Weather/crowds mid Sept? This trip is really important for me and my sone

[htegler]

I am toying with the idea of planning a trip starting around Sept 12th for a week with my DS. I do not do well in really hot weather and if there are large crowds it will only make it worse. I am wondering how soon the crowds / heat dies off after labor day?
As for the subject line let me give you some backround information. I had joyfully been on this board with my DH planning a combination 20th anniversary / post liver transplant vacation. This was to be the first trip since finally, Terry ( DH) had felt well enough to go for any extended time period. The last week in Oct however he began to feel “not right”. He was in and out of the hospital 3 times during November. On November 21st he was disagnosed with pancreatic cancer ( most likely aided by the anti rejections drugs he was on). Terry passed away on Dec 4th – which would have been day number 3 of a 11 day vacation. As you can imagine I have not been on this site for quite a while.
Terry left a “last request “ for me and Andrew to take a trip to WDW and Washington DC. I am not 100% sure if I can go through with this – it seems too soon but I know Terry knew how much I love Disney and this might be a way to help me and Andrew through the healing process. Since my son is 19 his interests lie in a different path than Disney but he has told me that he wants to honor his father’s request.
I know the people who post on this board to be supportive and helpful - - so if I continue on with the planning please be on the lookout for my questions. Any suggestions that you may have to up the magic will be appreciated. I know that in some ways this will be a bittersweet journey but I want both me and Andrew to come out of this with happy memories that can be shared in the future. Because I know Terry will be with us in spirit I have decided to leave his avatar on my signature.
Thanks to everyone,

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

It will be hot!

Crowds in September are among the lowest you will see all year.

 

[JoliBug]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope that you and your son can go and enjoy your trip and like you said your DH will be there in spirit.

Like the previous poster has said, the crowds will be low in September but it will more than likely still be very warm. There are ways you can minimize being out in the heat. With smaller crowds you will be able to see more with less wait so you could feasibly visit the parks in the morning and evening and spend the hotest part of the day at your hotel or the pool. Drinking cool water, using misting fans and cool neck ties also help keep your body cool.

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Terry left a “last request “ for me and Andrew to take a trip to WDW and Washington DC. Since my son is 19 his interests lie in a different path than Disney but he has told me that he wants to honor his father’s request.

Disney has a lot more to offer a 19 yo than on the surface. May I make some suggestions on possible things to do.

~Go to Boardwalk and enjoy the peace and quiet.
~Rent a pontoon boat for some more quiet time.
~Purchase a lasting gift. I think the MK bricks are no longer for sale, but a photo engraved on the Epcot wall.
~Take a long walk around Epcot.
~See Carousel of Progress.
~Visit DTD and put an old family photo on something like an ornament.
~Watch the sunset from the beach at Grand Floridian.

It will be hot and humid, but the crowd lets up after Labor Day. If you take advantage of every chance to go inside for shows, shops, and rides, you can minimize the heat effect on you.

Best wishes to you and your son.

 

[htegler]

Thanks for the suggestions. Since my Son is not an early riser evenings might do very well for us. I will make sure and wear a hat and a mister sounds like a good idea. I will try and purchase something lasting. Next step will see how much this will cost.

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

First off I am sorry about your loss. I couldn't even imagine what you are going through.

Second, we are also going in Sept. and arriving on the 12th. So if you decide to go we can countdown together.

Third, September will be hot and humid but the trade off is the low crowds and wait times for rides. The eathing places though will be very busy since it is free dining time.

 

[Kaytee1210]

So sorry for your loss. I hope you and your have a wonderful time. I will be there though the Sept 12th-18th. Have a wonderful time.

 

[InkspressYourself]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dh. My heart breaks for you.

My family and I will also be there starting Sept. 12th. We always go in September and have a great time. It is hot, but if you take breaks I think you will be fine. Since your ds is 19 he wont be crying to ride Goofy's barnstormer one more time while you roast in the sun.

I hope you have a wonderful time and that this trip helps heal your hurt.

 

[Singinglizzie]

I too am sorry for your loss, and know this must be a difficult time. I think it will be pretty hot in September, which is probably why Disney offers free dining. It can also be hurricane season so you may want to factor that into your planning as well. I don't know what your 19yo's committements are, but just as a suggestion, we have gone to WDW a few times in January when the crowds are also low and it is not hot, but ideal weather. It is value season then as well, and maybe by that time you might feel more ready to be at WDW. You know what will work best for you and your DS, so whatever you decide I'm sure it will work out fine. Peace and comfort to you and your son.

