September or October 2017?

[rastika]

Hello everyone. I am attempting to plan our fourth Disney vacation but we haven't been since 2012 and so much has changed!!

Our previous trips were all during the week after labor day. We loved the low crowds ,and free dining (definitely a value for my huge family of 9) but had no energy and got headaches due to the heat.

How does the third week of October compare? I'm pretty sure free dining isn't available, but how are crowds and most importantly, the heat/humidity?

 

[EmmyKay]

I was there Oct 18-26 in 2014. The weather was spectacular. Crowd levels were a little heavy on some days but very manageable.

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

We are generally October trip people, mid to late October. Some years it's been a bit hot/steamy, others it's been cool and non-humid. It's always still been warm enough to swim comfortably. We switched it up last year and went over Labor Day - holy hot Batman! When I sat I thought October was a bit hot, we're not even talking about the same scale. Not sure we'll do early September again although the crowd level was super low, which was fun.

For weather, hands down October, which also has a lower hurricane risk. For crowds, September. Pick your poison

 

[godders]

I've been in September post Labor Day for the last 2 years and the heat is crazy! 2015 the crowds were not their usual delightful lows due to I think 3 long weekends in a row (plus a hurricane the week before making everyone move their holidays back) Anyway, the compromise of heat vs lower crowds was sooo not worth it (mostly because of the lack of low crowds haha).

I went to Disneyland this February and although the crowds were a 5, 8 and 10 on the scale the cooler weather made it not so bad (although the hour wait for Pirates took a bit of getting over).

So yep I would definitely go for slightly busier with more manageable weather and just hit rope drop and EMH (if you're on site) and then see where the crowds take you. Also I'd recommend going to MK during the day on MNSSHP dates because it is quiet and I'd avoid Epcot at weekends and thursday/friday evenings because of food and wine

 

[rastika]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your experiences and help!