When is the best time to go, Sept. or Oct.?

[dawnn92]

We took a trip Aug. 09' and absolutely loved it. We would like to go next fall, when would be the best time to go? Would be taking a family of six, any discounts at this time? TIA!

 

[DVCGeek]

I personally have found the weather more consistently good in mid-Oct than in Sept., but that is probably equal parts luck and further away from peak hurricane season.

Sept. & Oct. both will have Halloween decorations up in Magic Kingdom. Are you interested in that or Food & Wine @ Epcot?

2010 rate seasons for the hotels are out as are DVC point charts, assuming you plan to stay on site. This might help get you started:

http://www.mousesavers.com/roomrates2010.html

Discounts always vary from year to year; historically free dining is fairly common in August, but this year it was extended longer than usual. Probably not a good idea to count on that. However, you could always book your stay as a room-only reservation and pay one night down. Then, should a highly discounted package become available, you can book that and simply cancel the original reservation. Room only ones have easier cancellation terms and lower deposits than packages combining rooms, tickets, and/or dining.

 

[HotMama]

We like to go at the end of September. The last few years we got free dining and able to attend the Food and Wine Festival and MNSSHP. We have had good weather. And it always feels like we are extending our summer a little bit.

 

[nrod]

We went at the end of September last year and found it was still pretty hot. I'm interested in the comments, because I was thinking about the first couple of weeks in October next year, assuming free dining is extended again.

-- Nancy

 

[DisGirl23]

We were just there at the last week of September and had no problems with the weather or the crowds. We visited the Food & Wine festival twice and MNSSHP. And had free dining. Loved it! In fact, we booked bounceback while we were there for same time next year!

 

[tam626]

We went in mid October in 2008 & end of September this year. It was hotter in Sept. I was doing some pricing for nrxt fall & found that it is alot cheaper to go in September than October. For us it would be a $500 savings.

 

[Bethany2008]

I hate advertizing for the off season because I want to keep it all to MYSELF We have went the last two years during the last few days in Sept and the first week in October. I have enjoyed the weather better in Oct. than Sept. but for the most part, we were able to walk on to rides without much wait (if any) BUT the parks close MUCH earlier than the peak season. Either one you choose you will be satisfied

 

[marshmellow86]

The parks are EMPTY in Sept. It will still be hot, but no waits for the rides! Also, due to the fact the parks are not busy, Disney always runs really good deals in Sept. I think deals are still pretty good in October and not very crowded, but Sept is better for rock bottom pricing. There are lots of indoor opportunities, so if you can handle the heat, and plan your day rotating outdoor and indoor rides, you can have a blast.

As someone mentioned, the parks close earlier that time of year, but since the lines are minimum, you don't have to stay as long to do as much or more than during peak summer and holiday season. They also do not typically offer fireworks and light parades every night, as they do during peak season, so you have to plan certain nights for those. We actually like the fact the fireworks are earlier, as we can leave the parks earlier and spend more time in the pool or relaxing at the resort.

Actually,you can't go wrong with Sept or Oct, so enjoy whichever one you choose!

 

[diamondpixienc]

We are going for the first time mid Sept 2010 and I selected Sept because of all of the good things i've heard about WDW in Sept i.e. low crowds and free dining was usually offered. I just hope they offer free dining again next year We are also hoping to catch MNSSHP on our visit too

 

[Susiesnowflake]

I had a quick girls trip this past 9/23-9/27. I was concerned about the temps, as I do not tolerate heat well. It was in the mid 80's each day. We went to the parks each am, then back to the resort for pool time and sunning, and then back to the parks 4:30/5 ish. We were glad for the clouds each day. That sun was hot, and we were constantly taking dips in the pool. That late afternoon sun is also very hot! On the plus side, I have never seen WDW with so few people! If you go to the parks in the am, you should have no waits. Going in the afternoon increased wait times.