How Did October Crowds Compare?

[2binak]

We usually go to the World in October or November. The last time we went in mid-October, it was pretty crowded so we've stuck with November these last two trips. We're looking ahead at 2015 and thinking of trying October again, but I've read that in recent years, some schools have added a Fall Break which lands sometime during the two middle weeks of October, which is when we would be going.

So....for those of you who went in October of this year - how did the crowds compare to what you've experienced during Octobers in the past? Also, how did they compare to one of the crowd prediction calendars? http://www.easywdw.com/category/calendar/10-october-2014-crowd-calendar/

Thanks for your input!

 

[cgattis]

We've been during those two weeks three times now (about every other year), and it has gotten progressively more crowded every time. Our MNSSHP this trip was the toughest we've ever had--just so crowded

 

[Polydweller]

A bit heavier than has been the past few years but still quit manageable in the 2nd and 3rd weeks.

 

[PSUGuy]

We've been there mid Oct 5 of the last 6 years and found the crowds to be moderate at worst with the exception of our 2013 trip when we spanned Columbus Day and the weekend prior. That was noticeably busier. This year we went the Thurs following CD for 9 days and crowds were as expected, moderate with the exception of WS on Sat. We're going back next Oct 29 for another 9.

Bill From PA

 

[DebbieB]

I was there October 18 to 24, I didn't think it was bad, I would call it moderate crowds. I avoided MK on non-party days. Weather was perfect, around 80 and not a drop of rain.

 

[romitaz]

We were there from the 18th to the 25th and I would say the crowd calenders were pretty spot on. Moderate crowds and superb weather. Crowds are very subjective though. We go commando style and are at rope drop each morning. We hit our favorites long before the late sleepers made it to the parks.

 

[Mikie]

We were there Oct 12-18 this year (Columbus day was first full day). When we booked, we thought it would be "low" like our previous September fall breaks, but learned from trip prep that it would be busier. Crowd calendars classified it as overall "moderate" with some park days being 3-4 crowd levels, and non-recommended parks at a 7. Seemed spot-on to me. Sidewalks were busy, but not overly crowded, lines were short in the mornings & you could find non-headliners with moderate waits in busy afternoons. Epcot World Sowcase had very full walkways with Food&Wine visitors in afternoon/evening and especially on the weekend. We had a large group, so I don't know if smaller parties would have more luck with dining, but even though it was not a free dining period, reservations were necessary everywhere unless you eat after 8:30. Halloween parties make MK tricky, but it's very manageable on a party day if you don't need to be in the park past 7 or if you can hop to another park for later hours.

 

[Meriweather]

We were there from Oct. 4-18 and found it to be a lot more crowded than other Octobers we have gone. And it was hot this year!
We still had a lot of fun, but tended to go back to the room more to cool off.
Next time we will start later in the month and hope for the best.

 

[Aurora0427]

What would it be like 10/25-11/1? Anyone been that week?

 

[hearts8701]

What would it be like 10/25-11/1? Anyone been that week?

I went just about the same time 2 years ago halloween week was crowded but not insane MNSSHP on halloween night is the first to sell out the resorts have parties for guest on halloween night that include special guest we were at pop with Mickey & Minnie they hung around for sometime the best part was going to the park one day it was halloween the next day it was christmas in the parks

 

[Hopefully]

What would it be like 10/25-11/1? Anyone been that week?

We have been in October for the past 10 years. Each year has been busier than the year before.
We were there last year from 10/25 to 10/31, It was busy but manageable. It is not summer busy, but it is NOT quiet.
Have Fun

 

[Aurora0427]

We have been in October for the past 10 years. Each year has been busier than the year before.
We were there last year from 10/25 to 10/31, It was busy but manageable. It is not summer busy, but it is NOT quite.
Have Fun

Thanks. We booked the BB offer and I wanted to go in September because it is as quiet as Disney gets, but my husband is now spoiled after our December trip and doesn't want to go in the heat. We may end up canceling and going somewhere else, but easy wdw recommended that week in October.

 

[Aurora0427]

I went just about the same time 2 years ago halloween week was crowded but not insane MNSSHP on halloween night is the first to sell out the resorts have parties for guest on halloween night that include special guest we were at pop with Mickey & Minnie they hung around for sometime the best part was going to the park one day it was halloween the next day it was christmas in the parks

It sounds super fun. Thank you!

 

[2binak]

Thanks for the responses so far! They've been really helpful.

 

[Heckah]

What would it be like 10/25-11/1? Anyone been that week?

We were there this past 10/27-11/3. It was manageable. We kept an eye on an app we had that gave us accurate wait times and when we saw a lull at SDMT we would make our way there. We never really waited more than 30 minutes. Rarely was the wait more than 20 for Space or Splash. It wasn't empty, but it was fine.

 

[Turn the Page]

We were there this past 10/27-11/3. It was manageable. We kept an eye on an app we had that gave us accurate wait times and when we saw a lull at SDMT we would make our way there. We never really waited more than 30 minutes. Rarely was the wait more than 20 for Space or Splash. It wasn't empty, but it was fine.

We are going to be there that week next year. I was a little worried about crowds due to all the negative reports about the parks being so crowded but your post has set my mind at ease somewhat.

We are used to going during the busy spring break period so I think just about anything short of the week between Christmas and New Years will seem pretty dead to us.

Here's hoping.

 

[PSUGuy]

We are used to going during the busy spring break period so I think just about anything short of the week between Christmas and New Years will seem pretty dead to us.

Here's hoping.

This is our situation. My school breaks the first week in March and that used to be 'our' week. A few years back we switched to Oct for Food&Wine and with the exceptions of Columbus Day weekend and WS on Sat we find the crowds to be less than our March experience. Also, we're booked from Oct 29 through Nov 7 in 2015.

Bill From PA

 

[tndisneyfan]

We have been going to WDW the first or second week of October for the last several years. That's when DS would get a weeks fall break from school. Each year has gotten progressivley more crowded. Last year was more like the crowd level we experience when we go in late May/early June. This past October we went the last week or so, 10/21-10/25 or something close to that. The crowds had dropped off quite a bit from what we had been experiencing earlier in the mont the last few years.

 

[herb102211]

We were there Oct 17-20 this past year and found the parks moderately busy. Try and avoid Epcot on the weekends, especially at night. We went to Epcot on Saturday and Sunday during the day and didn't find the crowds that bad, but at night it was wall to wall people. Our MNSSHP was sold out on Sunday night but we never waited more than 10 minutes for any of the major attractions. Weather was perfect though- sunny and low 80s during the day

 

[disneyfantotheend]

We will be there from Oct 20TH-27TH. I am very worried about the crowds, because we have always visited during slow times. (Early December, mid November, late August) Never seemed crowded to me during any of those stays. Hoping even if it is a lot more crowded than usual, we can get a lot accomplished this trip, being it will be just DH and I. Usually go with a group of people, which makes touring much more complicated. Fingers crossed.