Advantages / drawbacks to Orlando in late Oct - mid Nov?

[Scott T]

Just wondering - I have never been to that area in that time of year.

If I go to a major resort such as Vistana or HGVC - will all the amenities - esp pools and hot tubs - be available? Are all restaurants and attractions open off season?

I know park hours are shorter than during the summer, but I assume that will be more than offset by the shorter lines.

 

[Carl D]

Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival, and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

-- The 2 best Disney events take place in October, making it the best time of year to visit.

 

[Scott T]

Thanks, but I am probably leaning more towards Universal and Islands of Adventure - since I will not be travelling with kids, and I will be taking advantage of Costco's 2-person 7-day 2-park + City Walk pass ($110 - sweet deal.)

 

[Carl D]

My wife and I also travel without kids, but than again, we are Disney fanatics!
The F&W Festival is definitely geared for adults, as there are great chefs and wine makers from around the world. There are signature dinners, food & wine samples from around the world, and many free wine tasting seminars that are fantastic. There are also advanced wine classes that cost money.

The Haloween Party is also great for adults, but others may have a different opinion.

I'm sure you will find that "other park" nice during October as well.

 

[spiceycat]

the pools are open all year. Now if you want to get into the pool is up to you.

at 68 and above I will do it. but once it get in the 50's and below - it can feel cold....

HGVC say they heated one pool - but I couldn't find it.

Sheraton Vistana heats there big one.

 

[rsackett]

....Universal and Islands of Adventure - ... , and I will be taking advantage of Costco's 2-person 7-day 2-park + City Walk pass ($110 - sweet deal.)

I am a Costo member but do not know anything about this! What is it? Where do you get it (in store, on line)? Any info would be welcomed!

Ray

 

[Scott T]

I am a Costo member but do not know anything about this! What is it? Where do you get it (in store, on line)? Any info would be welcomed!

Ray

It's in-store here in Durham, NC. I don't see that particular pass online, though they have others - a 3-month for $85 IIRC (1 person), and an annual pass for maybe $180? (No time to look it up right now.)

 

[Vodo]

We love the Disney area that time of year. It's generally still more than warm enough for swimming and there are no crowds at the theme parks.

We've been buying our Universal/IoA passes from AAA. I don't think it's a Florida resident special, though it could be. Right now, it's $115 for 15 months of access to both parks. There are some blackout dates, but not nearly as many as Disney and most are at times we would never go anyhow because of heat and crowds.

Cindy

 

[Chanook729]

Universal's Own Site

Universal's site has a deal for online purchase. http://www.universalorlando.com/tickets.html, that may keep me away from the mouse next time I am down.

 

[shoney]

Wow...on the site it has a 7-day ticket for $85...that is a great deal.

We are going in November but promised the kids we would go to Disney this time.

What a huge price difference in tickets!

 

[Vodo]

There's also an offer on an annual pass. If you buy a full annual pass (no blackout dates), you get a whole second year free - so that's two years for $179. I think the offer expires on 9/30 though.

Cindy

 

[sfwilshire]

There's also an offer on an annual pass. If you buy a full annual pass (no blackout dates), you get a whole second year free - so that's two years for $179. I think the offer expires on 9/30 though.

Cindy

I was ready to bite, but it says this one is for Florida residents and you have to have a code from a Bealls receipt.

I am a Costco member, though, so if anyone figures that one out. I don't have a store locally. I just joined to use the card in Hawaii.

Sheila

 

[Scott T]

I was ready to bite, but it says this one is for Florida residents and you have to have a code from a Bealls receipt.
Sheila

Not to mention, the Bealls receipt has to be dated by 8/31.

 

[talkamotta]

We always go the last week of October. It is by far my favorite time. The humidity is down and yet it is still in the 80's. Except last year, the hurricanes were over and the crowds are way down. We would go to the Epcot center and not have to wait in any lines. It is the best of all worlds in Orlando and on the Gulf Coast.

This year we will be going Thanksgiving and Im not nearly excited for myself.

 

[Vodo]

My AAA offer doesn't mention Florida residency (or at least I don't think it does) and there's no mention of Bealls either.

http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_pages/tis_attraction_rates.asp?id=42605

Revised to add that you may be required to actually purchase the vouchers at a AAA South office, so even if there is no Florida residency requirement, it would eliminate most folks, especially with the deadline looming.

Cindy

 

[Scott T]

My AAA offer doesn't mention Florida residency (or at least I don't think it does) and there's no mention of Bealls either.

http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_pages/tis_attraction_rates.asp?id=42605
Cindy

The offer requiring the Bealls receipt was at the Universal site.

 

[anne1125]

It's a perfect time of year. the weather for us was about 80 degrees and NO Rain! that was two years ago.

Have a great time.

 

[IreneLF]

Ditto for us in 2002 and 2003, first half of November - lo-mid80's every day, perfect for swimming and touring.
So perfect that I'm doing it again this year