I booked our trip and didn't realize it was Columbus Day!

[SR]

I was so excited about getting the "free" dining option and a day that I could use my air miles for our free tickets, I didn't even realize we will be there during Columbus Day week end until I just read a post on these boards. It was the only days we could use the air miles so I just have to be happy we are going. This is a "bonus" trip, since we weren't planning to go until next year. (The "Free" dining got us!)

My question is how busy is it during that week end? Is it really that much to notice since that is the "slow" time of year? Not that we will change our plans, just wanted to know!

Thanks for your help.

 

[pandamom]

I did the same thing. Planned this out last year and booked it ages ago. Didn't realize until recently that it was a holiday weekend! Oh well, I'll be at Disney so I'll be happy.

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

Most likely others won't realize it's Columbus Day either and so I don't see it bringing in THAT many more people simply because it's Columbus Day weekend.....just my opinion.

 

[mickeymom55]

We visited WDW during the Columbus weekend last year. The crowds were really not that bad. Sunday in MK was packed, so we moved to Epcot - not crowded at all. We went to the MNSSHP on the Friday before the holiday. It was very crowded but we still had a great time. We were kind of surprised that it wasn't more crowded. Keep in mind that not all states have this as a long holiday weekend. Weather was beautiful - only one day of rain (and it was only a half day). No humidity and temps were in the 80's. I envy you!! Have a wonderful time!

 

[Lora]

We've been to WDW twice over Columbus Day (2002 and 2004). In 2002 there was a definite increase in crowds on the weekend and on Monday. It was fine after that. Last year, with the Food and Wine Festival starting earlier (beg. of Oct.), the crowds were much heavier (mostly in Epcot) than I've ever seen at that time. If you're used to busy times, you probably will say, "what crowds?" If you're used to the off season (like us), you'll probably wonder where all those people came from.

Just plan to go to the less popular attractions on the weekend/Monday, use fast passes, etc. and you should be fine.

 

[indigoxtreme]

The south really doesn't celebrate Columbus Day, most businesses are still working. Usually just Government offices are closed. So maybe it won't be so bad for you.

 

[eeyore45]

I did the same thing. Planned this out last year and booked it ages ago. Didn't realize until recently that it was a holiday weekend! Oh well, I'll be at Disney so I'll be happy.

 

[lham1531]

I'm from NC and we don't have Columbus Day off from school -however, we do have a three-day fall break that Wed, Thurs, Fri (Friday is the start of our state fair) - so my kids will only miss 2 days for a week long vacation - couldn't pass that up -

So my plan right now is to do MK at opening on Sunday, then go back to swim/rest - then hop to Epcot - even thought F&W is going on there, it's the EMH evening at MGM and I'm hoping the real crowds are there -

Then we're going to do MGM on Monday morning, thinking most people have gone the night before - or, if people are in for a long weekend, they'll have to head out on Monday -

What do you think? Do Florida schools have Columbus Day off?