So how many of you think it's gonna be wicked crowded in Sept now?!

[dtsaos]

We've been planning a trip in September since Feb and one of the main reasons for going at that time of year was too avoid the crowds. We're even taking our DS out of Kindergarden to go. But now that Disney has offered the free dining plan is that going to change everything! On the one hand I'm very grateful that they came out with that code because it's saving us a few hundred bucks, but then I got to thinking about how many more people will be going because of the code....or does it just seem that way here on the disboards? What do you guys think?

 

[BethR]

I think that it may bump up the numbers SOME, but I don't think that you will be sorry that you chose to go in September.

Hard to believe, I know, but there are tons of people to do not eat and breath Disney, and so there are tons of people completely unaware of this promotion. And I would dare to say, that among those "other" people, that a promotion of this kind will only move a few to plan an unplanned vacation to WDW.

 

[DisneyWisher]

I think it might be busy than normal but I don't think it will be overrun with people simply because of school and the fear of hurricanes. How many that went through the hurricanes last year would risk it again? I think Disney knows this thats why they are trying to entice as many people as possible. But because of what they are offering FL residents, the weekends might be busier.

 

[dtsaos]

What are they offering Florida residents?

 

[lllovell]

Can someone post a link to the info on this free dining plan stuff?

 

[dawgsgirl]

I went in Sept of 2003 on the FairyTale package, which was 7 nights for the price of 4. Great deal! It was my first trip and I didn't know anything about crowds. I was worried that the special deal would make it crowded. I have been back 4 times since then, and believe you me, it was practically dead! I think you will be fine!

 

[missypie]

I think it might be busy than normal but I don't think it will be overrun with people simply because of school and the fear of hurricanes. How many that went through the hurricanes last year would risk it again? I think Disney knows this thats why they are trying to entice as many people as possible. But because of what they are offering FL residents, the weekends might be busier.

Finally someone mentioned this. Don't you think that hurricane season (or at least the part of the season when Florida was nailed last year) was the primary motivation for the great promotion?The Disney folks are masters at figuring out ways to draw folks to the parks!!!

 

[SleepingUgly]

FWIW, when this special was advertised in the Sunday papers, it was advertised as "Now you can include dining in your WDW package ..." And then sample prices were offered. It was not advertised as a "Free meals" package, so most people may think that it's just another way for Disney to advertise its regular offerings and just include the price of the meals. If they advertised it as Free Dining, then I believe more people would be interested and book, but as it stands now, it just looks like another, run-of-the-mill WDW ad to the average person ...

 

[BethR]

Can someone post a link to the info on this free dining plan stuff?

Here you go! http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-current.htm#package

 

[tn_disney_addict]

I don't think the special will increase the crowds all that much...September is September and it is relatively crowd-less.

 

[kandeebunny]

Depends when in Sept. Sept 9-11th is the Happiest Pin Celebration on Earth which is being held at Epcot so you will see increased crowds over that weekend at least and a lot come in prior to it as well. They do hold a similar event every year the weekend after Labor Day though...so you may want to considder that in to your touring plans. The pre-registration pin for this even (which ended June 5th) is an edition of 907, which means 907 people are already registered for this event!

 

[lllovell]

Thanks Beth!!!

 

[Exp.626Stitch]

I am currently reserved for the last week of Sept. From what I am reading most people are going that week. You get free dining, MNSSHP and the F & W festival. I am considering moving my trip up one week, one reason being because of the increased crowds. No one can predict what it will be like. When we went the first week of Feb. (which is supposed to be dead) the first 5 days were great after that, the Mardi Gras crowds came in and the resorts and parks were a zoo.
You have to take your chances I guess However, regardless of which week I choose it's hard for me to pass up the free food!!!!

 

[ktink]

We went last September right after Frances and we were there when Ivan was lurking, not sure of his path. But didn't Disney only close a day or so during the time Frances hit? But this is the time we always take our family vacation so we were already booked for 9/4 - 9/10 but were lucky to take advantage of the free dining as we had booked the dining before this free option.

I'm hoping that the crowds aren't very bad. But mainly my hope, like everyone elses is that Fla residents are spared this year.

 

[mslil65]

I don't really think the special offers will bring in that many extra people. I think many parents are still unable to take their kids out of school due to strict attendance policies. It does make me wonder though. Perhaps the people taking advantage of the free dining offer will equal the number of people who won't come because they are afraid of the hurricane risks?
On a side note... I know that MK will have the Nights of Joy and Epcot will be doing a Pin Celebration during Sept. Are there any other special events that might attract crowds the first two weeks of Sept?

 

[pooh2001]

I would think from Aug 21 to Sept 4 will be crowded with Notherners.
School does not start till around Sept 7th here in the North East.

That would allow famlies to do the 7 or 10 day Magic Your Way Package
for about $3000 or less. A nice way to end the summer before school starts.

Just a thought

 

[Exp.626Stitch]

The triathalon at WDW is happening the weekend of Sept 23-25.

 

[DisneyWisher]

What are they offering Florida residents?

Make your dreams come true with a 3-night, 3-day package at a select Disney Value Resort for just $85* per adult per night (based on adult double occupancy in a standard room). And add up to two kids in the same room for only $35 per child ages 3-9 per night.

* Valid for travel most nights 8/21/05 - 10/4/05. The number of packages available for this promotion is limited. Other room types are available at varying rates. No group rates or other discounts apply. Proof of Florida residency for each adult in the party required at check-in.

This fun-filled package includes:

3 nights at a select Disney Value Resort
Stay right in the middle of the magic and discover great benefits like the Extra Magic Hours Benefit.
3-Day Play Pass
Enjoy one of our four Theme Parks each day. Tickets are non-transferable and must be used within six months of first use. Learn More.
Disney Dining Plan
Delight in one counter-service meal, a select snack and one meal at a table-service restaurant per person, per night of your package.** View and print a brochure to find out about Dining Plan details and restaurants included.
**Excludes alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3-9 must choose from children's menu if available. Dining reservations strongly suggested.

 

[C.Ann]

I think the restaurants will probably be a nightmare - simply because people that would normally haul a lot of food into the parks - or go off site to eat - won't be doing so.. Resorts will probably be more crowded too (which may mean over crowding on the buses), but I don't think it will have much of an impact on the crowds in the parks themselves..

 

[zen1]

Just an FYI if you are at the Magic Kingdom park on September 9 & 10, the park will be closing early( about 6:00p.m.), as Night of Joy will be going on those two nights.