September vs. May

[RastaBrackens]

Hello everyone,
We have always went to WDW during the May timeframe and have fought the heat and the crowds.

This year we are coming in the first week of September (Labor Day) and are wondering what to expect. We are hoping that it will be much less crowded and a bit cooler. Also, any suggestions about which days to avoid certain parks?

Thanks for any help!!

 

[ChelleinNC]

Welcome to the Dis!

I think you'll find that September will be a little warmer than May and more humid, avg high/low for Sept is 90/72, May 88/66. Labor Day may be a bit crowded. Any time there is a holiday, crowd levels go up. That is also around Free Dining time which will increase crowd levels. A lot of schools don't start back up until after Labor Day while most schools are still in during May.

Of the two choices, I would pick May.

 

[ilovediznee2]

On the contrary, I've gone in both May and September, and I prefer September. When we went in September, it was kind of humid, but there were no lines for most rides. My DDs, my nephew, and I rode Tower of Terror 8 times in a row without going thru the whole pre-show. Most of the rides were this way. It was awesome, and that's why we're going in September again this year.
Granted, there wasn't a "free dining" option the year that I went, so maybe this year WILL be crowded. I'm willing to take that chance.

 

[knovak]

We usually go in May and love it then. The lines are manageable and depending when in May you go not too bad at all. It has always been pretty warm/hot 80's and 90's. We've gone the beginning, middle and end of May and have had those temps each time. Last year we went the last week of Sept./1st week of Oct. The lines were quite managable, the temps were warm 80's/90's but we had ALOT of rain. Not just the usual FL. short rain either. We had our ponchos and made the best of it, but I prefer May. But I did love the MK decorated for Halloween and the MNSSHP was fabulous. (Our party wasn't rained out)

 

[addicted2dizney]

I went last year over Mother's Day weekend in May and it was great! Many years ago I went over Labor Day weekend and I remember it being very, very hot and crowded. I was 19 at the time so I don't remember there being a problem with lines ( too young to notice or care! lol.. ) I am going this sept. 16th-19th so I'm hoping the lines with be short!

 

[RastaBrackens]

How reliable is the info on Disney's website that suggest the best time to go? We chose the week of Labor Day because it is highlighted on their calander as a great time to visit, and all sorts of sites online have said that September is not very crowded. We don't mind the heat so much, but have a hard time standing in long lines with the kids. I hope we didn't make a mistake choosing September!!!

 

[addicted2dizney]

I don't think you made a bad choice choosing september. I do think that the Labor Day weekend will be more crowded than other times in that month due to it being a holiday weekend. Have a plan for the parks and you will do fine! I suggest you look into Tour Guide Mike's website for extra help. I have gone 35+ times and I'm a pretty seasoned pro about navigating the parks. there was still some helpful information on there for me! If nothing else it reaffirmed that what I was doing/thinking is the best strategy! Good luck and I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip!

 

[nifferdo]

We are actually doing the opposite this year! We always go in September and it is quite hot and humid but manageable. The lines are so-so. We always go during free dining time and most rides were 20-30 min wait times with some (like Peter Pan, etc.) at 45-60 mins. I know Labor Day weekend and the holiday itself are quite busy but it does die down some after that (not a whole lot though). It rained just about everyday for a brief 30-40 mins shower in the late afternoon (we have gone the last three Sept and this is always constant). You will have a blast, dont worry about it!!! We are going in May this year (leaving on May 27) and Im expecting much of the same for crowds and temps.

 

[RastaBrackens]

Thank you guys so much. Pardon me if this is a silly question but who is Tour Guide Mike and how do I find his website? I am a compulsive scheduler and organizer and I really want to get to see most of each park while we are there. Have been to MK, AK, and HS before but never Epcot so we have no idea how to navigate that park.

And just to be extra anal, we are arriving on Sunday of Labor day weekend, going to parks Mon-Fri., do they seem to be less crowded after Mon. (Labor Day) when most people have gone back to work? I expect Mon. to be crowded buthave my fingers crossed about the rest of the week.

Thanks for all of your help!