Sept./Oct. hours?

[jenfur]

I know they are not up yet, but what have the hours for late September early October been in the past?

 

[KevinB]

jen,
If you punch in your dates in the link below, I am pretty sure you will get at least historical data.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours.htm

Sep Oct was a great time when DW and I were there for honeymoon. Enjoy!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Use KevinB's link for the hours, but know this. Even though they're low, and you'll probably have to see FITS and Spectro on a Saturday, the lack of crowds make it so you can do more from 9-5 in Sept/Oct than you can normally do in two days during the summer. It's an awsome time to visit. And good old Epcot is still open until 9, with Illuminations nightly.

Enjoy!

Pat

 

[alvernon90]

Also consider this:

I went last September and loved it so much that I'm going back this September. It's true that you can do all of the rides you want in just a few hours, but there is one down side to September: no MK in the dark. Epcot and MGM stay open late enough every night to see the parks all lit up, but MK is only open that late on Saturday, and if you go on Saturday you lose the benefits of no crowds.

Obviously I think that's outweighed by all the other benefits of going in September, but once I saw how beautiful Epcot looked after Illuminations I was disappointed that I didn't get to see MK in the dark.

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Yay! I'm so glad to be repeatedly hearing about the benefits of visiting WDW in September. DF and I went back and forth for quite a while picking the dates for our trip, but we finally settled on late September into early October, which (from the sounds of the kindly folks here) sounds like an excellent choice! I'm very glad to hear the Illuminations will still be shown nightly, though I'm a bit disappointed that FITS and Spectro won't be happening more frequently, as the only Saturday we'll have at WDW will be spent having dinner and seeing the late show of Cirque du Soleil. :-( Ahhh well, better luck next trip!

 

[CWIPPERMAN]

I too went last September, & am going back (thanks to the great Fairytale Package).

I think that this year will be quite a bit more crowded then last year (specifically because of the Fairltale Package), but it still should be a great time to go.

Remember that it will be VERY hot. I think you'll find that the lower crowd levels will make it easier for you to get a lot done during the daytime... even if you take afternoon breaks for a nap or something.

This year, we plan on getting there on a Saturday afternoon.. and going to MK for Spectro our first night. Last year we didn't get to see it at all (arrived Sunday Daytime - left Friday Night). I am excited to see it - since I haven't seen anything like that since I saw the old "Main Street Electrical Parade" in California when I was just a young pup.

 

[boomer626]

Originally posted by ScarletIndigo
I'm very glad to hear the Illuminations will still be shown nightly, though I'm a bit disappointed that FITS and Spectro won't be happening more frequently, as the only Saturday we'll have at WDW will be spent having dinner and seeing the late show of Cirque du Soleil. :-( Ahhh well, better luck next trip! [/B]

If you'll still be there on Oct.3, that is the first night of MNSSHP - that's our plan to get a night in the MK.

 

[jenfur]

I too am taking advantage of the fairytale package I can't wait! I plan on going to the Halloween party on the 5th so I'll get my MK after dark w/fireworks then.

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Originally posted by boomer626
If you'll still be there on Oct.3, that is the first night of MNSSHP - that's our plan to get a night in the MK.

We'll be there Oct 3rd, but we were planning on spending that whole day at Universal/IOA. Debating on whether it would be worth it to try to cram everything in over at Universal and then run back to the MK to experience MNSSHP. Being able to go on rides late at night would be fun. Will there be fireworks that night? Otherwise, DF and I aren't much for Halloween, and for an extra $60 we may just skip it altogether.

 

[Minniespal]

After reading this thread I'm sooo glad that we decided to go in October. It looks as if we have the best of both worlds, good weather, MNSSHP and Food and Wine Festival!!!

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Originally posted by minniespal
After reading this thread I'm sooo glad that we decided to go in October. It looks as if we have the best of both worlds, good weather, MNSSHP and Food and Wine Festival!!!

When does the Food and Wine Festival begin? We're leaving Oct. 5th, will we miss it?

PS -- Minniespal, I want to live in Scotland too! If Minnie and I come round, will you be so kind as to let us stay a while? ;-)

 

[donna in Oz]

ScarletIndigo .. I think you may just miss the Food & Wine Festival. Opening date is Oct 18th.

 

[strawberryblonde]

Originally posted by ScarletIndigo
We'll be there Oct 3rd, but we were planning on spending that whole day at Universal/IOA. Debating on whether it would be worth it to try to cram everything in over at Universal and then run back to the MK to experience MNSSHP. Being able to go on rides late at night would be fun. Will there be fireworks that night? Otherwise, DF and I aren't much for Halloween, and for an extra $60 we may just skip it altogether.

