crowds in october

[milwaukee prince]

My family is looking at going to Disney for the first time in October. What can you tell me about the crowds and the weather? We have two children 7 and 5. They like to swim. Is the weather still warm enough to swim? Also based on our budget we can stay at a value for 7 nights or a moderate for 4 nights. What would you do? Will we miss any of the "magic" if we stay at a value? Also we want to two character meals one for each child. Could you please recommend two or three.

Thanks for your help.

 

[JBurke]

October is a great time to go.
We have gone twice in October, both times the crowds were small (the last time was right after 9/11 though so things were quieter than normal I suppose).
The weather haas been great, mid 80s during the day but a little chillier a night. We still swam at night though, my kids 8. 4, and 1 didnt mind a litle chill.
Also, if you go mid to late October they have Mickey's Not So scarey Halloween Party on certain nights.
As for hotels, I am sure you would "magic" at a value resort. I personally would rather be at WDE for 7 days at a cheaper hotel than only 4 at a deluxe!!
You dotn say if you have girls or boys, if girls than you definately want to do breakfast at the castle with Cinderella.
Other meals my kids loved were Donald's Breakasoraus at Animal Kingdom (safari Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Donald), Chef Mickey's at Contemporary (Mickey, Pluto, goofy, Minnie, Chip & Dale), Hollywood & Vine at MGM (Hollywood Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale) and Crystal Palace (winnie the pooh characters) at Magic Kigndom.
Hope this helps you.
Janice
WL 10/96
WL 10/01

 

[Shannon G]

Went the last week of October in 1999, and thought it was a great time of year to go. The weather was great - wore shorts every day, but it wasn't too hot. A little cooler in the evenings, but a light jacket or sweatshirt was fine, and we didn't even need that many nights. Was fine for swimming.

As far as the resort, I would rather stay at a value resort for 7 nights than stay at a moderate for 4 nights. If you stay at one of the All-Stars, you'll still have plenty of Disney magic, and you're kids may even like it better than the moderates. I'd suggest All-Star Movies - the theming is really appealing to young kids. The rooms are a bit smaller at the value resorts, but what do you use the room for besides sleeping and bathing? I certainly wouldn't stay at a moderate if it meant shortening the vacation. There is so much to see and do, 4 days wouldn't be enough, in my opinion, for a first family trip to WDW, especially when you consider the fact that young kids are going to need to take breaks.

As far as character breakfasts go, it really depends on what characters your kids like. I loved the Crystal Palace breakfast, but, then again, my favorite character is Eeyore. I've also heard alot of good things about Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary and, if you have a little girl, Cinderella's Royal Table is very popular.

 

[Bob913]

We always go late October. The weather is perfect! Very little rain if any. Short sleeve
weather during the day and most nights. Fine for swimming day or night. Especially to northeners. Go with the value, your kids would love AS Movies. The crowds are good.
You have to try MNSSHP. Worth every penny. For best food and characters, our DD loves
Chef Mickey's and LTT.

 

[ladulce]

We just went in October of 2001. There were very few people and we got right onto the rides! The weather was great. We went swimming at Cape Canaveral a couple of times. I dont think we ever even wore jackets. It was great weather. I would definately rather have 7 days of value resort than 4 of moderate. Your kids will Love it! (P.S. I am from Janesville - neighbor)