Too busy?

[MissSaraMangel]

I was planning on visiting Disney late September but since I heard about the free DDP I'm reluctant. I chose late September for its low crowds and I'm worried with this free DDP, it'll bring the masses. In anyones experience, what have you noticed about the crowd level this brings? Should I visit after the deal is over or is it not that bad? Thanks for your advice ahead of time!

 

[NorweJenNY]

I really wouldn't worry about crowds in September. School just got back in session, and many families wouldn't dream of vacationing that month. Labor Day weekend might be slightly more crowded. Still, the whole month is a pretty good time to go. It's much better than summer, spring break, and holiday times. The one thing to consider during the FD time frame is that with so many people visiting being on dining plans, I'd make sure to book ADRs for table service meals ASAP, as it might be difficult to do walk-up TS meals then.

I'd just as soon visit a random week in September as I would in October, November, early December, most of January, early February, or late-April into May.

 

[Lisa71]

We went in September, had free dining, and very few crowds. It is a great time to go.

 

[Nohal]

We've been going every Sept since 2002 before free dining was offered. I have noticed in the 10 years we have been going that the crowds are a little bigger than the year before due to free dining. But no where close to how crowded it is in the summer or at other times of the year. The restaurants are crowded so you will need to make your ADR's as soon as you book. It is a good time to go, the weather is still nice and the crowds aren't bad.

 

[MissSaraMangel]

Oh okay, I guess I don't have anything to really worry about, thanks for the advice guys!

 

[BearcatsFan]

We nearly always go in September/October. Crowds are low, weather is better, great time of year!

I agree with PPs ... if you're doing the DDP, just be sure to book your ADRs ASAP. Otherwise, you should really be fine.

 

[cluvsdisney]

We have gone to WDW many times in that time frame. We generally experienced low crowds in the parks & resorts but the restaurants were full and last minute ADRs were scarce.

 

[TDC Nala]

The restaurants will be jammed. The parks won't. I would not count on walking into any restaurants, but if you have ADRs (and can get ADRs ahead of time) it may work.

 

[aubriee]

As an AP holder, I go to WDW every Sept, sometimes in Oct, every early Dec, and every early May, then sometimes throw in extra trips in Jan or Feb. Sept is alot more crowded than it was several years ago, but is still one of the least crowded times of the year. Even though I am not a fan of free dining, I always go during that time (using my AP discount), due to the low crowds.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We too have been going to WDW in Sept for years (see siggie below) And I agree that the free DDP does add a few more guest to the mix it's still very manageable. We usually go in early/mid Sept. but had to change to late Sept/early Oct. due to change in DD's school schedule. In early Oct., due to F&WF, there is defintely more people at EPCOT. In fact, last year (our second time there during F&WF) DD12 mentioned that she prefers EPCOT without the F&WF-less crowded. Unfortunately her break this Fall starts on opening weekend of F&WF so we will again be there on the first weekend (just in time for free DDP)