Columbus week too crowded for me?

[SamanthaL]

Let me start out by saying 2 things: 1) I am used to going in the slower seasons and not standing in line long. 2) I am going with my friend and both our families. It is their first time and I want it to be OUTSTANDING! You know, I want to get her hooked. . I am concerned the crowds will be wild. I don't expect a graveyard but not 2 hour waits either. Shed some light for me. What should I do?

 

[Lora]

I went at that time 2 years ago and with some knowledge and planning, there is NO WAY you should face 2 hour wait times. Follow the tried and true advice about visiting the parks and you'll have a great trip.

1. Go early. This is in the number one spot for a very good reason.
2. Have a plan.
3. Read the Unofficial Guide for specific pointers and time to visit/not visit particular attractions.
4. Make use of the fast passes.

I very rarely even consider waiting more than 20 minutes unless it's a very big or popular attraction or parade - when I might get in a 30 minute line or hold a spot for 45min - hour. When I wait for things like parades, fantasmic, etc. I schedule a snack or meal around the wait time. Where you may have to do that would be for Spectromagic since it only runs once or twice a week during that time.

 

[SamanthaL]

Thanks. Does it really get THAT much more crowded than other weeks in Oct?

 

[Lora]

I noticed a definite increase on Columbus Day and somewhat on the weekend before as well. That year there was no Wine and Food Festival during that time either, so who knows if that will change things this year. (F&W starts Oct. 1 this year.)

I really don't think it's anything to worry about. You really just have to follow the "rules" about avoiding the crowds. We've walked through Fantasyland and notcied 45 min. waits for Peter Pan in the late morning or afternoon. I would never wait that long. In the early am, we practically walk right on.

We've been in Tomorrowland and have noticed the surge of the crowds coming in around 11 or so. We're usually just about ready to leave by then. If you do plan to stay in the parks, that would be the time to do less popular attractions.

 

[SamanthaL]

45 minutes for Peter Pan doesn't sound that much worse than any other time we've been. We saw 45 minutes for Pooh in Dec. I guess it isn't much more of a crowd than I am used to. Could you compare it to any other week in Oct?
We will be arriving the Sunday before Columbus Day and leaving the Friday after.
I really appreciate your help!

 

[RamseyTrio]

Samantha - I'm in the same boat as you are - We usually go in late April/early May but have decided to go in Oct. for Mnsshp. Our older DS has Columbus day off of school and 1/2 days for the rest of that week for teacher conferences so we thought it'd be a good time to take him out of school. We are also travelling with friends (who have DS5 & DS7) who have never been and decided to tag along because I am doing all of their planning .

Naturally I want the trip to be magical for them. I too am worried about the crowds but am still excited to be going. We are going from Sunday 10/10 - Monday 10/18. I'm totally expecting crowds on Monday but hopefully things will clear out a bit after that (although some posts have scared me by saying that some FL schools have the following Thursday and Friday off too!

).

Hopefully we'll both have good luck and minimal crowds.

 

[kimwim8]

I'm with you guys. We are scheduled for Oct 10 - 15th for Disney & then a couple days at Sea World.

Hopefully the crowds won't be too bad. My hubby is a master at the Fast Pass scheduling, so we should be ok.

Good luck to all! Maybe I'll see you there.

 

[Magic2000]

We went to Disney last year for the week of Columbus Day (we arrived on Columbus Day). We didn't find the crowds bad at all. There weren't any really long lines that we saw. (However, it was just DH & I and my youngest DD - two teens stayed home. DD does not like the "mountain" rides, so we didn't ride any of those). We used our fast passes; and had a great time!!! DD really enjoyed MNSSHP!

I would definitely go again during this time period - it wasn't crowded at all! But, be prepared for any weather! The first few days we were there, it was very nice. We were able to swim in the afternoon! But the last couple of days, it got a little too cool for swimming. Great weather for walking the parks!!!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[SamanthaL]

Maybe that settles it then. Unfortunately this question is for next year! We won't be seeing you guys there. This year we are going Oct 24-29. We are trying to settle on dates for next year because we are renting points from a member and need to give her the 11 month window to get the rooms we want! I just don't want my friends first time to be a zoo. A first trip can make or break how you feel about WDW. I want it to be perfect so she will want to go back with us again! Sorry Meagan it is true .