October Crowds?

[Tinkerbells2000]

We just made reservations for Oct. 22-28th. and I was wondering what the crowds would be like. We have never been there in October, so I am not sure what to expect. We are also thinking about doing MNSSHP, is it really worth it? I think the kids would absolutely love it, but with 6 of us, want to make sure it's really worth it.
Thanks in advance

 

[Kellydelly]

We've been to DW the week of Columbus Day (the second week in October), which is also Canadian Thanksgiving week and it was quite crowded (and I mean middle of the week it was crowded!). I will never go that week again! I hope that you find the last week in October is a good choice!

 

[texhanddoc]

We are going to be there the 1st to the 8th. We leave on the Sunday right before Columbus day and canadian thanksgiving. Do you think the week before will be crowded?

And when you say crowded, do you mean hour long waits crowded, or just a little more than october base line?

 

[texhanddoc]

Actually, I just checked the Unofficial Guide's crowd index and the highest rating it gets is a 6 out of 10 on the Columbus Day weekend. I think it was the friday and the sunday that was a 6. The week building up to Columbus Day was 5s and 4s.

Just as a reference, Christmas to New Years is solid 10s hehe.

 

[te2077]

we went oct 20-26th 2004. we had no problems with lines or crowds. the only time the f&w festival was busy was during the weekend. during the week and especially during the afteroon it wasnt busy at all. we are used to the crowds the 1st week of dec and i really didnt notice that much of a difference. we walked on mission space/and had 0 to 10 min waits at mk. mnsshp was a blast. we even got to ride the haunted mansion all by ourselves and all the rides were walk on during our party. all of the villians we out at the party. (we picked a weeknight, but i cant remember the exact date) during this time the funai golf classic was going on but we did not experience any more crowds at the parks or at our resort akl. have fun.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We were there last 10/25-11/1. It wasn't too crowded but there were some lines. Get FP on the big ones and try to do Fantasy Land in the AM. Epcot WS was crowded because of F&W but not horrible. Definitely get ADR's for Epcot though- the walk up lines were long!!!!!!

MNSSHP was so much fun!!!!!! We went with ds2.5 and stayed until the very end since he was having so much fun. We went on Halloween (which sold out) and it still wasn't too crowded. After the fireworks it really emptied out. We rode Buzz 3 times in a row!!

 

[Collette]

We were there last year - October 22-30. You have picked one of my two very favorite times to go. The weather was so perfect.

The crowds were a little larger than normal because many had come to WDW for the week due to hurricane Wilma - they were without power. So I can't really guage what the crowds would normally be for that week. Food and Wine Festival gets a little busy. And use fast passes.

What I really wanted to say though is that I just love MNSSHP!!! The atmosphere is great, parade is fantastic, lines are short to non-existent and Hallo-wishes was incredible and worth the price alone. Well at least I thought so anyway.

Have a GREAT time!!!

Collette

 

[Tinkerbells2000]

If we do decide to go to MNSSHP how far in advance do I need to purchase the tickets?

 

[magicaldisney]

MNSSHP gets busier and sells out the closer you are to Halloween. Weekends are also busier than week days. I've always gotten our tickets late summer with no problem. It is a definate DO NOT MISS. It is a great time with literally no wait time for the rides, special parade and fireworks, trick or treating, characters are dressed up in costumes and special events.

Have fun!!

Some info to keep in mind if you decide to attend the party. It starts at 7:00 but you can get in anytime after 4:00. The park will close at 6:00. Everyone not wearing a MNSSHP band will be asked to leave the park. All who are attending the party are escorted into one of the lands while they decorate the park for that night. That time between 6 and 7 is a great time to eat dinner so you don't miss anything and you're already at the park so you're ready to start right at 7:00.

 

[Fall1]

DH and I have gone the past 2 Octobers and we love love it. The weather is perfect and the crowds aren't bad at all. I think we probably waited 15 minutes max for even the most crowded rides. TOT can be worse, but you can always do fast pass.

We did MNSSHP the first year and really liked it. The decorations and trick or treat is fun. You aren't getting much more than you would get on a typical night at MK but the experience is really fun. If you have the extra $, go for it.