Will there be lines at Disney World in September?

by Jamie
(North Carolina)

My family has booked for September 9th for 6 nights for the Disney World All Star Music resort. We also have a 17 month old baby. My question is do you think there will be any waiting in lines for the attractions? I appreciate your valuable information!

The Baby Might like some balloons

Photo by Express Monorail

Dad’s take it easy Answer

Jamie,

You couldn’t have picked a better time of year to visit Walt Disney World with your family! September is notorious for low crowd levels in the parks. You’ll be able to walk on to many attractions, but don’t be fooled – you will not have the park to yourselves! There will be crowds – particularly at the most popular rides or during parades and fireworks – but with Dad’s help, you’ll handle them like a pro!

Since you’re going at such a slow time of year, my best parent-to-parent advice is to take it easy – especially with a baby in tow! 6 nights is more than enough to see the parks at a leisurely pace at that time of year, so enjoy yourself!

Dad’s September Crowd Calendar

The first step to taking it easy is knowing how to pace yourself. You’ll be up early with the baby anyway, so take advantage of the first few hours in the parks – opening to about noon is the least crowded time of the day! If you manage to visit during morning extra magic hours, all the better! Get in early, then head back to the hotel for a mid-day rest during the hottest part of the afternoon. You can swim, nap, have a snack at the hotel, and get out of the heat for a few hours – you’ll feel completely refreshed – trust me.

The Princess and her Prince Charming went last year about the same time. They had the parks to themselves (at least that's what the Princess keeps telling me). Check out some of her reports on the blog.

You’ve made a great choice with the All-Star Music Resort - the value resorts are perfect for families with young kids. There are lots of bright colors and fun touches, playgrounds, swimming pools, wading pools, and pool-side games! At night, they even show movies on a big screen at the pool so if you need a night off from the parks you can still keep the little ones entertained (if they’re not totally tuckered out!).

Now, as for those pesky crowds you asked about, I wouldn’t be too worried. Rides like Space Mountain, Toy Story Midway Mania, and Soarin’ have lines every day of the year. But you’ll have to wait maybe 20-30 minutes for them, instead of several hours! And, you can always cut own on your wait time by using FASTPASS, or even Rider Swap if you have little ones who can’t ride.

Dad’s FASTPASS Page

If you’re still concerned about the crowds, visit Dad’s Friends at Touringplans.com - they have detailed information on crowd projections, line wait times, and also have some really great suggestions for touring to parks with small kids! Plus, you can download their up-to-the-minute Lines app to use in the parks so you don’t haul your family across the Magic Kingdom only to discover a 40 minute wait at It’s a Small World

Dad’s Touringplans.com Page

Dad’s Bottom Line

Jamie, don’t worry about a thing – you’re going to have the Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation with your family. The crowds will be small, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the little things, like a certain someone’s first visit with Mickey Mouse. It’s going to be magical, have fun!