Mid-October crowds?

[LizL]

We always go in November (week before Jersey week, so we can enjoy F&W) and in February, so we are spoiled by low crowds. We are planning a mid-October 2006 trip (15-22). Is there anything that goes on during that week that would cause large crowds?

 

[PrincessKitty1]

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival can result in some crowds on the weekend. Otherwise, DH and I feel the crowds in mid-October are not bad at all (with the usual caveat that Saturdays at MK are always crowded!).

 

[SqueakyMouse]

I beg to differ. Lots and lots and lots of schools are on Fall Break mid-October. In the past, we found this a great time to visit WDW. We went the second week in October this year and found the parks PACKED. ASMu was empty midweek; but, over the weekend, parking places were very difficult to find at the values. We arrived early on a Wednesday and decided to go to BB. Although it was not even 11 yet, we walked and walked yet never found any free chairs. Needless to say, we were shocked! After doing a quick readjustment of our touring plan, we still managed to have an excellent trip. Of course, we go to WDW several times a year. I don't know how I'd feel about the crowds (worse than when we were there in July/August) if that had been my only trip for the year. Judging by the trip reports, the end of September through the very, very beginning of October may be the best time to go.

 

[mommic32]

I beg to differ. Lots and lots and lots of schools are on Fall Break mid-October. In the past, we found this a great time to visit WDW. We went the second week in October this year and found the parks PACKED. ASMu was empty midweek; but, over the weekend, parking places were very difficult to find at the values. We arrived early on a Wednesday and decided to go to BB. Although it was not even 11 yet, we walked and walked yet never found any free chairs. Needless to say, we were shocked! After doing a quick readjustment of our touring plan, we still managed to have an excellent trip. Of course, we go to WDW several times a year. I don't know how I'd feel about the crowds (worse than when we were there in July/August) if that had been my only trip for the year. Judging by the trip reports, the end of September through the very, very beginning of October may be the best time to go.

I will totally agree with you on this!! We to were there from 10-4-10-11 and found it packed especailly compared to this past May! When I go back again, I will either do Mid Sept or May,, I learned the hard way about Fall break,, I am from Pa and we dont get a fall break..

 

[RadioFanatic]

I was there this year from 10/14-10/22 and found it much busier than I was used to as well. We usually go early december or mid january - my dh said we're never going back in October and going our usual time of year.

 

[debbie in Seattle]

We were there in early/mid October for the F&W Festival and wow was it busy! It was also super humid for us (but we're wimpy Seattlites), which I heard was unusual for Orlando. BUT, we enjoyed the Food & Wine Festival so much, we've already made our ressies for next year!

 

[Joe&Peg]

Georgia's Fall Break was the first full week of October this year. We went on a 3 day cruise and a few days at the park on the way back. There were a lot of Georgia tags on cars around the park. It was significantly more crowded than when we went back in November. I also put part of the blame for the crowds on the Food & Wine Festival, especially since we were staying at BCV. Mid November, after the F&W Festival but before Thanksgiving was not crowded at all, and the weather was perfect.

 

[Jennifer48]

I was there those dates this year, October 15-22. The crowds were large but lines were not. I think most people were there for the food and wine festival. We never really had a problem with the amount of people in one park at a time and I'm not a crowd person.

 

[mjh8955]

We were there at the very end of October/beginning of November (right before Jersey Week) and the crowds were very low. MGM on Monday was empty, Epcot that afternoon was fine. MK on Tuesday was empty early, we walked onto everything in Fantasyland and really didn't experience any waits until mid afternoon. Epcot that afternoon and evening was not bad either. AK on Thursday was busier. Looks like the week you are currently going (before Jersey Week) is still the best choice.

 

[Hopefully]

We were there this year from Oct 16c- Oct 23rd, and we stayed at the BCV. We go specifically for the Food and Wine Festival. I thought it was much more crowded this year than it has ever been in October in the past.
We left the day before Wilma arrived. I think due to all the activity in the tropics, the humidity came roaring in by Wednesday. It was HOT and HUMID, like you would expect in July.
So - crowded and hot. But we still had a good time.