Disney World May Break Records in September for Lowest Crowd Levels Since 2021 According to Data and Analysts

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It appears highly probable that the crowds at Walt Disney World (WDW) in September 2025 will be minimal, resembling those seen during the quiet post-reopening days of 2021. Several key indicators support this trend: extended wait-time patterns, heavy summer discounts, academic schedules, hurricane season risks, and increased competition nearby. Collectively, these factors hint at a relatively slow September (Slowtember), potentially comparable to months during the pandemic era.

1) Data from queue aggregates has consistently indicated that September is the month with the shortest wait times. To put it simply, Magic Kingdom’s average wait time during September drops to around 20-25 minutes, making it the lowest of the year for this park. Across the resort as a whole, the typical wait per attraction in September hovers near 30 minutes, which is significantly lower than most other months.

The latest competition reveals that last year saw the slowest average posted wait times since October 2021, marking a significant “post-COVID” low. September 2025 aims to match or even surpass this benchmark, with early trends indicating it’s possible.

Yet September 2025 is looking to be even softer with attendance!

Through early September, Disney is offering exceptionally generous discounts to entice visitors. A “3-Day, 3-Park” ticket (not including Magic Kingdom) is available for as low as $89 per day until the 22nd of September. Additionally, kids’ multi-day tickets are reduced by half and this offer is valid through the 20th of September. On top of that, free dining is back on packages for arrivals up to the end of September, a tactic Disney often employs during their slowest periods. All in all, these deals show an aggressive attempt to boost sales now.

2) The school year has officially resumed in Central Florida and many areas of the Southeast, starting around early-mid August this year. This includes Orlando’s Orange County Public Schools, as well as neighboring districts such as Duval County/Jacksonville. After Labor Day, attendance tends to drop slightly due to a longstanding pattern of family routines.

3) Optics of Hurricane Season in the Atlantic: September marks the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and NOAA’s 2025 forecast indicated an above-average season. The potential for a storm can deter late bookings, causing some travelers to reschedule their trips to October-December instead.

4) A fresh allure along I-4: Universal’s Epic Universe debuted on May 22, 2025, and although the summer visitor numbers ebbed and flowed, the attraction of a brand new theme park is undeniable – especially for frequent Orlando tourists who might usually opt for WDW. The shift in attendance is expected to persist until September.

But there are other factors in play that might not be obvious at first glance.

As a movie critic, I’d say: September brings the enchanting Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the forefront, causing an earlier curtain call for many days. This pattern tends to dampen daytime enthusiasm and keeps wait times remarkably low well into the afternoon (as partygoers start entering at 4 p.m.). September’s operating hours often exhibit frequent early exits; a 6 p.m. closing time on party nights has become standard practice.

The EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival (from August 28 to November 22) experiences a significant increase in crowds on Fridays through Sundays, particularly during the evenings, leaving weekdays relatively less crowded – which might make early-week September seem quieter than usual.

In simpler terms, the public schedules for 2025 show several “less busy” September periods that are typically cheaper. If Disney’s flexible pricing also indicates the same mid-September periods as usually affordable, this could be a sign that those periods will have lower attendance and potentially reduced costs.

According to Disney Tourist Blog, a well-known source for tracking average wait times across the resort, September 2nd-12th, 2025 is predicted to be the period with the lowest wait times not just for this year, but potentially even the lowest since several years ago. This prediction is based on similar early September periods in the past, such as last year which saw the lowest average wait times since October 2021. If these trends continue, September 2025 could establish a new record for the lowest wait times post-pandemic.

Widened information about accommodations in Orlando further confirms a decrease in demand during September 2024. Analysts observing the market have reported lower occupancy rates compared to previous years for this month, and it appears to be Orlando’s least popular time for short-term rentals. This trend often follows the pattern of theme park attendance levels.

As a movie buff, I’d say: For those planning a getaway in September with their family, they might stumble upon an enjoyable vacation. If you manage to schedule your visit during weekdays between Labor Day and mid-September, you could find some of the less crowded parks that you’ll see all year!

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2025-08-27 23:59