How crowded is it going to be?!?!

[luvpooh]

I was just on Disney's website looking at availability during my trip. I keep playing with the idea of upgrading resorts, but haven't yet pulled the trigger. Well, it appears I wouldn't have much choice if we did decide to switch, almost all of the resorts are booked!

When I look right now for my dates in October, I only see the following available:

Pop Century (currently booked)
All Star Sports
All Star Music
Caribbean Beach
Coronado Springs
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Ft Wilderness (cabins and campsites)
Bay Lake Tower
Villas at Grand Floridian

I know, clearly, that crowd levels are greater given the reduction of free dining and RO discounts in October, but that is a LOT of resorts that are sold out! We haven't been in a few years, but used to go in late October every year, and it was never busy. I know everyone says there's no such thing as a low time now, but I'm still shocked, and slightly nervous, that it seems so busy.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

October is a BIG convention time, and conventions have large blocks of rooms that are held for them until a few weeks before a conference. I was toying with the idea of switching to the Contemporary and there was limited availability (Club Level only). But then I happened to stumble upon the fact that a big doctor conference is being held there during "my" week, and if I were going to the conference, I would have no problem booking a room...and for $230/night! I saw on their website that the block of rooms will be released September 15th, so out of curiosity I'm going to check then for availability.

 

[AndiSlamberg]

October is pretty busy now, I wouldn't say anywhere near as bad as peak times. If you have a good touring schedule and are of the mind set that you won't be able to see/do everything you'll be fine. RD is still pretty great, for getting lots done.

 

[Hopefully]

We have gone to F & W for the last 10 Octobers. Each and every year was busier than the year before. It is busy - not holiday or summer busy, but busy

 

[luvpooh]

October is pretty busy now, I wouldn't say anywhere near as bad as peak times. If you have a good touring schedule and are of the mind set that you won't be able to see/do everything you'll be fine. RD is still pretty great, for getting lots done.

With an almost 3 year old along for the first time, we definitely don't expect to see or do everything so we're OK with that aspect. And we will be utilizing rope drop, no doubt.

We may wind up dropping DHS if Toy Story is in fact closed (you'd think that would be something to announce more than 60 days in advance, yeah?) If the crowd levels are 5/6/7, what will everyone visiting that park do exactly, with all the temporary and permanent closures?

That said, I'm wondering what impact these hotel bookings may have on buses, food courts, pools, etc.

Sigh, this ain't your momma's WDW!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

With an almost 3 year old along for the first time, we definitely don't expect to see or do everything so we're OK with that aspect. And we will be utilizing rope drop, no doubt.

We may wind up dropping DHS if Toy Story is in fact closed (you'd think that would be something to announce more than 60 days in advance, yeah?) If the crowd levels are 5/6/7, what will everyone visiting that park do exactly, with all the temporary and permanent closures?

That said, I'm wondering what impact these hotel bookings may have on buses, food courts, pools, etc.

Sigh, this ain't your momma's WDW!

Well, if you're not a Star Wars fan, there are lots of shows at DHS that little kids love, as well as Disney Junior characters. If you take in the Disney Junior show, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and the Frozen singalong, those shows alone will eat up probably 4 hours, and there are two other shows (Lights, Motor, Action & Indiana Jones) that might not be as fun for toddlers as well.

 

[astag05]

Well, if you're not a Star Wars fan, there are lots of shows at DHS that little kids love, as well as Disney Junior characters. If you take in the Disney Junior show, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and the Frozen singalong, those shows alone will eat up probably 4 hours, and there are two other shows (Lights, Motor, Action & Indiana Jones) that might not be as fun for toddlers as well.

Will the frozen sing a long still be going on in October? I thought it ended early Sept. but when I was doing my fp selections they had fast passes for it during our October trip??

 

[Micca]

I don't know that lack of room availability indicates super busy parks. For starters, there may be rooms that are blocked for one reason or another which could be released at any time. Also, bear in mind that people going to conventions aren't going to be jamming the parks--at least not during the daytime. Then consider that a lot of October traffic is related to Food & Wine, so while Epcot (World Showcase) may be packed, that doesn't necessarily impact the other parks. October certainly is busier than it used to be, but don't let lack of resort availability put you in a panic.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Will the frozen sing a long still be going on in October? I thought it ended early Sept. but when I was doing my fp selections they had fast passes for it during our October trip??

It is a permanent attraction, available year round now.