Wondering about crowd levels in mid-Oct.

[iheartgoofy]

I've looked at several online crowd calendards, websites that give crowd level histories, etc. That gives me an idea.. but was wondering if anyone has ever been in mid-Oct. and what your experience was like. (Our dates are the 18th-23rd).

We went in Sept. last year and it was perfect! Walked on most rides... the most we waited for anything was 30 min. From what I understand, October is a little busier, especially at Epcot of course for F&W. I know we'll have a blast no matter what, but I'm afraid we got a little spoiled last time with the low Sept. crowds.

 

[Robo]

(Our dates are the 18th-23rd).

Also a great time to visit.

 

[grimley1968]

Yes, it will be somewhat busier than September, due to fall breaks, conventions and, as you mentioned, F&W Festival in EPCOT.

But it's really not bad, and nothing compared to major holiday weekends, middle of summer, spring break, etc.

Fall breaks tend to be much more scattered, at this point, than spring break, and there are still lots of schools that don't have a fall break at all. Columbus Day weekend can get fairly crowded but it sounds like you're there after that has come and gone.

There are several conventions in the first couple of weeks of October, but I don't know about later October.

As for F&W: if you really want to avoid the biggest crowds for it, avoid EPCOT on the weekends. But any day you go there during F&W, try to do as much of World Showcase as possible early in the day before the big crowds arrive, and try to do Future World in the late afternoon and evening. We've found that F&W crowds don't necessarily hit the FW section, even when WS is wall-to-wall people.

 

[scard192]

we are there 10/19 - 10/25 and the crowd predictors from Touring plans and EasyWDW look pretty good for lower crowds. The day I was most concerned about was 10/21 which is one of only 2 nights we are there that MNSSHP is NOT scheduled and the hours were extended to 12 or 1AM and a second MSEP was added. I was able to get FP+ for the first MSEP and Wishes so am a little less concerned. We will hit RP and try to do most of the attractions we want to do in the morning.

We are doing EPCOT on a Thursday to try and avoid the F+W crowds on the weekend

 

[luvmydis]

We were there last year in mid Oct, as well as several times in Oct. prior to that. It's my favorite time to go. Never had an issue with crowds, and I am not the most patient person. I've never been in September though, so I don't have that to compare to. I used a crowd calendar last year to plan and found it very helpful. I also try to avoid Mk on Friday's as I find them very crowded (can't recall having that feeling about Saturday or Sunday, but that could be the same). I think you'll have a great trip in October.

 

[disneydad78]

We arrive on Oct 24th can wait!!

 

[iheartgoofy]

Good advice about avoiding Epcot on the weekends during F&W! I knew a lot of locals visit F&W but duh me... never made the connection that they'll be there more on the weekends! Makes sense. Ah, the things you learn on these wonderful message boards sure do help with planning!

 

[Legendteri]

We went at that time last year and didn't have problems with crowds. I would say the waits averaged 10 minutes. Some waits for around 20 minutes and others we walked right on. I think the longest we waited was 30 minutes and that was for Dumbo.

My advice is to go to the MK on days it hosts a Halloween party because crowds are lower on those days. Also don't go to FnW on the weekends, be there for rope drop and use that first hour or two wisely.

 

[darkwing818]

We arrive on Oct 24th can wait!!

We'll be arriving this Sunday. October is a great time to hit WDW. We just do the F&WF during the week as opposed to the weekend.

 

[KiKi Mouse]

This year is our third going in mid October. We love it.

The crowds are okay. Tips from us are to avoid the F&W on weekend evenings, especially if you have children, and especially if you are pushing a double stroller...LOL

We avoid Mk on Mondays due to EMH. Crowds are higher. We like to go to MK on weekdays other than Mondays.

Have a GREAT trip!!!! We'll be in the world from Oct 12-24.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

We're going on our third October trip in three years this month. Avoid Epcot on weekends and the MK on non-party days and you're golden. If you absolutely want to catch MSEP and Wishes one night, invest in park hoppers and only go to the MK in the evenings to catch those shows. It will be well worth the money.

 

[tinkerbella16]

We usually visit in November so I can't say based on my experience, but my Mom and Step-dad went that week last year and they loved it. They didn't think it was too crowded but Epcot was during the weekend of course for F&W. The weather is also great. It is definitely not like holidays or summer that's for sure! have a great trip!!

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

Ok, we want to go to Epcot to see a few of the Eat to the Beat concerts...one is a Sunday, another a Friday. I'm nervous seeing the "avoid" weekends warnings. So, lay it out for us, what should we expect? I guess I'm picturing crazy scary rowdy drunks everywhere and being packed in like sardines where you cannot walk or move. Is it going to be That Bad??? (just two adults, no kids)

 

[KiKi Mouse]

Ok, we want to go to Epcot to see a few of the Eat to the Beat concerts...one is a Sunday, another a Friday. I'm nervous seeing the "avoid" weekends warnings. So, lay it out for us, what should we expect? I guess I'm picturing crazy scary rowdy drunks everywhere and being packed in like sardines where you cannot walk or move. Is it going to be That Bad??? (just two adults, no kids)

I would expect line ups for some of the food and beverage kiosks. Bathrooms were busier....LOL
I didn't notice rowdy drunks but did notice groups of drunk people.
Not sure what closing time is like.

Walking around is definitely crowded.

We went with kids as we didn't know any better. If it were just the two of us it would be a fun evening out.

 

[cheshirecatattack]

This will be my third time vacationing in October, I'll be there 16-22. I have always found the October crowds to be very manageable. We usually use about 3 FPs/day for headliners but almost always get to do everything we want at least a couple times. We hit RD (we're morning people), sometimes take a afternoon break, and head back to the park for closing. I never feel like I'm "battling" crowds, except for in WS in the evening on Fri or Sat. I've seen a few drunk groups/people but nothing disruptive. I enjoy World Showcase more in the evening, it feels much more "festive" and lively, IMO. Hope you have a great trip