Surprise - surprise! There really are smaller lines in the parks during September - after labor day!
This was the first time we spent two weeks at WDW after Labor Day. We drove down and arrived on Thursday after the holiday and stayed for two full weeks - our youngest daughter flew down with a friend an joined us on the Saturday after we arrived and left on the following Sunday.
We have been to WDW in the busy seasons usually, including the hot days of summer, and crowds were always high. Planning was particularly important then in order to avoid long waits in the summer heat. It was even hot when we went down a year ago in May. When at WDW during peak times, getting to the parks early, leaving to go to the pools at midday, and returning at night (or during extended hours for WDW hotel guests only) is pretty much the way to go without "getting frustrated and overheated."
However, these were the smallest crowds (if you could even refer the number of people in the parks using that terminology), I have witnessed in my many trips. We did hit a hot spell for some of the trip, but it was more bearable than August. There were many days when we first got there and before we left that were fairly delightful for northerners visiting Florida.
Though the hours the parks were open had decreased from the peak seasons, getting into many attractions in a short period of time was not a problem. No lines, 5 minute waits, and being able to ride Big Thunder Mountain over and over without having to get off, was something I really enjoyed. It also allowed for more time at the pool and at Typhoon Lagoon - relaxing was a pleasure when you are at WDW. There is just so much to see and do, it is easy to get carried away and forget to smell the roses. Speaking of smelling flowers - try going to WDW during the spring when the flower festival is on to see the extra plantings and topiaries on the grounds.
But, the off season doesn't last long so if you want to take advantage of when these times occur, check the guides or reference books to get the dates. Also, I should mention that the smallest crowds are during the week, and start to increase on weekends even during non-peak weeks (I guess that is fairly obvious - but I thought it worth mentioning).
So, for those of you who hate lines, and don't mind the parks closing earlier - going to WDW in September can be the perfect time for you. Did I mention that a free dining package was included with our trip? We also used AAA and saved some extra $$.
One more note before ending this post - there are still nights where the parks are open later, and there are still extended hours in the morning and evening for onsite guests.
See you soon with more strategies on visiting the Kingdom.
This was the first time we spent two weeks at WDW after Labor Day. We drove down and arrived on Thursday after the holiday and stayed for two full weeks - our youngest daughter flew down with a friend an joined us on the Saturday after we arrived and left on the following Sunday.
We have been to WDW in the busy seasons usually, including the hot days of summer, and crowds were always high. Planning was particularly important then in order to avoid long waits in the summer heat. It was even hot when we went down a year ago in May. When at WDW during peak times, getting to the parks early, leaving to go to the pools at midday, and returning at night (or during extended hours for WDW hotel guests only) is pretty much the way to go without "getting frustrated and overheated."
However, these were the smallest crowds (if you could even refer the number of people in the parks using that terminology), I have witnessed in my many trips. We did hit a hot spell for some of the trip, but it was more bearable than August. There were many days when we first got there and before we left that were fairly delightful for northerners visiting Florida.
Though the hours the parks were open had decreased from the peak seasons, getting into many attractions in a short period of time was not a problem. No lines, 5 minute waits, and being able to ride Big Thunder Mountain over and over without having to get off, was something I really enjoyed. It also allowed for more time at the pool and at Typhoon Lagoon - relaxing was a pleasure when you are at WDW. There is just so much to see and do, it is easy to get carried away and forget to smell the roses. Speaking of smelling flowers - try going to WDW during the spring when the flower festival is on to see the extra plantings and topiaries on the grounds.
But, the off season doesn't last long so if you want to take advantage of when these times occur, check the guides or reference books to get the dates. Also, I should mention that the smallest crowds are during the week, and start to increase on weekends even during non-peak weeks (I guess that is fairly obvious - but I thought it worth mentioning).
So, for those of you who hate lines, and don't mind the parks closing earlier - going to WDW in September can be the perfect time for you. Did I mention that a free dining package was included with our trip? We also used AAA and saved some extra $$.
One more note before ending this post - there are still nights where the parks are open later, and there are still extended hours in the morning and evening for onsite guests.
See you soon with more strategies on visiting the Kingdom.
