If it fits your family’s schedule, September can be an excellent time to visit.  Crowds are at some of the lowest levels we’ll see all year with the exception of a few weeks in January.  If heat and humidity are an issue, the weather in September is very similar to that of the summer months with high temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. While September in Florida is still hot, without the press of the crowds you can take things at a slower pace and still see a great deal of all that Disney World has to offer.  September costs are also on the low end, with rates at the deluxe resorts at the lowest pricing level available.

Crowd Levels & Special Events

As I said above, September crowds are very low, especially post-Labor Day which falls on 9/1 this year.  Schools are back in session which leaves Disney World far less congested than it is during the previous few months.

September marks the beginning of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) nights in the Magic Kingdom.  The party usually begins during the second week of the month, usually around the 8th or 9th.  On the night’s the party is happening, the Magic Kingdom closes at 7:00 p.m. to guests who do not have a ticket for the event.  If you do have a ticket to the party you are able to enter the Magic Kingdom with that ticket beginning at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the party.  The Halloween Party is from 7 p.m. until midnight and most Magic Kingdom attractions are open along with special character meet and greets, the Boo to You Halloween parade and a special Hallowishes fireworks display.  For more information about the party click here.  This post will be updated as soon as 2014 dates are released.

Another special event that takes place in the Magic Kingdom in early September each year is the Night of Joy, a two night celebration of Christian music with live performances on several stages around the park.  This year’s Night of Joy will take place on September 5th and 6th.  Like MNSSHP, the event requires a separate ticket to attend and the Magic Kingdom closes to non-ticket holders at 7 p.m. each night.  The event is from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. and unlike the Halloween party, only a few of the parks more popular attractions will be open.

The end of September sees the opening of the Food and Wine Festival, a very popular event that runs through mid-November throughout Epcot’s World Showcase every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  During Food and Wine weekends, Epcot definitely sees increased crowds, especially in the second half of the day when most guests tend to move to the World Showcase area. Epcot restaurants tend to book up more quickly during Food and Wine, so plan to make your dining reservations as far in advance as possible.

Click on calendar to enlarge image.

Weather

September is still quite steamy with an average daily high of 90° and lows around 72° .  My suggestions for how to tour Disney World in September are the same as for the summer months.  Take your time.  Getting to the parks early in the morning while the temperatures are still comfortable is your best bet.  Make your Fastpass+ reservations for the evening hours when the sun is beginning to set.  Because crowds are going to be low, you can take your time and still see everything you want to see.  I do recommend taking a midday break to swim and relax at your resort or, at the very least, plan to relax over a longer lunch in the cool of the air-conditioning.  September is hurricane season and is one of the months that I often suggest my clients add travel insurance to their vacations in the event that a storm causes flight delays or cancellations.  With frequent afternoon thunderstorms, you’ll want to be sure to pack your ponchos and bring them with you each day.  But don’t worry about your vacation being a total washout!  Florida’s tropical climate means the storms usually arrive and depart in short order.  Finally, remember to stay hydrated!  Take advantage of the free water at all of the Disney World quick service restaurants and kiosks–any place you go will give you a huge cup of ice water with a straw and a lid.  Much better than schelpping around warm bottles of water in your backpack and far more refreshing!

Resort Pricing

Disney Resort pricing is based on multiple “seasons” throughout the year ranging from Value 1 (which is the least expensive) to Holiday (which is the most expensive).  In between the two are Value 2, Fall Season, Regular Season, Summer Season, and Peak Season.  Thrown into the mix are various holiday, weekend and special event rates which range from Regular Season to Holiday Season Pricing.

• September 1 – 12  Value Season 2 ($+)
• September 13- 31  Fall Season 2 ($$)
• The Deluxe Resorts see Value Season 1 ($) pricing throughout September

Closures & Refurbishments

There are no attraction refurbishments to note at this time in September.