less crowded?

[Erica9901]

In your opinion, which dates are less crowded?

[russk42]

first week of September is my favorite---not as crowded as Summer, but still quite warm in the evenings---but to tell the truth, i haven't seen the parks un-crowded since 2002. For example, we went at the end of September, first few days of October last year, and it was a surprisingly crowded: there were lines even for Its a Small World mid-week! We didn't even try for dining.

[January-2007]

I voted for September. A year ago we went in mid January and it was a lot more crowded than we expected. This past September we were there for 2 weeks starting in the middle of the month and it wasn't really crowded. The busses were completely insane, but the lines for the rides weren't long. I keep reading more and more about how much more busy the entire Christmas season has gotten, so truly, is there ever a slow time in WDW anymore? I think not... But I think September, from my personal experience at least, is less crowded.

[ali'sdad2003]

Our last 2 trips have been in September. There are not any really long waits and the Free Dining is such an incredible deal that even if I had to wait a little longer, I would not care. Plus, the Little Ones Extra Magic Hours is really an amazing time. :thumbsup: I have gone in January once and it seemed to be the same as September if not a little busier. Anything beats the summer. So I will take advantage of going the slower times until I have to go in the summer. :mickey:

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

I know someone who has worked for Disney for over 10 years. She says the first week of Dec is the least busy week of the entire year. Disney typically offers it's employees 60% of resorts that week because of this. She says it's a great time to go because there are no waits and you can see Disney decked out for Christmas.

[sillyolbear]

I went with mid-January. Provided you go before MLK weekend, you might hit some refurbs and earlier closing times but less other events going on to increase crowds right after the holidays.

[Aurora]

We went the first week in December this past year and there were NO crowds. NONE. On Extra Magic Hour night at the MK the park was virtually deserted, which I haven't seen for years. Plus the parks were decorated for Christmas and the weather was absolutely beautiful, warm during the day and less warm at night (I wouldn't even say cool -- sometimes we didn't even need another layer).

The cast members were very laid back.

Florida was in the middle of a drought, so I don't know if December is a drier time of year, but four days with NO rain. Never had that happen before.

[Aunt Terri]

Thanks for the info about Dec... i want to plan a trip that has the christmas decorations up .. and it sounds perfects :cloud9:

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

Last year I went mid-Jan and Sept. I found it too be much more crowded in Sept due to the free DDP. It seems like every Sept brings more and more people. Several rides had 30-40 min waits unlike in Jan where Safari was the only ride with 20 min or longer.

[Soul_Power]

This is a great topic!

If all goes according to plan, I'll be graduating college at the end of the year :fingers:, and I wanted to plan a "Happy Graduation to me" trip for 2009 and still see the Christmas decorations, so the first week of December sounds great!

When do Christmas decorations typically go up anyway?

[Deesdisney]

I have gone at the beginning of Dec. 2 times and just did end of Jan. They were both the same hardly any body there on the week days and weedends got a little busy. But I picked Dec. due to the Christmas events.

[scootch713]

I know someone who has worked for Disney for over 10 years. She says the first week of Dec is the least busy week of the entire year. Disney typically offers it's employees 60% of resorts that week because of this. She says it's a great time to go because there are no waits and you can see Disney decked out for Christmas.


It is getting more crowded though each year, not so much a secret any more.