[Donna B]

Just wondering if anybody else will be there this week. By talking to several CRO's it seems that most resorts are sold out for most of the week. What is going on? I thought October was a less crowded time. I can see it getting crowded during the weekend because of Not so scary on the 11th and Columbus day on the 14th, but I figured that at least the beginning of the week wouldn't be too crowded. So if most of the value resorts, all of moderate and most of WL is sold out how crowded is it really going to be? If anyone has any opinions please let me know.

[mickey]

The week of October 5 through the 12th is a huge convention week. There are 5 or 6 large conventions on property, and most of the rooms are booked for those conventions.

Wilderness Lodge is full most of the Fall. With Caribbean Beach closing for rehab, they have upgraded as many people as they can into Wilderness Lodge, and it is now full most dates. Wilderness Lodge is a big choice of convention people as well, in that it is cheaper than the Contemporary, but not too far away. The Contemporary, Yacht Club, Coronado Springs and the Swan and Dolphin all have large convention halls.

We have been during large conventions, and it isn't too bad. During the day, it is pretty normal in the parks, but the problem is at night. Make sure you make all of your PSs well in advance. Many of the restaurants in the parks and in the resorts are booked solid for dinner as the conventions end for the day.

[Donna B]

Thanks for the info Mickey. One more quick question please. If there are so many conventions there am I looking at summertime crowds or just alittle more crowds than normal during the dya at the parks? I know you can't tell me for sure but thought since you dealt with it before you could give me an educated guess. Thank you.

[mickey]

Donna, we were there last October during this same week, and it was a little more crowded that I had expected, but not too bad. We never waited more than about 15 minutes for anything. I just found that it got more crowded in the evenings than normally. The crowds won't be like during the summer, in fact, you will probably only notice it in the evenings.

[Donna B]

O.K. Thanks for the help.

[Dana]

Donna,

I will be there that week too. I am there from the 3rd to the 7th. I didn't know about the conventions. With the early closing, my daughter and I will be there early every day anyway, so I don't anticipate a problem. 15 min waits..worse case scenerio??? WOO HOO!!! I usually go to WDW at peak time so I am use to the 60min waits :laugh This will be like having the place to ourselves. 29 days and counting..........I already started some minor packing...:) :)

[Donna B]

Dana,

I started some minor packing myself. I will be arriving the 7th so it looks like I'll miss you. I was just alittle nervous when I found out how many resorts were selling out. With a 2 yr. old and a 5 yr. old going for the first time, I was afraid it was going to be terribly crowded. But 15 min. waits are great. I'll be at the WL myself, we are really looking forward to it. :)

[Dana]

Originally posted by Donna B
Dana,

I started some minor packing myself. I will be arriving the 7th so it looks like I'll miss you. I was just alittle nervous when I found out how many resorts were selling out. With a 2 yr. old and a 5 yr. old going for the first time, I was afraid it was going to be terribly crowded. But 15 min. waits are great. I'll be at the WL myself, we are really looking forward to it. :)

3yr old and a 5yr old first timers? Oh I'm so jealous. It is going to be so magical for them. You will be misty with tears watching them light up..I was ..What great ages ...Do rent a double stroller if you aren't bringing one. You will find it easier to keep trak of the 5yr old who will be mystified by every sight and could accidently wander. Besides, little legs don't last long in any of the parks. My daughter used a stroller on our last visit in 2000 and she was 6. Can't wait to hear how you make out and how your kids do. Did you get a PS for the new princess breakfast in Epcot? They are at a perfect age for princesses. :)

[dab]

PACKING???? You guys are killing me. I'm leaving in 8 days and haven't given it a second thought! Now I'm stressed! Only kidding, I'll be up all night the night before going over my list that I keep saved in Microsoft Office for those spur of the moment trips or the dream day when hubby comes home and says... hey, lets just pack up and take the family to WDW! Don't laugh... a girl can wish! :love: Donna B, I can't wait to hear how your little princesses react! We're still trying to top my DD's first and I don't think we will ever be able to... what magic!!

[Donna B]

I have princes not princesses so I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the princess breakfast or not. We are doing Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare and Tony's Town Square character meals. Thanks for the suggestion of the double stroller Dana, we were thinking about renting one down there. We only have the regular umbrella stroller for our youngest. I am sure that my 5 yr. old will be needing a break as well. I am getting more anxious by the day, can't wait to get there. It has been 8 yrs. since DH and I were there on our honeymoon. Dab, I am so jealous. You are almost there, can't wait to hear how it goes for you. :)

[lopo]

Chef Mickey's!? That's fantastic. I think that this character meal is the BEST!

[Dana]

Originally posted by Donna B
I have princes not princesses so I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the princess breakfast or not. We are doing Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare and Tony's Town Square character meals. Thanks for the suggestion of the double stroller Dana, we were thinking about renting one down there. We only have the regular umbrella stroller for our youngest. I am sure that my 5 yr. old will be needing a break as well. I am getting more anxious by the day, can't wait to get there. It has been 8 yrs. since DH and I were there on our honeymoon. Dab, I am so jealous. You are almost there, can't wait to hear how it goes for you. :)

Princes? Oh my I am embarrassed. I'm sorry I must have read wrong. They will enjoy the breakfast all the same. Little princes love princeses don't they?:love: Again my apologies...I feel foolish.

[Donna B]

No need to feel foolish, we are all just learning about each other through this forum.