Columbus Day Weekend vs. Late August?

[disnerdsarahg]

Hi! We're thinking about visiting WDW later this year. We were thinking that the best times for us to go would be either Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 6-10) or late August. Which of these dates would be the best time to go to WDW? We have been during Columbus Day weekend, but we've heard that late August is also a good (but hot) time to go. Any suggestions? (crowd levels, weather, etc. are factors to consider) Thanks!!

 

[Mark P.]

We spent 2 weeks in mid-late August last year, and yep, it sure was hot and of course it rained nearly every afternoon, then it usually cleared.
But plenty of water and breaks, and we made out fine. The crowds did seem to get a tad lighter as the month went.
IMHO, the crowds could be similar, but the weather's more favorable, and the Food and Wine Festival will be in full swing, so October is my vote

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

Which is more important to you, better weather or less crowded? Would you like to go to Food & Wine Festival or a Halloween party?

 

[a742246]

If it were me I would pick Columbus Weekend!

 

[biondagirl]

We usually go in August, too. The last week or two is a lot less crowded than the first half. I'm thinking of doing 3 or 4 days around Columbus Day this year, too. I'd love to do Food and Wine and MNSSHP again. So October gets my vote!

 

[AshleeH]

I would go in August. We go in October and it is getting more and more crowded every single year.

 

[Wendybird55]

I love WDW in October...F&W and MNSSHP are 2 of my family's favorites and the weather and crowds are usually good. However, for longer vacations we always go late August. I would go Columbus Day weekend for a short trip to enjoy MNSSHP & F&W and DS won't miss much school. But because of school we go end of August for our longer trips. For the summer we find late August crowds aren't that bad. The heat, however is terrible - especially the past 2 years. Maybe I'm just getting old. If you are planning the same amount of days for either October or August, I would pick October - hands down. If you can stay more days in August (like us because of school) then I would probably go August. Instead of a 5-day trip in October, we opted for a 13 day trip in August.