Need crowd level opinions for some dates

[andijean]

We like to go when it is lower crowd levels and I don't currently have a planner, so I thought I would ask all of your opinions. Last time we went 1st week in December and the charts so quiet, but it was quite busy. So, here are the weeks we are thinking and tell me what would be the best. Also, should I be concerned about hurricanes during the October weeks?

Oct 23-28
Oct 30-Nov 4
Nov 13-18
Dec 11-16

 

[tnkr mom]

I personally would go every Christmas season, but you've already experienced that; why not try the Halloween weeks this time & the Not So Scary Party for something different? We try to make every trip different and it keeps the magic alive & created many seasonal memories for our family! Hurricane season is over Nov 1st so you are at the very tail end and Disney realizes that, liberal policy. Plus the weather was great this past Oct! Have Fun!

 

[blessedby3]

As far as low crowds, the lowest we have seen them was the week after Thanksgiving. It was great and we walked on to most rides. Otherwise we only had to wait 5-10 mins. You get to be there after all the people have left from Thanksgiving and most people dont want to pull their kids out of school right after a vacation week (not us, though) so it is not as crowded. You will also miss all the Pop Warner kids who come the first week of Dec.

 

[Desnik]

In our experience week before Thanksgiving has always been the best for us because we really hate crowds!LOL I would say the dates of Nov 13-18 would be best. The crowds from Vet's day, SS weekend, F&W festival, Jersey week, will be gone and you'll be leaving as the Thanksgiving crowds arrive. Also the weather is perfect. Still warm enough to swim, but not too hot. I believe technically Hurricans are a concern Sept-Nov.
I really wouldn't worry about it in Nov.

 

[andijean]

Well, we booked for Dec 9-16 at the Beach Club. I don't have my UG for the year, so I am hoping those are low rated days for attendance. Also, I am hoping for pool weather for at least a day or two. We would love to hang out at Storm A Long Bay and maybe a waterpark. If anyone knows how those days are rated for crowds it would put my mind at ease. Thanks!

 

[jwfla422]

I can tell you as a regular WDW go-er there hasn't been a lot of slow times in the past year or so.

As far as Oct. goes it can be busy all month or it can be very quiet with the dates you're talking about. Hurricane season is still in full swing though, keep that in mind. Hurricane season actually ends Dec. 1 and not Nov. 1. Peak hurricane season is Aug-Sept but Oct. can be active as well. Not only with hurricanes, but with other tropical weather as well.

In 2005 Wilma hit on 10/23 and what was normally a slow time at WDW became a very busy time because many people from the west coast evacuated to the Orlando area. After Wilma ended up doing most of her damage and power outages to the SE coast MANY of us went to WDW for refuge and that was the week before/during Halloween.

The first few days were EXTREMELY busy because of this. Rooms were tough to find and the parks were very busy, but as the electric started coming on in SE FL many people went home. Halloween and the few days before and after were great that year. Very quiet.

Out of all of the dates if you're looking for low crowds I'd go for Oct. 30-Nov. 4, Halloween falls during the week so it shouldn't be so busy and it's a fun time to be in WDW and the weather when there's no tropical stuff going on can be real nice. That time is prior to Veterans Day and NJ week so you won't hit those crowds like you would more into Nov.

Dec. would be my 2nd choice but the crowds will probably pick up by mid Dec. In 2005 we were there around Dec. 15 and I couldn't believe the crowds more than 10 days before Christmas. You might just miss them or hit them toward the end of your trip. But, there's nothing like going to WDW before the holidays, everything is decked out and it's a sight to see.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

The only time I've gone has been December and we've loved it. Low crowds, nice weather and xmas decorations up. Unfortunately, peope are starting to pick up on this and its getting more and more crowded each year.

 

[mickeysaver]

As you can tell by my signature, we chose to go the last week of October/early November. The crowd estimates were projected to be lower that week in 2006....of course I am basing this on data that I collected from a site that offered free info at that time last year, but is now a pay service.

I collected sunrise and sunset times, which will be a bit different this year because the time change doesn't happen until November 4th. I have the weather details from that week from last year too. I am currently a member of TGM and Touring Plans dot Com's site. Between the two, I will say that things are looking good for a laid back vacation!

I think you should come join our party! Maggie

 

[maci]

We love Oct!
It is not the SLOWEST month, but it is so fun! The halloween parties are so great, and unique. The weather is very warm (usually) but not knock you down hot.
The crowd levels are always very managable, nothing too crazy! We were there last Oct, and never waited longer than 15-20 minutes. At the halloween party, we rode Splash 3 times with out getting off!
Try Oct!

 

[andijean]

Wow, now you guys are making me think twice. I assumed that week in December was slower b/c it is considered value season, whereas the Oct and Nov weeks are regular. Isn't it considered value for Disney b/c it is a slower time than regular? We are booked right now for Dec 9-16 which I thought was going to be quieter than Oct/Nov. I guess I just need to commit and stop second guessing myself. We will have fun no matter what right?