Why September At WDW Is The Best

[AngiTN]

I fully expect this September trip to be even busier than our last one. We are going the second week of the month so, maybe that will help with the crowds. Every year WDW gets busier and I also think with every guide book and WDW planning website telling people September is one of the best times of the year to go for crowds that the secret is way out of the bag, which means it will only get more crowded over time. December used to be a great time to go but, now it is more moderately busy.. I wonder if September is headed in that direction?

Yes, to answer that question. Disney is overall more crowded. The crowd levels 1-4 of yesteryear and the crowd levels of 1-4 today are very different. It's just more crowded, period. Baring rain or extreme cold you'll never find the parks empty like you once did. So while yes, Sept is one of the slower times of the year it's far from empty/walk on rides of years past.

 

[Gottahavemorecowbell]

Everyone has different tolerance levels regarding the heat/humidity. To one person a 92 degree day with humidity is not that bad. You adjust and enjoy the summer weather knowing that winter will be back sooner than anyone wants it to be. To another person, the aforementioned 92 degree day with humidity is an absolutely brutal experience that basically ruins the day. Most of us fall somewhere in between. To those worried about September weather, you will no doubt have some heat/humidity to deal with. There are no two ways about that. However, September is still a good time to go to WDW. Somewhat lower crowd levels and Free Dining options make it a very attractive time. Keep in mind that you can run into pretty hot weather any time between April-October. November-March is usually cooler. There will be exceptions of course. We went in late September once and it was pretty hot and humid but we had a wonderful trip. Our preference now is probably late October-early November.

 

[Buttrcp16]

I too, have curly hair and I also have the perfect hairstyle - a ponytail! It's genius, I know

The way I see it, there are ways to beat the heat, but there's no real way to beat the crowds if it's busy. Sure, you can schedule your FP+ and RD but beyond that, extreme crowds make for miserable touring (for me anyway). I would MUCH rather face some heat armed with misting fans, cooling towels, etc., than go during a peak time to visit - or have to deal with both (June-Aug, anyone?)

I also lived in southwest Florida for a few years and there is no heat/humidity that can compare to down there. If I can survive those summers, I can certainly handle an Orlando September. Bring. It. On!

But yeah, September sucks, everyone stay away... visit some other time... ahem....

 

[andyman8]

Also as a Floridian I think it's a little better than the ones that show up in July. I don't know. Some of them inexplicably enjoy the heat. I sure don't.

I don't know. For me, September in Florida is just a bit depressing. I guess it may be cause I'm sick of the summer weather patterns by that point, but September is hot and more humid (for me, it's always the most humid month, which amplifies the heat). Add in the increased chance of a hurricane (the peak of the season is in September so you're chances are much higher than in November or July) and the storms and it would not my ideal vacation time.

Relating to WDW in particular, the park hours tend to also be shorter between NoJ, MNSSHP, and the "low" (I've always found them to be not as "empty" as some say) crowds.

Not to mention, for parents and students, that time is hectic with school starting and everything. Just starting school and already taking a week off seems odd to me, but that's a whole other argument.

 

[houseofduck]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned love bugs. While they are mostly just annoying, love bugs are why I don't enjoy mid to late September visits. They aren't deal breakers, but I would rather not be there with them!

 

[wendow]

We have typically gone in Sept and I would agree that the heat is INTENSE. It's one thing to be out in it for a few mins here and there but walking the parks for hours and hours can be brutal. We have brought misting fans with us and plenty of water. You must drink so much water to stay hydrated in those temps/humidity.

Also, the parks are not near as dead in Sept as they used to be. So for anyone who hasn't gone in the last two years in Sept and thinks the crowds are like they used to be, is wrong. We found Sept 2013 to be very busy. No, not summer or holiday busy, but much busier than it used to be.

This year we are going in Dec and I am so looking forward to the cooler temps and the Christmas decor!

 

[mermaids1960]

I have not done Sep for a few years and had always loved it, I have also done Dec and that was lovely less lines and not as hot, however I do like it warmer as we did experience some rather cool Brrrrrrrrr days during our Dec stay

 

[SWofDisorder]

Go at the end of the month and get:
#1, soft opening to F&W
#2, Early MNSSHP means low crowds
#3 My Birthday
#4 It is so dang hot you must start to drink a lot of liquid early. It is ok to go England and have a Guiness at 10 am.

 

[Evoga]

We have been in September for two weeks for many years and it is now nowhere near the low level of crowds it used to be. I have found each year it has been busier than before and last year was bad. Also the MNSSHP levels have grown terribly where we just don't bother booking it now.

 

[toddinboston]

So my wife and I are going in September for the first time this year. It will be the last week of Septebmer going into Ocotber (Sept. 26-Oct. 3). I knew to expect heat...but everyone's comments are scaring me a little. So....how hot are we talking normally? And give me all the tips you have for staying cool (aside from taking a mid-day break)???? Thanks!

it's a little like vacationing on the sun...
for me the worst part was baking in the heat, then going into an air conditioned ride, then going back out into the heat... really drains you after a while

 

[Aliceacc]

We're both teachers. And, even if we weren't, we wouldn't consider taking the kids out of school for a Disney trip.

So September in WDW simply isn't a possiblity.

For me, the best time to be in Disney is whenever you can get there. Sure, summer is hot and crowded. But I ADORE the heat-- I've been cold since Halloween. There are lots of ways of dealing with the heat. And the crowds aren't really an issue; there has only been ONE time-- one single ride-- in my past 3 trips when I waited more than 20 minutes. (You know how it is: knowledge is power.)

I'm sure September is delightful, as is December and February and any other time you can go. For my family, "delightul" is summer at WDW.