***OFFICIAL*** October 2011 - Updated 10/08/11

[Goofy_Mom]

Had to share. I just downloaded a ride times app on my Droid. Very cool. Thinking that the crowds will be about the same now as they are in October. If they are, we're in great shape. The majority of the rides have only a 20-30 minute wait. TSMM was the only one with waits over 100 minutes. This app also has the resturants, their number, their menu, the price/entre, and a rating. This one was free, there is one you can pay for, but for the life of me I can't figure out what more someone would need. I giggled because it tells you how many yards you are away from each attraction. Currently I'm over 4,000,000 yards away.

Also, I've decided that I'm only going to book one table service meal. Since we're paying out of pocket and I have a couple of super picky kids, We'll be fine eating CS meals for the majority of our trip. I've chosen 50's Prime time; I've learned there is a major lack of decent CS places in HS (remember, I'm planning a 1st WDW vacation) and I think this place is suited for our family. So now waiting for April 18th (my 180 mark) to book. I've got to assume that the October schedule will be up next month so that I can determine what days the Halloween party falls on and park hours.

I was thinking to avoid the EMH days, but now that I see that it won't have that big of an affect on the crowds, I think we'll just go to whatever park we feel like on whatever day. There will be only two days that are scheduled at certain parks. The party day we will only be going to the party and hang out around our hotel for the day (POFQ), and HS on the day I book the ADR.

My custom maps from Disney already came in. I think this will be the longest 7 months in history.

 

[twix123]

My family consisting of me two sons ages 12 and 14 when we go our trip and my mother. Going October 22nd through the 29th. Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This will be our first time at Disney World. Went when I was little and stayed with my Grandparents but I don't really remember any of it.

 

[exwdwcm]

This is my first post here although I've been lurking around for awhile. We had originally planned to go last year during Oct/Nov, but we moved, and I had to take all of my vacation to do that.

We (me, DH, and roommate) are staying at BLT from Oct 26-Nov 1. I haven't been to Disney in 8 years, but I used to go about every year with my grandparents. I've never stayed on property, and I've always wanted to go during Halloween, as it's my favorite holiday.

We're ridiculously excited, and the 8 month wait is going to be excruciating!

yeah for coming out of lurk-dom! welcome! we are staying at BLT too, the week before you! you are going to have a blast! Be sure and check out the top of the world lounge- watching the fireworks from there is amazing. pick a night you are not doing the MNSSHP and watch the hallo-wishes fireworks from TOW and you won't be disappointed!

Just booked our trip!! Standard view studio at jambo. Going back to food and wine!! maybe go see potter again...? MIGHT do MNSSHP again? DEFINITELY doing keys to the kingdom this trip.

yeah! We did KTTK and it was so amazing- have a great time!

Hello!

I thought I had posted here, before we left, but I guess not.

We booked Oct. 13 through Oct. 21 at POP. May change that to POFQ. We got back just this past Saturday, and I just cant imagine staying anywhere else.

Cant wait to hit the Halloween Party!

woo hoo- same dates as us!

Had to share. I just downloaded a ride times app on my Droid. Very cool. Thinking that the crowds will be about the same now as they are in October. If they are, we're in great shape. The majority of the rides have only a 20-30 minute wait. TSMM was the only one with waits over 100 minutes. This app also has the resturants, their number, their menu, the price/entre, and a rating. This one was free, there is one you can pay for, but for the life of me I can't figure out what more someone would need. I giggled because it tells you how many yards you are away from each attraction. Currently I'm over 4,000,000 yards away.

Also, I've decided that I'm only going to book one table service meal. Since we're paying out of pocket and I have a couple of super picky kids, We'll be fine eating CS meals for the majority of our trip. I've chosen 50's Prime time; I've learned there is a major lack of decent CS places in HS (remember, I'm planning a 1st WDW vacation) and I think this place is suited for our family. So now waiting for April 18th (my 180 mark) to book. I've got to assume that the October schedule will be up next month so that I can determine what days the Halloween party falls on and park hours.

I was thinking to avoid the EMH days, but now that I see that it won't have that big of an affect on the crowds, I think we'll just go to whatever park we feel like on whatever day. There will be only two days that are scheduled at certain parks. The party day we will only be going to the party and hang out around our hotel for the day (POFQ), and HS on the day I book the ADR.

