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[Disneybound!]

Well, I checked the hours for Sept., even though they're tentative. Not happy! I thought our vacation was close enough to Labor Day to have later hours. Now I find out that it's going to be earlier than I'd hoped!! What does a family do after the parks have closed and it's still early?! I don't want to go to EC every evening if we feel like staying up, but everything else closes by 8 or 8:30pm.

[aurora1429]

Disneybound, how old are your children? When we went in Sept 2000, our kids(3&5) were beat by the times the parks closed and were ready for bed. We got a little later start(10AM) and then toured until they dropped. This worked great for us. Then the adults hung out by the pool.(We took a baby monitor with us).

Kristen

[minemoz1]

Hi Disneybound!

I hope I can help a little. I've been in Sept. 2 times, but never with kids. I like going at this time since the crowds are non-exisitant.

You could go mini-golfing at one of the three courses, go to DisneyQuest or DD to shop or just look around (or have a late night sundae at Ghierdelli ). You could see the latest Disney movie at the AMC theater. There is a campfire program at Fort Wilderness with movies, sing-a-longs, cartoons. They also have hayrides. My niece and nephew liked to swim at night.

We have also done a late seating at the Luau or Hoop-De-Doo.

If you'd like a night out yourself, I highly recommend the kids clubs if your kids are old enough. My niece and nephew had a great time at the Neverland Club and begged to go back the next night.

Good luck
Michele

[HiddenMickey]

We have found that the early closings isn't a big deal, especially with kids. They really are wiped out at the end of the day, because we've been able to cover a lot of ground without the big crowds. They are ready for quiet time in the room and some Disney TV.

I love the ideas the minemoz1 gave. We haven't done the campfire (had it planned tentatively last year but missed it) but think that would be a lot of fun. You can also go to one of the resorts on Bay Lake and watch the Electric Water Parade one night. Have a late dinner after the parks close at one of the resorts (Villans dinner, Ohana..).
Don't forget a swim at your resort pool after the parks close. Besides Illuminations at Epcot there is Fantasmic at the Studios. The show will be scheduled for the time the park closes, so you'll be out later that night as well. Be sure to plan on being in MK on Friday the 14th as it may be your only chance to see the parade and fireworks at MK while you are there.

Don't be too discouraged. We've loved our fall trips even with the early hours.....in fact I'm not sure how we'll be able to handle the late nights of summer! I'm actually a bit scared. -HiddenMickey

[Aerobics]

I agree fully with all that's been posted above.

Furthermore, forget about the kids being exhausted--WE (two active young adults) were pooped by the time the parks closed. Although, we also jam-packed our schedule w/things to do after the parks closed.

Let's see, there was:
1) MSEP/Fantasy In The Sky (this will only happen on Saturdays in September, so make sure you plan to stay late at the MK for that one)

2) IllumiNations/Reflections of Earth (shows nightly at 9:00 p.m. at Epcot)

3) Fantasmic! (was showing nightly at 8:00 p.m. at Disney-MGM Studios)

4) Hoop Dee Doo Revue

5) E-ride night (since you're going in the off-season, you're BOUND to have one or two E-ride nights offered during your stay)

6) Shopping at Downtown Disney

7) Cirque du Soleil

8) Electrical Water Pageant (seen from any of the MK resorts)

9) Dancing/Clubbing at Pleasure Island

The list is endless--like the others have posted, there is SO much to do once the parks close, I'm afraid that your problem will be the exact [i]opposite[/b] of what you're thinking. It won't be, "What do I do?"; it will be "Which one do I choose from the myriad options out there?"

I'm sure you'll find stuff to do...

------------------
My little baby's all grown up, and....saving China! sniff...You got a tissue?

Wilderness Lodge/All Star Music--September 2000

[All Ears]

Ditto!
We always go during off-season -- so the hours are always "shorter" -- but we have never minded. We have always been able to find plenty to do to keep us occupied!
I think it's kinda good -- because as much as I love WDW, commando touring can wear thin on the nerves, so you may actually relish an "early evening" away from the parks.
All Ears

[Disneybound!]

Thanks guys! It does make me feel better knowing that others have still had a good time during off season. I guess I just got sooooo hyped up with anticipation that it bummed me out thinking I might miss something with the shorter hours! I'll try to keep an open mind! Ruth