october crowds?

[blanche]

hi, could i please have october visitors' opinions on crowds/weather? which week do you prefer/avoid? thanks in advance.

 

[wdwguide]

Crowds in October build throughout the month, and it gets quite busy in the end when all the Halloween events and the Food and Wine Festival are going on. Still nothing major, but it is definitely not the slowest time of the year anymore.
The weather is warm and not as humid and rainy as the summer months. It's a nice time of the year to go.

 

[JBurke]

I think October is a great time to go.
Weather is still warm but not horribly hot.
The only time we had problems with crowds was the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. Everyone was at MK that day.
The only downside to October is that the parks close early (MK around 6-7pm) and MK only has Spectromagic and Fireworks on Saturday (with the exception of the select nights they have Mickey's Not So Scarey Halloween Party; then they have a Halloween parade and fireworks)

 

[edie w]

Blanche,

We've been 3 times in October and are going again this year.

We've also noticed that the crowds have decreased since our first visit in 1996, although the last time we went was just after 9/11 and everything was understandably a little quieter. Queues are not really a problem - most things you can fast pass or just walk on after 5 mins, so the occasional half hour wait doesn't seem so bad.

Our visits always cross the children's half-term holiday (UK) which is either the last full week of October (as it is this year) or the one preceding it. I'd guess that the second week of October may be more Brit-free and possibly quieter? Certainly the non half-term week of our holiday is always the quieter of the two.

Weather is lovely (I am from the UK!), ranging from very hot and humid with the odd brief storm to bright and a little chilly. Mostly it has been warm and dry. You can pick up weather history on the internet, however I can't remember where.....

edie

 

[blanche]

thank you so much, everyone, for the great information!

 

[donna in Oz]

We love October!! Weather warm enough to enjoy the pools without having to endure intense heat all day.

Crowds may be slightly larger this year due to the FairyTale Package and due to the special offer for the Armed Forces. In addition, the Food & Wine Festival always occurs in October and of course, we can't forget about MNSSHP!!!

But it's still a great time to go. I'd try to avoid the holiday week-end if possible, but even if you can't, you'll have a great trip!

 

[frannn]

mid-end of Oct. The crowds were a little less than mid March, when we usually go (spring break time). I found there to be a 20-45 minute ride on most rides, except the most popular ones like Test Track, Splash Mountain. I think with the new tax refund, the fairytale pkg, Columbus Day, Canadian Thanksgiving, and the war being over combined, there will be more crowds this coming Oct. We will be there the 10th-20th. It will probably (hopefully!) be better than the summer, though. Weather was gorgeous, with only 1 day of substantial rain and milder temperatures (upper 80's). You will need at least 1 pr of pants, and a sweatjacket. I'll cross my fingers for smaller crowds for both of us!

 

[kvcycle]

We have been going every October for the last 4 years and love the Halloween party and the Food and Wine. Last year we were there Columbus week and it was pretty crowded. Most schools in Florida have off the whole week so there were a lot of locals. We are going the last week this year and we are already counting down the days.

We can't wait!

 

[blanche]

thanks for the replies, kvcycle and frannn. i agree that it would seem this year will be more crowded. besides all you mentioned and the canadians, and floridians, it's also england's mid-term break at the end of the month. (hmmm, i wonder what the end of february is like?)