My custom maps from Disney already came in. I think this will be the longest 7 months in history.

yeah for your 1st trip. We love 50s prime time- they have a great selection of home cooking type food and it is HUGE portions, so be prepared (especially the fried chicken). I love the meatloaf and the s'mores are my favorite!

there are so many great disney apps out there- WDW secrets, hidden mickeys, disney list, waits, dining, maps and more. Be aware some of the lines apps (not sure which ones) base the times on submissions from users- so the data can be skewed.

on planning days, i like to maximize my park time. i use this formula when planning. First, i figure out how much time i want to spend at each park (2 days at MK, 2 at Epcot, 1 day at AK, 1 at HS, half day at DTD etc.). Next, i look at special events- like MNSSHP and Food and Wine and take those into account- i.e., i know i want to avoid Epcot on the weekend evenings due to the large crowds for food and wine on the weekends. And I try and do a weekday halloween party for lower crowds too. Next, i look at park hours----there are shorter park hours in October, so i try to remember that and go to the parks that have later hours. I also try and build a DTD or waterpark day in the middle of the trip as a 'break'. And then of course there is EMH to consider. The PM EMHs do make the parks a lot more crowded. We will probably try and avoid the evening EMH parks, but we do like doing the AM EMHs and then hopping to another park for the afternoon. We usually do one park in the am, then a different one in the pm. Just keep in mind shows you want to see too- Fantasmic doesn't play everyday. And of course, you will only see MSEP on a non party night at MK, so you have to plan for those as well- just something to keep in mind-----just winging it is fine, but you might miss out on things like that.

 

[LJD2143]

This is my first post here although I've been lurking around for awhile. We had originally planned to go last year during Oct/Nov, but we moved, and I had to take all of my vacation to do that.

We (me, DH, and roommate) are staying at BLT from Oct 26-Nov 1. I haven't been to Disney in 8 years, but I used to go about every year with my grandparents. I've never stayed on property, and I've always wanted to go during Halloween, as it's my favorite holiday.

We're ridiculously excited, and the 8 month wait is going to be excruciating!

Maybe we'll run into you!
We'll be at BLT from 10/22-10/29: Me, DH, DS13, DS10 and DS10 (usually we're easy to spot because of the twins)

 

[Goofy_Mom]

yeah for your 1st trip. We love 50s prime time- they have a great selection of home cooking type food and it is HUGE portions, so be prepared (especially the fried chicken). I love the meatloaf and the s'mores are my favorite!

there are so many great disney apps out there- WDW secrets, hidden mickeys, disney list, waits, dining, maps and more. Be aware some of the lines apps (not sure which ones) base the times on submissions from users- so the data can be skewed.

on planning days, i like to maximize my park time. i use this formula when planning. First, i figure out how much time i want to spend at each park (2 days at MK, 2 at Epcot, 1 day at AK, 1 at HS, half day at DTD etc.). Next, i look at special events- like MNSSHP and Food and Wine and take those into account- i.e., i know i want to avoid Epcot on the weekend evenings due to the large crowds for food and wine on the weekends. And I try and do a weekday halloween party for lower crowds too. Next, i look at park hours----there are shorter park hours in October, so i try to remember that and go to the parks that have later hours. I also try and build a DTD or waterpark day in the middle of the trip as a 'break'. And then of course there is EMH to consider. The PM EMHs do make the parks a lot more crowded. We will probably try and avoid the evening EMH parks, but we do like doing the AM EMHs and then hopping to another park for the afternoon. We usually do one park in the am, then a different one in the pm. Just keep in mind shows you want to see too- Fantasmic doesn't play everyday. And of course, you will only see MSEP on a non party night at MK, so you have to plan for those as well- just something to keep in mind-----just winging it is fine, but you might miss out on things like that.

Thanks for the advise I should have been more clear about what parks/day. We won't be hopping, just one park/day, six day tix plus one party day (7 park days total). Speculation is a party day will fall on the 18th (our dates are the 14-22, no park days on check in or check out) Thinking Saturday for HS, Sunday AK, Monday EP, Tuesday MK/MNSSHP. The rest of the days aren't picked yet due to no schedule posted. More than likely there will be another MK day. The remaining three days will be chosen by the kids based on what parks they liked best and want to do again. How am I doing?

 

[disneygurl1987]

I am staying at the POP century from Oct 1 until Oct 11 Can't wait!! Its my first time in Orlando

 

[princess_ariel_85]

I am staying at the POP century from Oct 1 until Oct 11 Can't wait!! Its my first time in Orlando

you'll absolutely love it. We're staying in POP from 30th sept to 14th oct. We went last feb and it was my first time in Orlando too and it was by far the best holiday I've ever taken. It still gets me excited thinking about it now

is there anything your particulary looking forward to?

