Planning a Disney World vacation during the month of October? This guide will help you plan your upcoming trip! October is a great time to visit Disney World, thanks to the seasonal events and decorations and the climate becoming more comfortable as the summer humidity tapers off.
Keep reading for key things to remember when visiting Disney World in October, including special events, tips, and more.
What’s Happening at Disney World in October
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT’s Anniversaries
The month of October starts off with strong celebratory vibes. Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971. That means Magic Kingdom celebrates its anniversary right at the start of the month! EPCOT also celebrates its anniversary, as it opened for the first time on October 1, 1982.
Usually if you visit Disney World on October 1, you may spot some special photo ops in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, or a special character cavalcade in Magic Kingdom. But usually there isn’t much going on unless it’s a big marker year (the next big one being Magic Kingdom’s 55th anniversary in 2026 and EPCOT’s 45th anniversary in 2027).
READ MORE: MAGIC KINGDOM IS CHANGING IN BIG WAYS IN THE COMING YEARS.
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Continuing throughout the month of October is the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. In 2024, the festival kicked off on August 29 — several weeks later than the past few years. As the Food and Wine Festival returns to its “diet” schedule this year, guests can enjoy an array of seasonal, hearty dishes through November 23.
Guests can enjoy the Food and Wine Festival along with their EPCOT admission in the sense that the festival is not a separate ticket event. That said, food and beverage items require separate purchases. In addition to the many bites and sips available, the Food and Wine Festival is known for its Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Here is the lineup of October performances:
- October 1, 2 and 3: Latin Ambition
- October 4 and 5: Aloe Blacc (new for 2024)
- October 6 and 7: Joey Fatone and Friends
- October 8, 9, and 10: Funkafied
- October 11 and 12: We the Kings
- October 13 and 14: Switchfoot
- October 15, 16, and 17: Gilly & The Girl Band
- October 18 and 19: David Archuleta (new for 2024)
- October 20 and 21: Billy Ocean
- October 23 and 24: Hayfire
- October 25, 26, 27, and 28: Hanson
- October 29, 30, and 31: Evolution Motown
For each of the above performances, the shows will take place at American Gardens Theater at the American Adventure Pavilion. Shows start at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM.
READ MORE: WHICH SEASON IS BEST FOR YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION?
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Halloween kicks into high gear in the month of October, though Disney World has been celebrating the season since early August. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party enters its final weeks in October, with exclusive entertainment, treats, and character meet-and-greet experiences at this beloved after-hours event.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom. Here are the October dates for 2024:
- October – 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31
The party starts at 7:00 PM and runs through 12:00 AM. That means if you are planning on a visit to Magic Kingdom on a party date, you’ll want to take note of the earlier close time. On party evenings, Magic Kingdom closes to regular day guests at 6:00 PM.
READ MORE: HALLOWEEN GUIDE TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
Fall Treats Around Disney World
Can’t make it to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? No problem! Disney World is filled with fall-inspired treats and activities. Autumnal treats are available for purchase at the Disney World theme parks and resort hotels so you can enjoy all things pumpkin, apple, and maple flavored.
You can also check out the festive displays at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Each year, guests camping out at Fort Wilderness take the decorating up to a 10 with pumpkins, blow-up displays, and more. The resort is limited to overnight guests on the dates immediately surrounding Halloween, but earlier in the month non-overnight guests are welcome to visit — but no cars are allowed. Your best bet to visit the campsites is to take a resort bus from Disney Springs.
Fall at Disney Springs
You don’t need a park ticket to celebrate the fall season at Walt Disney World. Over at Disney Springs, Disney World’s shopping and dining district, guests can shop for all of the latest Halloween apparel and home decor along with enjoying fall-inspired treats. Halloween apparel, decor, and costumes can be bought at World of Disney, DisneyStyle, Disney Ever After, Star Wars Trading Post, Super Hero Headquarters, and Star Wars Galactic Outpost.
Halloween and fall-themed treats can be found at Amorette’s Patisserie, D-Luxe Burger, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, The Ganachery, Swirls on the Water, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, Goofy’s Candy Company, and Dockside Margaritas.
READ MORE: SHOP FOR THE LATEST DISNEY HALLOWEEN ESSENTIALS
Disney World in October Weather
October is known for the changing leaves and falling temperatures in much of the United States. At Walt Disney World, you can still expect rather warm temperatures. Per Weather Spark, the daily high in Orlando is around 80 degrees on average, and the daily low is around 64 degrees on average. But you can still see temperatures as high as the low 90s and as low as mid 50s.
Perhaps the most noticeable shift in the weather at Disney World in October isn’t the temperatures — it’s the humidity. Anecdotally, October is when the humidity tends to taper off and the air feels much more comfortable. Florida moves out of the thick humid air you tend to experience in the summer months, so, despite the continued warm temperatures, it’s not quite as intense as, say, July.
Keep in mind that it’s still hurricane season for the Atlantic Ocean (concluding on November 30). The risk for storms is still high this time of year. Because Disney World is inland, you won’t be seeing direct landfalls of hurricanes, but their impact could still be felt. If you have an upcoming October vacation and a hurricane is in the forecast, make sure you review Disney World’s hurricane policy as well as the policies for your airlines, rental cars, etc.
READ MORE: ESSENTIAL RAIN GEAR FOR A DISNEY WORLD VACATION
Tips For Visiting Disney World in October
Alright, your trip for Disney World in October is booked, your packing list is good to go, and you’re wondering what major tips you should keep in mind. Aside from the usual things you should always be aware of, there are a few key items that are unique to October you’ll want to know:
Be Wary of Hurricane Season
October is still hurricane season, and major storms can still make landfall in and around Florida this time of year. Keep an eye on the forecast in and around Central Florida. If Disney World is in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm, you may be able to have your trip rescheduled without penalty. Review Disney World’s hurricane policy and double check the policies of your airline, rental car, etc.
If you decide to go to Disney World an a hurricane passes through, the parks may close and operate with modified hours. The resort hotels do an excellent job keeping their guests safe and entertained while the storm passes.
Keep an Eye on the Calendar for Halloween Party Dates
Like I mentioned previously, even if you aren’t planning on attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’ll want to know when it’s going on. That’s because Magic Kingdom closes early on the days when a party takes place at 6:00 PM.
You’ll also start to notice Halloween party ticket holders entering the park as early as 4:00 PM. You can choose to skip Magic Kingdom on those days and enjoy the park when it has longer operating hours, or you may find party dates as a chance to enjoy lower wait times (due to all of the guests opting for choice number one).
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