Last part of Sept or First week in Oct?

[chewbacca]

We went to WDW Oct 15-21 and it was the busiest that I have ever seen! Now we are planning to go next year with DS and the in-laws. My question is do you think that we should go the last part of Sept and take our chances with the hurricanes or go the first week in Oct and take our chances with the crowds? We have gone before in the middle of Sept and the crowd level was not bad but it was hot!!

We called guest services while we were there and asked them why they were so busy and their answer was because of MNSSHP and a golf tournament.

 

[lustergirl]

We went to disney this year- September 25th- 30th. The crowd attendance was very light even though alot of people were there taking advantage of the free dining plan at that time. We had a great time even though it was very hot still (didn't realize it was still very hot the last week in September, thought it may cool off some) and will be going back next year the same time.
Word of advice- if you choose to go at this time don't worry yourself to death about the hurricanes. I drove myself nuts and didn't have to worry one bit as the weather was beautiful. You have no control over what mother nature decides to do. Buy the vacation insurance if you book through Disney travel. I have read several times on these posts that they will try and reschedule your trip if your plans are cancelled because of a hurricane- NICE PEOPLE..

lISA

 

[riggins]

We were there this year from 9/24-9/30 and LOVED it. The crowds were non-existant. We went the 2nd week in October in 2003 and there was no comparison. October was much busier. I'm sure that hurricanes and gas prices played a role this year, but it was great. Good luck with your decision.

 

[hipporina]

We went Sept 10-17 and it was perfect. We also worried ourselves about hurricanes. In fact, when we left (we drove) Ophelia was spinning around offshore and they didn't know where she was going. What we got was perfect weather without a single drop of rain! It was great. I didn't find it to be very hot at all. In fact, there was never a time on the trip that we felt uncomfortabaly hot. Of course, that partially has to do with the fact that we live in TX and were already acclimated to heat.

Crowd levels were great. On our first morning, we got to ride Splash and Peter Pan twice without getting off. It was amazing.

 

[angel's momma]

We were there 9/25-10/8 this year, so we experienced both.
Crowds definitely picked up considerably the first week of Oct., but it was still very managable. The Sept. week was VERY hot, Oct. week wasn't as bad - but it rained a lot. The advantages to Oct. are MNSSHP & F&W.

Good luck deciding! Personally, it was just too hot for me - we enjoyed Dec. more.

 

[WDW LOVR]

We went to WDW Oct 15-21 and it was the busiest that I have ever seen! Now we are planning to go next year with DS and the in-laws. My question is do you think that we should go the last part of Sept and take our chances with the hurricanes or go the first week in Oct and take our chances with the crowds? We have gone before in the middle of Sept and the crowd level was not bad but it was hot!!

We called guest services while we were there and asked them why they were so busy and their answer was because of MNSSHP and a golf tournament.

We were there the same time, Oct 19-23 and I would venture a guess from your post you must have never been to WDW for spring break or during July-August if that was the busiest you've ever seen.

Epcot was crowded on Friday evening and Saturday all day, but when you can ride standby in 20 minutes for Space Mtn, Big Thunder, ToT, RnRC and walk on Mission:Space, Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl it's not busy.

To answer your question, I don't think late Sept/early Oct will make much difference with the hurricanes, it's pretty much hit or miss either way (Wilma hit south Fla Oct 24 or 25). If there is no real difference with the hurricanes then late Sept (except for the last weekend) would definitely be better for the crowds. But you'll also miss the F+W festival, which is one of the best parts of going in Oct.

If the smaller crowds are what you're after, then go in Sept.

 

[Leota]

We went 9/28 - 10/12 1998. It was the hottest trip I've been to WDW, including 2 August trips. It was so incredibly humid, I almost passed out in the opening day line for Buzz. It was just after a hurricane, so maybe that increased the humidity factor....

However, the crowds were pretty non-existant. We got great rates on our resorts & a fantastic Package they were offering to boost attendance. It was a very Magical Trip, just very, very hot.

 

[lustergirl]

Leota- you are near me here in Buffalo. I guess we are not used to that September heat in Orlando, lol. I say this as it snowed last night here and left it a mess out this morning. I can stand the heat though as I will be going back the same time next year.

Lisa