1st or 3rd week in October?

[momofmikey]

Hi - this is probably a stupid question, but here goes. We can go to WDW either the first week in Oct. (3-9) or the 3rd (17-23). We're avoiding the second week b/c I'm afraid Columbus Day may have an impact, and avoiding the last week b/c I'd like to be home for Halloween (we drive so we'd always be getting home on a Sunday). I'm being so nutsy about it b/c I think my mom is coming. She hates heat, and crowds, and this will be her first visit to WDW, so I'm trying to make it special, and keep the complaining to a minimum Does anyone have any experience with these weeks - any events planned that may impact crowds? I know in terms of weather, I'm better off going the 3rd week, but is the first week unbearable?

Thanks for your help!

 

[nigel-bigel]

I'm interested in this as well becasue We have made plans to go down the third week in October. I also was concerned about Colubus Day and Veteran's Day.

I just learned that the PGA tour is scheduled for the week of the 17th (that's the third week). Does any one know how bad that is?

I'm trying to figure out which week will be less crowded - Columbus Day week or PGA week.

Any help?

Thanks! Nicole

 

[Robinette]

I was there during the PGA tour this past October (23rd - 27th)and did not notice any big crowds.

I would definitely go the third week. You'll have MNSSHP at MK going on and the Food and Wine festival in EPCOT. The MNSSHP was so much fun! And not at all crowded. I think they control the crowds by only selling a certain amount of tickets. Plus we went on a Sunday night.

It was just a quick getaway for my husband and I and we had a great time. We want to bring the kids this October so they can experience the party too.

 

[KLR-wlv]

Definitely the 3rd - I've been there twice at that time. This past year was very crowded due to the great packages they had - the previous year was pretty uncrowded - but like the previous poster said - MNSSHP and Food & Wine are hard to beat - and the weather was great both times. That's my favorite time to go.

 

[DisneyLisa]

I think either week would be fine. We were just there Oct 17-26th and it was great. But I also know someone from this Board who was there the 1st week and it was great as well. I think the first week would be a bit quieter as the third week has the F&W Festival & the Golf Tournament.

 

[KELLIE JONES]

we went during the tour this past year, and there wasnt any golf groupies to speak of. actually, my dh and i took my dad who is a golf fan ( i dont know why, so dont ask ) anyway, i called the golf pro at disney in june for tickets and he actually started laughing! when he finally stoped he explained that he had worked at the golfcourse since the tour had started many years ago, and that they had never been sold out. he said that there werent very many ppl who even showed up to the tournament, just a few residents.

he was very helpfull and emailed me all kinds of info, i think his name was matt.

 

[Terry S]

We have been both times of the year and the first was a bit slower but has picked up lately. So they seem to be about the same crowd wise Also, they have moved the F & W festival up 2 weeks this year, it is starting on October 1st. So, you will be able to go to the F & W festival either week. MNSSHP also has a few nights real early in the month, I think last year they had one on either October 3rd or 5th. So, you would be able to catch that either week also. Both are great weeks. We prefer the first week since we have had some cold weather the last 2 weeks sometimes, not really cold, just had to wear a sweatshirt and pants in the mornings and evenings, when the sun was up it was warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt.

 

[blondepixieduster25]

We are going the 1st week in october 2004 and I have been advised to arrive by sept 29th and then our stay will be rated at Value season.

Tracy