I noticed the other day that IOA will be closing at 5 pm that night because of their Horror Night. MNSSHP starts at 7 pm, might not be any rushing envolved to make the party. From what I've read, there are fireworks that night with a special ending and a nighttime parade with a headless horseman. Many kids in line for treats so lines for rides aren't horrible. Even if Halloween isn't your thing, MNSSHP could be alot of fun. Universal's Horror night on the other hand would NOT be for you (don't know if I could handle it myself- sounds intense).

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Originally posted by strawberryblonde
I noticed the other day that IOA will be closing at 5 pm that night because of their Horror Night. MNSSHP starts at 7 pm, might not be any rushing envolved to make the party. From what I've read, there are fireworks that night with a special ending and a nighttime parade with a headless horseman. Many kids in line for treats so lines for rides aren't horrible. Even if Halloween isn't your thing, MNSSHP could be alot of fun. Universal's Horror night on the other hand would NOT be for you (don't know if I could handle it myself- sounds intense).

No kidding! That's good and bad -- we'll SERIOUSLY have to cram that day if we expect to visit all the attractions in both parks, but at least we won't be missing much if we head back to WDW for MNSSHP. Do you know anything more about the Horror night at Universal? Sounds creepy!

 

[DrTomorrow]

ScarletIndigo,

Never been to a IOA Horror Night, but read a few reviews that suggest it's for a slightly older crowd - fog machines, folks jumping out at you, etc.

My DW and I are going to the 10/3 and 10/5 MNSSHPs, and we are two 40-something empty-nesters. Although we do enjoy Halloween, we are treating the MNSSHP as an E-ride night. For $30 each, we get 5 hours (7-midnight) of short lines, special fireworks and the MK all lit up at night. The Halloween stuff will be icing on the cake - although a headless horseman sounds great.

And a bit of personal advice: Be careful when you try to cram too much into a fixed period of time; it can lead to unpleasant memories. I know that folks often have limited time, but being too rushed and too 'gotta see it all before 5' can turn a great time into a military exercise. <\SOAPBOX>

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have fun; maybe we'll run into you there!
Erick

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Hi Erick!

Thanks for the sound advice, I was thinking the same thing as yourself -- that MNSSHP would really just be like an E-Ride Night with some extra theming thrown in. Is it worth the $60 for two tickets, though? Maybe I'm just being a cheapie charlie, huh? ;-)

I agree with you about the Universal/IOA cram session. I guess 8 days + 7 nights is barely enough to squeeze all of the fun out of WDW and Universal attractions, but we're sure gonna try!

See you there, with my lime green ribbon glowing in the Florida rays!

Jessie ;-)

 

[DrTomorrow]

As always, Jessie, it depends on what is of value to you. My DW and I don't get jazzed about eating out, so we don't spend $$$ at the fancier restaurants like some do (we WILL be at 'Ohana, though!). We won't be spending much on adult beverages or souvenirs. We do value highly our nights in the MK - we have many fond memories both as children ourselves and as parents of DS, and hope to make more as we go just the two of us. The way the park lights up; the different look and sound of the attractions at night (even the tame Jungle Cruise takes on a more sinister feel in the dark); the growing feeling of being 'on your own' as the park empties at 9 PM, 10 PM, 11 PM; heck, the ever-shortening lines! And the Halloween theming will be an extra thrill.

Some foks will spend $200 at Victoria and Alberts, others will buy a couple of drinks at each and every country in WS - we'll take that money and have two nights until midnight at the MK!

And since you're going to WDW, you've already eliminated yourself as a 'cheapie charlie' . Now you simply have to figure out what is going to add to your trip.

Lime green ribbons ready,
Erick

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Hey Erick! Fancy seeing you on the DIS! ;-)

I agree with you about getting the most out of your WDW vacation. I was pretty gloomy when I heard that E-Ride Nights were almost exclusively reserved for the "peak season", but you're right -- MNSSHP definitely looks to be a great alternative. But here's the important question: How to convince DF to get into the Halloween mood and dress up in a costume? Even I'd pay $60 just to see that.

And you're right, as much as I'd love to share a romantical dinner at Victoria & Albert's, 20 minutes after dinner you're already digesting, so why not enjoy 5 hours of fun instead?

You're a sneaky little WDW veteran, you know? You've all but sold this skeptic on the MNSSHP idea! You definitely deserve a lime green star for that one! ;-)