MNSSHP/Oct crowds/renting DVC points

[El&Asmom]

I'm planning our possible trip for next fall. We went this last Sept with free dining, and although we loved the low crowds, the FL heat and humidity in Sept were just too much for our northern blood.
I was originally thinking of going in early Nov. That way it would likely still be warm enough to swim, but not as hot as Sept.
After seeing some pictures of the MNSSHP, I have reconsidered going sometime in Oct.
My questions are:
What are the crowds like in Oct during the halloween party?
Is it much cooler in mid Oct as compared to early Sept when we went last year?
When do the dates come out for the MNSSHP?
And lastly, we are considering renting points to stay at a 1 bedroom at the VWL. If you have ever done this before, when is the best time to typically book this rental. Should I start trying to find points at the seven months out time, or are there usually still rooms available closer to the dates during that time of year.

Thanks

 

[Lynne M]

Folks who have VWL as their home resort can book at 11 months. October can be a busy time, and VWL is a small resort, so I'd suggest that you start looking for your rental now.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

We have rented points at BWV in Oct for the past two years. We LOVE renting points and we like Oct a lot. I was a wee bit disappointed with the crowds in Oct...and this past Oct seemed more crowded than the one before. Remember, the Food and Wine Festival is also going on at Epcot. BTW, that is a great event and you gotta check it out!

We went to MNSSHP on Halloween night this year and we will NOT do that again. Big time crowds, although I will say that the wait time for the rides was still not very long. I just hate trying to manuever thru big crowds. We are planning our trip next year to be at the tail end of Sept, leading into Oct. The F&W Fest and also MNSSHP should begin by then. I think they both start the last few days of Sept, although I do not have an exact answer for you.

As far as the weather goes...Oct is a weird month. It can be summer like hot OR crisp and cool. It can change drastically even during your stay! BUT, you definitely have a chance at nicer weather in Oct.

Have fun planning your trip! yes, start booking ASAP! You reminded me...i need to get in gear and start my planning, too!

 

[Jimbo]

We spent 10 nights at OKW this last October, and the weather ranged from a high of over 90 for the first two days, to a high of 68 for the last two. So nobody knows what to expect.

The parks in general were pretty crowded overall, especially on weekends. But it was always manageable.

Re MNSSHP: We almost decided against going because we heard that it got so crowded that it wasn't worth it. But we went during the week (a Wednesday, I think) and it wasn't crowded at all. At the end of the night we rode Big Thunder five times in a row without getting off. And you were able to score a virtually unlimited amount of candy. We had a terrific time, plus the weekdays were offered at a discount ($10?).