In Need of September Advice

[Roger321]

I am looking ahead to a 8 day family trip to Disneyworld in Sept of 2010. There are many advantages (lower crowd levels, cheaper resort prices and perhaps free dining), but if we stay at Wilderness Lodge is the Contemporary/WL boat still running the first 2 weeks in Sept?

Based on 2009 schedule, park hours seem to be curtailed. Has this been an issue for anyone? Are resorts/pools open past 7?

Anything else you experienced travelers can pleeeease pass along to this rookie would be helpful.

RR

 

[disneygirl1]

Heading to the world in Sept this year. This will be my first time visiting during this month, but seems like the park hours are pretty consistant year to year. Note that MK closes early most days b/c of MNSSHP. I like the fact that the parks close a little bit early during this time of year b/c it allows us to spend time at the resort and do things that we typically wouldn't like stroll the boardwalk or go to Chip and Dale's camp fire.

As for the boat, it should definitely still be running, don't see why it wouldn't. We used it when we were there in Oct 07 and Dec 08.

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the pools are open till midnight, with the lifeguards going off duty at 10pm.

Hope this helps some.

 

[KnK]

This will be our 12th September in a row. The boats always rum between WL and MK.

Don't let the shortened hours worry you. Less people means you get ride more rides faster. We have been know to get through the MK riding many rides twice by 3 pm.

Looking foward to another great trip this year.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

September is a great time to go, especially with free dining.

As others have said, park hours are shorter because the crowds are smaller, so it shouldn't mess up your touring.

You have to book free dining by the 26th of July, so you may want to decide soon!

 

[tigsmom]

I am looking ahead to a 8 day family trip to Disneyworld in Sept of 2010. There are many advantages (lower crowd levels, cheaper resort prices and perhaps free dining), but if we stay at Wilderness Lodge is the Contemporary/WL boat still running the first 2 weeks in Sept?

Based on 2009 schedule, park hours seem to be curtailed. Has this been an issue for anyone? Are resorts/pools open past 7?

Anything else you experienced travelers can pleeeease pass along to this rookie would be helpful.

RR

The boats run all year long. The smaller boat that makes the run between the WL & Contemporary may be held back during a storm (as would many others I imagine), but I have never seen it. We've ridden it in bad weather before.

The crowds are lighter that time of year so the shorter hours are fine as the lines are not as long & you get more done and yes, the pool is still open past 7 pm. Not sure what the closing time is (maybe 10-11?), but we have hit the pool there many a night after the parks have closed. Grab a coffee, tea, hot chocolate or even an adult beverage & enjoy the rocking chairs in front of the big fireplace. Take the Hidden Mickey challenge in the lobby or grab a snack at the Roarin' Forks and hang out on the patio. You can see the Electrical Water Pageant from the dock or the beach as well as the upstairs observation deck in the Lodge. The WL is a great place to relax and spend some time, have a great trip! :wave:

 

[zjer]

September used to be favorite time to go. However with free dining don't expect it to be as slow as it used to be. Here are my tips:
Make sure you have a park hopper. Since PI is closed and the parks close early, EPCOT seems to be the best night option.
Prepare for heat and rain. September is not much different than summer weather.
Make dining plans in advance. Free dining makes spur of the moment decisions tough.

 

[harveyt0206]

I have stayed at the WL twice and absolutely loved it. The boats should definitely still be running as I believe they run all year long. I have to admit that for me, that boat ride at the end of the day on my way back to WL from Magic was one of the hightlights of our trips. It's so peaceful on the water after dark. Great choice, in my opinion.

What I find is that even though the parks have reduced hours, you will still have at least one park with Extra magic hours in the morning/evening. For example, I am going 09/25 through 09/30 this year and will be taking advantage of the following extra magic hours:

9/25 - Animal Kingdom has evening EMH
9/26 - Disney Hollywood studios has morning EMH
9/27 - Magic has evening EMH
9/28 - Epcot has evening EMH

By staying at a Disney property, you will get to take advantage of the EMH and extend your time in the parks. I find that this gives me more than enough opportunity to get done what I want to do. The Park Hopper is an absolute must though in order to get the most out of all the parks and the EMH.

Best of luck. I find the planning phase to be a huge part of my Disney fun and love helping others plan, so enjoy!! :wave:

 

[worldfanatic]

If you don't mind the weather (I love the rain & heat), September is the best month to go. The ride waits are small, but most everything is still open. (unlike January)
Free dining has made it a bit busier and you certainly need to make your ADRs 90 days out. But the crowds are still light. Have fun planning, you've got 14 months to anticipate and get excited. That's a big part of the fun!

 

[Roger321]

Your Words of Wisdom

Thanks to everyone for your valuable advice. I am looing forward to planning an enjoyable Sept. trip.

 

[justdru]

I can't imagine that the resorts would have shorter pool hours. The lifeguards aren't on duty for the entirety of the pool hours now so lesser 'official' park hours shouldn't change that.

Of course, I could be wrong.