Last week of Sept. or 1st week of October???

[Giraffe1]

Hi Everyone-

This is my first post and our first trip to WDW with kids.

Could I get opinions on going the last week of September vs. 1st week of October?

I have been reading that the last two years October has been crowded. Also, I am trying to stay away from Columbus Day.

I checked and did not see any special events for these two time periods. Does anyone know of anything or school calendars that would affect attendance?

Thanks so much in advance-

 

[2cutekids]

I, too, would like to know about the first of October. How is the weather and are there lots of mosquitos then?

Giraffe1,
Do you know about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party during October? I think they usually have some early October dates, too!

 

[prplcrzy]

We usually go in September or October so I'll tell you our experiences.

End of September can still be in the 90s and lovebugs could be a problem. They don't bite or anything, they can be an annoyance, that's about it. Crowds are very light

Beginning of October is 80s, could be warmer. The crowds are light, but tend to be heavier as you get closer to Columbus Weekend.

Last year we went 10/3 - 10/13 and had a great time, not much rain at all. I think just one night, just as Wishes started, but that was it (didn't put a damper on the new fireworks show though). The sky opened up right as it ended and then it was a problem!

We went to MNSSHP on 10/10 and had a great time. We had been in 2001 and wanted to go back again. I think the dates of it at the beginning of October were 3, 5 and 10. So, depending on when you go, you may be able to go to one.

I think either time would be great weather and low crowds. I would recommend October if you want to go to MNSSHP!

Have a great trip!

Nancy

 

[hezzie]

Welcome...

In 2002 we went Oct 1 -10 and last year we went Sept 15-27.

In 2002 the weather was perfect, still very warm, but not so hot it was uncomfortable. Shorts and t-shirts the whole time. It only rained 1 day for less than an hour. The crowds were perfect, 5-10 min wait for rides. No problem getting priority seating.

Last year, it was still very hot and humid and the love bugs were in full force, but did not bother us at all. The crowds seemed heavier than the year before, but I believe crowds are heavier all together, regardless of when you go. We did have a few days of rain, but no more than an hour a day.

Overall, I preferred October a little bit more b/c of the cooler weather, but it was only two weeks difference, so it's just a matter of luck with the weather. In Sept. we were closely tracking the path of a rather large Hurricane, which was on a path for Florida but it hit land in the Carolinas two days after we arrived in Disney...tis the Hurricane season!!

Hope this helps!

 

[bunnyfoo]

What are lovebugs? I've seen them every so often in the posts. They sound like they can be annoying.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Our school system in North Alabama has the first two full weeks of Oct. off for fall break. We went this past Oct. 5-10 and it was more crowded than when we were there during spring break the end of March. So from my own experience I would say late Sept. if you want lighter crowds. You get a lot more done that way, which in my opinion is getting more for your money. Have fun!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Love Bugs (as far as I can figure) are really big insects that fly blind, so to speak. They can't see, so frequently fly right into you. I went in September of 2002, and I didn't have a problem with them at all.

 

[Baloo]

Welcome to the DIS Giraffe1

Here's a link to Lovebugs,photo included...they're really not a nuisance except they cover your bumper when you're driving!!!http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_MG068

I'm a fan of Oct.I've been about every week in that month through the years.The weather has always been terrific!! I LOVE attending MNSSHP and this year Epcot's Food and Wine Festival starts Oct 1st...a not to be MISSED in my book!
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/events/index.htm

The only time I've encountered a really terrible crowd was Oct. 2003 on the first day,a Sat. ,of the F&W Fest.Other than that Oct. is the PERFECT time to visit WDW!!!

 

[Harambe]

Don't forget, Disney offered the Fairytale Package last October (pay for 4 nights, get seven nights) so a lot of people took advantage of that and went in October. If they don't offer that every fall, then October crowds will probably go back down a little!

 

[gctong]

I've never heard of lovebugs until I saw this thread. I tried clicking on the link for the lovebug info but it wouldn't load on my computer. We're going to WDW 9/17 - 9/25...should I be concerned? I've never been to Florida then before. I'm concerned they will put a damper on my LONG awaited trip!