Should I Give Up 12/4 for 10/23?????

[maciec]

Right now we have ressies at Grande Vista (free b/c it's my parents time-share) for the first week in December. We have been before at this time and we love the decorations and the light crowds.

However, I am seriously considering changing our travel dates to October 23 - 30. My 4 year old little girl would just love trick-or-treating at MK during MNSSHP. Plus I wouldn't mind going back for the Food and Wine Festival.

The last time that we went to WDW in October the crowds were great but that was in 1999. I seem to be getting the consensus that crowd size has increased. How much is my concern. I really like going to the parks and not having to wait more than 20 minutes for a ride. I think that was the longest time we waited and it was for Test Track.

It will be myself, dh, dd (4), ds (13 mo), my mom (60), and my dad (62).

We have been to WDW enough to know what we want to do and what we don't. We are planning on going to a water park this trip and going miniature golfing as well. Other than that, we will be just doing the main parks. Also, although we will be staying off-site we aren't planning on going to Universal or Sea World.

So my questions are:

1) Is there that much of a crowd difference between the last week in October and the 1st week in December?

2) Is my 4yoa really going to like going to MNSSHP? Are there going to be things for her to do or is this a waste of money?

3) People talked about there being a press event this year during the end of October.....does this happen every year at the same time?

4) Also, due to the FTP and Press Event do you think this past October high attendace rates were a fluke?


Thanks for your help!

Melissa

 

[shafke]

We also had to switch from Dec 02 to Oct 02. We went the week leading up to Columbus weekend.

The crowds were very manageable but did pick up toward the end of the week.

The weather will be warmer than December.

I believe the press event was mainly for the opening of two new attractions.

I think that FTP did cause some increase in attendance for this year. Unfortunately you won't know if a similar deal will be given next year.

 

[beattyfamily]

We normally go the first week of December (2000, 2001, and 2003) but we did Oct 26 - Nov 2 in 2002.

I found that week in October 2002 to be WONDERFUL crowd-wise and weather-wise. Maybe i was just lucky but it was terrific!

I'd say it was about the same or even less crowd than my last 2003 December trip. The weather was amazing and much more consistant than December.

I think both are great for MVMCP and MNSSHP so we are now alternating!! We're going October 30 - Nov 4 this year!