Sept '04 trip-Which week would be lest crowded?

[mlbretscher]

I've gone back and forth trying to decided when to go to WDW for our first family trip. After reading several posts here, I now feel comfortable pulling the kids out of school for a week in September '04. I am now wondering, however, which week in Sept would be the best (ie: least crowded). I assume that 9/6/04-6/11/04 would not be good as 9/6/04 is Labor Day and people might take that week to stay. Also, I would like to avoid the Night of Joy crowd, does anyone know what day that is next year? Are there any other events that are usually held in Sept. each year that might effect the crowds? Thus, I am looking at 9/13-9/18/04, or 9/20-9/25/04 or 9/27-10/2/04 - when would you chose to go? Thanks for your help!

 

[swilphil]

I think I would go 9/13-9/18. I don't know the schedule of events, but the earlier in Sept. the more likely rides will be up and running. Also as a teacher, the earlier in the school year you pull the kids out, the less they will miss. Those first few weeks of school are a lot of review any way.

 

[merrily]

I agree with swilphil that 9/13-18 would be best. We went around that time frame last year. The crowds were minimal and most ride waits were 10 min or less. Lots of time we just walked on to things and arrived at shows about 10 minutes before they started. It was VERY hot during that time and the parks close early (around 6) but since there were no lines we had more than enough time to do everything and then spend the evening relaxing in the pool. I took my then 2nd and 5th graders out of school. They did not miss anything that they could not be quickly caught up on. Happy trip planning!

 

[JustHolly]

Either the week just after Labor Day, or the one after that. I couldn't believe how empty the parks were those weeks this year!

Things have picked up. We were at MK today and it was PACKED.... crowds comparable to vacation weeks today... I couldn't believe it! You couldn't even WALK in FantasyLand there were so many people!