Columbus Day Weekend?

[Dreaming of Disney]

We are arriving at the World on Friday 10/6 and leaving on Friday 10/13. It is my girls fall break so we had to schedule for these days. I'm nervous about being there on Columbus Day weekend and I'm curious as to what the strategy should be. We probably won't do a park on our first day, since we won't get there until late afternoon. Should we try MK on Saturday? I think it will be worse there Sunday and Monday.

Also, what parks would you suggest for Sunday and Monday?

TIA for the help!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We'll be there then too! We will arrive on 10/5 (driving straight down from Knoxville area) and will leave on 10/14. Two years ago, our fall break was the first week of October & we went then. We noticed an increase in crowds beginning the Thursday before Columbus Day. It wasn't unbearable by any means. We just had to use FastPass where we had not earlier in the week. We stayed until the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. We went to MK at opening that morning & did all of Tomorrowland with no wait. DS & I rode Buzz Lightyear ride 4X while DH & DD did Space Mtn. The crowds were picking up around 11:30, so we left then to head home.

I would suggest that you join Tour Guide Mike. I have & his info is great. His October 2006 plan isn't out yet, because Disney hasn't released October hours yet. However, his plan for touring the parks around Columbus Day for 2005 is still there & it gives you a starting point that can be tweaked when the new info is available. That's what I've done to this point.

Have fun planning your trip! Can you believe it's now less than a month until our ADR window opens?! YEA!!

 

[Lora]

We will be arriving on the 7th. I would just be sure to follow the tips given for heavier times of year. Go early. Avoid the "extra hour" park. Use fast passes. Visit the main attractions during the first hour or two, during parades, and toward closing. Save the less popualar attractions for the busier times. I don't think I'd do MK on Sat. I think I would probably choose Sunday for MK.

I would recommend the Unofficial Guide to WDW. It was invaluable to me for my first few trips as a family.

 

[winniedapooh]

Count us in too...this is DS's most excellent graduation adventure, lol! We are taking him and his friend from 10/4-8 for their graduation gift. Can't wait! Nothing can be as crazy as Christmas, lol!

 

[Dreaming of Disney]

This is our 4th trip in the last 10 years. 2 times in Feb. and 1 time in May. We've never been in October. I actually have joined TGM, but as you said October '06 isn't posted yet on his site. I was just trying to think about ADR's and things like that. We are staying offsite so I will definitly be staying away from early entry parks.

 

[Dreaming of Disney]

Does anyone else have any opinions about which park on Sunday and Monday?

 

[kaysmommie]

Hello, I have a ? for Bamagirl. We are driving from Knoxville also on Otober 4. I was wondering if you know how long this ride takes? We usually fly but it is $1400, so we are driving. Also for anyone who's went this fall break week is it very crowded. There is a convention at the epcot resorts too, which will make it more crowded I guess. Thanks

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Hello, I have a ? for Bamagirl. We are driving from Knoxville also on Otober 4. I was wondering if you know how long this ride takes? We usually fly but it is $1400, so we are driving. Also for anyone who's went this fall break week is it very crowded. There is a convention at the epcot resorts too, which will make it more crowded I guess. Thanks

In the past, we've broken it up into two days. We left home at 1pm & drove to Valdosta, GA. Arrived there about 9pm. We were stuck for about an hour in Atlanta traffic! The next day, we had about 3-3.5 hours to our resort at WDW. So that trip was about 11-11.5 hours total. We're planning to drive straight down this year. With good luck going through Atlanta, we're hoping to make it in 10.5 hours.

I would LOVE to fly! I just went down in January for a conference at Coronado Springs & flew there for the first time. It was so nice having that 1.5 hour flight & then DME took us straight to the resort. Then, 45 minutes after check-in, there was our luggage. (Sigh) It was so wonderful.... But, right now, I can't see spending that much on airfare. We just added a day onto the front & end of our trip, so we aren't giving up any Disney time. Plus, we'll still have saved enough over flying to do some extras.

Have fun planning!