October 2014 how was the weather/crowds

[DaniGal]

so we have booked a Disney vacation for the 1st thru the 12th...we are really just realizing we have never been at this time of the year...does anyone have previous experience in what to expect weather wise and crowds. Trying to get ideas on what to pack

 

[wdwpracticalprincess]

We'll be there almost exactly the same time in October! Really interested in what folks have to say. I'm especially curious to hear how MNSSHP and Food & Wine affect the crowds.

 

[Sarahgraci]

I was there at the end of October last year. I really didn't think it was crowded, but went with a touring plan and spent all day in the park I was visiting for the day. MK was supposed to be a "3" crowd level and it ended up being a "5," with closing being extended an hour and an extra Electrical Parade being added. The weather was absolutely perfect. It didn't rain at all. There was a slight nip to the air when waiting for the bus at 7:30am, but as soon as I started walking in the parks, I was fine (in a t-shirt and shorts). I sat by the pool one day for about 4 hours, and it was warm, but not at all hot in a swimsuit. Food and Wine wasn't bad in terms of crowds. I did focus on eating earlier in the day so I could avoid the evening madness, but it didn't look too bad later in the day. I would go at the end of October again in a heartbeat. This year I'm going to have to "settle" for sweltering August. I'll get over it, though

 

[crostorfer]

Be prepared for heat. Much of the country is cooling down by October 1st, not central Florida though. We hit record highs over Columbus Day weekend when we were there last year. The heat index was over 100. What's funny about that is that mid-September of last year, if you go back and read the threads from last year, was very cool and rainy. The heat came back with a vengeance.

Keep in mind that early October is still active hurricane season, and it's possible, (although not likely), that a tropical storm system may soak your entire vacation.

The crowds should be quite manageable until the three days before you leave. The masses will descend on WDW the 9th, 10th and 11th. Personally, I found fall break, (that weekend), to be even more crowded than spring break. Not Christmas crowded, but you will definitely notice the difference.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Weather info for 10/1-10/12 2014 (and the 14 preceding 10/1-12s):

http://www.wunderground.com/history...reqdb.zip=32801&reqdb.magic=1&reqdb.wmo=99999