Hi Krista,
I like to go by the research that Disney World does to find out which dates historically have the lowest, moderate and highest attendance trends throughout the year (keep in mind that special events and promotions may influence Theme Park attendance). According to Walt Disney World's website (
in the frequently asked questions section), the following dates list the best and worst times to travel to WDW if you are looking to beat the crowds:
Lowest Attendance: January (except New Year's Day) until just prior to Presidents' week in February
The week following Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week
The week following Thanksgiving until the week prior to Christmas
Moderate Attendance: After Presidents' week in February through early March
Late April through early June (except Memorial Day weekend)
The first part of Thanksgiving week
Highest Attendance: Presidents' week in February
Mid-March through Late April ("Spring Break")
Memorial Day weekend
Mid-June through Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day and weekend
Christmas week through New Year's Day
During regular attendance periods the Theme Parks tend to be the busiest on the following days:
Magic Kingdom: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday
Epcot: Tuesday and Friday
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Sunday and Wednesday
Disney's Animal Kingdom: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
So, follow the guidelines above for the "Lowest Attendance" and I am sure you will find a comparable trip to the one you had in the middle of September with lower crowd levels.