Is October becoming Popular?

[eporter66]

We were surprised by the size of the crowds and wait times on our trip last week (10/18 - 10/23). We specifically planned the trip for the week after Columbus Day, and in past years we have experienced low crowds. The wait times for the "big" rides were consistently in the 20-45 minute range, but in years past we have seen 10 min, and walk-on for most.

It was still manageable, but surprising. Anyone else notice this?

 

[bonnielynn]

Food and wine.. free dinning.. all adds up to crowded!

 

[eporter66]

Food and wine.. free dinning.. all adds up to crowded!

We have been in October three previous times (2006, 2003, 1999), and the Food & Wine Festival was going on, it has never been this crowded. Not even close.

The reason we started going in October was because September was too hot.

 

[momtoleasawav]

we also just got back and I was surprised at the crowds! I'm starting to think there isn't a slow time at the world anymore.

 

[justloveit]

DH and I just returned last pm after being there since 10/20, and we found the crowds to be more than expected also. We did not get to the parks until late morning or early afternoon, and the fast passes were gone on Soaring and Toystorymania. Stand by was 60 min. We got a fastpass to get on Kilamanjaro Safari,and the line backed up to the entrance of the fastpass return. The CM was telling people to come back later due to the volume, they would still honor the fastpass. We got out of line and gave our fastpass to newlyweds we saw as we were leaving the park. I am glad they are building new resorts to accomodate the growing number of DVC members, but I think they need to create another theme park!

 

[bonnielynn]

Isn't the free dinning still going on?

 

[granmanh603]

We were there from Oct 15 and still here. We saw mixed crowds...some parks very crowded some empty especilly Wed and Thru...but last Fri very crowded everywhere and I think alot of Fla schools were off. Yesterday it was packed at Epcot (even in the rain) and empty at MK and DHS? so just depends where you are...

 

[PEANUT1]

I think this is the first year free dining was offered in October. I agree....there are no slow times anymore

 

[manning]

Haven't they added on days onto the front of the F&W???

 

[disneynutz]

Disney has done a great job making every month popular.

 

[ADP]

As somone who's travelled to Disney World the past 10 Octobers I can tell you that crowds have increased. Not a lot, but there has been a noticable uptick. I believe the popularity of Food & Wine has helped. Also adding to the crowds has been the adoption of Fall Breaks at more school systems. The Halloween party is more popular and the weather more moderate as well. Add all these factors together you get an increase in crowds.

 

[Launchpad11B]

As somone who's travelled to Disney World the past 10 Octobers I can tell you that crowds have increased. Not a lot, but there has been a noticable uptick. I believe the popularity of Food & Wine has helped. Also adding to the crowds has been the adoption of Fall Breaks at more school systems. The Halloween party is more popular and the weather more moderate as well. Add all these factors together you get an increase in crowds.

You would know Aaron! It seems like you're at Disney more than your home!

 

[rigsby25]

October is our favorite time to go also - and yes we have always enjoyed nice warm weather and low crowds. This October we went to Vero Beach for the first time, and I'm really glad now that we did. VB had nice warm weather and low crowds!

 

[DVC92]

Just returned form a trip to OKW (10/12-10/24). I found it surprisingly crowded. It seemed more like summer's "Magic" season during the first week, especially with the number of school-age kids around. Don't they have school in October anymore?

 

[DebbieB]

October used to be value season and it was changed to regular season a few years ago due to higher crowds. I was there Oct 18 to 24 and found it to be mixed. We went to MK on Sunday morning, lines were not long. We went to DHS on Monday, other than TSM it was not crowded. We had a literal walk-on to Tower of Terror around 1:00, we didn't even have a full car! Just pick a seat! We went back on Thursday and it was very crowded, ToT was 80 minutes around 1:00. The reason then hit me - on Thursday the park was open later and there were 2 Fantasmics, plus MK closed early for MNSSHP. So I think the secret is to hit MK on a MNSSHP day and do DHS on a non-MNSSHP day (more people go to MK).

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I think the only quiet time in October may be earlier in the month. We went the first weekend this year and found the crowds to be very manageable. My husband even had such a short wait at Toy Story Mania on Sat. afternoon that the line didn't go past Mr. Potato Head! Several CMs on Friday commented to us on how quiet it was. -- Suzanne

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think the only quiet time in October may be earlier in the month. We went the first weekend this year and found the crowds to be very manageable. My husband even had such a short wait at Toy Story Mania on Sat. afternoon that the line didn't go past Mr. Potato Head! Several CMs on Friday commented to us on how quiet it was. -- Suzanne

That short line for TSM was a lot better than it was in the middle of September! We only went on first thing in the morning! The lines were not manageable!

Bobbi

 

[fishermouse]

Guess I hit the right parks at the right times becauseI did not think it was any more crowded than previous years. We were there the week of Oct 5th to 10th. Did food and wine a couple nights Tue night we got right up to the railing in front of Norway at 8:45 for a great view of fireworks. Never waited more than 3 or 4 deep for the f+w stands. We also had no trouble getting reservations at the Wave and walked in to Kona with no wait. We don't go to the parks much during the day maybe that's when it's more crowded, we also are empty nesters so we don't wait in the kiddy ride lines, days were warm and sunny so we spent them at the pool. Buses had the usual wait times. We,ve only been going to F+W for 4 years so I can't say how it was in the good ole days.

 

[eporter66]

Two days were very manageable : Tuesday 21st at MK, and Wednesday 22nd at EPCOT. No problem with lines (for the most part), and EPCOT was a breeze at the booths, and we were right behind the Fish & Chips shop in the UK for the fireworks, about 20 minutes before the show. Good spot

Sunday 19th @ DHS was pretty crowded. TOT was a walk on first thing in the morning (5 min) but Aerosmith Coaster was heavy all day (used Fastpass). TSM had 60 min w/o fast pass. We did get into the Stunt Car Show but that was full.

Mon 20th @ MK was very crowded, probably due to extra magic hours. I think our problem Monday was we did the Character Breakfast @ Cinderella's Royal Table, so we didnt really hit the park until 11:15. Haunted Mansion was down for a few hours, but it was b/t 20 - 40 minute waits, and we have never experienced that. Splash / Thunder were long waits as well. We did go back for extra Magic hours and got to do everything - a great night and they stayed open until 11:00

Thurs 23rd @ AK was pretty crowded. Dinosaur was about 20-30 minutes, Everest was 40, but Fastpass goes very quick for that ride. Safari was b/t 20-40 also.

I can't complain, we got to do most everything, and I am sure it is much worse at the crazy times. But as I stated, October has always been a breeze for us, I have walked on many of the most popular attractions w/ 5 minute waits. It seems the only things I have needed Fastpass for were Everest & Soarin'. A little different this year!!! Still a great time to visit, the weather is just gorgeous!

 

[SLM]

Relatives were there last week-usually travel in October to visit children that work for Disney. They commented that nearly every restaurant they called would be fully booked-the first question from the CM would be asking if they were on the dining plan and then telling them no reservations available. They DID try walking up to these restaurants and were able to get a table. They said this was the first year they experienced this kind of thing happening.