September trip - first one in 4 years advice

[Vito]

Hey all! I haven't been around a lot lately, but I've been a member here for ages since almost the beginning (member #224 ). Anyway, good to see the place is still pretty much the same as always

So here are a few questions I have about our trip from Sept 13 - 22. Some questions may not really have any answer, so that's ok, but even if you want to speculate, I appreciate the help

1) I consider myself a WDW veteran and know the parks very well, but since we haven't been in four years, is there anything that's different now that you would say is a significant change that I should be aware of? (aside from new/gone attractions, which I sort of ask about in the next question... this is more with regard to buses, policies, etc)

2) Are there any attractions that weren't there a few years ago that are there now that I should make sure not to miss? Of course I already know about Soarin, Everest, Toy Story Mania, but how about the Nemo Musical and some of the smaller stuff? Basically I'm looking for recommendations about the new stuff and if it's worth taking the time to see.

3) This will be our first September trip - we've always been either during the Summer (June/Jul/Aug) and once in April. Is there anything different I should expect with regard to going in mid September instead? This includes anything regarding lines, weather, etc.

4) I've checked some various refurb lists, and I don't see any major attractions being shut down while I'm there (YAY!! ), but are there any rumors of attractions that might go down but it's not official yet?

And any other relevant comments and/or advice is greatly appreciated!

I'm so excited. I've never gone this long without taking a WDW trip and I miss it a lot. I've been to DL several times since my last WDW trip, but I'm really anxious to get back to WDW

[Beast_fanatic]

Welcome back!

1. I think most of the policies have been in place at least 5 years now, so I don't think there's much that has changed there. I have heard some grumblings that the buses have had some issues lately, and there's been speculation that Disney has cut back on the number of buses it's using because of the cost of fuel.

2. The Nemo Musical is definitely worth the time. The Laugh Floor comedy club is worth at least one visit. I don't remember how long Turtle Talk with Crush has been there, but if you haven't seen it, it's very good too. I'm sure others will chime in with more, that's just all I can think of.

3. I think the lines will probably be shorter than you're used to, but with the dining plan, sit-down restaurants are a lot more busy, so I'd highly recommend making Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR's) for any sit-down meals.

4. I'd suggest you take a look at the tidbits thread in the News, Rumors & Imagineering forum as it's a good source of rehab rumors.

[disneymom15]

If you're flying into MCO, Disney offers Disneys Magical Express, it's a free service since you'll be staying at POP. I highly recommend it.

[BelleCiavo]

1. MNSSHP is now offered in September so MK will close early a couple of days.

2. Ice Station Cool is now Club Cool, I think the caveman is gone.

3. There are now extended night time hours in addition to the extra hour in the morning. This is an extra 3 hours a night for resort guests only, parks rotate.

[tinkergal]

3. I'm visiting the same time. The temp, humidity, frequency of rain, will be pretty much the same, that is HOT! But manageable.

I hope you & yours have as great of a time as I expect me & mine will!

[gmgdisneymom]

make sure you have all of your ADR's. It is not like it used to be - your CANNOT just get into any (frankly all) restaurants as a walk-up

ME is fantastic, saves a lot of money and hassles and your can start your trip early and not have to worry about your luggage

Go see Pocahontas as she will be closing the week after you leave.

We love the Lion King and Nemo in AK; Indiana Jones, Lights, Motor and just the street actors in DHS; Take half a day to enjoy the WS - even kids enjoy it; and everything in MK

Also you can see MNSSHP

Have a great time

[shan-ash]

I also suggest magical express--have a great trip

[tinksmom02]

Originally Posted by BelleCiavo

1. MNSSHP is now offered in September so MK will close early a couple of days.

We'll be there same time as you--although leaving on the 19th--and the MNSSHP is on the 16th and I believe the 19th during that week. Not sure about after...we're going on the 16th.

[Vito]

Thanks for all the replies!

We are going to use Magical Express - we probably would have rented a car if not for that.
This is the first time we're flying to Orlando. We've been six times I think, and we've always driven down, the drive from NY was, needless to say, a pain, as we would always do it as a two day drive stopping in the Carolinas for the night. My brother and I are basically beyond the ages of "family trips to Disney World" but we decided to go again as a family while we had the chance, and we don't have any families of our own yet.

This time we decided that rather than drive each other nuts in a car, we'd fly down and we're lucky that Southwest flies direct from Albany to Orlando, so we're there in under 3 hours barring delays.

I saw Turtle Talk a few times in California, it was cute. I might see if the rest of the fam wants to check it out as none of them have seen it.

Thanks for the tip about advanced dining reservations - I figured that since it was September we wouldn't have to plan that far ahead, and we don't do too many table service meals, but knowing that they might potentially be crowded we'll plan some of that ahead of time.

And yup, we're staying at POP - we got a good package deal for two rooms plus airfare. I think the total came to around $2100 for 9 nights.

One more question with regard to MNSSHP - are the crowds at the Magic Kingdom usually less or more on those days (before the park closes for the event)?

Thanks again for all the advice