Changing My Week? Talk Me Into or Out of It!!

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

Well of course I might be switching my plan up! We are currently booked at BWI for the week after Thanksgiving(11/26-12/2), which is supposedly a low crowd week, which is what we're generally going for!

However, my party has been discussing it and they seem interested in checking out Disney at Halloween time, more interested than Christmas. It's not a deal breaker, but I was thinking since BFF REALLY wants to utilize time to swim in the resort pool, maybe it would be a safer bet to do earlier in the fall anyway.

But would I be screwing myself over with crowds if I switch to this time? (Yes I know Disney is always crowded now, I'm just saying comparatively speaking). The week I am looking at instead is 10/29-11/4. Apparently Jersey week starts on the 4th, Food and Wine marathon is gearing up on the 2nd, and from the search engine I've read mixed reviews about around Halloween time. I thought it sounded cool to go over the actual Halloween night but it won't be worth it to us if the parks are "packed" like some of the reviews I read. The reason I'm looking at this week specifically is because A) I heard first week of November is low crowds and B) There is still availability for Club level rooms at AKL, my party has been discussing possibly switching to AKL, and I thought it would be a fun extra treat for the party(and it still comes out cheaper than water view BWI).

My other thought was ditching the club level idea and doing either 10/15-10/21 or 10/22-10/28(no club level available these weeks). How are these weeks crowd wise?. I can deal with a *little* more crowded, but are these weeks significantly more crowded? If these weeks are comparable to after Thanksgiving crowd-wise I would give up the club level idea and book that instead. But if I'm looking at way bigger crowds and no club I won't even consider these.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[Ambehnke]

We were there during Jersey week/F&W half in 2015. Everything was pretty much walk on. Crowds were no problem.

 

[kayteekt]

In 2015 we went first 4 days of Nov, the boards were a buzz with how crowded it was in october. I was really nervous, but it had really had died down by the time we were there. It wasn't dead, but it was fine. On my scale, I'd say a 5 or 6.
Last year we went oct 20-30th, it was busier during the first part of our trip but got less busy at the trip went on. I would say from 7-8 going down to 5 or 6s.

I would stick to your first choice of fall dates. My opinion, is that it's good choice. I'm thinking all of the kids fall breaks are over by then and that's why it starts to calm down.

Also, we've never been over Halloween day itself, but i think most of the resorts have activities on halloween itself. I know AK does, because i saw it on the calendar when we were there last fall.

 

[Tattylou]

We were there your Nov/Dec dates last year. We were able to swim every day so that wasn't an issue. It was definitely less crowded than years we go during spring break, but nothing was really walk on either. I can't speak for your Oct dates. I would say base it on whatever holiday decor your group wants to see and if they want to see Halloweeen stuff more then go for it. We went specifically to see the Christmas stuff and it was beautiful and amazing. I literally teared up when they lit up the castle. Now we want to see it at Halloween!!

 

[kniquy]

If you have never experienced Christmas at the parks I would stick with the after christmas dates. I agree with the PP - the castle at christmas will take your breath away - I too went for the first time for NYE - the parks and resorts are beautifully decorated and the Castle all draped with lights will bring chills to you. If you have experience christmas and know what it is all about then switch to your halloween dates. See what your traveling party really wants. I don't think anything/season can really beat Christmas time.

 

[DaisyNY]

We've been both of the weeks you are referring to...there was not a noticeable difference between crowds. Personally, I think WDW with all it's Christmas decor is a must do!

 

[DekrRini]

I went in October a couple of years ago and hated it as much as I hated going in July. I don't do heat and crowds very well.
While I was there it was really hot, and I got overheated at least once that I remember. It was the first and only time I went during F&W. Epcot was really crowded and several people were clearly inebriated. Their choice and I don't hold it against them, but it's not something I enjoyed being around so I avoid it. I go the Tuesday after Thanksgiving for 10-11 days and love that time of year. It's not much less crowded than when I go in May, but a heck of a lot better than when I went in October. And the Christmas decorations are wonderful. I love seeing the castle dripping strands of 'diamonds'. It's just beautiful.

I'm sure other people have different much more enjoyable experiences during October than I did. But I thought I'd give you my perspective.

 

[Klayfish]

I know my opinion on this subject isn't the most popular one, but my suggestion is to go whenever you want to be there. Who cares about "crowd level". It's WDW, there are people there, and there always will be. So what? If you want to see it at Christmas, then go. It's absolutely awesome to see the castle decked out. If Halloween is better, then go for that. Don't fret about crowds, go when you want to be there.

 

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

Thanks for the input guys! Sounds like crowds wont make a huge difference between the two weeks I picked. I haven't seen Disney at Christmas yet and would really like to, but I know I will be back in the next couple years and have other opprotunities. My friend and her fiancée are planning on starting a family and are in a different financial circircumstance and may not have another opportunity for awhile, so I want to do what they are most interested in. Its fine by me - Halloween is my favorite holiday and I loved MNSSHP when I last went. Plus, if we are staying at AKL I would like to see it without the tree and Christmas decor. In its purest state so to speak. I will talk to my party about what you guys suggested.

 

[disneyvoice]

I agree with @Klayfish. I used to insist of going to WDW only during the times that were "supposed" to have low attendence. Then we moved to Tampa and literally went all the time - during completely crazy busy times and during the lowest attendance times. Honestly, unless the parks are almost empty, if you plan well you won't notice much of a difference regardless of when you go. Yes, it can be hot as heck in the Summer - but you can also make sure to plan your days to account for the heat. As my DH always points out, SO MUCH of your time at WDW is spend inside in the air conditioning in the attractions that you can easily plan to avoid the hottest times of the day.