What to expect in October?

[foreverdis]

I've been to WDW so many times, and at many times of the year; however, this will be my first trip in October. I'm taking my 2 oldest grandchildren, ages 6 & 7, and have seen many threads about October being busier every year. We will be there 10/2-10/7 and Josh's crowd levels were at a 5 last time I looked. Any ideas on what to expect as far as weather and wait times? They have been waiting to go to 'The Castle' since they could talk, I hope it won't be insanely busy. I used to go in February, but last several years have been over the summer. How does October compare? Thanks, Lisa

 

[Kathryn777]

I find if I follow the crowd calendar on easy wdw for park recommendations overall it isn't too bad. If I don't the crowds seem huge. I still find it hot, but usually the weather is great

 

[kydisneyfans]

We have gone that week every year for the past 10 years or so except for last year.

It has progressively gotten busier. The earlier in the week you go, the better. It's been hot more than cold. Hitting the parks on low days are manageable, high days are insanely busy.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

It will seem more busy than you expect to be, but still not as busy as summer and the wait times will paint a different story than the crowded areas of the park. If you follow the rule of visiting the MK on the days where parties are scheduled that night, and go to the other parks on the days of the week, you will find all the parks to be "not that bad" at all. If you ignore this rule and say, "But I don't have park hoppers and want to see Wishes!" then you're going to think all the parks are super busy.

Weather is unpredictable. We've experienced anywhere from the 90s to the 50s...sometimes in the same trip! Be prepared to bring a little of everything as far as clothes go. Generally, though, it's fairly mild...high 70s to low 80s during the day, lower humidity than in the summer (but still pretty humid!), and coolish to warm nights (60s and 70s). I think that October is the perfect mix of crowds and good weather...it's definitely our favorite time of year to visit!

 

[heidijanesmith]

We have gone during that time the last two years and will be there this year too!

Compared to summer, I think the crowds are much better. EPCOT WS on Fri and Sat nights rival any summer crowd night, insanely busy! Avoid WS on a Fri or Sat night. MK will be busy on Sat 10/3/15, but we love evening EMH at MK. The later you stay the better. From 11-12 PM, it will be pretty busy, but from 12-1AM, it's not so bad. We will arrive about 11PM that night.

I also think the weather is better, we had beautiful weather last couple years. the humidity is lower, which makes it more comfortable for me.

 

[massmickeypal]

We have only been once during October but it turned out to be the hottest of any trip. Real muggy and humid. We were also three generations and survived by walking through the shops to get the air conditioning. We also made sure to take in longer indoor attractions like Country Bears, Carousel of Progress and Hall of Presidents and Small World to cool back down. Hope you have a great time!

 

[crostorfer]

I find the early fall hotter than the summer months. We were there the 8th-12th of October last year and the heat index was over 100 every day. It was hotter than Hades, even at night. You also still have a decent chance of catching at least the outer bands of a hurricane as well, which could soak 3-4 days of a trip.

Aside from that, like a previous poster said, it will seem busier than you think it will be, but it won't be unmanageable. The time frame you are going will seem busier as your trip goes on, as more people start arriving for a long Columbus Day weekend.

 

[foreverdis]

Thanks all! I'm looking forward to this trip more than usual, with it being the first time for the grandkids. I've allowed 1 day for each park, but we have PH so I imagine we'll end up at MK more often than not, planning around MNSPHP. Appreciate all the input!

 

[Missyrose]

I've been to WDW so many times, and at many times of the year; however, this will be my first trip in October. I'm taking my 2 oldest grandchildren, ages 6 & 7, and have seen many threads about October being busier every year. We will be there 10/2-10/7 and Josh's crowd levels were at a 5 last time I looked. Any ideas on what to expect as far as weather and wait times? They have been waiting to go to 'The Castle' since they could talk, I hope it won't be insanely busy. I used to go in February, but last several years have been over the summer. How does October compare? Thanks, Lisa

Just remember the crowd numbers are relative to each year. So a "5" this year was probably a "6," "7," or "8" in years' past. The number shows you that compared to other times of year this year, the crowds should be moderate. But as others have said, each October the past five years or so has been noticeably busier than the last.

 

[KateP85]

My advice for anyone coming from October through April is to bring one of every item of clothing you own. Shorts, long pants, t-shirts, sweaters and jackets, bathing suits, gloves. The weather does whatever it wants in those months and from day to day you cannot predict what the weather will do. October is usually still in the high 70s through to the high 80s, which feels nice to this Floridian, but may feel hot to you.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

My advice for anyone coming from October through April is to bring one of every item of clothing you own. Shorts, long pants, t-shirts, sweaters and jackets, bathing suits, gloves. The weather does whatever it wants in those months and from day to day you cannot predict what the weather will do. October is usually still in the high 70s through to the high 80s, which feels nice to this Floridian, but may feel hot to you.

YES! October is totally the month where you have to overpack. Make sure to at least have two of everything. Our first trip, I didn't think we'd need any pants other than the ones we wore on the plane, and I ended up having to run out to DTD one night to buy pants for our son because a front came through and the highs stayed in the 60s the following two days.

 

[Annaeher]

Good info to know! I will be in Disney at the same time. I hope the weather will not be so hot.

 

[ZoZo]

I've been on several October trips over the last 15 years, and the weather has been all over the board. It can still be very hot and humd (90s), and swing down to the low 60s, all in the same trip! And plan for at least some rain, with an afternoon shower most days. In 2005, we had a hurricane (Wilma)! But one trip we had very nice pleasant weather (upper 70s/low 80s and not super humid). Be prepared for the possibility of brutal heat!

I can't speak about crowds, though, since I haven't done an October trip for about five years - no recent experience with crowds.