September 2014: Are Touring Plans Really Needed?

[MommyApo]

Hi everyone, I am in the beginning phase of planning our DW trip from September 11th - 20th or 21st. I am wondering, since I've heard that September is the slowest time of year, if it really makes a difference in crowds from park to park? I'm trying to decide if I really need to do a lot of research into which days, which park will be less crowded, or if they all are pretty much not very crowded in September.

Thanks
MommyApo

 

[JRawkSteady]

Well, it depends. I don't think they are needed personally, because I like to have some sort of leeway in plans... however, I think you should always have a plan for your first hour, regardless of what time of year you go though.

I was in the parks this past September and it was still kind of crowded (more than any past year I've gone) on some of the days. WDW is getting busier and busier, which is a good thing for them!

In the end, I don't think a touring plan is necessary in Sept., but it wouldn't hurt to have one as a backup.

 

[BrianL]

It does matter a little, but you can get by without and still have fun. I would probably jsut look at the most basic info, like the EasyWDW crowd calendar. Going with recommended parks is a good idea, however, if the overall crowd levels are like 2 or 3, you will probably find all parks pretty light. MK can get a little bad on the weekend, and watch out for Epcot Food & Wine Festival around that time too (can get crazy on weekend nights). If you are onsite, you'll also want to take advantage of the EMH times, so the crowd calendar will be helpful.

 

[kmb584]

Hi everyone, I am in the beginning phase of planning our DW trip from September 11th - 20th or 21st. I am wondering, since I've heard that September is the slowest time of year, if it really makes a difference in crowds from park to park? I'm trying to decide if I really need to do a lot of research into which days, which park will be less crowded, or if they all are pretty much not very crowded in September.

Thanks
MommyApo

I think it'd be smart to invest some time into researching which parks are recommended on each day of your trip but don't think a full blow-by-blow touring plan is needed. Crowds are typically very low (in the 1-3 range) that time of year but I'd rather be the most recommended park regardless.

 

[siskaren]

You don't need to do a lot of research to decide which park to go to which day, just check easywdw.com.

 

[Pkltm]

We have been a few times in September, we found we had to be flexible due to the occasional rain shower. We used the touring plans a bit, HS was very busy all the days we were there which was not predicted.

 

[Stephaniesue]

We went for our first visit in 2011 September 11 through 18th.

I had no idea what a touring plan was. We hit whatever park we wanted based on the kids likings. I was so dumb I planned dinners first, then parks (rookie move I guess). We still had a blast. It was either walk on or short lines. I had no clue how to use the old FP, so we didn't even try.

I am now a little more educated, and worried about the October projected dates. I want to pull my hair out. I wish I could go into it blind like last time. All I was worried about is dinner reservations. I am so worried this FP+ thing is going to ruin any fun. My family is not open to a touring plan at all. Last time I made a simple spread sheet with our ADR confirmation numbers, hotel numbers that sort of thing. They thought I was nuts!

 

[anniebean]

We thought it was busier this past September than times past. I didn't bother with crowd calendar that trip because I didn't think it would be needed. Well, I'm using one this year!!