2008 Value vs. Regular season question

[Slowjack]

Question about crowd levels.

I've made a habit of making my trips to WDW in autumn. In the past, say, eight years ago or so, all of autumn was Value season except for Thanksgiving. Then certain blocks, like the golf tournament in October, started moving to Regular, but it was still mostly Value. Well, I'm looking to go this autumn and was a little flummoxed to see that all of autumn is now Regular and that the second half of summer, which was still a very crowded time "in my day" is now Value?

So here's my question. Has WDW really gotten busier overall in October and early November than in late July and August? Or does the change in Value/Regular/etc reflect attendance at official hotels but not overall park attendance?

EDIT: Just to be clear, here are the dates:

Value Season: January 1 - February 13, July 20 - October 1, November 30 - December 18

Regular Season: March 30 - July 19, October 2 - November 29

Peak Season: February 14 - March 29

Holiday Season: December 19 - December 31

 

[Philo]

I dont really know for sure but there is almost no way that the parks are busier in November than July

 

[Lucky]

I think you're right that part of the explanation is that these "seasons" are designed with resort occupancy and not park crowds in mind. Another part of the explanation could be other promotions. Many guests in the "regular season" in the fall may have access to other discounts that are not available end of july/early august.

 

[DisneyJoe]

There are 2 sets of season dates, one for value and moderate resorts, the other for deluxe and deluxe villa resorts, they differ for Value, Regular, and Summer seasons:

Values/Moderates:

Value Season: January 1 - February 13, August 3 - October 1, November 30 - December 18

Regular Season: March 30 - May 21, October 2 - November 29

Summer Season: May 22 - August 2


Deluxe/Deluxe Villas:

Value Season: January 1 - February 13, July 20 - October 1, November 30 - December 18

Regular Season: March 30 - July 19, October 2 - November 29

 

[Slowjack]

There are 2 sets of season dates, one for value and moderate resorts, the other for deluxe and deluxe villa resorts, they differ for Value, Regular, and Summer seasons:

Values/Moderates:

Value Season: January 1 - February 13, August 3 - October 1, November 30 - December 18

Regular Season: March 30 - May 21, October 2 - November 29

Summer Season: May 22 - August 2


Deluxe/Deluxe Villas:

Value Season: January 1 - February 13, July 20 - October 1, November 30 - December 18

Regular Season: March 30 - July 19, October 2 - November 29

Ah, hadn't realized that. But still, in either case, the latter part of summer is still Value and most of fall is Regular.

 

[JPVonDrake]

Disney Resort Seasonal Rates are more of an indication of projected hotel occupancy levels then of park attendance. Also keep in mind that even if most resorts are sold out for a particular set of dates, this may not mean you will experience peak park attendance.

The Disney Resort Hotels do cater to two different types of Guests. Consumer Guests that do visit our parks daily, and Convention Group Guests that spend most of their time here to attend conferences, sporting events, and other private functions.

Let me suggest you view the Wonderful Weeks of Disney on the official website. These dates are when rates are among the lowest of the year. Even better, many fall during times when the weather may be most comfortable, crowds may be lightest — and there are great events and activities!

Click Here to view the Wonderful Weeks of Disney

Note as occupancy levels or attendance projections change, so will the Wonderful Weeks of Disney, so book early and check back from time to time.

Although it is not reflected on our website, the period of Oct 2, 2008 - Nov 29, 2008 is our new FALL season. Resort Room Rates will be similar to REGULAR season, but there is no premium rates on Friday and Saturday night stays during this season. There is however, a premium rate for stays during the Thanksgiving holiday period of Nov 26-28, 2008.