when to go August or September??

[Minnie02]

Trying to decide between 8/10-8/17 or maybe the end of September. Have gone in Oct, Nov, Dec and Jan before and wanted to go when the parks are open later. Are parks open later in Sept? Worried about it being too crowded in August not to mention too hot! A couple of my friends always go the last week of August and love it that time of the year - they say it is not crowded and a great time to go - is the second week of August the same??

 

[Demosthenes]

Go in September. The parks aren't open late, but the week after labor day is the least crowded week of the year. In fact, they are so empty that you really can see every major attraction at all four parks in one week with no problem. Saturday nights still afford a chance to see Spectromagic and Fantasy in the sky, and Friday's usually offer Spectromagic. You can see everything at the parks during the days, which are still hot, but much cooler than August, and then enjoy Disney's wonderful nightlife. Also, the deepest discounts of the year are typically offered in September and January. This is value season, so the codes for %20-%40 off can really make a big difference (last September we stayed at the CR Tower Club for $215/night w/tax).

 

[txdznydude]

Definitely go the end of September! I much preferred then to the first of August.
Even though the parks may not be open late you will still be able to get everything in
and with far less crowds. My one suggestion, plan on staying over a Friday &
Saturday night. That may be the only time to see the night time parade and fireworks
at the MK.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[Talky_Tina]

My vote is for Sept too. We have done August 3 times. Never again. Too hot .. too crowded. We have done the last week of Sept once and would defintely do it again. Still hot, but not crowded.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

We went for the 1st time last sept (already there by the 11th) and besides the parks not being open later, resturants (plaza, tony's) hours were changed at last minute, stands were closed early (popcorn, soda's, ice cream etc). Shops were closing earlier all the time. We asked at the plaza and said its open, people are there and we were told they sent the cm's home early and only 2 cm's working the dinning room, so we could wait but only running a few tables. Also there was a daily change about extra's, fireworks on sat. cancelled, e-nite cancelled, etc... I am sure some of this was after the 11th, but we were there 5th>22nd, at the GF. We also had an severe tropical storm for several days also that affected the parks dramatically. Maybe I will change my mind but I kinda missed the crazy crowds, heat, line ques. We are going J/A and again Oct, will see which one we like better. MKY

 

[VickiVM]

I'll be there Sunday - Friday afternoon in Sept/Oct...so there'll be no nighttime parades at all during the week?? What about Illuminations?

 

[mkymouse4ever]

You can always hope. check out the historical hours listed on www.wdwig.com for info, might be a better source. I know last year we planned on fireworks 2 different nites and they were cancelled that morning. But if things stay ok, maybe it will get really busy and they will keep adding more things? I hope october will be a good time, they announced and sold tix to mnsshp, so that's a good sign. MKY