The dreaded "hell week"

[ServiceElevator]

Hi, I was looking to book to return to Orlando in October/November 2014.

However, I've heard that there is a week around about then that is considered "hell week" because the local schools are off and the parks are naturally a lot busier.

Does anybody know what dates this covers next year? I was probably gonna go the last week of October and first week of November.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mesaboy2]

No local school systems that I know of in Florida get an entire week off during these months. To me the only "hell week" at WDW is between Christmas and New Year's.

 

[Allison]

Never heard of that.

 

[amylevan]

Are you referring to Jersey week? November 6-7, 2014 all public schools in NJ are closed for a convention. It's a prime time for jerseyites to head south for a vacation, and a lot will extend the 4 day weekend to a full week.

But I don't think it really is that bad.

 

[mom2rtk]

I actually think that last week of October is usually pretty low in crowds. I have a friend who was there that week this year and she had a great time, didn't even need to use fastpass.

The stories about higher crowds tend to be around Columbus Day.

 

[flortlebap]

No local school systems that I know of in Florida get an entire week off during these months. To me the only "hell week" at WDW is between Christmas and New Year's.

Agreed - that's the only time of year I will NEVER go!

 

[bcrook]

I actually think that last week of October is usually pretty low in crowds. I have a friend who was there that week this year and she had a great time, didn't even need to use fastpass.

The stories about higher crowds tend to be around Columbus Day.

I was there Columbus Day week this year and Kidani was completely full. Epcot and MK were crazy crowded. DHS and DAK were similar to early June. I thought I was smart avoiding the Columbus Day weekend and showing up after the holiday, but apparently everybody stayed for the week.

I will avoid that week in the future.

 

[goofyfigment]

Its usually after Columbus day. Schools are out Thursday and Friday the term hell week is usually used more when talking about hhn at universal because the locals being out late on Wednesday and Thursday increase the crowds. If you can find a hhn schedule for this year you can see which week it was by seeing which week they had late hours on Wednesday and Thursday (closing after midnight would be late)

 

[agavegirl1]

This year, Orange County schools had teacher workshop days on Oct 24 and 25, giving them a 4-day weekend. I think this might be what you mean. Other schools in Florida have the same days off.

 

[ilovecoasters]

I work for Seminole County schools and live in Volusia. Neither district has off.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Are you referring to Jersey week? November 6-7, 2014 all public schools in NJ are closed for a convention. It's a prime time for jerseyites to head south for a vacation, and a lot will extend the 4 day weekend to a full week.

But I don't think it really is that bad.

It is not that good either.

 

[wdwloverz]

Jersey week? Never heard of hell week at WDW. We were there for Jersey week this past Nov, no big deal.

 

[TW1080]

Hi, I was looking to book to return to Orlando in October/November 2014.

However, I've heard that there is a week around about then that is considered "hell week" because the local schools are off and the parks are naturally a lot busier.

Does anybody know what dates this covers next year? I was probably gonna go the last week of October and first week of November.

Thanks in advance.

Early November is typically really nice, for weather and crowds. None of the local schools have vacations that time of year, they don't get vacation (other than a 3 day weekend) until Thanksgiving (4 day weekend) and the week of Christmas.

My crazy family decided to plan a vacation from Dec 24 through Dec 29. Pray for me, we're hitting MK on the 27th.