September Hours/Advice

[cd&kids]

We're headed to WDW last week of September, first week of October. I know crowds will be lighter, but park hours shorter. Our biggest disappointment will be not going to Magic Kingdom at night...something we've never done and always wanted to. My guess is, MK will close at 6 that time of year.
Any thoughts out there as to how crowded MK will get that time of year around 4 o'clock or so? We're thinking of hitting the park Sunday (our first full day there) late in the afternoon and getting in 2-to-3 hours before closing. But we don't want to walk into a jammed park. The other concern is Sunday is the new "early entry" day for MK. Do you think that will make it extra crowded? Finally...anyone go to MK on a late SATURDAY afternoon? Bad time??
Thanks!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

I can answer some of your questions, but don't really know the affect of EE on Sundays. When we went last September, the Character Caravan was still in place.

We've found September to be a joy, crowd-wise. The only major obstacle is the issue of MK and fireworks. You'll probably only be able to see FITS and Spectro on Saturday. We went in Saturday at about five. We lucked out and were able to get on SM with a twenty minute wait. We think this we because the entryway was under refurbishment, and many people thought the ride was closed.

Beyond that, while most days in September are barren, Saturday's in the MK are massively crowded. Just be ready for it. It's the price you pay for seeing Spectro and FITS in September. We decided against any other rides because of crowds. Of course, by the time we got there, all the FP's were taken. But we were able to secure a parade/fireworks spot, and get some food without too much hassle. The payoff: MK should be open until 9 on a Saturday night, and it is quite beautiful at night. We choose to stay in the park after closing, for about 45 minutes. It keeps you out of the mad dash, and you get photo op's not to be believed.

I'm betting Sunday will be ok. The draw of Saturdays is local crowds increasing attendance, but mainly FITS and Spectro.

As for the rest of the time, crowds just weren't a problem. We've found the lack of hours of no consequence. We were able to do so much in shortened hours that ten hours on a September day allowed us to do more than two days during the summer. Note: Epcot is still open until 9. After MGM or MK would close, we'd head over to Epcot or PI.

All-in-all, your only September question is "do I face MK on Saturday or not?" I don't think we'd do it again, but I'm glad we did it once.

Below is a link to a trip report from our visit last September. It's quite detailed (I'm long-winded, allow six days to read it!).

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/trip.rpt/report_files/wdwtr02/elliott02se.htm


Pat

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Hi CD&Kids! We'll be at WDW the same time as yourself ... Be sure to wear your lime green ribbon!

DF and I are in the same situation -- we'll be arriving at our resort around 4PM on Sunday, and instead of skip the whole day, we wanted to at least get a taste of the WDW spirit. So I think we'll be heading over to MGM, having dinner (probably at Mama Melrose's) and going to see "Fantasmic" that night. I think it's a great way to get us into the mood for Disney, and we won't have to worry about the leftover crowds from the EMH at the Magic Kingdom.

From what I've found in my researching so far, it's best to stay away from MK if at all possible during the weekend. So if you'd like a relaxing first day, head over to EPCOT or MGM, take a dip in your hotel pool, or just relax! We're doing a commado-style visit all week long, so we'll NEED that extra rest!

Hope to see you there!

 

[cd&kids]

Pat...thanks for the advice...think we'll try MK Sunday. Scarlet...maybe we'll see you. What's a lime green ribbon??!!

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Hello again!

Members of the DIS boards wear lime green to show that they post on the DIS. If you see lime green, say hello and see if you're found another DIS member!

I don't know about ribbons myself, but I've heard that Home Depot sells paint chips in a lime green color that are shaped like a Mickey head (ears and all). Those would be fun to stick on our backpack!

Hope to see you there.