Fall in WDW?

[dduckfan1]

I am planning a trip for all of my family (DH, parents, siblings and their families). Most of them haven't been to WDW, so that's why my DH and I were put in charge. We have only gone in the spring and the family is thinking of going in the fall so that we can go during the Food and Wine Festival. When is the best time to go for thinner crowds but when it's not too hot? Any tips you have will be greatly appreciated!

 

[skriegerjr]

First or second week in November has really light crowds, and weather is usually mild. I've been twice in November, in 2007, and in 2011, and both times, the weather was absolutely fantastic. Warm enough for shorts, but not hot at all. Many days, the crowds were 1 out of 10 on the Touringplans.com scales, and it showed. Walking right on to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, riding on Star Tours 7 times in a row with no wait...Space Mountain 3 times in a row with no wait...walking up to Mission Space Orange with no FP and getting all the way up to the car without encountering a line at all!

 

[PHLtoMCO]

We went 2nd week in Oct a out 2 years ago and it really wasn't crowded at all by our standards. We usually go in summer months so we are used to very long wait times...just comes with the territory when going during the summer, but October was the perfect time for us and there was a noticeable difference in wait times (at least for us anyway)

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

The 1st week in Nov. is nick named "Jersey Week" in WDW and is a very popular travel week here. Public schools close a minimum of 2 days for a Teachers' Convention in Atlantic City. Also it usually coincides with Election Day so kids only miss 2 days for a whole week away. Some districts close all week. Earlier in the week it wasn't too bad but by the weekend, it was nuts. Never again. We won't do the parks that week anymore so we cruise then instead.

 

[gopfans]

Mid to late October is a fun time to go. Halloween party is great, Food and Wine is awesome. I agree, whatever you do, don't go Election week. We made that mistake once. The week before Thanksgiving is a great week to go as far as crowds and temps go but it is after Food and Wine.

 

[Ninnygunk]

We usually go during our Fall Break - 2nd week of Oct. The weather is unpredictable. First year it was hot. Next year really cool - couldn't swim. Next year just right. Last year MONSOON weather! I've never had problems with crowds in the parks. Usually a FP remedies the problem.

 

[AshleeH]

We usually go the second week of October - crowds aren't bad, but they aren't the greatest either. If we had a choice (we don't - kids' Fall Break) we would go the first week of October or the first or second week of November.

 

[dduckfan1]

We've decided to go the 2nd week of Oct next year. Now to decide on what resort will be nice but not too spendy (value or moderate). We like the idea of the suites at art of animation. Any resort pros or cons or even other resort alternatives would be appreciated

 

[SGMCO]

heard the crowds are heavy Columbus day weekend, wondering if they tapper off latter in the week?

 

[sgauta]

It will still be pretty hot here the second week of October...it's the 20th today and 90 degrees here in Tampa. The mornings/nights begin to cool a little, but it's still quite humid and can be downright hot during the day. We were there the 4th-7th this month and didn't find the crowds too bad, despite being there for the Tower of Terror 10-Miler race. This race will probably be the first or second Saturday of next October, so maybe keep that in mind. It brings several thousand extra people to WDW and there are some road closures around the property as it gets close to race time. But again, we didn't find the crowds too bad. Going at that time you'll be able to do the F&W Festival and the MNSSHP, two fall favorites of ours! Since you have a larger party you could consider the villas at the deluxe resorts. I have not stayed at AoA yet, my daughter has with friends and enjoyed it. When we were there earlier this month we had a party of 6 and stayed in adjoining rooms at CBR, that worked out very well for us and didn't break the bank.

 

[MAO]

We've decided to go the 2nd week of Oct next year. Now to decide on what resort will be nice but not too spendy (value or moderate). We like the idea of the suites at art of animation. Any resort pros or cons or even other resort alternatives would be appreciated

Not sure how you define the "2nd week", so just be aware that the Gartner conference is October 5-9, 2014. They usually stay at the Swan/Dolphin and I don't know that you'll see much increase in the park attendance from them during the day, but possibly you would in the late afternoon/evening hours.