Sept weather/crowds

[katiec]

Anyone been in early September?

Can you give me some idea of weather and crowd level?

Have done a quick search but cant seem to find anything - probably looking inthe wrong place!

If not too bad then DH has said we can book again for next sept

thank you x x

 

[Howellsy]

I've been twice at the very end of August and I don't think there's much difference between the two. The crowds will be thinner than June-August because most children are back in school but it depends when Labour Day is - it's quite late this year so some American schools won't be back til September 8th, meaning more people in the parks than usual in September. Free dining has also pushed the crowds up in the past few years. However, in taking advantage of rope drops, Fastpasses etc. you'll be able to get on everything you want with few problems

As for weather, it's generally very humid with thunderstorms in the afternoon, and it's also the most active time of hurricane season. Last year Tropical Storm Fay came in around August 20th, followed by Hurricane Gustav and Ike in the next few weeks. However, hurricane warnings can be pretty good for crowd levels - many people get scared off from going to the area even though the weather's not too bad. Last year, during TSF, it dropped to about 20 degrees and was pretty windy, with a LOT of flooding in the surrounding counties, but the Disney area itself wasn't too bad.

So I guess it depends on a lot of factors really. You could get there and have low crowds and very sunny weather, or it could be busy with hurricanes in the area! I hope you have a great trip no matter when you go anyhow

 

[Twilight Terror]

We've been July, August and September. July and August are crazy busy, and crazy hot. September is much better. The crowds are thinner and while the temperatures are still hot, it's not quite as stifling as July/August - unless a hurricane is passing by!

Last year was our worst September for hurricanes. 2006 we had to sit through Ernesto, but that downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it hit Orlando, and was just like a windy day here. Last year, however, Faye hit the week before we were due to fly, we landed in the tail-end of Gustav, and got ready to battle Hanna, Ike and Josephine! All of them bypassed Florida in the end, taking with them the clouds! And that's when it can get hot. I know when either Hanna or Ike went by, the temps were creeping up to 100, even in the middle of September!

Having said that, it never stops us from going in September. The afternoon downpours are an experience too. Only in Florida could you be outside in the swimming pool, getting pelted by a tidal wave from behind, and pelted by rain from above - brilliant!!!

 

[Howellsy]

Having said that, it never stops us from going in September. The afternoon downpours are an experience too. Only in Florida could you be outside in the swimming pool, getting pelted by a tidal wave from behind, and pelted by rain from above - brilliant!!!

I couldn't agree more!

 

[VailaTigger]

Been 3 times in September! But not for a few years now, so can't comment on how the free Dining packages have affected the crowds...

My experience is of quiet (sometimes very quiet ) crowd levels, plenty of heat and sunshine, and thunderstorms in some of the afternoons/evenings. Tropical storms can make things a bit cooler and windy for a day or two, but nothing bad. Some of the rides, and especially the water parks, will shut if there is a threat of lightening. The longest I've ever had to wait for anything is around 30-45 minutes, and that was a one off. Usually just walk straight onto the rides, or wait around 5-10 minutes.

I would quite happily go back in September, I don't mind a bit of rain sometimes, it freshens things up again after the heat (although rain in Florida in September is like a warm shower!). The low crowd levels would be a big advantage, but as I said above, I don't know what the free dining will have done to those...

Wish me luck for next year... I'm braving the Easter crowds in April !!