Sept vs early Dec or early Jan

[jann1033]

every trip but one has been early dec or Jan but the kids want to swim for sure this one so am thinking of somewhere around the middle of sept...know it is the same value season but since school is started, how long aride wait can we anticipate...probalby not walk ons like DEc/ jan and i know i am spoiled by that...wondering if "swimming for sure" is really worth it. also since i hate hot weather how hot is it really????( i stay inside in air at anything above 84 or so). the only trip other than winter was july so guessing it won't be that bad but how bad....

also any things we will want to make sure and miss then?( ie groups of rowdy types)

would love to do food and wine if it starts early enough.( 1 daughter and i are foodtv freaks)

Thanks

 

[Bob P]

F&W starts September 30.

September is HOT, so if you don't like it above 84 degrees it's not the right time for you to go. It's not as relentless as July but it hasn't cooled down much.

September is pretty empty too, like December and January. Any time frame where kids are in school will be relatively empty.

Bob

 

[mhingher]

My parents have gone in September before, and they're going again this year. They loved it-- it's still hot, but the crowds aren't too bad. Just keep in mind that the parks aren't open as late, and it's possible some attractions will be closed for refurbishment.

I went in March this year and it was great-- warm during the day, cool in the am and pm. There were kids in the pool, but I didn't go swimming. The lines were super short... we never waited more than 20 minutes until the last day of our trip when a cheerleading competition arrived. That was the only day we used fast pass- only once for Test Track.

 

[Skylarr29]

We have gone the past 5 Septembers!! The only thing is the heat ... especially if you are not used to it. There is also a threat of hurricanes. Other than that lines are great ... I think the most we have ever waited was 10 or 15 mins. We have never used fast pass when there in September. The parks do close early but since the crowds are normally low you still get to do everything you want. And now since there night EMH's you can still get a chance to experience the parks at night. Although I love Sept we are changing to Dec for next year just so we can see the dcorations.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I would say to go early Dec. You will be able to see the entire resort decorated as they only do at Christmas time. The crowds will be light. As far as swimming, you may be able to swim since you are from up north. Me, I think it is too cold, but I am south of Orlando. I know my kids will swim then, but I won't. Early Jan will be the least crowded I think. The weather can be iffy by then, you can get some really cold days, cold for FL like in the 40's mid-day and high 20-low 30's at night. If you go too early in Jan (as in 1/1) you will still hit some of the holiday crowds. I would say around 1/7 it is dead there, until MLK holiday weekend.

 

[btuftee]

Depending where you're staying, the pools may be heated, making it OK to swim even in December. There might be a few days during your trip when it gets too cold to swim, but you'll likely get a few 80-degree days in December.

Given a choice, I'd pick early December - light crowds, and the awesome Christmas decorations.