Could one week make a difference?

[DeterminedOne]

Okay September and October DISers - I need your help! Right now we're scheduled to arrive October 1, 2006. I'm considering moving the date back one week to arrive September 24. Here's my logic.

The Food and Wine Festival begins Friday, September 29. That gives us five days before that crowd arrives.?

Yom Kippur falls on Monday, October 2. From what I've read, many schools are out that day.? And if not for that day they are out for fall break.?

The UG guide indicates crowd levels at 4 the week of September 24 and between 4 and 6 the week of October 1. The difference in a four and a six is a 20-minute wait. So what do you think? Could one week make a significant enough difference that I should change the plan?

Appreciate your help!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We were there this past October, but at the end of the month. Epcot was pretty crowded the whole time we were there due to the fest.... The rest of the parks weren't too bad.

 

[TurnR@TheMouseHouse]

Just my humble opinion, but I would take the Oct 1 week. One thing that comes to mind is hurricanes. Maybe, just Maybe being over or at least for a month before they start up again. Of course no one really knows. Sept is real iffy. Historically there have been more hurricanes in Sept than any other month.

I am not familiar with a "fall break" in this part of FL. Could be wrong but I work with kids and have never heard mention of a fall break.I have been the first week of Oct and found it to still be a little warm but fairly light crowds. But I also know that crowd levels in Disney are changing. What used to be light is now more moderate or heavy.

If Disney puts out some great deals or packages during the 2006 off season dates that will affect crowds too. I think the days of planing on crowd levels is entering a whole new era. Summer and Spring break will still rule in that area, but I think crowd levels will continue to pick up in what we have always thought of low level times.

As a local, I choose based on weather, good rates, and if local kids are in school.

 

[bytheblood]

I think your crowds will be lighter in Septmeber. JMHO!!

 

[DeterminedOne]

Thanks for your opinions. Next to selecting a hotel, choosing the dates is always a struggle for us.

 

[julemm]

We went the end of September of 2004 and were there with hurricane Jeanne. Even though we only lost 1 day we got extremely spoiled with the crowds and were able to walk on about every ride. This next year we are going to go the second week in October and I think we will not be so lucky with the crowds. My sister's children have their fall break around the 2nd week and have heard alot more people will go then. Also consider the price break and specials you will get if you go in September. When you go then you are still in the value season and not the regular so you could get deals that way. When we went the special was buy 5 nights and get 2 free, this year was the dining plan included. You might have to chance the hurricanes but if you can save and have extra it was worth it for us. Plus living in Indiana now we can say we have actually lived through a hurricane and the parks and resorts we sooooo great about everything during it. Have fun planning!

 

[DeterminedOne]

Also consider the price break and specials you will get if you go in September. When you go then you are still in the value season and not the regular so you could get deals that way. When we went the special was buy 5 nights and get 2 free, this year was the dining plan included. You might have to chance the hurricanes but if you can save and have extra it was worth it for us.

If we arrive on 10/1 we still get the value season rate as the season ends 10/4. That's what makes it so hard 'cause it seems like one week won't make a difference but it does if there's a major change in the crowd level.
Oh, and the 5+2 deal was pretty sweet. We were able to get that for our 2004 trip as well. Sure hope there's something like it in 2006.