1st timers - overwhelmed??

[luvmygirls]

? to all 1st timers or anyone who has visited WDW before?

I'm starting to get a little panic stricken that the crowd size will overwhelm my dh & my youngest dd (it might even be alot for me!) We are going Oct 2-9, and of course the books state that is a "lower #" season to be in, but I'm assuming with the 50th Celebration this year, those #'s wont' mean a whole lot, also people might be gun shy to travel in Aug - Sept due to last years hurrican season & wait to travel in Oct. Anyone ever go into shock from the crowds (ok not literal shock, but a little scarred?) A guy who works for my Dad just came back, he went last week, which I assume was spring break for most? He said one of the parks (MK?) was too capacity for the day, and that they closed the gates, he had heard to the tune of 95,000 people Are you kidding me?? I knew it would be "crowded" but that seems unreal..
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated !
Shelly

 

[franw]

You should be there at a good time and I wouldn't worry about it. Try to plan your days so that you don't go to a park on early entry day unless you plan to get up early and take advantage of those extra hours. As the park fills up, hop on a bus or monorail and head to another park that is known for low attendance on that day of the week.
I would definitely invest in park hopper tickets. It is a quick out if a park is crowded and is worth its weight in gold. When you consider how much you are paying for your trip the extra money is worth not having to spend the entire day in a park that is crowded.
We always find MK to be packed on Thursdays, Saturdays (with locals) and sometimes Sundays. Sundays usually aren't bad at Epcot although sometimes it can get more crowded with the Food and Wine Festival.
Take the kids to the hotel pool for a couple of hours and a nap in the room and they will be refreshed.
We've taken babies to 82 year olds and always managed to have a great time as long as we don't go high season which you certainly will be avoiding.
Take a little time to study the busy days of the week and know the fast pass system and have a little plan for the day but be flexible and you will have a great time.