worked at Disney World all summer in 2015, mostly outside. So I'm fine there. The crowds though were my worry. Glad to hear all of this

 

[joenan88]

I am taking my daughter and 5 friends to Disney World for her Sweet 16 9/22-25th. I am from NY and our schools are out 9/21-22- so the reply above is correct that people will use that to get away. The weekend we are traveling I am hoping for light crowds, as well. We have been to Disney many times over new years, school breaks and summer- I am sure compared to those trips this should be easy! Enjoy your trip!!!!

 

[francie57]

Just know that Epcot will be much busier on the weekend with local residents coming in for the Food and
Wine and plan yours days at Epcot accordingly.