Smallest crowds??

[kaylajr]

my parents have never been to Disney and we wanna take them

they were suppose to go with us new years but now they are getting scard off due to the crowds

what would you all say is the lowest crowd week of the year?

 

[AllStarFan]

We always go in Sept. - a week or two after Labor Day. The crowds are very small. Many rides are walk ons with max. wait times of 10-15 minutes for most rides/attractions.

 

[wdwguide]

The last week of August and early September (with the exception of Labor Day weekend) is the least busy time.

 

[kdibattista]

We normally always go the Saturday after Labor Day and it is fantastic. No (or very light crowds - always walk on), great weather (except it is hurrican season - although we have never had more than 1 day of rain each year for the past 5 years) We always seem to miss the hurrican by a week or so . I remember reading in a guidebook somewhere that that week is the least crowded of the entire year!!!!!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

We've tried several weeks during the Oct.-Nov. time frame, then tried September this year. Hands down, it was the best time we've ever had. We did TL on a Monday and litterally got cramps from running up the stairs of the slides so many times, due to no lines. Wednesday in MK, we spent 40 minutes walking back and forth between Splash Mountain and Big Thunder, walked on both each time. Epcot was light, MGM almost abandoned (all week days). The biggest surprise was going to MGM on Saturday and finding it crowded enough to make things feel like Disney, yet we had five minute waits for R&RC and ToT.

But a warning.....we'd never seen Fantasy in the Sky because we just hate crowds that much. We left MGM Saturday night and went over to MK around 6. The place looked like Spring Break. I'm GLAD I saw the fireworks, but have no illusions that what you see elsewhere during September will be replicated on Saturday at MK.

That aside, we've vowed we'll never go anytime but September again. Then again, my job wants me to go to a seminar at the Wydham in June. Hmmmmmm.................

 

[Jackie H.]

In 2002, our trip was the first week in September. The crowds were non-existant and we had a great time. It can be very hot then, however. (God was smiling on us! A tropical storm parked itself off the east coast of Florida and the weather was cooler.)

We have made 2 trips the first/second week in December. This is the ideal time in my opinion. No crowds at all. The weather is usually wonderful (there can be cold snaps). AND! There are lots of extra employees hired for the upcoming Christmas rush and they are already working then.

My pick for best week to go: 1st or 2nd week in December
Second choice: 1st or 2nd week in September

 

[lissawynn]

My DH and I honeymooned in Sept. 02, and the crowds were very low. The only significant wait I can remember was for the Jungle Cruise (25 minutes). The only drawback was the heat and humidity. We loved Ice Station Cool at Epcot. It was a great break from the heat!

 

[POLLY ANN]

kaylajr, we are going next week and I think this time of year is pretty quiet, too. However, the weather can be quite iffy as far as temperature. We went 2 years ago at this time, and the weather was perfect during the day (70's) and cooler in the evening. This is the temperature we enjoy doing the parks in, however.

I like the beginning of December, too. The weather is nice and the Xmas decorations are up, which puts you in a very festive mood! Plus the crowds aren't too bad, either.

 

[The Sybah Shelstah]

Thank you Polly Ann! I was reading this thread and going man...... I was hoping someone would say THIS time of year was not crowded! I thought that's what value season meant! LOL So thank you. I hope it's not crowded on my upcoming trip!

 

[POLLY ANN]

Sybah, I don't recall it being crowded and I remember getting on alot of rides, no problem.

Hey, I'll be seeing you down there, maybe! Don't forget your lime green ribbon! lol

 

[Goofy52]

Our past two trips we've gone the week right before Christmas and the crowds weren't bad at all. We walked on practically everything. Its a plus too since all of the Christmas decorations are up and you don't have to tend with the crowds as well!

 

[juliesue]

We have gone in both September and May (before Labor Day). Both times are wonderful. The weather is great and there are no crowds. I like May the best because the weather is so awesome and where I live we are just getting over the cold nasty weather, so going swimming and wearing shorts is still a treat! I also rains less in May.

We experienced the walk-ons for rides during both months. However, I do think the crowds were lighter during the week in May. We rode Buzz Lightyear three times in row just walking directly back on (no waiting at all!) Weekends are busy no matter what time of the year you go. Just stay away from MK on Saturday and you should be fine.

 

[currycook]

We go many times during the year during what we consider the lowest crowds and dont even attempt to go at other times of the year. After four years of having an AP and many trips before I moved to Florida here is my recommendation.

Two times of the year are the best.

January 5th or so (when the Christmas new years crowds end) to Presidents day in Feb.

September - after labor day.

Both are excellent times of the year. We often "force" ourselves to go during these times. knowing that we will be frustrated with the crowds at other times of the year.

I hope this helps

ps- check the disney rates for their hotels. Usually any time they give their best rates are the lowest crowdes The higher the rate the larger the crowd is a good rule of thumb to go by.

 

[yasuern]

End of October - beautiful weather - low crowds - plus MNSSHP
1st 2 wks of December - Crowds low - can be in the 80's or 50's for a daytime high - - But all the wonderful Christmas/holiday decorations and special events!
Summer - Can you say hazy hot and Oppressive! and remeber the daily(almost daily) RAIN the sky just opens up and down it comes - well not always. and large crowds. - but call me a fool - we went last year and are going back again this summer.



I favor the begining of December - but for low crowds and very nice weather October is great!

 

[Hagred]

I hope I'm picking a good time to go this year: Feb 8 through Feb 15. I think it's still going to be somewhat uncrowded at that time, but I got in before the rates changed (2/12?) to regular season, so I got a very good deal on the hotel.

I've been there in Feb, March, May and September before and I have to say that my two favorite months have always been May and September (late). The only problem about the time I went in September was that a small typhoon caused alot of rain, and the only problem in May was those darn love bugs.

What they say about rain keeping the parks empty is absolutely true! MGM Studios was a walk on for nearly every ride and the only lines I saw at the Magic Kingdom were around 5-10 minute wait for the biggies like Pooh.

If you do decide to go in February, be aware that it can be chilly for the southerners, but it's downright balmy for us northerners. I don't think I'll be going swimming at my resort pool if the daytime temps are only in the 60's, but I've seen people (mostly kids) swimming in Feb.

Good luck!