1st week in Oct. or Thanksgiving week?

[tink2]

Just returned from WDW during Thanksgiving week. We've been 3 times during Thanksgiving, and this year was very crowded compared to the last 2 trips. We're considering changing our trip next year to the first week in October- but I just read where the food and wine festival has been extended next year and begins Oct. 1. I also am concerned about heat and rain. Any experiences with food and wine fest. and weather in October?
Any opinions?

 

[riggins]

Hi Tink2-
We went at Thanksgiving in 2002 and this year we went 10/4-10/11. Our Thanksgiving trip was cut short due to a death in the family, so we arrived on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and left on Monday. Crowds were comparable both times, although I'm sure the Thanksgiving crowds picked up as the week went on.

The weather was a lot warmer in October- mid 80s during the day. It was hot, but not unbearable. Crowds were low, although I'm sure F&W will impact it.

What days were you there for Thanksgiving? Were the crowds bad the entire time? We are planning to try Thanksgiving again in 2004- arriving Saturday before Thanksgiving and leaving Friday after Thanksgiving. DH is a teacher, so we are limited when we can go, but I'd really like to avoid terrible crowds.

Thanks
-Leslie

 

[tink2]

Hey Leslie-
I'm a teacher too, so I understand about those precious holidays!
We were in the parks Mon-Friday. MOnday was very crowded at MK. Tuesday we did EE at MGM- crowded- and then hopped over to Epcot- not so bad. Wednesday we did MGM all day, crowded but doable. Thursday we joined the million people at MK. Friday we did EE at Animal Kingdom- not too bad- and then hopped over to MGM, crowded but again, doable. The crowds were larger than I've ever seen them for Thanksgiving. We managed to do a lot with FastPass and hopping from the crowded parks. I enjoy the Christmas decorations and the weather is usually perfect Thanksgiving week.
Thanks for your help. F&W fest. throws a kink in our thoughts. We may stick to Thanksgiving- just don't want the hot weather plus crowds.
Anyone else?

 

[3for Me]

we were there for F&W this year - although that was not our reason for being there - and even on a Saturday at Epcot, I did not see tremendous crowds. They kept saying this October would be SO crowded with Fairy Tale Package, etc. and we found it to be VERY manageable.

As far as heat - we are from the south and I have to say, that although you have a very good chance of 80 and higher temps it is the humidity that will kill you in the heat of the summer. By October - most of the time- the humidity has decrease greatly.

I think if you plan to dress accordingly - in other words wear shorts and short sleeves - you will be fine. It is just not the same heat as the summer time, I assure you.

 

[chase14]

the crowds were bigger this time, sunday the 22d epcot was crowded .went to the mk on wednesday there were about999,999 people there. the best time we have visited was the 1st week of december. it was wonderful. i told my wife we had to make some special arrangements the kids teachers to hopefully enable us to go 1st week of december in 2004. we have been at least once a year since 97 and some years twice. befor the parde wed.night at mk we were talking a senior cm who told us that thanksgiving week was second only to easter week for crowds.

 

[MinnieGi]

We've been on two trips during the Food & Wine Festival and once at Thanksgiving. F&W is WAY less crowded than T-day crowds!!! And since the festival lasts a month and a half the crowds are dispersed over that long time frame. I would definetly pick the first week in October if I were you!