Sept. 17 - 29 - POP with free dining. I made all my ressies on April 9th, as soon as I had my reservation. Got LeCellier for dinner one of the nights. I tried to change a few reservations a couple of weeks ago and couldn't get Coral Reef or Chef Mickeys for any time, so kept what I had. I would suggest to anyone who hasn't got their reservations - do it now! Many of the places are already full. We went last year from 9/22 - 10/6. First five days were good - quiet - restaurants were full but parks were great. Second part was steadily busier - by the time we left on October 6, parks were packed - long wait times (45-60 minutes on BTM, TOT and 90 on Splash and RNRC). Evidently quite a few schools have "Fall Break" starting October 1 and it gets busier with each day. UK also has a break at that same time.
We usually would go in mid-October, which was always great but because of free dining last year - went earlier. The other thing we noticed is that it is still very hot and humid during this time (hurricane season). 92 degrees - most of the time 95 to 100% humidity. Here in Minnesota - if it's 100% humidity - it's raining! Not in Florida. So be prepared for hot and humid and more crowds as it gets closer to October 1.
Also Food and Wine Fest starts the end of Sept. - that first Friday is awful - packed with people, many of the vendors don't have it completely together yet - lots of drunks! We went last year and regreted it. If possible, stay away that first Friday - this year it's Sept. 28. Fortunately, we leave the next night so we have the day to experience some of it without going on that Friday.
I hope I didn't sound too negative - no matter what - weather, crowds, etc. - you're still at WDW - what could be better!
95 days and counting!!:sohappy: