I'm so TORN!!!

[giatocj]

My boyfriend and I have a FT vacation booked to take my 3 year old grandson back to Disney the week of Oct. 11. Here is my dilemma...we took him for the first time in March for just 4 days and he has been begging to go back, but now with the FT package available, I'm very concerned that the parks will be SO crowded when we get there.

Personally, I hate crowds and we usually go at the slower times of the year. Now I'm reading that with Columbus Day, the FT package and the MNSSHP the crowds will be tremendous. With a 3 year old, this could be a nightmare for us. We've already had a "Code Adam" at Walmart with him, I can't imagine losing track of him in those huge crowds.

So, my question is, does anyone have any info on how booked the resorts are for the week we'll be there? I'm torn between cancelling for October and booking for March again. The price, of course, would probably be much, much higher, but if the crowds in October are expected to be bad I think it might be worth it.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Donna C.

 

[cindyfan]

First of all.....calm down....even though it may be more crowded than say January....it still isn't bad.

We have been 3 times during the week of Columbus day and plan to go back this year. If you can stand the spring break crowds of March I think you will be fine for this time of year.

How long will you be there? I assume with the FTP it will be 7....

The weekend of Columbus day will be busy at MK.
And there is the Media event at Epcot on the 9th for Mission:Space. But I think those people will be gone by that Sat or Sun.

So it will be crowded somewhat over the weekend of the 11th to the 13th......but not enough to really keep me away. No where near what it is like during spring break or the summer months.

Don't worry ....you will be fine!!!

 

[lexiluke]

Have you considered changing you FTP dates to November. It would be less crowded then (especially after the 11th), but you could still take advantage of the FTP.

 

[susy]

You will be fine!! we took our so last year for just Columbus day weekend. We had a blast!!! Where are you staying? Planning any character meals?? With a little one, I would try to do your mornings at Mk and AK. Do extra magic hour when possible at MK. Getting it the parks very early is crucial. Tour until lunch. After lunch head back for a swim/nap. Do Epcot and MGM in the evenings. Our son does great at these parks at night. He' s very happy in his stroller going around the World Showcase. Plan on a water park early in the trip, in case you wait and it ends up raining! Downtown disney is alot of fun with kids, too. Have him wear his bathing suit, so he can plan in the fountains. Have fun!

 

[spiceycat]

you went in March and you think October will be more crowded - not possible.

March is spring break - WDW probably has more people then - than any other time besides Christmas to NY.

some kids are still in school in October - so you should be fine - remember WDW is during that golf tournment sometime around then and that takes people out of the parks.

Epcot is having their wine and food festavial - but with a child - you main park will be the MK - except for the weekends problems I would not worry.

if they are having the Halloween party when you are there - be sure to get tickets for it - yes I know it is late - but I really think your child will love it.

 

[Magic2000]

Hi - we'll be at Disney the same time as you!!! We'll be at the All Star Movies Oct 13-18 - doing MNSSHP on Oct 14! I've worried a little about the crowds too, but, I've been twice the week of July 4 - and it really wasn't that bad!

We're really getting excited about the trip - I've got a few PSs made, all we have left is to decide on a Halloween costume for my little girl. I may take her shopping at Downtown Disney on the day we arrive and let her pick out a princess dress or something!

Don't worry! I really don't think the crowds will be that bad!

Hope to see ya there!!! Have fun!!!!!

 

[giatocj]

Well, with all the moral support from you guys, we've decided to go ahead and keep the trip for October. We'll be staying at Wilderness Lodge and I actually even called Concierge yesterday to set up a few things and arrange for a "welcome gift" for my grandson. The best part is, we actually had already bought our tickets for MNSSHP, so we have those in our possession for the 16th. I just know Christian will love that...now to find a costume before we go. Our Disney Store closed((

I have to thank you all SO MUCH!!! The fear of huge crowds has now been replaced with the excitement of finalizing the details of this trip!!! We've been to Disney during almost every time of the year EXCEPT around Columbus Day so I got nervous after reading some e-mails about the size of the crowds, but I'm feeling much more positive now. Thank you all for your input-it is truly appreciated.

Donna C.

 

[stacy6552]

Donna,

Quit worrying! Enjoy! Weve been at a crowded time over the summer and just got back from one of the busiest weeks of the year. Its not so bad! Youve got 7 whole days to enjoy it all.

When we go this is how I handle my "lost" issues....

Go to the DMV and get a state id card made for him. They will get a good head shot for you to carry around with you to pull out if you loose him.

Make him a card with your cell phone number, someone at home's number, and your resort confirmation number (they will have more personal info on you). Then if they get lost and found, you can be called and he can talk to soemone at home while he waits.

There's a great tether out there that links belt to belt, so you can keep him close and your hands free. Keep him in his stroller whenever you are in stores, because thats the easiest place to loose him.