I don't understand...

[Jackie H.]

In my latest Disney magazine, there are lists of "hints" to make your Disney vacation better. One of the hints is that October and the last 3 weeks of January and all of February are some of the slowest times at WDW. If that is the case, why isn't October part of the "Value Season" on resort rates? Everything I have seen has October listed as the "Regular Season".

How have you guys found October? We have gone during mid-December the last 2 visits and it is hard for me to imagine there could be a better time to go. It is out for this year, however, and we are trying to find another time. We are considering October, but I would greatly appreciate some advice.

 

[cindyfan]

Oct used to be part of the "value" season. Up until 2 years ago when they changed the "seasons".
Oct is a good time......we have gone twice in Oct. The weather is still warm....85 ish!
But the crowds definitely are not as light as early to mid Dec.
There are alot of conventions and golf tournaments during Oct.
Also, there is Columbus Day. So that weekend will be crowded.
The park hours are shorter, but not as short as Dec. And it is still Daylight savings time......clocks don't change til end of the month. We found this a plus compared to going Nov though March. That extra hour of daylight made a difference for us.

If it weren't for school we would go in Oct every year.
Have Fun

 

[drusba]

Saw all those tips in the magazine (and I thought it said to mid-Feb not all of it). I believe it said those were tips provided by CM's. I considered that a tip-off to be wary of what was provided--many CM's give you good info, many often don't know, and many (and I am sure they will try to deny this) sometimes pull your leg. There were a number of things I agreed with but many I did not and the October point was one of the ones I did not.

 

[walt's assistant]

I saw the article in my copy. I don't have it here but I would agree with it. Just because October is defined as "slower" doesn't mean it is automatically "value season", though I agree logic says it should be.

 

[olena]

I have wondered the exact same thing about October.

 

[Bstanley]

One explanation of why October is not listed as 'Value Season' was provided to me at the Disney Information Center in Ocala several years ago. We had visited in October and really enjoyed it - low crowds, low prices, great weather - then went back a couple of years later and found that there were no 'great' discounts available (we only managed 20%, when on the earlier Oct. trip it had been 40%). I was surprised at this and asked about it.

The explanation was that in order to boost attendance in October Disney arranged to have several 'special events' occur then: a PGA Golf Tournament, a Disney collectible show, etc.

Curiously the parks were not crowded at all, not as empty as the first couple of weeks in December, but still moderte. I guess most folks go to the 'event', not to the parks.

Another thing that has confused me is why you can't get AP rates for the first couple of weeks in December (historically - last year was unusual). We've visited at that time of the year several times and there are never any crowds - and we've managed some nice discounts using 'one-time special' discounts (Millenium Insider, etc). So why don't they offer AP rates? Is the reservation system so rigid that they can't 'divide up' a month??

Other than having to get lucky to get a decent price on the hotel October only has one 'gotcha' - the remote possibility of a Hurricane passing by during your visit. Otherwise the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the water parks and it's quite pleasant at night (it can still be hot during the day when you are out in the sun - not like the summer obviously).