October travel questions

[ujpest_doza]

I would also add that some schools in recent years have started doing "fall" breaks in late September into October, at least in schools that our kids attended in Georgia and Virginia, so you can go during those times without having to take kids out of school. Would like to be able to go in September at some point but doesn't work currently because of wife's work requirements.

Yeah, we've always had a school half term break in October in the UK which is why we've went then.
Was always quieter than it was in 2016 though despite the UK holidays.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

FWIW, we were there in a week with MK 10s and I think our DHS day was an 8, and we found it manageable.

The keys:

• Don't go in thinking "October is lighter crowd!" (Whatever "lighter crowd" means to you, unless your benchmark is NYE. Then you're okay.)
• Plan your FP+.
• Plan ADRs if you like TS meals. It's okay to change things up.
• Know that Epcot weekends are a hot mess.
• Know that MK on party nights is quieter, although you gotta be out by 7. Good ADR planning can make this all work out, though (or, do Pirates N Pals, or park hop, or whatev!).
• Be flexible.

 

[Dizjunkieee]

We've been going in October for over 10 years. Each year has been busier than the year before. There were reports of October 2016 crowds being higher than July crowds.
It is crowded. Unless you have gone during Presidents Day week in February, I believe it will be more crowded in October.
It is not as crowded as Christmas or Easter week, but it is not quiet.
The later in the month the better.

Yep. I agree! We always make one of our trips each year in the fall, & just due to work schedules, it typically falls in mid-to late October. I was at WDW last October from 10/18-27 last fall and the four of us (who are always on our fall trips together) commented more than once at how nuts the crowds often were. One day (albeit it was a Saturday and we know better during F&W) it was the busiest I have EVER seen World Showcase.....we later heard that EPCOT was at capacity?! WHAT?! CRAZY!!! This year, once again due to some of our party's work schedules we will be there pretty much the exact same time. If I had a choice, I would choose early November instead, but we'll just be prepared for large crowds again. We are fortunate to visit 3-4 times a year as AP's so it isn't as big of a deal for us. If it gets too crowded, we just duck out of the parks and go do something else - like play one of the fun mini golf courses on property.