Looking for experiences going to DW first week of October

[mojokitty]

Hi everyone,
I am planning a first time trip to DW the first week of Oct. I have been reading a lot about crowds and rain and am getting really worried. Have any of you who have been the first week of Oct. give me an idea of what the parks are like? Is it really crowded? Lots of rain? Hot? Lots of waiting in line? Sorry for all of the questions. I'm trying not to worry too much but I'm wondering if I should change our dates. We are also going to MK the first day which I know is not usually recommended but we don't have much choice.
TIA!

 

[Mal]

My roommate and I were there the first week of October in 2014 for the Tower of Terror Ten-Miler (which was apparently the last one, strangely enough), and it was a great time to be at WDW. The weather was mostly really nice! Highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s or 70s when we were there. One night it did get cool enough to need light jackets, but that was actually our race night so that was awesome! It did rain the night we went to MNSSHP, but only for maybe 45 minutes, and we had rain gear on hand, so it wasn't a big deal. The crowds were more than manageable, and we got good fast pass selections even though we couldn't book them early. (We had discounted park tickets thanks to race registration, and they give them to you at resort check-in, not by mail.) I'd definitely go at that same time of year again!

 

[SMS55]

Remember that it's Florida and the weather is unpredictable. Typically early October is still pretty warm and can be hot. The beginning of October can still have a summer type pattern. By the end the month, the humidity has most definitely dropped and you'll notice it much more comfortable. The crowds are most definitely manageable. The kids are in school so that will keep those massive summer crowds down. Weekends will be fuller as us native Floridians will head on over for the weekend. Remember that there is the Not So Scary Halloween party at MK, so factor that into your planning when to go to MK. EPCOT has the Food and Wine festival, which can make World Showcase busy, but the crowds increase as you get closer to November.

 

[Monty]

I'll be there too. I arrive 28 September and fly out on 10 October. If you haven't already, consider booking any Table Service restaurants you want ASAP, the 180-day window has been open for a while already.

Early October is still fairly hot, but not dog days of summer hot. It is the middle of hurricane season, but I've never had any problems, WDW is inland and you might get some heavy rains if a hurricane's remnants happen to hit, but likely only for a day. The parks are pretty quiet when it rains, so a poncho and shoes that'll dry out and you're good to go.

Food & Wine will be in full swing at EPCOT, that gets very crowded on weekends, but is "only" crowded during the week... Still can be a lot of fun.

 

[SMS55]

Early October is still fairly hot, but not dog days of summer hot. It is the middle of hurricane season, but I've never had any problems, WDW is inland and you might get some heavy rains if a hurricane's remnants happen to hit, but likely only for a day.

While it is the statistical peak when you are arrive it doesn't mean Orlando will get hit. Odds are that it won't happen but if a major hurricane hits, and Orlando is in or near the eyewall, it is only 50 miles inland and relatively flat, it will feel the full brunt of it.

Our last October trip was two years ago. Whether wasn't too bad but we're native Floridians. Crowds were also very manageable. Just get there early and use the fast pass system.

 

[Demeter Tess]

Early October is a great time to visit. Like others mentioned, the weather can still be hot and humid, but it's MUCH more bearable than the summer. You'll want to pack a jacket for the evenings because it does cool off once the sun goes down. Crowds are negligible; Disney is always crowded and there are always lines. Just play it smart (reserves your FPs, do rope drop, utilize EMH) and you won't even notice the crowds.