When to go, August or October

[disney-super-mom]

We're planning a family vacation to WDW and we'd like to know when the crowds will be very small since we're taking my older parents (DM 68 and DF 78) along too. They just wouldn't be able to handle large crowds and long lines very well.

Actually, we could go anytime from mid June on, but I was thinking either late August or early October. September is out since that's the beginning of a new school year, and I don't want our DS (7) to miss out on anything the first few weeks of school. August may still be too crowded, and HOT, right?

Early October is probably a better time to go, both crowd wise and temperature wise. Is there anything going on at WDW in early October that would draw large crowds that we should know about before making a decision?

Has anyone been to WDW in late August? How were the crowds and the temperatures?

We've never been there, so can anyone give us some advice on when we should go?

Thanks everyone!

 

[MainStreetFan]

We love to go in October, you get the first break from the weather and crowds. Used to go in August years ago, but is so crowded.

 

[chrome64]

October, Hands Down!

We went in July of this year and then again in October. It was very hot in July and very crowded. In October, there was really no crowd and while it was still warm enough to swim, we were not melting every day! Plus, in October there is the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Both were tons of fun! I want to go back every October.

 

[revrob]

We have gone every year in October for the past 8 years. We like to go in October because the crowds are not that bad, and the temps are usually pretty good. HOWEVER, the week of Columbus day can be crowded (don't remember which week that is). Also, we prefer to go the last week of October because the temperatures have usually cooled down by then. We have been the first week of October and it's still very hot (to us).

 

[staci]

August would be WAY too hot for me, let alone elderly parents.

I would DEFINITELY recommend October. The weather will be more manageable and the crowds should be smaller.

 

[minijeanie]

I concur with all the above.
Have been in August few times and it is humid. Much nicer in October especially with parents.

you will love it then

 

[eblack0409]

For crowds and heat.....I would advise October!

 

[CastMemberDWA]

OCTOBER hands down.

 

[MinniMama]

We have been in August, September and October. This year October was very busy there were very few rooms on property available- we tried and tried- ended up with only one night - wanted two- we were there 14-16th and 21-24- 2nd trip only becuase of Wilma but even with the hurricane it was busy! Lots of lines- go early in Ocotber if you can - this year food and wine and a special food package packed the parks still better than August hands down. We were also there in September 16-18 and it was empty FYI

 

[MNmom]

We have been in October twice. The first time about 5 years ago it was great. But about 3 years ago it was sooooo crowded. We tried the last week of August last year and this year and it was fantastic!!! Now in 2004 we were between hurricaines, very hot but absolutely no wait for any of the rides/shows. And in 2005 it was very hot but again there were no waits!!!

We love the heat so that was not a problem. Actually carried sweaters because we would get cold during the shows and meals due to AC. I don't think I could ever go back and sit and wait an hour for a parade or 30 minutes for space mtn. I have heard people arriving for the Lion King show at AK 30-45 minutes early and I just cringe

If you think you can make adjustments for the heat I would highly recommend the last week in August. It just really made our experience something special with all the extra time and not waiting in line

Good Luck with your decision. Either time will be great just because you are in WDW!!!

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says.........................................Can you go in late October? Close to Halloween. Temps are a little cooler, crowds are much lower. Make sure to miss when the PGA has it's golf tournament in Orlando, about the third week of October.

By going in late October, you get..........................

1. Smaller crowds, less time in lines. Going to WDW is no time to take a vacation, it's war! Smaller lines work to your advantage, and if you can get to the parks early the first couple hours are like a double bonus, as the throngs of people show up an hour or two after opening. your personal park for a couple hours!

2. Great temps, with a little risks of a bad storm. and if one hits, just go with the flow. In 1997 we went to the Mickey's not so scary halloween treat. It rained for much of the day, then cleared up a couple hours before the event. Like 15 minutes after it started a thunderstorm hit, hard. 30 minutes latter half the people were gone, but the rain had stopped. No lines, CM's handing out bags of candy to the 89 people who were still in the park!!! Normally great weather that time of year.

3.By going in late October you can catch the start of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. We hit this thing four times until DD ended up at a traditional full year school.
I miss her being on tracks, not having a summer vacation, but being off in March, July, and November.

4. See number three and look into it. You get a chance to try samples from a billion countries, ok maybe 50, for a charge of course. But you get to sample stuff you might not try. I never had a crab cake until the ripe old age of 40, at WDW. 13,763 crab cakes later, it's the best choice I ever made. And the cheddar cheese soup in Canada. Canada also had this hunter meat thing, that I could not chew, it somehow melted in my mouth, so tender.

5. I think the more seasoned folk in your group could really get into this. If you splurge, and get them some wine tasteings classes, or the cooking classes, you may rule the world!

 

[eeyoreiscool]

I would vote for October. You have a better chance of it being cooler at that time. This year, October was still hot at times but it was better than it was during the summer. The crowd levels seem to vary throughout the month of October as well. They have the halloween party and the food and wine festival that bring in lots of people but it does seem that they spread them out nicely.