We’ve got the scoop on the info you need to know if you’re planning a trip to Disney World in October! (Can you BELIEVE how fast time has gone by!?)
Haunted Mansion
Between the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, spooky Halloween treats, and cooler temperatures, October is one of our favorite times of the year to visit Disney World! Here are the things you need to know if you’re planning a vacation this spooky season!
Crowds in Disney World in October
Ah yes, one of the ultimate burning questions, “What will the crowds be like?” In general, the Disney World crowds in October are fairly reasonable, since the summer attendance thins out in early September with the kiddos back in school, and the holiday rush doesn’t pour in until closer to Thanksgiving.
Tree of Life
There are a few exceptions when October crowds see an uptick. Columbus Day weekend and Halloween draw in more people, and weekends at Epcot can get crazy since a lot of locals head in for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. But, outside of those hot-spots, October is generally one of the “slower” months in Disney World!
Check out why now is the best time to plan your Disney World trip!
How to Pack For Disney World In October
Even though October is thought of as quintessential “fall,” you’ll probably need different gear than sweaters and boots when you’re in central Florida! The high temperatures in October tend to hit the mid-80s, so be sure to pack enough shorts and t-shirts to keep you cool during the day! But, even though the afternoons can get pretty warm, be prepared for chilly temps in the early morning and evening!
Tower of Terror
Given the potential temperature swings, our suggestion is to layer-up. Having options like a light jacket, scarf, gloves, or other items you can easily take off and store in your park bag will be super helpful! And even though October is also less rainy than the summer months (with a lower chance of hurricanes than August and September!) we still suggest bringing a poncho, umbrella, and extra shoes and socks, just in case!
Epcot’s 2020 Food and Wine Festival
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is usually in full-swing throughout October! Even with all of the changes in place this year due to the global health crisis, this EPCOT festival is STILL a favorite of ours! You can jam out with the JAMMitors, dance along with Mariachi Cobre, and of course — EAT ALLLLL THE FOOD!
Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions
We absolutely recommend taking the time to explore the Food and Wine Festival during your fall trip! In fact, we suggest that you DON’T make Advance Dining Reservations on your Epcot day. Instead, “taste your way around the world” by grabbing small-bites from the MANY food booths!
The Donut Box Menu Items from 2019
AND, as an added bonus, many of the items at the Food and Wine booths are much more affordable than a regular full-service meal! So, grab a few different things off the menus to snack on, and have a delicious, progressive meal around Epcot!
China Booth Eats
Ready to start prepping for your Food and Wine Festival adventures this year?? You can purchase our DFB Guide to the 2020 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book here!
Click here to see our FAVORITE things at last year’s Food and Wine Festival!
Halloween Festivities in Disney World This Year!
Ready to get (not so) spooky?? Check out all of the ‘SPOOK’tacular fall decorations around the parks and Disney Springs! From the fan-favorite Mickey Jack-O-Lanterns to the beautiful fall colors, there are a TON of spots to grab some Insta-worthy family photos!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
And, since Mickey’s Not-S0-Scary Halloween Party was canceled this year (we’re still crying), there are some never-before-seen BOOS making their way through the Magic Kingdom! Guests can spot sporadic character cavalcades (on select days) featuring Pooh Bear and friends, Mickey and the gang, villainous Halloween fiends, and EVEN Jack and Sally!
Jack strolling down Main Street with Sally and Oogie Boogie
Disney World is also amping up the Halloween fun with SO. MANY. SPOOKY. TREATS!!! We’re talking Graveyard Tiramisu, Spooky Apple Punch, and more!
Click Here to See Our FULL List of Disney World’s Halloween Treats!
October is DEFINITELY one of our favorite times of the year to visit Disney World! We love eating our way around the Food and Wine Festival, celebrating with the happy haunts around the parks, and enjoying the (relatively) lower temps and crowd levels. If you’re considering a trip this fall, be sure to keep these things in mind when you’re planning!
Check out 4 tools to dramatically simplify planning your next Disney World trip!
Ready to Plan for Your 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip?
Order the DFB Guide to the 2021 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.
Your purchase includes several bonus items as well -- including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!
Order your 2021 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun!
Use code Chefs at check-out for 20% off the cover price!
2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index
2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index
2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events
2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations
2021 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page
2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon
Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Food and Wine Festival 101
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Vegetarian Items
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items
Are you planning a trip to Disney World this October? Let us know in the comments!
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I’m going over Halloween and planning to go to MNSSHP, on probably November 1st. When should I purchase tickets?
I’m planning to go to Disney at the very end of October (during Halloween). When should I buy my MNSSHP tickets if it isn’t for Halloween?
Lauren, it’s impossible to say when it’s best to buy those tickets. Since that’s the end of the party season, it could be popular, so the soonest you’re able to buy them, you probably would want to.
I can’t see how we can predict crowds this year with the virus affecting everything. I hope WDW gets back to normal quicker than expected, but I just don’t know what to expect with all the problems we’re having this year.
We planning trip mid November everything up running ty lisa
Our April trip is now our October trip (please let the Parks be open by then). We looked into the MNSSHP too but the cost of these tickets for the day we’re already scheduled to be in the MK is as much as an entire day pass so, we’re passing on the extra and instead, having a nice dinner that night at California Grill, where we can watch the fireworks from the rooftop of the Contemporary Resort. As far as the EPCOT F&WF, we’ll nibble on some of those snacks, but we snagged ADR for Via Napoli and Chefs de France. At least, we may be able to ride the Ratatouille ride, was wasn’t scheduled to be opened yet, had we flew down in April.
Is there even going to be a Halloween party? How can we all wear masks over our costumes? I mean, I suppose I would do it so we can go but might look a little weird.. I was going as Queen of hearts and my daughter as the chestshire cat so that will be interesting
I am planning my trip mid October what days are best for what parks ? What days are the Halloween calvacades happening ?
Nathali, weekdays are still better than weekends, though things are ever-changing. I believe the Halloween cavalcades are daily, but if I hear otherwise, I’ll update.