What are crowd levels like August 28-September 3?

Gracy_hm

Member
So I know its average of 92 and its humid and rainy. I don't have any worries with that but I would like to know how crowded it is August 28-September 3'rd its mostly weekday and most schools are back in. Any experience? or consideration is appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

Kyle
 

CLandrum

Active Member
I went this time over labor day weekend last year. Crowds were great, very low. Never waited more than 15 minutes for rides except the normal Soarin and TSMM. Most rides were walk on. I only had it rain one time in the afternoon and it went away pretty fast.
 
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mickeysshoes

Well-Known Member
You have picked a great week!! You should not see many crowds at all. Most kids are back in school and parents will not take their out of school right at the begining!! Have a great trip!!
 
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I went the last two years during that same week and loved it there. Hardly any rain, never needed a Fast Pass, and the heat was not unbearable. A lot of NY, NJ, and people from England were there b/c schools did not start yet. We were also able to get all our dining reservations without a problem. I think it's the best time to go!:animwink:
 
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robw1997

Member
In my opinion, September is a great time of year to visit Disney. When I went in September of 2009, I did not have to wait over 15 minutes for any attraction. The weather in September is hot, however, if you stay hydrated and take advantage of air conditioned areas, the heat should not spoil your fun. As for rain, if it does rain, changes are that it will only be a quick shower, and the sun will be back out in no time. Have a great time!!
 
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Disney Nut

New Member
Great time but HOT

We went last year from 8/31 to 9/7. Crowds were fine even over the 3 day weekend. Friday night, saturday and sunday were a little busier but not too bad. For the most parts, most waits were 10 min max (except toy story). Extended evening hours were great at that time, we just walked on most rides. The main problem was the heat and humidity. It was a killer mid day. we took out breaks from 1 to 4 to rest or hit the pool and went back to the parks at around 6. Also, we only had rain one day. There was one or two very quick thunder storms but we never really noticed since they usually passed around our break time.So if the heat is not a bother, its great. We're softies from up north so we are trying May this year....:)
 
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Monty

Brilliant...and Canadian
In the Parks
No
We'll be there at the same time! :wave:

My son Morgan and I have been the last few years during the week leading up to Labour day. Crowds have been really manageable, but still noticeable. There really isn't a "Slow Period" any more at WDW, just slower... We aren't bothered by the heat, though some days we'll go back to our resort to have a quick shower and change of clothes before dinner.

You've picked a great time to go! If you happen to see a couple of tall Canadians wearing guest name tags [the taller has a beard and is, um... wider :lookaroun], say hi! :wave:

I love meeting WDWMagicers [Morgan doesn't mind either]!
 
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atsolomon

Well-Known Member
I was in WDW for a similar period in 2008 and 2012. It is quite hot and humid compared to the Boston area, sort of like visiting the worst bits of summer again. Afternoon breaks by the pool were the order of the day.

Both my vacations were slightly impacted by hurricanes -- positively, actually. In 2008 there was windy cloudy weather as a result of a glancing blow from a hurricane and last year a lot people couldn't make it down to FL for the start of their vacations resulting in very low crowd levels initially.

In 2008 MK was very quiet on Labor Day itself. In 2012 MK was kind of busy on Labor Day. Go figure.

Hope you have a great time.

Regards,

Adam
 
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SPMTCP2003

Member
Just to throw it all out there, here's a copy of the post I put in the (Other) Tips section...

The best times to visit WDW are as follows:

January - After the first week in January (after the New Year's Eve partiers go home), this is an excellent time to visit, as the crowds are very thinned and the weather is mild (if not even a bit chilly at nights).

February - This is a great month to visit, with the only exception of right around Valentine's Day of course, as it can be slightly more crowded on that day and the weekends nearest the holiday.

March - The first week of March is good up until Spring Break vacations start, and then the crowds begin to ramp up a bit. The International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot also begins around the second week of March and usually draws a decent crowd.

April - The last week of April is typically good, as the Spring Break crowds have died down a bit. The International Flower and Garden Festival continues through April, but the crowds for this event are usually lower during this month.