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi all Joining in this Official October Party

It will be just DH& I this time going down for 4 nights/5 days Oct 16-20

staying at our home resort BLT

and can't wait! we'll be celebrating our 15 yr anniversary and this will be our first time attending MNSSHP and F&W F

and hey exwdwcm...looks like we may bump into each almost exact same dates and same resort we'll be sure catching Hallo-wishes from the top of the world lounge

Scrappie (Julie)

 

[02AggieGirl]

Ok so it's OFFICIAL!!! We booked on Thursday

We will be there Oct 23-29 at Ft. Wilderness Cabins. We normally stay at WL but since my baby will turn 3 before we go and we are using the pin code (and you couldn't get the suites with it), we are going to stay at the cabins!! I'm really excited--it looks like a fun place

We are think about doing MNSSHP one night. Also so very excited about that!!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Thanks for the advise I should have been more clear about what parks/day. We won't be hopping, just one park/day, six day tix plus one party day (7 park days total). Speculation is a party day will fall on the 18th (our dates are the 14-22, no park days on check in or check out) Thinking Saturday for HS, Sunday AK, Monday EP, Tuesday MK/MNSSHP. The rest of the days aren't picked yet due to no schedule posted. More than likely there will be another MK day. The remaining three days will be chosen by the kids based on what parks they liked best and want to do again. How am I doing?

woo hoo- sounds perfect! Keep in mind the MK closes early (7pm) on party days, so if you want to experience MSEP or the late night at MK, plan it for a non part day to maximize your time there, of course it will be more crowded on the non party day, but worth it if you want to see regular WISHES or MSEP. And letting the kids pick is always fun.

I am staying at the POP century from Oct 1 until Oct 11 Can't wait!! Its my first time in Orlando

yeah- you are going to have a blast!!!

Hi all Joining in this Official October Party

It will be just DH& I this time going down for 4 nights/5 days Oct 16-20

staying at our home resort BLT

and can't wait! we'll be celebrating our 15 yr anniversary and this will be our first time attending MNSSHP and F&W F

and hey exwdwcm...looks like we may bump into each almost exact same dates and same resort we'll be sure catching Hallo-wishes from the top of the world lounge

Scrappie (Julie)

woo hoo! I'll be checking out your PTR!!! And we will be neighbors- yeah! What type of room do you have at BLT? WE just have a lake view studio. love the fireworks at TOW!!!! we can't wait to catch hallowishes up there- we saw the MVMCP holiday WISHES in December from there and it was amazing (but too cold to be on the balcony, we watched from inside).

Ok so it's OFFICIAL!!! We booked on Thursday

We will be there Oct 23-29 at Ft. Wilderness Cabins. We normally stay at WL but since my baby will turn 3 before we go and we are using the pin code (and you couldn't get the suites with it), we are going to stay at the cabins!! I'm really excited--it looks like a fun place

We are think about doing MNSSHP one night. Also so very excited about that!!!

woo hoo! welcome! I love the cabins. We stayed there over 10 years ago, but loved the feeling of being at home, having a kitchen and the great trees and activities in FtW. Plus having the separate living area was a big bonus.


We just added a night on our trip- we are going to come in on the night of 10/14 now instead of 10/15. yeah!

 

[sharpie89]

Its official! We are going to at POP October 1-8!! I am so so happy!! It will be my first Halloween, and Food and Wine!! And this will be my first time with just my Hubby, so that should be interesting. I wish that there was more info for October out sooner...180 days is too many! and I want more MNSSHP info!! Ugg...just got to wait I guess. lol I am more then elated to be able to go! Count me in!

 

[lmc318]

Ok, so I need some opinions here. We scheduled our trip Oct 23-29 but we've been looking at flights and although the end of Oct flights aren't out yet, weekday flights are consistently cheaper. Well our 40% off pin is only good for 10/23 - 29 at that time. It is good for Sept-Oct 8, however, so now I'm thinking of changing dates.

What is everyone's experience with end Sept/beg oct vs. end October? Any difference at all? My DD is 3 so I doubt she'll even care about being close to Halloween at MNSSHP, so that's not a concern. Originally we picked end of October thinking it would be less crowded and better weather. Any thoughts???

TIA!!

