Tell me about late September and Easter Break

[modernscarlett]

We just got back from Thanksgiving week (first trip since I was a kid), and I am hooked! So is my DH who was a first timer and was convinced he wasn't going to like Disney.

So we HAVE to go back, and ASAP! We didn't get everything done we'd like to do. While we loved seeing the decorations, Thanksgiving was so crowded. With DD's school schedule, it looks like our only options will be the last week in September and Easter break. Can you give me any BTDT advice on these time frames regarding weather, crowds, park hours, etc?

Thanks!

 

[mickeymom629]

I can only tell you about Easter break, as we've done it a few times and looking forward to it again in 2008! It is extremely crowded, but I'm sure you had crowds at Thanksgiving, too. With good planning, it won't be bad and the weather is usually beautiful (though it can be rainy and cool).

I would think September would have less of a crowd, but the weather could be iffy with hurricane season.

Easter break also has extended hours and fewer attractions closed for refurbishment.

Either time is better than no time at WDW!

 

[Paisleyjane]

Late September is WAY less crowded! Sometimes you can get special resort room rates then too. The weather should be nice to swim, maybe sometimes hot at both of those times. Easter can be so crowded to make it really kinda unbearable. If there are things you still want to do, keep in mind, at that during Easter break, you can have very long waits for things. If you can go the last week in September, you cannot beat MNSSHP as a wonderful time of the year! It is so much fun. Yes, the hours can be shorterin the fall, compared to Eastertime. Hope that helps.

 

[MomofKatie]

The 2 weeks around Easter are some of the most crowded all year, with Christmas week being the only one more crowded. Easter is also one of the most expensive times of the year for WDW hotels. The parks are open later than normal, and there may be special events going on. Very few rides should be down for rehab. Weather is usually nice- not too hot or humid.

The 2nd half of August and September are during Value season- the lowest $$ rates of the year at the Disney hotels. The parks will be very light, crowd-wise, compared to Thanksgiving or Easter. Many rides are walk-ons. The park hours are usually shorter than during peak times, but you can get more done in the time you have. Weather can be iffy- it is hurricane season in FL. Expect hot, humid, sticky days with afternoon thundershowers. There could be several rides closed due to maintenance.

Based on the pros and cons, you can decide which time would be best for you to visit. You'll have fun, whenever you decide!

 

[mickeystoontown]

We too were hooked on Disney World the first time we went. In the year 2000, we visited three times and we live over 800 miles away (one way). The first trip was in June, the second during Labor Day and the third during Thanksgiving week.

We arrived at WDW a day before Labor Day and we stayed for 4 days. The crowds weren't too bad. The typical wait, for the very popular rides, was about 30 to 45 minutes which really isn't bad considering I have seen the wait times to be over 2 hours.

The weather wasn't that bad either. Well, let me rephrase that. The weather wasn't that bad for a family from Louisiana. Our normal temps. in September are around 100 degrees and it's typical to have 100 percent humidity. So the high 80's were okay with us.

We stayed offsite so we could get a deal on our room. The further ahead you book, the better discount you get on the room.

Hope this helps, Lisa

 

[kldmom2000]

We used to do Easter break all the time when I was a kid and I really don't think I can do those crowds now! LOL! Our 2 favorite times to go are the last week of Sept going into October and then the first week of December....

This year we were there 9/29-10/4 for our DD's 4th bday and our 12th wedding anniversary. We took advantage of the value season and the free dining and were able to do MNSSHP one night and my DH LOVED the Food & Wine festival @ Epcot (begins the last weekend of Sept. usually). We'd LOVE to go this time again, but we had such difficulty taking our 1st grader out of school for 4 days that it won't be an option.... we believe we will be going back late August of 2007....

Have fun whenever you do get back!

 

[AStamm]

I can't give you any details about either time, but if you're considering this September and weren't aware of the new "Pilot Program" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1271139&page=1&pp=15 maybe you could talk some CM into honoring it for you.

 

[K9pal]

September is the perfect time to go, IMHO. We usually go in mid-September. Parks aren't open as late, but the 'crowds' are almost non-existent and usually the Fast Pass machines are covered because they aren't needed.

That being said, this past September we had a bit of trouble getting ADR's due to free dining and DDP both going on, even at 60 days out. If you go during this time, make ADR's as far in advance as possible.

Weather has always been great for us. It's still kinda hot and humid, but not like July/August. An occasional afternoon shower that passes through very quickly. Yes, you run the hurricane risk but in all the times we've gone in September, only one trip was ruined for us - when we were there on 9/11/01.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

I love Spetember, with low crowds, I can easily endure the heat. It's the mix of crowds and heat that really wears us out.

The only down side to our Sept. trip was those darn lovebugs!

If the free dining is offered again, we will probably return but around Labor day so that we are not there when those bugs are. DD cannot stand them!

 

[modernscarlett]

I love Spetember, with low crowds, I can easily endure the heat. It's the mix of crowds and heat that really wears us out.

The only down side to our Sept. trip was those darn lovebugs!

If the free dining is offered again, we will probably return but around Labor day so that we are not there when those bugs are. DD cannot stand them!

So when were the lovebugs there? We're thinking the very last week in September. I remember the reports on the boards in September and how bad they were.