September or 1st week of march?

[watts1931]

Trying to plan our next Disney vacation. I’d like to avoid the crowds (I know it’s always busy). Would early September 2024 or March 2025 be better ? I’ve heard some rumblings Mardi gras may fall in early March . My concern with SEPTEMBER are hurricanes. Anyone have insight?

Thanks

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Mardi Gras in 2025 is March 4, so that first week could be a little busier than normal during the first week of March. Going in September (assuming you're not going Labor Day weekend) would probably be lighter on the crowds, but no one can be certain. One thing that is true, though - it's way more likely to be much hotter (with the threat of rain and storms) in Sept than early March. Having experienced 2 hurricanes in our Sept trips to Disney over the years, we'll do March....!

 

[sponica]

I feel like I've been told to avoid Mardi Gras week.

I'd take my chances on the heat of late August/early September

 

[DeeBee3]

September definitely lower crowds except for Halloween parties, but HOOOOOOT. I've gone last week in August, but it was manageable.

Also consider what other things you may be interested in - festivals at Epcot, Halloween decor, etc.

 

[watts1931]

Mardi Gras in 2025 is March 4, so that first week could be a little busier than normal during the first week of March. Going in September (assuming you're not going Labor Day weekend) would probably be lighter on the crowds, but no one can be certain. One thing that is true, though - it's way more likely to be much hotter (with the threat of rain and storms) in Sept than early March. Having experienced 2 hurricanes in our Sept trips to Disney over the years, we'll do March....!

is mardi gras usually very busy?

 

[watts1931]

September is higher chance of hurricanes as well and aren't they calling for increased hurricanes this year?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

is mardi gras usually very busy?

We've always avoided MG, since it's often in mid to late Feb. We'll be experiencing it for the first time the first week of March in 2025, as well - so we expect it will be busier, but we're still going what has become our 'normal' time to go. We're certainly not going to get Christmas or Easter type of busy, but there will likely be an uptick from the normal early March crowds, based on what we have heard regarding past Mardi Gras weeks. We still prefer the March weather to Sept. We also prefer the F&G Festival to F&W, and we'll be in EPCOT for that a couple times.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

September AFTER Labor Day starts having much lower crowds. But yes that does seem to be peak for hurricanes. I think its actually Sept 10-13 that is historically the peak days for Central Florida to see direct hits.

Anytime between President's Day and the week after Easter is basically "winter/spring break" season

If it were me I'd be going September after Labor Day. I like the lower crowds and predictably hot weather even if it does mean a hurricane day.

 

[KPeterso]

Those are the 2 times I go each year. Each has its pros and cons. But if looking for lower crowds, you will 100% want September. Stay away from the Mardi Gras crowds. I have experienced them twice and have said no way to doing it again. <My friends and I pushed our trip next year back a week to avoid Mardi Gras. And I say this with having experienced hurricanes twice during September trips, Disney takes good care of their guests during hurricanes and we never felt unsafe during the hurricanes.

 

[beccasmom]

We visited in mid-March once a while back and it was crazy-town busy, although no great surprise to us.

We have visited in September many times. It is still very hot and yes, hurricanes are a threat. We ended up staying an extra night at BRV last September when a storm threatened to hit the Orlando area just when our flight would have been heading home. It ended up a weak-ish tropical storm that caused some damage nearby, but Orlando was not badly affected. But better safe than sorry - we didn’t want to face getting stuck at the airport. We are returning again in September this year - the timing seems to work better for us (although I’d prefer visiting at a cooler time - maybe I’m chasing a unicorn there).