Crowds and Weather 1st week in Oct.???

[Pammy_from_WI]

We've never been to WDW in Oct, so we're wondering about the crowds and weather. We were there in 1999 during the last week of Sept. and the parks were PACKED!!! And they told us this was a slower time of the year. But this also was when they started the soft openings for many of the 2000 specials, so I think that might have played into it.

I looked up past attendence and weather, but I'd like some first hand accounts of weather and crowds this past year or two.

We are also looking at the first week of Nov., but the Food and Wine festival is there at that time and it sounds like it might be really busy.

The other time we were looking at was the first week of Dec., I know crowds are very light, typically, at this time, but weather can get very iffy. We're traveling with a 3 yr old and she'll want to swim and she won't understand about it being TOO cold to swim. Which is why we sort of ruled this one out until she's a bit older and we can reason with her more.

So any help would be great!!!
Thanks in advance!!!
Pammy

 

[shafke]

The first week should be light in terms of crowds and weather generally warm. Crowds will build as you approach Columbus Day weekend.

 

[apagano]

October of 2001 the parks were practically empty, but keep in mind that 9/11 was still fresh and there were a lot of cancellations. The weather was cool in the morning but warm in the afternoon with only one day of rain out of 7. October is great weatherwise because it's too early for any real cold snaps, yet late enough to avoid the brutal heat & humidity of the summer.

My parents go every year in October and they love the lack of crowds that time of year.

 

[Pammy_from_WI]

That is just what I was hoping to hear. I think we're going to try for that week and keep our fingers crossed that it won't be too crowded or too hot!

Thanks again,
Pammy

 

[anne60]

We were there this year over Columbus day weekend. It was on the hot side, but no extended rain except for a few downpours here and there. The year before we went over Veteran's day, not as hot, but it got chilly at night. I liked the October weather better, because we could swim in the evening after the parks had closed and not freeze if we got out of the water!

 

[MrsMud]

I'm happy to read this thread, we are also leaning toward 1st week of Oct., but considering 1st week of Nov. as well. In terms of weather, we will be doing a lot of "wet stuff', so we don't want to go when it's likely to be too chilly. Sounds like the Oct. weather is a good bet.
Anne60: How were the crowds over Columbus Day weekend? We have in mind Oct. 4 - 12. The 10th and 11th are Fri. and Sat. of CD weekend, and that is really my only concern about that time (Don't care about Sun., we are leaving that day). Could you share your experience regarding crowds and lines, please? Thanks!

 

[anne60]

Hi MrsMud -

We arrived on the Thursday b4 Columbus Day and left on Tuesday. By following a lot of the advice on these boards (arrive at opening, do the big rides first,etc.) we had no problem seeing and doing all we wanted to. Now, if you look back to posts the week after that here on the DIS, I seem to remember everyone talking about how packed it was. I have never gone during "quiet" times, because of my kids' school schedules, so I guess my view is a little different. By using FASTPASS and getting the big things out of the way early, I don't think we stood in line more than 20 minutes for anything the entire trip. however, I do remember seeing waits (for RnR and Space Mountain, I think) of 60-90 minutes at times. We did the first MNSSHP the friday of that weekend. I am glad we got to do it, but we ran out of gas around 10 pm, and I am not so sure I would say it was worth the money for the 3 hours we ended up there. If you can last thru to midnight, tho, it is definitely something to see!
As I posted, the year before we went over Veteran's day, and although it was nice and warm during the day, it really cooled off once the sun set. It is no fun walking back from the pool in a towel soaking wet when it is 55 degrees!!!! I like October better, because we swam every evening after returning from the parks. I took a quick swim and then relaxed in lounge chair with my favorite beverage while my daughter played in the water!!

 

[MrsMud]

Thank you very much for the info., it really helps. I have pretty much decided that it will be Oct. We will be doing US, IOA and Seaworld for most of our stay, but we are hoping on doing MNSSHP on it's first night, like you, ANNE60. I only anticipate staying about 3 hours as well, as my kids (5 and 7) are not used to late nights. It would be our only visit to Disney this year. That said, why were you not so sure it was worth it? Was it very crowded? I have heard that the 1st night usually is, but unfortunately that is the only night during our stay when it will be on. So I would plan on spending most of our time on rides, versus trick or treating, fortune tellers, parades, etc. If you don't mind answering one more question, did the rides have long waits on the night of MNSSHP? Thanks again.
MrsMud

 

[Pammy_from_WI]

Speaking of which, though I might be better posting a new thread, when is the first day of MNSSHP? I'd love to squeeze this one in, but am not counting on it.

