less crowded October or November?

[rjthkids]

Alright, so we're looking to start planning for our next vacation and we're looking at going either the last two weeks in October (next year obviously) or the first two weeks in November. We'd traditionally gone in mid-October but are noticing it has been getting kind of crowded. It's still quite pleasant and the weather absolutely wonderful, but I was wondering if the crowds drop off if we were to wait a few weeks. How popular is early November in terms of DVC? We're SSR members and we love staying there, but I"m contemplating trying OKW this time around, if we'd have a chance to book there.

TIA!

 

[dianeschlicht]

October is F&W, and that is why you have noticed more crowds then. I believe the first week of November is Jersey week, but between that and Thanksgiving should be better. We have never gone in November, but have done October, and felt it was a bit more crowded than we expected, but not unmanageable. DVC wont be a problem if you book early, and even OKW should be fine at the 7 month window.

 

[DVC Grammy]

October is F&W, and that is why you have noticed more crowds then. I believe the first week of November is Jersey week, but between that and Thanksgiving should be better. We have never gone in November, but have done October, and felt it was a bit more crowded than we expected, but not unmanageable. DVC wont be a problem if you book early, and even OKW should be fine at the 7 month window.

I don't think you'd have a problem booking for either time, especially if you book your 11 month SSR and then switch it over to OKW at the 7 month window. (This way, you're guaranteed your stay, no matter what.) We've gone at both times; in fact, we're thinking of having our next-year's fall trip to go into November. The F & W is still on at the beginning of Nov., plus, the second weekend in November is usually the Festival of the Masters in DTD. If you like arts/upscale crafts, it's really great!
Other than in DTD for the FotM, the crowds tend to lessen as F & W ends (except for weekends). Another bonus is that the weather is (usually) beautiful!

 

[mikesmom]

If you think mid October is crowded, late October and early November will be just as bad or worse. We have gone both times. Crowds aren't even close to summer numbers, but the F&W just brings 'em in! Jersey Week adds to the crowd.

That being said, if I had my druthers (and I don't because of work schedules) I would go in November. The weather is still beautiful, but it is not quite as hot.

 

[rjthkids]

Well, I'm curious then--- when *can* one go to WDW for sparse crowds when you still have nice, warm weather? (Not hot, awful muggy weather nor sweatshirt weather).

 

[mikesmom]

First 2 weeks of May?

 

[CapeCodFam]

Well, I'm curious then--- when *can* one go to WDW for sparse crowds when you still have nice, warm weather? (Not hot, awful muggy weather nor sweatshirt weather).

Disney has been really good at creating programs to increase visitors during slower seasons. Combine that with our nationwide 'return to travel', sparse is now history. The minimum crowd levels are also when park hours are at their least and rehabs are at their most. I.e. No real bargain anyway.

I'd say go when the weather and vacation time availability suits you.

 

[Copper3]

Well, I'm curious then--- when *can* one go to WDW for sparse crowds when you still have nice, warm weather? (Not hot, awful muggy weather nor sweatshirt weather).

I've recently moved (March 2006) from NJ to Lakeland, FL and am watching how the crowds/weather are at WDW. I am at WDW every weekend I can make it, usually one of the weekend days but sometimes more. Before that I have vacationed in both late October and early November during F&W, January, May and September. I would say that early November even Jersey week is slower than anytime in October. October has F&W, MNSSHP and the golf tournament as draws where November has F&W, Jersey Week, Super Soap weekend and Festival of the Masters. If I had to choose I would go with the first week or two of November unless MNSSHP is a major factor.

May was hot this year but not unbearable until right before Memorial weekend and very dry where June was cooler and very rainy. July and August were the usual (muggy, hot and rainy every afternoon) and August was the more crowded once free dining started. The second week of Easter was surprisingly less crowded and the parks were open later than the summer definitely not what I was expecting. I would go the second week of Easter before I would do anytime in the summer if I were still living in NJ and coming once a year. I'll give another post after observing the fall and winter months.