Crowds in October

[jasmith34]

What are the crowds usually like the last week in October (26-31)? I have usually been in the summer and once at the beginning of December, but never in the fall.

 

[EyeofDTiger75]

My wife and I went to WDW for our Honeymoon in 2010 mid-October and the crowd wasn't too bad. We are returning to celebrate our 5 year Anniversary on Oct 3rd along with our 2 year old and hoping the crowd won't be bad again.

 

[agavegirl1]

We went last year during your time frame. Using recommended days and a good strategy helped us immensely. Last year's October crowds were in the 6 or 7 range and not the 3-5 range they were on my previous visit. Food and Wine, free dining and Halloween parties have really affected crowd levels I think. People are discovering this wonderful time of year...less humid, less rain, still warm.

 

[EyeofDTiger75]

We went last year during your time frame. Using recommended days and a good strategy helped us immensely. Last year's October crowds were in the 6 or 7 range and not the 3-5 range they were on my previous visit. Food and Wine, free dining and Halloween parties have really affected crowd levels I think. People are discovering this wonderful time of year...less humid, less rain, still warm.

I think the increase in school districts giving teachers and students a "Fall Break" is why there is an increase in traffic during October. My wife's school district here in Louisiana give her a fall break and we use that to take vacations because historically places were less crowded.

 

[grayhouser]

This is more than likely outdated, but when I went on '08 it wasn't bad AT ALL, not even at MNSS

 

[JennyDrake]

As PPers have noted, crowds thicken every year, but it is still a great time to go. The weather is PERFECT.

Rope Drop is your best friend and you can get a great deal done by noon.

 

[jemlover]

We went a few years ago in mid October and the crowds were very good but this was during the recession and attendance was down in general at WDW. We went in mid November last year and the crowds were great. I am seeing crowd numbers of 5 during the weekdays and 7's on the weekends for this October's trip. I think that is very manageable but not nearly as good as November. I concur with the rope drop strategies. We get so much done during the mornings. We also park hop so we can take advantage of the Magic Kingdom on party nights during the day when crowds are lower and hop to another park in the evening. Also we avoid extra magic hour days in general even though we stay onsite. I just can't get up early enough for the morning hours and since we do rope drop almost every day the evening extra magic hours are out for us.

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

We've gone to WDW a few times in October and each year it gets busier, with more and more MNSSHP selling out.

That being said, it's still a great time of year to go. Great decorations, atmosphere and weather.

The attractions will not be a walk on for the most part. Just manage your expectations.

It's our second favourite month to visit the World. November being our first choice.

 

[Missyrose]

A good way to look at it is a crowd level of "2" in 2015 was a 5 or 6 a few years ago. October crowds aren't summer busy or holiday crazy, but it is no longer considered a low-crowd time.

 

[Hopefully]

WE have gone the past 10 Octobers and each year is busier than the year before. It is no longer a slow season. It is not holiday busy, but it is moderately crowded with long lines at headliner attractions