First week of October or November????

[wdwphanatic]

We're trying to decide whether to go to WDW Oct. 6-11 (Columbus Day weekend) or Nov. 3-8 (NJ Teachers Convention weekend)... I am sure that most people will recommend Oct., mostly because it's not as crowded, but I just wondered whether it would be that much better than Nov... I've been the last week of Sept. and loved it -- the parks were empty and it was in the high 80s and dry. I'd like to go when it's warm (80s) and there's a good chance that it will be dry most days. We just got back from a trip to Universal and it rained and was cold most of our trip -- when we go in the fall I REALLY want it to be nice weather so we can swim and wear shorts!!!! I'd also prefer it not to be too crowded. Is NJ week significantly busier than the first week of Oct.?? The dilemma is that I have 2 school-aged kids who would only miss 1 day of school if we went in Nov. vs. 3 days if we went in Oct... So, Oct. has got to be a fair amount better than Nov. to justify the extra missed days, if that makes any sense...

Any recommendations from those of you who have been both weeks would be MUCH appreciated!!

Thanks a lot,
Sarah

 

[dylansdad]

this yr we went in oct instead of nov-weather was more humid and not as cool at nite-crowd was about the same

 

[dylansdad]

columbus day was a zoo at MK- Unless you want to hit MNSSHP I would go during NJEA con

 

[Baloo]

I've been there that first week of Nov. and it's as nice as Oct.! Missing one day of school sounds better than 3 to me,so like dylansdad said unless you want to go to a MNSSHP Nov. is a great time to go!! The F&W Festival will still be going on at Epcot then!

 

[noel]

DH and I went the first week of November in 2003 (which is supposed to be off season) and it was more crowded than when we've visited during the busier seasons in May and April.

Maybe some of the crowds were due to the fairytale packages (get 7 nights for the price of 4 deal) that were offered last year, but it was not was I've seen before during the off season. The second week of Nov was almost as bad, and no special packages were offered the year we went that week.

We will never go again during that time unless the trip is free! For me to say that I'd not go back to WDW during any time of year is nutty, but it's true!

Have fun whatever you decide to do!

 

[wdwphanatic]

I figured it was mid-Oct. to Oct. 31... That would probably be something my kids would enjoy -- they LOVE Halloween!! Anyway, sounds like 2 out of 3 so far recommend Nov. over Oct... Anyone else have an opinion they'd like to share???

Thanks for the input,
Sarah

 

[dylansdad]

MNSSHP always has a day over columbus weekend. We loved it

 

[Ann]

We went first week of November four years ago. It was beautiful! Weather was in the 80's. Didn't even need jeans at night. I didn't think crowds were bad. And if cost is an issue, Nov. is value season and Oct isn't. We saved 20% on our room at the Poly with AAA.

 

[Baloo]

Because of their popularity Disney has increased the number of MNSSHP.They run throughout the month of Oct.starting the first week of the month.My guess the very first party for 2004 will be Fri.Oct 1st....but it's JUST a GUESS right now!

 

[MinnieGi]

Last year we went first week in Nov. thinking we'd have the parks to ourselves. Yikes we were shocked to see all the people especially at MK. We had several cast members ask if we were from NJ. We will not be back during that time frame again. This year we went last week in October and had a wonderful week and really enjoyed MNSSHP. So my vote would be for the October week when you can enjoy MNSSHP.

 

[wdwphanatic]

Just wondering how to compare the Nov. crowds with what you've experienced during other seasons... We've been in Feb., May and late Sept. and found the latter to be the least crowded by far. The last week in Jan./first week in Feb. seems to be second best. I found mid-May to be a fair amount more crowded than I'm used to -- and pretty hot (high 80s-low 90s)... Does anyone know how the first week in Nov. would compare with mid-May??? Perhaps that would be a good point of reference for me.

Additionally, what do they traditionally do for MNSSHP??? Would my boys (6 and 9) really enjoy it or is it aimed at younger kids?? Any info would be great!!

Thanks again for the input,
Sarah

 

[ChairborneRangr]

I've heard Jersey week is something to avoid since the entire state of New Jersey shows up due to fall break.

I was there 2nd week of October. Weather was beautiful. Warm, no rain. No crowds. Park hours were a little limited, and you had to schedule to see the shows, but overall it was a great time to go.

A school year is a 180 days or so. Are 2 days really that important? Education is important (I've been through 19 years of school) but as long as my kids are keeping up, I have no issue with pulling them out for family events.

My all-time favorite time to hit Disney parks (SoCal and FL) is just after Labor day where the crowds disappear, hours are still long, all the shows are going strong and they haven't taken any rides down for maintenance yet. Although I haven't checked recently to see if WDW still is like that... Any advice from local Disney-A-Holics?