October Crowds

[ArielSRL]

This will be my first October trip maybe ever. I've done September in the past but even that was a long time ago. Growing up, we did the beginning of Dec a lot for the Christmas stuff but now we do June (I'm a teacher). This year, for the first year ever, my district has a mini fall break so we are going to head down just for the Halloween party and TSL at DHS. 10/3-10/7. Because we are doing both June and Oct this year, it will be interesting to compare the two crowds.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We will be there Oct 21-28 at BLT and I’m hoping it’s not spring break packed! Been in October once before but that was 7 years ago....I don’t remember it being terrible but things change

Things changed alot. Oct used to be a best kept secret. Word spread. It has gone from our favorite time to a time we now avoid.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

We are contemplating October 13 - 20 2018; search feature did not work! How are the crowds at this time?

It is not slack by any means. But it is not insurmountably busy either. Nowhere near spring break or week after Christmas busy. Columbus day is the 8th. That week after Columbus day is usually decently busy because many schools around the southeast take that week off for fall break.
Some tips. Avoid World Showcase on Friday and Saturday nights. Food and Wine brings out locals that want to party. It's crowded, and can get obnoxious. Weather is variable. We've had oppressive heat. We've had mild temps. We've had rain, sunshine. Don't do food and wine when it is hot and humid either. Just don't.

The key is to have a good touring plan and get to the parks early.

 

[FoxC63]

This will be my first October trip maybe ever. I've done September in the past but even that was a long time ago. Growing up, we did the beginning of Dec a lot for the Christmas stuff but now we do June (I'm a teacher). This year, for the first year ever, my district has a mini fall break so we are going to head down just for the Halloween party and TSL at DHS. 10/3-10/7. Because we are doing both June and Oct this year, it will be interesting to compare the two crowds.

This would make an interesting trip report too, hint... hint

 

[FoxC63]

Things changed alot. Oct used to be a best kept secret. Word spread. It has gone from our favorite time to a time we now avoid.

I think it's manageable with a good plan but agree I've seen the crowds grow over the years. You couldn't pay me to attend in summer with that heat, no way!

 

[FoxC63]

It is not slack by any means. But it is not insurmountably busy either. Nowhere near spring break or week after Christmas busy. Columbus day is the 8th. That week after Columbus day is usually decently busy because many schools around the southeast take that week off for fall break.
Some tips. Avoid World Showcase on Friday and Saturday nights. Food and Wine brings out locals that want to party. It's crowded, and can get obnoxious. Weather is variable. We've had oppressive heat. We've had mild temps. We've had rain, sunshine. Don't do food and wine when it is hot and humid either. Just don't.

The key is to have a good touring plan and get to the parks early.

This ^ so true especially the obnoxious part! Why people have to be like this is beyond my comprehension.

 

[ArielSRL]

This would make an interesting trip report too, hint... hint

I have got to finish 2017! I am hoping I can before we leave in 32 days! But yes, I love doing the reports so I am sure I will do some comparisons!

 

[FoxC63]

I have got to finish 2017! I am hoping I can before we leave in 32 days! But yes, I love doing the reports so I am sure I will do some comparisons!

This would be really awesome to read and post on my itinerary thread when completed. That way it gives the newbies an idea of what to expect during MNSSHP. I hope you take plenty of photos too as visual aids are invaluable.

 

[ArielSRL]

This would be really awesome to read and post on my itinerary thread when completed. That way it gives the newbies an idea of what to expect during MNSSHP. I hope you take plenty of photos too as visual aids are invaluable.

Will do!!

 

[Rich M]

Count us in for going in October. We are going Oct 8th through Oct 11th and then Back Oct 14th through the 17th. Doing a Cruise Oct 11th to the 14th. We got our Halloween Party tickets for Oct 16th. Its just my sister and I this trip so we are planning on taking it slow for once and trying to do stuff we don't normally get to do when we have newbies with us. We will rope drop each morning and do fast passes in the evening. We will get on the rides we get on and what we don't we don't. If a park is too crowded we will just find something else to do. We can't control the crowds so we won't stress over what we can't control. I will say I have found that going this trip has been easier to get dining reservations since there isn't free dining promo during October. I hope everyone going in October has a spooky good time.

 

[cab0ad]

Count me in! sept 28-Oct 7 with free dining at POP! Never been during this time of year. So excited!

 

[FoxC63]

Will do!!

You're the best!

 

[goofyintoronto]

The last week in October 2017 was a bit more chilly. We started to see a shift as early as Oct 25th where the temps fell to 64° degrees and kept dropping. I can confirm on Oct 31st it was 43° on the night of party. The pool might be heated but they're not enough to keep you warm. DH & DS went swimming for 15 minutes before they felt too cold, they both came out covered in goose bumps and purple lips and we're from Michigan.

MNSSHP 2017 - Strategy Post #2016

Weather is very unpredictable. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[FoxC63]

Weather is very unpredictable. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

What I found interesting and sad was how many parents allowed their kids out in this cold and rainy weather with short sleeve t's and short pants. You could see them shivering. At least pack a long sleeve, long pants and a lightweight rain coat.

 

[goofyintoronto]

What I found interesting and sad was how many parents allowed their kids out in this cold and rainy weather with short sleeve t's and short pants. You could see them shivering. At least pack a long sleeve, long pants and a lightweight rain coat.

Yes I hear you. People are strange. To be fair though, as a Canadian, I tend to forget that Florida isn't always hot. Sometimes I dont even think about packing long sleeve shirts or a sweater (I never forgot my poncho thou). So perhaps its one of those things where they simply forget? I dunno.

 

[Rich M]

Yes I hear you. People are strange. To be fair though, as a Canadian, I tend to forget that Florida isn't always hot. Sometimes I dont even think about packing long sleeve shirts or a sweater (I never forgot my poncho thou). So perhaps its one of those things where they simply forget? I dunno.

Disney hopes people will forget the weather so you can buy some more things...

 

[FoxC63]

Yes I hear you. People are strange. To be fair though, as a Canadian, I tend to forget that Florida isn't always hot. Sometimes I dont even think about packing long sleeve shirts or a sweater (I never forgot my poncho thou). So perhaps its one of those things where they simply forget? I dunno.

Okay, we'll go with that, they're "forgetful".

It's not rocket science to add the weather app or check on the 10 day forecast prior to packing

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I always go Columbus Day weekend because I get that off work. It's gotten busier every year. If you're prepared for it, you'll be fine. Get your ADRs, Fastpasses, and around noon it's time to hang out at the pool to avoid the heat & crowds.

 

[macraven]

I always go Columbus Day weekend because I get that off work. It's gotten busier every year. If you're prepared for it, you'll be fine. Get your ADRs, Fastpasses, and around noon it's time to hang out at the pool to avoid the heat & crowds.

So true!

I started going Columbus Day period probably back in 2009 or 2010

Each year I see that time period growing.....

There are some days before and after that weekend that still have a limited crowd.
Usually the Tuesday after that weekend is low crowds or it has been for me based on which park I am in that day.

 

[Chris Connelly]

Yes I hear you. People are strange. To be fair though, as a Canadian, I tend to forget that Florida isn't always hot. Sometimes I dont even think about packing long sleeve shirts or a sweater (I never forgot my poncho thou). So perhaps its one of those things where they simply forget? I dunno.

I don't have this issue, I'm from Scotland so EVERYWHERE is warm compared with what I'm used to haha