When to go during FD? Help me decide

[2littleprincesses]

Should we go Aug 22-29 or Sept 19-26? August is hot and more crowded and dh would miss out on some prime training (running a fall marathon), but dds and I would not miss school. Sept would be cooler (maybe?) and less crowded, but we would miss school. Ideas?

Is there that big of a crowd and weather difference?

TIA

 

[mickeynut1]

We've never been in August but the 2 times we went for free dining we went the very end of September (checking in the last day of free dining) and we thought the weather/crowds were great . It was warm enough to swim but it wasn't so humid that you were miserable at the parks . We didn't think the park crowds were bad at all. And we never waited for any ADR as we always got seated on time or even a little early . If missing school isn't a big problem......I say go with September over August .

 

[Rosanne]

Personally, I would go for the August dates to avoid missing school. It's a really big deal at the school where I teach to miss for anything other than illness. We actually have mentors (I am one) for students who miss six or more days of school. Real bummer for me as I would loooooooooove to miss a week of school to go to Disney at more ideal times for me. If your school doesn't mind and your kids are good at keeping up then either way, I would think. I wouldn't imagine there is a huge difference in temp in general, although as the poster before me said, it would make sense for the humidity to be improved. If I weren't a teacher at my daughter's school we'd probably miss a few at least once in a while. My school is just ultra aggressive on the attendance thing. Darn if they don't expect me to be a good example. Augh.:sad
Rosanne (who secretly believes that a week at Epcot is just as good as a week of school)

 

[Pixieflip]

We start school August 12.

 

[2littleprincesses]

Anyone else have an opinion. Dh is wanting me to make a decision. I appreciate it.

 

[RMulieri]

Sept can be as brutally hot and humid as Aug. I have gone several times in Sept and Aug and there are times where Sept is just as bad. Crowds are lighter but not all that much either.

 

[IggyLans]

We've never been in August but the 2 times we went for free dining we went the very end of September (checking in the last day of free dining) and we thought the weather/crowds were great . It was warm enough to swim but it wasn't so humid that you were miserable at the parks . We didn't think the park crowds were bad at all. And we never waited for any ADR as we always got seated on time or even a little early . If missing school isn't a big problem......I say go with September over August .

I agree. We've been at the end of September for FD 3 different times, and crowds were great, the weather while hot and humid still was good (can't imagine what it is like in August), and as long as you have ADR's you get seated quickly. I vote for September.

 

[jdd]

I'm interested in opinions on this as well. We've always gone on a shortened school week - usually have 2-3 days off for a "fall break". My oldest will be in 7th grade this year, though, so I'd rather go late August, so he doesn't miss ANY school. Wondering about crowds and heat though....

 

[Coparm]

I'm looking for opinions too. We had our first ever trip a month ago stayed at ASMu and I am addicted!! I want to return either August or Sep as a surprise for my DD6 and leave DH at home. Am thinking FD will be better deal than 4/3 staying at value, but am now trying to decide whether weather and crowds will be better August or mid September (plus my Birthday 14th Sep, so can get Birthday deal).

Any thoughts?

 

[Ladybugsy]

If I had the choice between August or September, I'd definately pick September if only for the low crowd. We were there in September of 2005, 2006, and 2007 and walked on everything. We were there just after labor day one year and as late as the 26th. No beating the low crowds. It doesn't seem so hot when you're not fighting people to get to where you need to go. You get there quickly, and are quickly in the air conditioning...lol.

 

[Coparm]

Thanks, I'm leaning towards 9th Sep to 15th. Not telling my DD until we're on our way to the airport, can't wait to see her face!

 

[sandgrace]

Has anyone noticed if the beginning of Sept. is less crowded than mid or late Sept.?

 

[hdietsche1]

I have gone three times late August, and going again this summer ( I am a teacher too) The crowds are fine in the parks, but it is sometimes tougher to find a place to eat during free dining. The heat and humidity are incredible, but only you know how you will handle it. There are plenty of air conditioned places to escape to, as well as a (free) huge glass of ice water whenever you need it. My boys and I go all out 12+ hour disney commando in the heat and humidity with nary a complaint. However my bro's kids wouldnt last 5 minutes.
So go with your gut on this one. Good luck!

 

[DisneyMom5]

I've actually done both of those weeks. I prefer Sept. because it is a little better for crowds, but we homeschool so don't have the school aspect.

I don't believe it is any cooler in Sept. We sweat like pigs. LOL

I plan on going back in Sept.

We loved both trips, and would have no qualms about that week in August if we could not go in Sept.

 

[MEK]

I have gone 4 times in late august (last week into Labor Day). three times were with free dining.

2008 - could not go, both kids in preseason soccer
2007 - FD - very crowded, very hot
2006 - FD - mild to mod crowds, pleasant summer weather
2005 - FD - crowds non existent, pleasant summer weather
2003 - mild to mod crowds, pleasant summer weather

When i say pleasant, I mean temps peaking at 90, very hot in the middle of the day, but nice in morning and evening. When I say hot, I mean hot and humid all day with no rain to break it up.

If i had a choice, I would pick September because it is always reported by folks as being low crowds. In fact, as soon as both my kids are in college I intend to visit EVERY YEAR in September. I am actually thinking of going myself this year!

 

[Samrain]

I have to jump on the September bandwagon! I wouldn't rely heavily on weather as a deciding factor because as others have mentioned, we've been there the first week of August and had "cooler" temperatures and cloudy skies for the majority of the week and other years where it was sweltering. September tends to be a bit "cooler," but can be very hot too. At that time of year, tropical storms and hurricanes are also a possibility and can throw off the "typical" weather pattern.

For the crowds, I would choose September - Disney's peak crowd season is whenever school isn't in session (aka: summer and holidays) so in general, whenever school is in session, it will almost always be less crowded. But on that note, if you plan to have TS meals, be sure to book ADRs asap as restaurants tend to be VERY crowded due to FD (especially TS at dinner).

 

[2littleprincesses]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Everyone was leaning towards Sept, but I booked the August time because of the school issues. It didn't seem like that much of a difference weather wise and according to touring plans, the crowds were only 1 number (point) difference on 4 of the 7 days (the rest were the same crowd level). So we are going ASMu Aug 22-29 with FD!!!

Thanks!

 

[jdd]

We decided on late August as well - same reason, school. We'll be there from the 23rd to the 28th, so see ya at the parks