Solo trip for F&W next Oct?

[dizplanner]

I'm doing a short mother-daughter trip for four nights in early May, staying at the BCV studio and a family trip in March 2009 staying in a two bedroom (I'll book my home resort of VWL at 11 months - don't know if I will try to switch at 7 months or not). Since I plan to buy an annual pass for myself due to the two trips, I'm thinking about adding a solo trip in the fall - probably about 4 nights in a studio. I would be borrowing from 2009 to do it (I'll already have to borrow 33 points for the 2 bedroom), but that is OK since I seem to be on a pattern of getting an annual pass and getting in three trips and then taking a year off.

So I've been in mid to late January - enjoyed - good weather and low crowds, but too close to our March trip this time, early Jan - froze and was still crowded - it was a year like this upcoming year where the kids were out longer into January, mid March twice - last time in a OKW Grand Villa with extended family in 2006 - first trip with our DVC - good weather, busy but not too busy - which is why we are going next year, mid Sept - this was my only solo trip - I did it on cash at AS Music with free dining in 2006 since I had an annual pass - while it was hot, it didn't really bother me and the crowds were the lowest I've seen and early Dec 2006 - in a studio at VWL, my home resort with just my husband, really enjoyed, good weather, reasonable crowds.

I'm thinking I would like to try October with the Food & Wine Festival. (Really liked early Dec too, but it seems like it would be better with DH than solo and we can't both get away together until after daughter graduates.) What dates would you choose? (I can't go Oct 3 through 13 as husband may be gone those days.) Where would you stay? Do you think it will be so crowded that I will have to book VWL before 7 months to get a room (in other words now)? Or can I wait until the 7 month window and see what I can get and still get a studio somewhere?

 

[wdw1972]

Karen, If Food & Wine is your priority, then you need either BCV or BWV for that trip. I'd book at VWL & then try to switch at 7 months. Most likely neither will be available at 7 months but go on the waitlist right away and you'll almost certainly get it.

I'd go the 2nd half, or last week of October. Before then it's still miserably hot, and it's nice to walk around without sweating to death! Evenings will be cooling off but won't be cold.

 

[MAO]

I always go in October and am lucky enough to have my home resort be Boardwalk. However, waiting until the end of October to get past the heat is not a guaranteed "good weather" prediction -- this year I was there from the 21st to the 25th and it was so hot and humid I did laundry every day! Generally speaking, however, it's good advice.

Especially if you want to be there over the weekend, I concur with the suggestion to get a reservation somewhere as soon as possible and then try the waitlist approach. So far, I have not had any problems getting my dates at BW, but I call right at the 11 month timeframe and always stay Sunday-Thursday (never Friday or Saturday.) Last year, especially, the Cast Member was giving off vibes that it might be difficult to get a room during October. (Of course, part of that was I was booking two 2-bedroom standard view rooms.)

Good luck! I'll be there the 5th - 10th.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have the 18th to the 21st now.

This is later in the month, and it's not Columbus Day weekend. I don't know that the crowds for the festival were any different, but the airports are in worse shape on a holiday weekend, and flights may be more expensive.

I agree you should book your home resort now, and switch at 7 months to BCV or BWV.

 

[huey578]

We prefer going the last two weeks of October. It will be busy the 2nd week due to Columbus Day weekend. We'll be there Oct 18th - Oct 25, 2008

 

[Cruelladeville]

I have been to the F&W Festival in September, October, and November, and I like the end of October, or the beginning of November the best. Don't go the end of September or early October. It's hot, and love bugs are everywhere!! Yuck! Don't forget to give trick or treating a try over at MK--what a hoot! I especially enjoyed the Halloween party.

 

[dizplanner]

Thank you everyone - mid to end of October sounds like what I should try for - thinking of Oct 18-22 or 19-23. I'm thinking the following week is getting alittle too close to Halloween and might be more crowded.

I was wondering about the Halloween party - would you go as a solo adult? I did enjoy MVMCP party when I went with my husband.

I'm also thinking about doing a tour too. Never been on one. Hmm if I add both the party and a tour, this might not be the cheapest trip. AP's are dangerous.

I just want to try Disney at different times and experience the different activities, etc.