Free Dining - Is September a good idea?

[Jodiepen]

My family made reservations for the 2nd week in September because that was when the free dining was originally announced. Now that they have expanded free dining, I'm considering changing my dates. I'm worried that because they just announced the expanded free dining, everyone has already made reservations for September and it will be crowded. Thoughts? Do you think September will be crowded? Should we change our dates?

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

When free dining came out. I did see people were switching to Sept to nab the deal but mostly people who were going in Oct and switched to the last week in Sept. You should be fine. Im heading down the first week of Sept.

 

[dreamfinder]

Well, my first thought would be, can you still get any ADRs that you want? A different week, you may not be able to get the same ADRs you already have.

 

[real mad hatter]

It's always crowded,12 months of the year....Just some months are more crowded than others..We have been 5 times,all in July,because the crowds are nicer...Last year was the first time we landed Free Dining and it wasn't as crowded as other years.....When we walked into a C/S restaurant,the crowds seemed to disperse when they saw my face and heard my accent....I would stick to your dates and buy a cheap deodorant..It worked for us.....Sorry..I'am in a silly mood this afternoon..I was stuck in the supermarket behind a crowd of yapping women..I said " Excuse me ladies,is there a coffee shop in here? " This blond ( mutton dressed as lamb ) said " Aye Son, It's over there." To which I politely replied, " Then why don't you all go in for a coffee and you can natter till yer hearts content." ...Rant over..

 

[mousefreak]

We went on free dining last September just after Labor Day and most rides were walk on.

 

[Mukta]

I go to WDW almost every September. The crowds are very low regardless of free dining. I walk onto most rides and I almost never need Fastpass.

 

[tare]

We've gone in September. Still very hot but I love the weather anyway. The Halloween party is fun too.

 

[NCmouse]

We went September 15, 2011 during Free Dining. Not a all a problem with the crowds. We were at the parks for rope drop and planned our day to hit the popular rides first. Even without a touring plan, it was a short wait for almost all rides. Hit MNSSHP if you are able. Lots of fun!

 

[draybook]

Crowded, not so much. But most ADRs will either be booked or you'll get some wacky seating times.

 

[CrazyDisneyLady]

You will not be able to get much of anything for ADRs when it comes to the more popular places. Most places free dining or not get booked up fast, even though it is a slower time of year it is still busy.

 

[Tinkerbella16]

Even though the heat is rough, September is still a great time to go! We went the last week of September last year and loved it.. it was VERY hot and humid but the crowds were not as bad and we went during a week that had free dining. Restaurants- Crowded, Lines for Rides- Not so much, especially when you utilize FP's. I would just stay put honestly. We normally visit in November so of course I was missing the heck out of that near perfect fall weather in WDW.

 

[NCmouse]

For ADR's...keep checking. I was able to pick up some favorite restaurants and better times a week or two before our trip. A free dinner at Disney will always be better than one that you have at home!

 

[nngrendel]

2nd week in Sept is awesome. We went during these dates last year and it was awesome.