Budget & crowdwise- go in March or Oct?

[frannn]

Our last trip was 9/04, and we just barely dodged the hurricanes, but the lack of crowds was great. DH recently had to pick his vacation for 2005, and he took two weeks in March (I think starting 3/14) and 3 weeks in Oct (I think starting around 10/10). DH and I will need new APs (which I will try to stretch over 2 years & two vacations). We usually go for about 11 days, from Fri-Mon. DD2 would not need a pass if we did March, and DD11 could reuse the AP we bought her for Sept. But, DD11 is in 6th grade and we took her out of school already for a week in Sept (both principal & teacher had no problems with it). I would prefer Oct, so I could enjoy planning & the Halloween party (again!). But, I would have to buy DD11 and DD2 new APs at that point. DD11 will be in 7th grade, and I don't want her to miss any important tests (she is an excellent student). If we go in March, we would then have to go in Feb in 2006 to use our APs twice; or go in Oct and then have some flexibility for 2006. We have been both times of the year and love the weather, and not large crowds. But, I heard both March and Oct are pretty crowded more recently. If you can make sense of this, please let me know the better option....where's Mad4themouse......

 

[boucheresq]

I would pick October for several reasons - one - crowds - March is spring break season so I have a feeling it would be busy; two - the halloween party; and three - epcot has the wine and food festival in October.

 

[KristiKelly]

I agree with October. We went Oct. 9-16, weather was perfect!!! It was a little more crowded in the beginning due to Columbus Day weekend - I would avoid that time if you could. We did MNSSHP. Epcot has the food & wine festival, we didn't really do any of that but did walk through everything, just didn't really budget for it. I love WDW in October, this was our 4th trip in Oct. We've been once in April - NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

 

[disneysteve]

Another vote for October for the reasons mentioned.

 

[tiberius]

It would be great at either time, but I will have to say October also.

 

[blanq]

Here is another thumbs up for Oct. Easter is early this year, so March will contain the spring break hordes coupled with the Easter hordes...does not sound pretty to me! Also, room discount codes for Oct have tended to be better than March codes, so you likely could stay onsite for less money.

 

[LeftCoaster]

I've been there in March when spring break hits and it's not fun. I went from walking on to TOT one day to seeing a 90 minute line for it the next day. I know plan my spring trip to end before spring break hits. With the early Easter this year, March will probably be pretty crowded.
I also went in late October this year and found everything to be pretty manageable. Crowds weren't too bad and there were only a few rides where fastpass was necessary. I loved both MNSSHP and F&W.

Also, for hotel rates, March will be peak season and October will be regular season. you can use those savings for your MNSSHP tix.

 

[alaskantwinks]

We love WDW in October!! We have only been to WDW twice, and both times in October, which we love! Last year we went to MNSSHP and of course the Food & Wine Festival @ Epcot. That is such a great experience, variety of cultures and food and drink! I am thinking of us going next October, but not sure how the schools here will be with us taking the kids out during that time....I am also thinking of a June 2006 Disney Cruise! Can't decide!

 

[sunny04]

I love Oct. We have been in Oct. two years in a row. The weather is usually perfect, not too hot, not too cold. The Halloween Party is FABULOUS. So much fun!! And the food and wine festival and Epcot means there are extra food carts which has yummy foods (and alcohol if you want that...not a big deal to me, but to some that would be cool).