 

[traul]

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my brother 10 years ago to lymphoma. He was only 34 years old. It was the most difficult time for my family and myself. Six months after he passed away I planned my first trip to Disney with my 4 kids and husband. I did it because I came to realize how short life can be, it was something I had always wanted to do, and I decided what was I waiting for. That was how my brother always lived and it was my way of honoring his "go for it" attitude. We had a wonderful time and have been 5 times since, we are going again in Aug. Every time we go I know he is smiling down at us because we chose to life live and be happy. It is what he would want for my family and I. I am so sure your husband feels the same way as he looks down on you.

If there is on thing I would recommend seeing while down there it would be La Nouba. My family saw it last time we went and it was loved by everyone of us (ages 10 to 45). Also if you are staying in one of the Disney resorts you might consider the free dining plan Disney is offering. It is fun to get to go to all the restaurants you might not otherwise book. Who can refuse free food!

Best wishes.

 

[carlene]

Your DH must have been a wonderful person...and going to Disney is for sure a wonderful way to fill your sons life and your own with many joys that can only happen there.
Some Tips.. Make sure to book your trip soon so you can get in on the free dining plan...We camp at the Ft. Wilderness and they do not offer the free plan for campers...so I purchase it ...
The days can be hot..but the days at the water parks are wonderful...did not think I would ever get my hubby to one..and they turned out to be one of this favorite things to do...
Wearing shorts with big pockets makes it easy to carry your "Key" which is your tickets and everything else...and keeps you from having to stand in line for the security check
Make sure to check which park is having Magic Hours...these allow On Property Guest Extra time in the parks that the general public can not come in on.
If you do get the dining plan..don't forget to use your snack options too...we used ours for breakfast a lot of times and oh that ice cream Mickey...yum
The first time we went ...I tried to cram way too much into the days..and we were so tired that we actually did not see and do as much as in trips that we just took it easy and went with the flow of the day.

Have a wonderful time....we will be there Sept. 11-22 and I am ever so ready to be there now...There is no place like Disney!!!!

 

[THEVACATIONFAMILY]

I hope you have a wonderful time and especially your son. We are going in late September and we are taking our 3 y/o. She enjoyed very much when we went for few days. I am hoping that the weather will be great and the crowds will be at an all time low, so we all can enjoy it and ride whatever we want to and eat where ever we want to. Hope you all have magical vacation and God Bless us all.

 

[DisTwix]

Howdy!

I am so sorry for your loss and hope that you can find the information you need on the Dis to make any trip you go on great.

I will be there Sept 25-30th with a group of 5 adults --- no kiddies this time! It will be hot, but I am thinking we'll do at least one water park, and take advantage of the pools at the resort.

We are getting the free dining, and staying @ POP, so it's incredibly economical (we also found really cheap flights).

If you get on the free dining, make sure you make your ADRs early, early, early as they will fill up.

And, I love the suggestion of a panel @ Epcot... I actually read those things about every time I'm there, trying to find a section I haven't read. I appreciate the sentiment that goes into them.

And... I hope you find that Disney magic; enough to lighten your hearts and make your time (especially with a 19 year old son) sweet!

 

[maryserv]

I am toying with the idea of planning a trip starting around Sept 12th for a week with my DS. I do not do well in really hot weather and if there are large crowds it will only make it worse. I am wondering how soon the crowds / heat dies off after labor day?
As for the subject line let me give you some backround information. I had joyfully been on this board with my DH planning a combination 20th anniversary / post liver transplant vacation. This was to be the first trip since finally, Terry ( DH) had felt well enough to go for any extended time period. The last week in Oct however he began to feel “not right”. He was in and out of the hospital 3 times during November. On November 21st he was disagnosed with pancreatic cancer ( most likely aided by the anti rejections drugs he was on). Terry passed away on Dec 4th – which would have been day number 3 of a 11 day vacation. As you can imagine I have not been on this site for quite a while.
Terry left a “last request “ for me and Andrew to take a trip to WDW and Washington DC. I am not 100% sure if I can go through with this – it seems too soon but I know Terry knew how much I love Disney and this might be a way to help me and Andrew through the healing process. Since my son is 19 his interests lie in a different path than Disney but he has told me that he wants to honor his father’s request.
I know the people who post on this board to be supportive and helpful - - so if I continue on with the planning please be on the lookout for my questions. Any suggestions that you may have to up the magic will be appreciated. I know that in some ways this will be a bittersweet journey but I want both me and Andrew to come out of this with happy memories that can be shared in the future. Because I know Terry will be with us in spirit I have decided to leave his avatar on my signature.
Thanks to everyone,

