September questions -- long

[NiniMorris]

We are thinking about making a trip in September for the home school education benefits. We like to go in Jan/Feb simply because of the low crowds. We will be taking our own car so transportation is not an issue. If we get the free dining that will be a bonus, but we are not counting on that as far as budgeting goes.

My only concern is crowd levels. We have a handicapped child and will be taking advantage of the Guest Assistance Card. During slow times we basically get to use the fast pass entrance for most rides, but I know that September will be longer lines than January/February so the GAC will not be able to guarantee us shorter lines. Just a quieter place to wait. I know I have to be prepared to wait longer and we are working on strategies for that.

I know Disney historically offers the free dining during September because it IS slower...but since they have been doing it for several years now it seems everyone has caught on and may be taking their trips during that time!

I know no one has a crystal ball...but in YOUR OPINION, how are the crowds really in September? I want to plan a trip that is relaxing for everyone and avoid as many melt downbs as I can...I know some are bound to happen...they happen at home all the time!

Thanks in advance for all thos who made it to the end of this post and took the time to answer! (I posted this on passporter as well..sorry for those who have seen it twice!)

Nini

 

[ireland_nicole]

The crowds in Sept. vary in that the later you get in the month, the slightly more crowded it seems to get. Other than shaded waiting and disability seating (necessary for a quick exit) we never used our GAC. I have many pics from last Sept. 7-13th taken midday with no one else in view. I would strongly encourage you to have a good touring plan- the one day that was nuts was when we had to drop into MK on a TGM red day. Holy cow, the difference was amazing. If you use a good plan, you will be amazed at how uncrowded it is. We rode SM/BTMR something like 4Xeach in less than an hour. (My kids love those two rides.) they were both walk ons.

 

[nursymel]

How exciting! We go every September.For as long as we can we decided it was worth it to pull the kids out of school.The main thing with crowds in September is to avoid a Holiday week.The middle of the month(3rd week) has seemed to work for us.Last time the longest line was about 15 minutes and most we literally walked right on,even Space mountain and Everest.Also,It's pretty hot still ,can be 90 and then probable rain at some time during the day.You will have a blast.Enjoy and good luck planning!!!!

 

[mechurchlady]

September should not be too bad if you plan. Have rain gear on hand as it can and does drizzle in September. Be prepared to have alternate plans like when a ride is down you immediately know your options like eating lunch early or doing a show. Extra Magical Hours will let you stay late or get there early when most people are still in bed. If the ride to ride is not on the list of rides open at EMH then in the morning you can still be camped out at the entrance and ready to ride while others are at rope drop. For fastpass you could go with EMH then at rope drop get a fastpass and ride again later. Lots of tricks to using FastPass to your advantage.

FastPass is another way to avoid lines. Some shows like Soarin have waiting areas and you can keep the kid busy with an MP3 player, games, and busy beads for example. It takes one person to do the FastPass so a runner can run and get new passes while mom and the kids are on Dumbo for example.

Free dinner is great and they may still have the buy 4 and get 3 room option. The savings on the free food alone is worth the trip in September. The bad time is Joy of Night as they close some parks early and Labor Day Weekend. If you drive you do want to avoid Joy Night as the parks let them in as you are trying to get out. Get the rides out of the way then do shows and street performers and things like playgrounds and Tom Sawyer Island.

 

[Selket]

My Sept. experience is quite limited (once in late Sept/once in early Oct) but I wanted to add that if you go late enough in Sept you could catch a MNSSHP. Another consideration would be the chance of hurricanes - it is still hurricane season. We have cruised twice in the Fall (with Disney) and stopped at WDW before the cruise and I took out trip insurance that would cover my flight and hotel, etc. if something happened.

With pre-existing medical conditions it is tricky with trip insurance - you usually have to purchase it with a week or two of booking the trip to get the best coverage. It is so complicated I won't go into it but I used this trip insurance broker: http://www.tripinsurancestore.com They were wonderful in explaining the options and keeping the costs low. Much better than the Disney insurance. I only bring up insurance because of the hurricane chance - especially if you are flying in.

I thought the crowds were fairly light for both our short trips. TGM is a wonderful touring plan - especially the best parks/best days info. I would not hesitate to go that time of year - it can definitely be warm though - like summer!

 

[NiniMorris]

Thanks for all the help and info. It looks like if I can get the ressie this weekend we are going! Now, for the next few days, I get to stress over whether or not I can get a ressie! I know the military discount is limited, and have been told by at least one TA that they are all gone for Sept!

But we still have the SOG as backup, so I think this is going to work!

My other concern is the dates...the original dates are Sept 7 through 14...that is labor day....we may have to tweak the dates a bit.

Thanks again!

Nini