October crowds--anyone puzzled?

[jaygatz]

We normally go to WDW between Christmas and New Year's Day or the first few weeks of June. However, this year we opted for an October trip figuring we would not have the crowds we are normally used to, but with the lack of rates at all of the resorts, I am beginning to wonder what the crowd levels will actually be like. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[MosMom]

I'm not sure it equates to more people...I think it may equate to very few rooms being released.

 

[jaygatz]

although I hope this lack of rates does not become the norm

 

[Swimnoid]

We have gone every Oct for years and years....usually the week of Columbus Day but sometimes the week before. IF you hit it during the golf tournament its pretty crowded. And lots of year round schools have a break around Columbus Day so sometimes its crowded then as well. Not horribly crowded just noticeably more than in August or June.

 

[jaygatz]

how have you found the weather at this time? Have you been in June so as to offer a comparison?

 

[dznyntnh]

I think over the past few years October and November have become more crowded. If you look at next year's 'seasons' November has gone from a value to a regular season.

I don't think you are looking at large crowds and waits. I went last October, it was the first time I had gone in October in about 10 years and it was quite a bit busier than I remembered.

The problem is you have so many schools going to year-round schedules, that there are very few 'dead' time of the year any more.

The real slow times seem to be September, January and first couple weeks of December.

I'm actually trying September for the first time next year, cuz the crowds are low and so are the rates. The offset is it's still a bit warmer and more humid than going later in the fall.

 

[jaygatz]

thanks for the info. I may have to try out September myself...I am just afraid that the humidity may be like it was in June. I didn't like never drying out

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

In recent years (2001, 2003) we've been to WDW in October. I can't compare crowd levels then to summer or holiday periods but compared to September it is much more crowded. Now, I don't mean it's crawling with people be it's pretty 'festive'.

The weather is gorgeous in October. Some mornings it can be chilly but the day warms up nicely with blue skies.

I'm surprised at the difficulties people are having getting room-only discounts for October. Guess the 5+2 package, the e-mail/postcard promo, F&WF, MNSSHP really drew the people in!

Oh, and DD's school has a Fall Break Oct 27-29 - that's why we are going in October. Currently her school district is on a traditional calendar but is looking at changing it to a continuous school year. If that happens she'll get 2 or 3 weeks off in October.

Debbie

 

[n2mm]

Gone now 10 years in a row and find that October is an extremely popular time to go and a very moderate crowd with it being very crowded on the weekends. I believe this year will be even worse as more and more folks are traveling. This summer WDW saw it's highest attendance after 9/11. With the conventions, and activities in October, I hope no one fools themselves to think that it will not be crowded. The lines at food and wine can be unbelieveable during the weekends. While the crowds are nowhere near Easter or Christmas or July, it is the next busiest time of year to go.

 

[Cleokitty]

We were there one year in Oct. and it was pretty crowded. The CM said they have many conventions on site in October. The weather is just too beautiful NOT to be there.

We have gone in Sept for our last 2 trips. It is MUGGY--and I'm from NC where our summers have 95% humidity at 94 degrees. Go in late Sept if you go--what a difference 2-3 weeks can make.

 

[skiwee1]

We go every October usually the second and third weeks. Last year it was mobbed. I think it had to do with the Fairytale package that came out and the Fairy Godmother agreed. Most years the weather was great. Eighties in the day and low 70s at night. Last year it was very chilly! So cold and windy that using the pool at the Poly was a no go. So this year we booked a trip for early October. October 2-10. I'm hoping it will still be very hot as September has always been hot for us. Since we hang at the pool daily I would rather have hot then chilly. I am hoping it isn't that crowded this year since the Fairytale package wasnt' as good. We will see!

 

[Bronte]

We have gone in late Oct. early Nov. each year since 9/11 ...
The crowds were small in my opinion (we went last spring break and I was crying ... I could not even get fast passes and we only rode Splash Mountian once ... ONCE for the whole week)
The weather in Oct. is great and we are looking forward to our trip this year (Oct. 23 -Nov.1).
Lisa

 

[jaygatz]

thanks to all of you for the information--

my mindset will be less crowded than Christmas but probably more so than the first of June (maybe that will be wrong as the first time I went in June followed a Christmas trip and I kept turning in circles asking my wife, "Where are all the people") However, it seems from everyone that the weather will be much better than in June. We will be at the Poly 10/9-10/17...

 

[TiggerInNY]

We were in WDW last October 11-18 and it was BEAUTIFUL! The weather was great and it allowed us to go into the pool with no problem. There was one day that was extremely heavy at MK. That was the Friday of Columbus Day week (17th). I think the Florida schools had that day off. We waited 1 hour to get into the Haunted Mansion. THAT was the longest by far that we waited to get onto a ride. All other days were no way near that long to wait.

I would highly suggest going in October vs. summertime. We also stayed off-site at our Timeshare so I can't help you out with hotels.

Good luck. We are also going again this October 9-16th.

TTFN,
Maria

 

[jaygatz]

looks like we will be there at the same time Here's to hoping for good weather.

 

[Rhonda922]

I accidentally scheduled our trip for the week of Columbus Day. I called the airline from work and then when I got home and looked at my calendar, I said oops! I wouldn't have wanted to go that week but I guess I'm stuck with it since I got my air tix already.

 

[jackandsally]

We will also be there from Oct 11- 17 for our honeymoon.
I can't wait.

 

[princess pooh]

I'm going the week before Columbus Day and there's supposed to be some big conventions going on. The Dolphin is actually sold out on same of the days I'll be there . I went at that same time last year though and everything was wonderful! It was crowded but not overwhelming. I hope I'll have that same experience this time

 

[Sammie]

October has become a very popular time to go. Disney offers the Golf tournament then, Mickey's Halloween Party and many conventions. It is no longer Value season due to the increase. Disney resort's have begun to sell out for the month and November is quickly following the same trend due to the Wine Festival at Epcot.

Weather is great, crowds will be heavier on weekends.

 

[Tonyspad]

We normally go at Memorial Day but I got a postcard and we are taking a surprise trip 9/30 - 10/3. The kids are off from school for a teachers convention so we are going to the POLY GVC $335 per night tax inc. We are also hoping for low crowds and nice temps. Anyone ever been at this time??