 

[mousescrapper]

woo hoo! I'll be checking out your PTR!!! And we will be neighbors- yeah! What type of room do you have at BLT? WE just have a lake view studio. love the fireworks at TOW!!!! we can't wait to catch hallowishes up there- we saw the MVMCP holiday WISHES in December from there and it was amazing (but too cold to be on the balcony, we watched from inside).

we have a ressie for a Lake View studio like your family too...I aksed for a newly refurbed studio w/ the new kitchenette/bathroom arrangement...but it's just a request...so here's hoping!

In Nov our fam of 6 had a lake view 2 BR dedicated, I requested high floor and even room number got the high floor floor 14 and an odd room number but we looked right out on the ppol great spot!

Its official! We are going to at POP October 1-8!! I am so so happy!! It will be my first Halloween, and Food and Wine!! And this will be my first time with just my Hubby, so that should be interesting.

sounds like me...my first MNSSCHP, F&W F too this will be my 3rd trip w/ just my hubby but first since we have had kids...can't wait

What is everyone's experience with end Sept/beg oct vs. end October? Any difference at all? My DD is 3 so I doubt she'll even care about being close to Halloween at MNSSHP, so that's not a concern. Originally we picked end of October thinking it would be less crowded and better weather. Any thoughts???

TIA!!

wish I could really give you a base to work w/ but have never been this time of the year before...my guess is the begining of the month may be less crowded and the one thing you may run into more especially the MNSSHP (if you planning on that) at the end of the month is more locals...

I'd price out an estimate for both options and see what seems to work best...but either way you should be good on weather and crowds...good luck!

 

[lmc318]

Bah! Turns out the Saturday stay in September makes our trip $30 MORE than if we keep our end of October dates. That negates any savings on flights. End of October is just meant to be!!! Thanks!

 

[Nermel9]

I just realized I haven't even been back to this thread since I booked my trip...I thought I'd be going the 3rd week of October (which is where I'm listed in the first post of this thread!) but I'm actually going 9/30-10/8, staying at AKL! I can't wait, October can't get here soon enough! I can't wait for my first MNSSHP and Food and Wine festival! I just hope the first week of October isn't TOO hot! I'm used to mid November weather!

 

[disneygurl1987]

you'll absolutely love it. We're staying in POP from 30th sept to 14th oct. We went last feb and it was my first time in Orlando too and it was by far the best holiday I've ever taken. It still gets me excited thinking about it now

is there anything your particulary looking forward to?

I am looking forward to exploring the disney parks and just relaxing and taking in the atmosphere of it all!! so not anything in particular. I have been to Disneyland in Anaheim twice before and i have always wanted to go to Disneyworld.

 

[dansyr2514]

Woo hoo !!!!!! Got BWV

 

[mousescrapper]

Bah! Turns out the Saturday stay in September makes our trip $30 MORE than if we keep our end of October dates. That negates any savings on flights. End of October is just meant to be!!! Thanks!

well at least now you know and can just concentrate on the fun stuff

Woo hoo !!!!!! Got BWV

good for you!!!

 

[exwdwcm]

we have a ressie for a Lake View studio like your family too...I aksed for a newly refurbed studio w/ the new kitchenette/bathroom arrangement...but it's just a request...so here's hoping!

In Nov our fam of 6 had a lake view 2 BR dedicated, I requested high floor and even room number got the high floor floor 14 and an odd room number but we looked right out on the ppol great spot!
!

woo hoo- i didn't even think about asking for a refurbed one. last time we asked for even number, north end. We got even number, completely south end (facing over the dock area looking towards the CR, with views of the lake and the back of the CR). and she originally tried to give me 2nd floor, but i asked if she had anything higher and we got the 7th. This time i will definitely ask for a high floor too. here's hoping for a good view this time!

I was able to add a night to our ressie- we now arrive friday night, october 14th! i have already been looking at flights too- i have two free vouchers to use on American (we live 20 minutes from DFW, so AA is easy and direct). I don't like flying SW to Orlando since we have a toddler and prefer direct flights. once he is older, we won't mind having a stop.

 

[Shunasee]

Trying to decide if we should cancel our trip or just make it shorter.

Got back from WDW a couple of weeks ago. Just getting geared up to work on the October trip, and they cut everyone's hours at work by 20%. Thankfully, I still have a job at this point.

I dont know if we can even afford the trip now.

DH said to just keep making payments, and if we have to change dates, atleast we know we are still going.

I had been considering getting a part time job, just for vaction funds, but now it looks like I need one to make sure the bills are paid.

Darn this economy.