Help with Planning... Lots of Questions

[Stephanie8537]

Hello!
I am a Disneyland annual passholder and I'm starting to plan a October 2014 trip. Here's a little background: My husband and I went to WDW for honeymoon in 2006. We stayed at the Poly and had the dining plan. We now have two boys. They will be 4 and 6 at the time of the trip.

My first question.... I know October is at risk for hurricanes. How is the weather and crowds otherwise? We would be going mid October (in Arizona we get a fall break). It will likely be the week of October 15th.

When we stayed at the Poly, I loved that we could jump on the monorail and we only had the use the bus a couple of times. After looking at the prices of resorts, the deluxe resorts are MUCH more expensive than the moderates now. I can't really remember using the buses although I don't remember having a negative experience with them. Will I be disappointed if I choose a moderate resort? When we go to Disneyland, we don't stay at the deluxe resort there b/c transportation isn't an issue. So I'm not super picky about the rooms. I think I'm more concerned about the transportation.

Also, is there usually the free dining plan offered in October?

Any thoughts are appreciated!
Thanks! Stephanie

 

[cmdg]

We've stayed at a few moderates (CBR, Dixie Landings (when it was there!), the treehouse villas etc) and have never had a problem with transportation. It was many years ago, but there are so many busses that you shouldn't have an issue.

 

[johnsonginad]

We have gone to WDW the past two years, and have stayed at a moderate (POFQ) both times. The buses were never an issue. Transportation was always a breeze! =)

I can't speak for crowds/weather in October, because we've always gone over Spring Break. This year, we are actually going in October. YAY! From what I've heard, crowds are lighter that time of year, and the weather is still pretty hot, but not horrible for the most part.

Have fun planning your trip!!

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Crowds in October depend on when you will be there. We were there at the end of October and beginning of November and there was the food&wine going on, MNSSHP and then the Christmas decorations started going up. There was also some democratic convention going on at CR. crowds were high at MK the days if the Halloween party and mostly evenings in WS due to food and wine.

My favorite mod is POR. You can ride a boat to DTD, I think that is the only non bus transportation at a mod. I don't mind the buses. Mods don't share buses like the Poly does either so I actually think they are quicker.

 

[purple figment]

We like to go during October because we really enjoy the Food & Wine Festival and the Halloween parties. The weather can be hot and humid, but it's much better than summer!

Yes, there's a possibility of hurricanes, but for the record, Orlando is inland so not usually severely impacted. We were there last October when Hurricane Sandy traveled up the FL coast. There were very high winds, but virtually no rain. Not long ago someone posted that in it's entire history DW has only been closed a handful of days because of weather.

Historically FD has been offered for some of October, but so far there hasn't been a public FD offer for anytime this year. Often, Columbus Day week and/or Gartner IT symposium week were blacked out, but as long as you arrive on a day that FD is (if) offered, it will be valid for your entire stay.

 

[everythingALICE]

I've stayed at FW, POR, POFQ, and CBR (all mods), as well as POP (value). The only time I've ever experienced poor bus service was staying at CBR. Could be plain bad luck, but it was consistently poor throughout our trip. Bus service was fantastic at all the other resorts mentioned!

 

[amym2]

I'm not absolutely sure, but I know that's the first week of our two-week fall break and I think last year FD was only offered the second week. I know Columbus Day brings some crowds, so I would think FD wouldn't be offered around that time.

We were there last Oct 19-25 and the weather was beautiful. Humidity was low and it didn't rain at all. The day we left the humidity returned.

 

[xipotec]

Wow not really alot to answer

October is a great weather month, hurricanes are totally unpredictable, so have trip insurance. Worst hurricane to hit FL was November 2 (andrew) I know i saw it. But you cannot worry to much about them. I believe only 2 hurricanes have every hit the WDW resorts. Weather is cool to hot, so bring a jacket and swimsuit! But we love October /November

Monorail is fun to use, but often packed. We preferred the launches from Poly (our favorite resorts) . We hated buses and since we have our own car we drove to AK and HS. We were i.n our car and back at the Poly before the Buses had even come. . I am not a big Dis Bus fan. The monorail is just part of WDW you have to experience. (Please stand clear of the doors!)

Free dining may be a thing of he past, usually its out by now for Oct. but keep Wishing and Ill send pixie dust your way.!!!

 

[agavegirl1]

The last time I went to WDW was in early November for Food and Wine. The weather was pleasant with little or no rain but evenings were quite cool. I too am planning a fall 2014 trip in early October, in part for slightly warmer days for wet rides. I still enjoy the Food and Wine Festival and this time hope to fit in some Halloween fun. I think it will be an excellent time to go.

As for a Mod Resort, I've only stayed at one many years ago. I like to stay at BC or YC for proximity to Epcot. However, the pricing has changed significantly and I am now leaning toward POR or POFQ. The buses are so efficient, we did a lot of resort hopping on our last trip. Proximity isn't as big an issue as I thought it would be.

I haven't learned how to fancy up my posts yet. Last year I went to Disneyland instead so this last trip was in 2011.

 

[NewCrew42]

When my children were young, we loved staying at a monorail resort, especially the CR to be close to the magic kingdom. MK was our favorite park. When my children were older, we started reserving two rooms at a mod or value. We have enjoyed all resorts! You can't really go wrong.

 

[Sue M]

We go back and forth between Deluxe & Moderate stays, and I'm never disappointed in the moderates. My fav is POR in the mansion section. I think it's one of the prettiest resorts in wdw. Beautiful landscaping. I felt the bus service was pretty good 99% of the time. You'll have occas glitches no matter what resort you stay at.

Some of the things we love about POR is the beautiful landscaping, and theming. Boat to DTD, evening entertainment in the lounge, great food court, nice pool, and option of quiet pools.
A close second is POFQ.