Which weeks to go??

[KristiT]

I'm trying to decide which 2 weeks in Sept/Oct to go to WDW next year. We have never been this time of year so I don't know what the weather and crowds are like as we normally go in May. Which two weeks would you choose?? These are the options:

1. Sept 25 - Oct 8
2. Oct 2 - Oct 15
3. Oct 9 - Oct 22

Also, I understand that the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot starts in eary October next year. Does the Festival cause the parks to be more crowded??

Thanks.

 

[donna in Oz]

I'd choose the first timeframe, from 25 Sep thru 8 Oct.

Columbus Day holiday falls on October 11th, and anytime there's a 3-day week-end, crowds tend to be heavy on those days.

We were at the F&W Festival this year, and really didn't notice a large difference in crowds, except in the World Showcase. And even then, the crowds weren't bad; it was just that some of the lines were lengthy for food/wine at the booths.

Early October is our favorite time to visit. It's become a little more crowded in recent years than previously, but we still enjoy this time. May is our next favorite pick, just like you !!

 

[KristiT]

Anyone else have an opinion??

 

[JamesD]

I'd agree with donna and go with the end of Sept. to early Oct. time period. The weather is not going to change that much between Sept. 25 and Oct. 22. It's usually still hot and humid, but drier than the summer months. The crowds will be lighter in Sept. and will pick up slightly in October. Don't look at the Food & Wine Festival as a reason for Epcot to be crowded, but as a wonderful opportunity to experience some food and drinks from around the world. Epcot can handle large amounts of people, and you will only notice a difference in the evenings at World Showcase. You will also have the opportunity to go to one of the early Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties at the Magic Kingdom at the beginning of October. Keep your fingers crossed that the Haunted Mansion will get the Nightmare overlay this year, and be open in early Oct.!

 

[snyderla]

Yes, I'd skip the 2nd week of October, too. We were there 10/11-10/17/2003 and there is a school break that week, so it was some what crowded for what I would have expected that time of year. I think it was Fall Break for Florida, or New Jersey or some place. It was the first year for that Fall Break, so there were many people who were surprised by the crowds. We will be going in September from now on for smaller crowds, and maybe the 2nd week of December.

Have fun!!!
Lori

By the way, we expected it to be kind of busy saturday, sunday & monday, with the holiday, but it was the same all week long, pretty crowded, not Christmas, New Year's or Easter crowded, but still pretty crowded.