How Crowded is Columbus Day Weekend?

[fraggle551]

I searched for threads on this, but did not find many recent ones. Im sure the crowds haven't changed much, I just wanted some updated views.

Is Columbus Day Weekend that crowded?? I am thinking about going the Wed before in 2008, and leaving the Tuesday after. Is it like the summer months? Are the crowds minimal?

If anyone can share their experience, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your help!!

 

[Kteacher]

I've been the last 2 Columbus Day weekends. Yes it was crowded! Both trips were wonderful even with the crowds. MNSSHP is going on as well as the F&W Festival.Epcot was probably the most crowded park because of F&W. We were still able to do everything- one day we went to 3 different parks The longest we waited for anything was The Great Movie Ride, believe it or not. We went to the parks early, came back to our resort for a break early afternoon, and had a blast I'm already planning next year's Columbus Day weekend trip

 

[sunsprinkle24]

we were there over the Columbus Day weekend...yes it was crowded but it was manageable, we went early and left for an afternoon break then returned. The worst of the crowds was at the MNSSHP Columbus Day night, I thought it was packed! But if we don't get to go during the kids Spring Break next year, we will go at that time again.

I think the key is being there in the morning, take your breaks, and go back in the evening. And use Fastpass.

 

[Rellim]

We were there a couple weeks ago during Columbus Day week and it was too crowded for me. Magic Kingdom and Epcot were the busiest for us and we just skipped some rides that we always go on because of the wait. When we were at Epcot and they were out of fastpasses at 2pm, we waited for almost TWO HOURS for Soarin! Our friends who live nearby and visit frequently said the week before was empty, so we are going to try that next year.

 

[fraggle551]

thanks for the input everybody. i really appreciate it!

We are now thinking of possibly doing the last week in August. We could do free dining then hopefully.

Decisions, decisions!

 

[aprince&princess]

We were there over Columbus day weekend. We left Wed night, so we went to the parks Thurs thru Sunday, and on Monday we hung out by the pool and flew out in the afternoon.

We didn't think that Thurs thru Sat were crowded at all compared to the usual times we are there (either April vacation or the week we did in July once), but Sunday at Epcot was crowded for all the Food & Wine booths. Then we took the monorail over to MK which closed at midnight and then had three extra hours. We were able to get quite a bit done between that park being open until midnight and the extra time.

MK might haved seemed more empty on Thurs & Fri because the park was closing at 7pm for the MNSSHP. The party on Friday night really wasn't crowded either, but that might have been do to the rain.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We've been three years during Columbus Day week -- that's when we have fall break. It's getting steadily more crowded. This year wasn't bad the Thursday & Friday before the holiday weekend. Animal Kingdom on Saturday was pretty full. We were able to do EE w/o a fastpass first thing (and we weren't running to get in line!) The only big thing we wanted to do & didn't was the Safari. By 12:30, all the fastpasses were gone & it was a 60 minute wait. We've done the safari many times before. It was so hot that day, though, that we doubted the animals would be very active. So we skipped it.
We went to MK that evening just for fireworks & the second Spectro. WOW! Last year, even though it was packed that Saturday night, we got a great seat on Main St. for Spectro. Not this year! The second parade was very crowded.

I still think it's a great time of year to go! I'm sure we'll be back. Just get there early & you can get A LOT done before it starts getting too full!

 

[LUVMICKEY]

We were just there for Columbus Day weekend. We thought it was pretty crowded, but not unmanageable.