September or October Trip

[princessME!]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the boards. I've actually been a guest for the past few days and decided it was time to join! So here I am!

Well, I know this has been asked a ton, and I've done my research. But when would be better to go to WDW? September or October? I read that in October there is the Food and Wine festival and Columbus weekend and these can be pretty crowded.. So when are the best weeks/weekends in October to go? Are the weekends crowded and is it still very hot? How many days do you recommend staying?

Also, what does ADR AND MNSSHP mean? I'm still trying to figure out abbreviations

And I didn't think I would have to ask this but I can't find it, but fireworks are everynight at MK right? what time do they start?

Thanks everyone!

 

[dsnyrn]

Hi, I love both sept or oct, we are going sept 7 this year, still will be hot but better than 45 deg last nov!! ADR is advance dining reservation, a must to get and MNSSHP is Mickeys not so scarey holloween party!! Which is great if you have kids!! Have Fun!!

Food and wine is awesome, crowded, but wonderful, if you can, go beginning of OCT weather is the best!!

 

[sdzman]

September because it's sooner

October is a bit cooler especially toward the end of the month. The Food and Wine Festival is awesome. It's easier to get into the Halloween mood in October.

 

[princessME!]

So Oct isn't too crowded even with the festival?
And is it required to make reservations or just a good idea?

 

[sdzman]

During the Food & Wine, EPCOT is busiest on Friday PMs and weekends due to the locals. You can always avoid those days if you would like.

I would always recommend making ADRs just to avoid the hassle of waiting and not being able to eat at your favorite spot especially at the more popular restaurants. If you just want to eat at the different Food & Wine booths in EPCOT you dont need ADRs.

 

[princessME!]

Alright! Thanks everyone!

 

[zorro77]

This will be our 5th year of attending Food and Wine and found end of Oct. to be a nice time. You should make dinning reservation in advance to make trip more enjoyable. Weather has been very warm at that time yet. Have a great time, we will.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the boards. I've actually been a guest for the past few days and decided it was time to join! So here I am!

Well, I know this has been asked a ton, and I've done my research. But when would be better to go to WDW? September or October? I read that in October there is the Food and Wine festival and Columbus weekend and these can be pretty crowded.. So when are the best weeks/weekends in October to go? Are the weekends crowded and is it still very hot? How many days do you recommend staying?

Also, what does ADR AND MNSSHP mean? I'm still trying to figure out abbreviations

And I didn't think I would have to ask this but I can't find it, but fireworks are everynight at MK right? what time do they start?

Thanks everyone!

MNSSHP = Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
ADRs = Advance Dining Reservations

September has the lowest resort rates and some of the lowest crowds of the year, but it is still VERY, VERY hot. October is not quite as hot, but the crowds are higher and yes, the week of Columbus Day can be pretty crowded. Are you looking at booking this year or next? Because if it's this year, then you will have a hard time getting ADRs at this point. September is the height of the free dining promo and most of the popular restaurants will have limited availability and won't be taking walk-ups. But really, you need ADRs at any of the popular restaurants no matter what time of year it is, due to the increased popularity of the Disney Dining Plan.

If you are at WDW anytime during Mid-September through the end of October, Wishes Fireworks will only be shown on select nights at the Magic Kingdom. On nights when they hold the MNSSHP, which is usually at least 3 nights per week, the MK wil close at 7:00 p.m. and Wishes Fireworks will NOT be shown on those nights. At the party Hallo-Wishes will be shown and you will need a ticket to the party to see that fireworks show. You will need to check the daily calendar on the WDW site to check daily park hours and show times.