I am a little nervous about Oct. the first week being hot and muggy. We where in WDW the last 3 weeks week of Sept. in 1999 and it was UGLY!!! But that was the year they closed WDW for the first time due to the hurricane coming in. It was muggy and rainy and HOT HOT HOT!!! I still have the letter we got from CBR about it.

I figure it can NOT be as bad as that year. Plus we were there the 2nd week of June last year and it was so hot and packed that we didn't even stick it out the whole day. I have never seen MK that packed. Example was coming down the slight hill near the Teacups and looking toward the Space Mountain area it was wall to wall people. We quickly turned and ran the other way and got outta there. LOL

So I've got my fingers crossed and my toes, that we'll get lucky this time.

Pammy

 

[MrsMud]

According to what I've read, the 1st night of MNSSHP is Friday, Oct. 10th.

 

[Pammy_from_WI]

Bummer! We'll be leaving on the 9th! :-(((

Maybe I'll play with the dates more and maybe do some switching and leave that Sat. instead. I think my little one will love that, she's a halloween freak! I still have some halloween things up since she won't let me put them away, especially Spooky Oooky!

BTW her fav ride is HM! Yes, she loves to get scared! What a goof! Everytime we took her on it last year she kept shouting AGAIN AGAIN.

Pammy

 

[disneydiva58]

pammy,

 

[disneydiva58]

first time replying...ooops....Ive been to disney the last two years in the first week of october,and it was wonderful.The parks were empty,there were no lines,and the weather was perfect.....80's every day,perfect for swimming.You couldnt pick a nicer time!!!!!

 

[anne60]

MrsMud -

I am glad we did it, but, we had bought annual passes, so the extra $30 was kind of a waste, especially since we only stayed 3 hours. However - I would say everyone should do it once, especially if you love Halloween and trick or treating (which I do!). I do not remember the ride lines to be overly long, but we did not just walk on, either. My daughter remembers that we waited the longest for the Haunted Mansion. We did not do the Picture because the lines always seemed too long. Trick or Treating however, was no problem, we got enough candy and never really waited at all. Some of the Trick or Treat stations are really creative and beautiful, and Cinderella's coach surrounded by pumpkins is so neat!! The first parade was VERY crowded, and if I remember it went off late. We did not watch it, but did see some of it as we were walking out of tomorrowland. We planned to watch the second parade, but we were too tired. One piece of advice, plan your costumes for comfort. It was VERY warm that night, and we saw a lot of small children in costumes suitable for trick or treating up here in the northeast. One little boy was in a very furry Pooh costume. His face was BEET red, and his mom was clearly trying to convince him to take it off, but he was not having any of it!! We also saw a lot of glass slippers on little girls...blisters anyone???

 

[Pammy_from_WI]

DisDiva- Welcome to the boards!!! Thanks I'm glad to hear that is a really nice time of the year, hopefully we won't hit a lot of crowds.

I am changing a dates a bit and am going to try for the MNSSHP. I'd love to see that once. Plus Julia will love it, I'm sure. I will keep in mind the type of costume for her. Last year she was a very furry unicorn, but it's pretty cold here in WI in Oct. She has her little Tinkerbell outfit, that would probably be perfect for Oct in FL.

Pammy

 

[dixiegirl]

DH and I have been to WDW numerous times in Oct and we love it. It is still warm enough to swim and several years it has actually been really hot. Rain is usually fairly minimal but there have been some passing downpours and short storms but nothing major. Enjoy!

 

[jlieblaw]

You might want to rethink September. We were there at the end of Sept. last year and it was empty. I rode Space Mtn. in a total time of about 5-6 minutes, line and all. My husband was shocked when I walked out of there so quick. We had no problem getting PS (although we didn't try for Cindy's) and we had great rates then. It was in the 80s during the day, so great for swimming. It only rained one afternoon for about 15 minutes. We're going back this year and trying to decide between Sept. or Dec. If not for the Christmas decorations, there would be no decision to make.