September or October? Which is better to go?

[jacksmommy]

We are pretty open for dates so which would you recommend as far as weather, crowds, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

September is cheaper, has lower crowd attendance, and usually has some kind of offer (free dining for the past few years). However, Sept is REALLY hot. Both are in hurricane season. Halloween decorations go up the 2nd week of September so you will most likely see them...which is neat.

 

[jacksmommy]

Thanks for your input! We are staying offsite actually so no Dining Plan for us unfotunately. Good to know about the Halloween decorations! We'll have to get travel insurance for the hurricane season.

 

[TJA]

We usually go in Sept every year because of the lower resort prices, but if you're staying offsite then the resort costs are a non-factor for you. I will say that 2 years ago we went in early October and it was heavenly -- perfect! The sky was pure blue our entire trip, not a drop of rain, temps in the 80's. I often think back and wonder if every October is like that. However, the resorts are a lot cheaper in Sept, so unfortunately that is when we'll continue to go.....

A plus to going in October is the food and wine festival in Epcot. It's a lot of fun!

 

[3mickeys&me]

I personally would chose October. September is HOT!!! We went once in Sept and I remember it being really hot and dealing with the love bugs. We like going in October. Its not as hot and we love seeing the park decorated for Halloween.

 

[dunbarfamily]

Sept is HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT! Really hot. I would go in Oct, but if you can, I think the best time to go is Nov.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

I would chose October. It was so flippin' hot this past September while we were there my husband said it was like vacationing on the surface of the sun! Also, the crowds in September are not low like they used to be pre free dining. The free dining secret is out and the crowds have become bigger and bigger every year. So, October would be my vote.

 

[Doogan]

We went last September 14-22 for the free food and it was HOT and the crowds were HIGH - at least compared to early May. I haven't been to parks in October for a number of years so I don't know about the crowds. Perhaps you could check the unofficial crowd calendar. According to weather underground the weather is more like May (cool at night but often still warm enough during the day to enjoy water parks/pools).

 

[mom2aredhead]

I'd go in October even if they were giving me free food in Sept. (For our family of 3 a room discount usually works out better anyway)
If you're staying offsite, then DDP is a non-issue, so why go when you KNOW the park restaurants will be crowded and it will be impossible to get ADR's anywhere if you want them and the counter service places will be like a zoo. And it's hotter in Sep. And it's hurricane season. (although I guess Oct is too technically speaking)
We've gone a few times in Oct and it was fabulous...perfect weather, low crowds, Halloween Party, Food and Wine Festival...I liked Oct even better than "Holiday Time" in December.

 

[Ella's Mom]

I'd choose October. We went Sept. 2006 for the free food, and it was definitely HOT! As another poster mentioned, the love bugs were terribly annoying.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

So funny that so many posters mention the love bugs. Am I just oblivious to them???? We've gone now for the past 4 Septembers and I don't remember seeing a single big bug???? We go the 2nd week of September every year. Are they just not out yet?