May - The International Flower and Garden Festival ends around the 3rd week of May and usually brings another little bump in Epcot attendance. Otherwise May is a decent time to come. The one exception is for Disney's Hollywood Studios during the last two weekends when they have the Star Wars Weekends event going on. It can be QUITE busy in that park during those weekends.

June - Star Wars Weekends continues for the first two weekends in June at the Disney Hollywood Studios, so expect large crowds at this park during these weekends. Most US schools begin to let out in June, so expect the family vacation crowds to start increasing in attendance during this month. The Sounds Like Summer concert series (which runs from mid-June through July) at the American Pavilion in Epcot can draw a crowd during those days and times with concerts, but the impact is usually quite minimal. Be aware of that schedule just to be safe. June is also the time that the weather in Florida REALLY starts to get very hot and humid.

July - Expect attendance in all of the parks to be rather high, with longer wait times for attractions. The Sounds Like Summer concert series runs through the month of July, but the Epcot attendance will have minimal impact from the concerts. Be prepared for VERY hot and humid days with cooler but still humid evenings during July. WDW does an excellent job of minimizing the heat for park-goers standing in long lines outside, either with misting fans or partially-covered or even air conditioned queues. Also know that you can ask for a cup of water at any quick service food and beverage stand in any of the parks for FREE! Also be aware of the threat for mid-day storms to pop up, as well as the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane to affect Florida during this month, although July is usually pretty quiet.

August - Again, it's Summer-time! Expect long lines and a lot of people in all of the parks. Some schools begin the new year around the third week of August, so the last week might be slightly less crowded than the rest of the Summer. Also be aware of the threat mid-day storms to pop up, and the probability for a tropical storm or hurricane to affect Florida is greater in August than July.

September - The first week of September is usually quite busy in all of the parks, as this is the last "hoorah" for the families before starting school after Labor Day. That said, after Labor Day is a fantastic time to visit the parks! The weather starts to cool off a bit, and there are wonderful special events that run during the Fall seasons. The International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot's World Showcase really draws a crowd during the last week in September when the festival kicks off. Also be aware that September is the month that Florida most often is affected by a tropical storm or hurricane, statistically. At the Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) begins around the second week in September and runs on various days through October. It is important to know that if you plan to visit the Magic Kingdom on a day that there will be a MNSSHP, the park will close to regular guests at 6:00pm. If you would like to stay in the park you may purchase a ticket, but I would suggest planning this ahead of time, as the event often sells out way before the day-of.

October - A fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World. If you are wanting to attend the International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, this is an excellent month to do so, as crowds are usually thinned down during October. The Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties tend to sell out quickly, especially the one's closer to Halloween itself.

November - The beginning of November is the last time the parks will be somewhat thinned before the major holiday crowds. The International Food and Wine Festival wraps up it's last week at Epcot during the first week of November. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins around the second week and runs through December. Just like the Halloween Parties, the Magic Kingdom will close at 6:00pm to regular guests on days of the Christmas Party. As the date approaches Thanksgiving, the crowds in all of the parks will increase drastically, and the holiday weekend itself can be absolutely miserable if you do not plan for large crowds in the parks and use Fast Passes wisely.

December - Generally, the month of December is very crowded, but especially so the week before, during, and after the Christmas holiday. During this time the parks are outrageously crowded (I've seen a 3-hour wait for Space Mountain during this time). Albeit the parks are beautifully decorated for the season, it can be quite a challenge to navigate a family through the parks this time of year. Walt Disney World hosts one of the largest events to celebrate the new year, with a special events and hours at all of the parks except for Disney's Animal Kingdom. The other parks are open until at least 1:00am and the attendance is unlike any other day of the year. But just like those who head to Times Square in New York, these events are usually attended by those who love to be among very large crowds.

In general, the larger crowds tend to gather around holidays. As long as you avoid these times, you should expect to have a bit more room in the parks. That said, some events certainly are worth attending even if the crowds are large, the Halloween and Christmas parties, and the Food and Wine festival in particular.


So, as far as your trip goes, it certainly isn't the most crowded time of the year, but just be prepared for decent lines and rather warm (and possibly wet) weather. All in all, should be a good time! Have fun! :)
 
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