A Complete Guide to Walt Disney World in October

Walt Disney World in October is an excellent time to visit, especially if you adore the Fall season and all the spooky fun that comes with it.

While it’s not peak tourist season, October only has a few pockets with lower crowds. Plus there are plenty of events and Halloween activities to keep everyone entertained.

Whether you’re trying to decide when to visit or have already booked, this guide to Disney World in October has everything covered, from weather and packing tips to events and closures.

All dates and information subject to change throughout the year. This post will be updated frequently, but for the most up to date information on what’s closed and what’s reopened, check out my post about Disney World closures and what’s new.

Weather in Orlando in October

October ushers in the end of hurricane season for Florida and the rest of the southern US, which means drier weather.

In Orlando in October, the average high temperature is 84℉ and average low is 68℉ with average precipitation at 3.29 inches of rainfall (source).

Compared to just the month before, the average rainfall is nearly 50% less. Nice!

As you can see, it can still get hot in October, so if you want better chances of less hot and humid weather, you may want to visit in the late Fall or Winter months instead.

Now with it still being hurricane season – have no worries! It’s rare for a hurricane to impact the Disney area in a drastic way.

In the event that a hurricane is projected to hit the area, Disney will keep guests safe and entertained in their resorts.

And if you choose to reschedule, Disney will graciously allow you to do so. Airlines and car rental companies usually do the same, too.

What to Wear to Disney World in October

When thinking about what to pack and what to wear to Disney World in October, you’re likely going to end up with a similar list compared to the Summer months.

Pack clothes that are light layers, like tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, and breezy dresses, or whatever it is that you prefer to wear in warm weather.

However, since the evenings can be a bit chilly, I recommend throwing in a light jacket or sweatshirt, maybe even a Disney spirit jersey, in case you get cold.

As for shoes, you know your feet best, so pack what will make your tootsies happy. I usually bring 1-2 pairs of sandals, like Birkenstocks, and 2 pair of sneakers, like Nike Air Max and Adidas Campus or Vans classic canvas.

I see lots of folks rocking Crocs at Disney World, as well. Personally I’m not a fan of Crocs, but I have heard from many people that they are very comfortable, even at Disney World.

Last, but not least, Halloween costumes! Be sure to pack something fun, but keep in mind that there are strict rules that cast members will follow.

Per Disney’s rules, kids under age 14 can wear costumes to the parks, as long as they follow general guidelines, such as nothing dragging on the ground and no face coverings (except, of course, health masks).

Guests over the age of 14 are not allowed to dress in costumes on regular park visits.

However, guests over the age of 14 can wear costumes when attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Learn more about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in my MNSSHP Guide.

In addition to the usual dress code rules, if an adult is wearing a costume at one of these events, they cannot pose for photographs or sign autographs.

October Events & holidays

October has become one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, with Halloween growing in popularity, resorts offering more discounts, and longer school breaks contributing to a higher number of guests choosing October as the vacation month. 

Along with the benefits the fall season brings (like ideal weather and lower crowds), fall offers unique experiences you cannot find any other time of the year at Disney World.

Halloween is well underway throughout the month of October, which is one of our favorite times of year to attend special events at Walt Disney World, such as the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, both of which continue through the end of the month.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

If you’re looking to go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on or near Halloween, buy your tickets as soon as they go on sale (usually around July) as these dates sell out SUPER quick!

Also keep in mind that the Halloween party only runs on select nights, not every night, as it requires the Magic Kingdom to close early when it runs.

Columbus Day Weekend

In 2024, Columbus Day weekend is October 11-14, ending on Columbus Day, aka Indigenous Peoples Day.

Many schools in the US have school breaks during this time due to the long weekend, resulting in larger crowd levels.

Halloween

Lastly, in 2024 Halloween falls on Thursday, October 31.

If you’re not able to visit WDW on Halloween, check out my post about the best Halloween movies and shows on Disney+, such as Hocus Pocus 1 & 2, for some at-home Disney fun.

As soon as Halloween passes, Christmas time is quickly ushered in at Walt Disney World resort, with many of the resorts and theme parks decorating as soon as the first week of November.

In fact, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party often starts just a few days after Halloween!

What’s closed at Walt Disney World in October?

There should be minimal closures at Disney in October. Keep reading to see what’s closed this month at each park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• It’s Tough to Be a Bug! and DinoLand USA (including TriceraTop Spin and Dinosaur) are rumored to be closing in Fall 2024, which means it’s possible one or both will be closed for good in October.
• Colors of Mo’ara face painting cart is temporarily closed with no reopening date announced.

Epcot

• Test Track is closed for refurbishment and will reopen in 2025.

A handful of shops and restaurants at Epcot have been closed for some time now, with no opening date announced.

There’s a possibility some might reopen by October 2024, but also just as much a possibility that some will still be closed.

The shops and restaurants that are closed are:

1. China/Germany: Village Traders
2. Germany: Der Teddybar
3. Japan: Mitsukoshi Kiosk
4. Mexico: El Ranchito del Norte
5. Morocco: The Brass Bazaar, Casablanca Carpets, Marketplace in the Medina, and Restaurant Marrakesh
6. United Kingdom: Sportsman’s Shoppe
7. Canada/UK: Trading Post

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There are several shops and attractions that have been closed at Hollywood Studios for quite a while, but still expected to reopen at some point in the future.

Disney hasn’t announced them as permanently closed, but they also haven’t stated when they’ll reopen. So it’s very possible that some or all will still be closed in October 2024.

The impacted shops and attractions include:

1. Star Wars Launch Bay Theater*
2. Disney Studio Store
3. In Character
4. Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost
5. It’s a Wonderful Shop
6. Stage 1 Company Store

*Although the theater is closed, the shops and meet-and-greets at Star Wars Launch Bay are open!

Magic Kingdom

• Jungle Cruise closed in August 2024 for refurbishment. Disney has not said when it will reopen, other than that it will be in time for the Winter holidays. My guess is that it will remain closed in October.
• Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Belle, and Rivers of America in Frontierland will close for good to make way for new attractions. Disney has not yet said when they will close, but keep in mind that it could happen as early as October!

Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon

In recent years, only one of the two water parks is open at a time.

Based on 2022 and 2023, it’s likely that Typhoon Lagoon will be open, while Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment.

However, this is speculation and Disney has not made any announcements this far in advance.

Disney Springs

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disney Springs is closed for refurbishment until further notice. It is unclear whether it will be open by October 2024.

Will you visit Walt Disney World in October?

Visiting Disney in October can be a great time for fewer crowds and a variety of Halloween and Fall activities.

Many of the parks are less crowded than they are during the Summer, although beware of surges near Columbus Day weekend and Halloween.

We hope this Disney World in October planning guide has helped you make the most of your time at Walt Disney World. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below!

For more monthly planning guides, check out the following posts:

1. WDW in January
2. WDW in February
3. WDW in March
4. WDW in April
5. WDW in May
6. WDW in June
7. WDW in July
8. WDW in August
9. WDW in September
10. WDW in October – you are here!
11. WDW in November
12. WDW in December

This post was originally published January 13, 2023. It was last updated August 31, 2024.