I know that many have already responded, but I too offer condolences to you and your son. I wonder several things: is the heat issue something that you are prepared to deal with in addition to dealing with Disney for perhaps the first time? Is there a particular reason that you have chosen September for this trip? Is there a medical issue/concern for your heat intolerance? If yes, I want to point to you also in the direction of the disAbilities thread. Are there special things that you all talked about doing together before your husband passed away? Depending on your answer, is now the time to do those, or should you wait a bit? Only your heart can answer.

As far as your concerns: Going early, especially during the warmish time of year if you are staying on property and can do Morning Extra Magic Hours should help with crowds and heat. Leave and go have lunch somewhere, take a nap, and go swimming at the resort during the hottest part of the day, then go to another park that is open late or having Extra Magic Hours in the evening. Your crowds shouldn't be bad since school is back in session in September. If there are special things that you want to make sure you do, get Fast Passes for them, then do something else while waiting for the FPs.

Another suggestion, if you like fireworks, the Illuminations Fireworks cruises leaving from the Yacht, Beach and Boardwalk resorts are amazing. There is a thread that you can look for one to share with others, and the price ends up quite reasonable.

Make sure you let your DS have a part in the planning. Make sure your both read new guidebooks and read various websites on WDW. Make sure that if you really want to eat at a certain place you make your ADRs. This trip may be a good one to use Tour Guide Mike or the Unofficial Guide to WDW touring plans (to take some planning stress off you).

If other times of the year are ok, then the first weeks in December are fabulous and you get the wonderful Christmas decorations and an opportunity to see the Candlelight Processional at Epcot - something that may be wonderfully fulfilling for you at this difficult time. The month of January is also very nice at WDW after school is back in session.

My prayers go with you at this time.

 

[TimmyTimmyTimmy]

I´m sorry to hear about your loss.

I have been have been in a situation somewhat similar to this.
I don´t know what you will do and how.
There will come a time when things sink in a bit more and one learns how to live with the pain that is loss of a person that stands close to the heart. All scarres heal with time, but real pain always leaves scarres on the soul. My advice is to wait with the trip if you don´t feel 100% about it. Don´t do anything with half your heart in it. There will come a day when you will feel ready. That day comes sooner than you think. When you do it and feel sure about it, you will be happy again.

Whatever you do I wish you good luck and you will be cought smiling again.

 

[Candy30]

I first want to say I am sorry for your loss. It is a healing process/journey that has to go at YOUR pace. Take comfort in your memories.

There is something at Disney that gives you a boost through rough times. I personally have experienced this. I agree with 'Timmy' that you have to be ready yourself to do it and enjoy it.

It is hot in September and we experienced a few rain showers that lasted maybe 10 minutes. Then you would look around 10 minutes later and it didn't even look like it rained!!! Make sure you take Ponchos!

BIG HUGS sent to you and your son.

 

[kckmom]

Very sorry for the loss of your DH, how sad for you and your son. Please accept my condolences.

We were down the end of Sept 2007, and one thing we got used to doing was bringing a poncho with us wherever we went. It rained every day, with the rest of the time being so hot and muggy we felt wet all the time.

The crowds were still present, despite the time of year. We decided after the first 2 days that we wouldn't do the parks on the weekend, we went to MK on a Tuesday, and we went on ride after ride with very little, if any, wait. The only one we waited a while for was Peter Pan, and from your son's age, I don't think that is going to be one of his 'must sees' anyway! My advice, stick with T-Thurs for the big parks, makes it much more enjoyable when you don't have to wait for too much.

Hope you have a lovely trip, and cooler, drier weather. God Bless.

 

[ScottJayhawk]

Out last 2 trips have been in September. I know 2 things about Disney World in September.
It will be hot!
Crowds will be low!
And we found the park nearly empty during evening EMH at MK especially as it got later in the night - maybe everybody was getting ready to watch the fireworks while we road ride after ride with literally no line.