Park Attendance/Crowds

[scanne]

Where can I find a chart or something that "guesstimates" the crowds for a certain time of year? We're going for a long weekend 9/30-10/4 and it seems like most resorts are full. Why is this? My guess is that the F&WF is starting and MNSSHP is starting, plus it's still value season for some resorts and the free dining. Ugh. I was just there in July and was hoping to find it a little less crowded. Oh well - I'm still going!

 

[Dad_of_2]

Just curious, why do you think most of the resorts are full

 

[jwfla422]

At one time October was considered "off-peak", however in the past 5-10 years many of the resorts have become more popular with businesses and this has become what some CM's term as "convention" month (October).

The resorts may be booked...however this does not mean the parks will be crowded. We've stayed at the Swan on several occasions during different times in Sept. and we were told this is one of their busiest convention months, but the parks were still empty.

The weekends also tend to be a little busier with locals as far as the parks are concerned but I think you're seeing the resorts busy because of conventions and with that being the first weekend of October it makes sense.

Also keep in mind October begins the MNNSHP and the F&V at Epcot also starts in October which has been becoming more and more popular every year. Some areas of the country have fall breaks for their schools as well in Oct.

 

[hockeybabe]

One thing to remember about the free dining...you had to stay on-site to get it. According to other posts on this board, off-site locations are actually hurting right now. So I don't think the numbers in the park will be much higher than normal, but more people may have opted to try on-site resorts for the dining promotion.

 

[scarboroughmom]

Try the link below.


http://www.touringplans.com/BestDays.htm

 

[weluvmnsshp]

Where can I find a chart or something that "guesstimates" the crowds for a certain time of year? We're going for a long weekend 9/30-10/4 and it seems like most resorts are full. Why is this? My guess is that the F&WF is starting and MNSSHP is starting, plus it's still value season for some resorts and the free dining. Ugh. I was just there in July and was hoping to find it a little less crowded. Oh well - I'm still going!

The crowds are not high in October. Even if the WDW Resorts are all full, it still would not compare to the busier summer months. During busy seasons all of the on site AND off site hotels and resorts are full, therefore creating the high crowd level. Yes, it may be a bit busier this year in September/October due to the free dining plans, but probably the only crowds you will notice will be in the Resturants. You have to remember school just started, summer just ended, and not that many people are going to be going at this time. Don't worry , I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. It is the best time to go! WDW & MNSSHP here we come 9/22-10/02

 

[thelionqueen]

I don't expect any substantial crowds even with all the activities going on....October is a great time to travel to avoid the crowds, whether at Disney or most other places....wait...did I just say some place other than Disney?? I should have my wrist slapped