July vs. Gay Days/Columbus Day for crowds

[sonjaandsue]

I was thinking of going July 10-17 but I am starting to be scared off a bit by the potential Carsland crowds. Another option I am thinking of is Oct. 6 -13 but I have heard that can be crowded as well. Anyone have an educated guess on what the relative crowds will be? I know the pros and cons of high season vs. low season and I am mainly concerned about crowd level. If the Oct. dates are generally almost as crowded as July, I would choose July with the longer hours and fewer rehabs. However, if the Oct. week is generally less crowded, then I would go then. Thank you!!

 

[taaren]

If you're worried about crowds, go for October. Columbus weekend is crowded, but nothing compared to July. Also, the weekend itself is crowded, but the days leading up to it and after it are pretty darn empty the last few years, and since you're planning a longer trip, that's something to take advantage of ...

I generally avoid crowded times (accidental upcoming Carsland opening weekend reservation notwithstanding), but my friend who comes with us on our annual trips in the fall often compares them to the trips he takes with mutual friends who go in July due to combining with their kids' competition times, and he has mentioned several times that the fall is much better due to lack of crowds/lines as well as the heat factor being much more favorable in October.

 

[skiingfast]

If you're worried about crowds, go for October. Columbus weekend is crowded, but nothing compared to July.

Pretty much that's it.

July busy everyday of the month, and a little worse on weekends.

October. Columbus Day and Gays Days are 2.5 days of busy that would other wise be only 2 busy days. The events themselves don't add much to crowds. Monday or Tuesday are likely a party day which make for a busy evening. Wednesday and Thursday will be nice and calm. Friday good in the morning, ok in the afternoon, very busy in the evening as party crowds arrive. Saturday the 13th busy again.

 

[sonjaandsue]

Very helpful - thank you both!