Disney World in October (2026): A Comprehensive Guide

Here is the ultimate guide to Disney World in October 2026. You’ll learn key dates, exciting events, weather forecasts, crowd predictions, and useful tips for your October trip. Whether you’re still weighing your dates or have already booked them, this comprehensive guide covers all the details you need to know about planning a Disney World vacation in October 2026.

The October Advantage: Disney World 2026

October is a compelling month to visit Disney World in 2026. With most children back in school, the parks are typically less crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a more relaxed Disney experience.

The Florida weather in October delivers a welcome break from the summer’s intense heat. Temperatures are comfortably warm, making it a joy to explore the parks, watch parades, and dine outdoors. This pleasant weather significantly enhances the appeal of an October visit.

In terms of budgeting, October offers average pricing that avoids the high rates of peak seasons and the lower cost of off-peak times. This balanced cost structure allows visitors to experience Disney’s magic without straining their budgets.

October also marks a special time at Disney World, thanks to the Halloween-themed festivities. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party transforms Magic Kingdom into a delightful Halloween spectacle, offering an added layer of fun.

Fireworks during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party | Image © Disney

Additionally, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presents a global culinary experience that continues through October. These unique elements make October an excellent choice for your Disney World adventure.

October’s Potential Downsides:

There are many benefits to visiting Disney World in October, but it’s also important to consider the downsides. For families with school-aged children, October can be challenging to travel since schools are typically in session, with Columbus Day being the exception.

Crowd levels in October are typically average or lower, but they tend to surge during Columbus Day weekend. The long weekend is a popular time for families to plan their getaways.

While October’s weather is more comfortable than the summer months, it can still be warm for some guests. Afternoon showers are a common occurrence, although they are usually brief.

Finally, October remains within the Atlantic hurricane season. The threat is diminished compared to August and September, but it’s a factor to consider when planning your visit.

Despite these considerations, October can still provide a magical Disney World experience with careful planning and a flexible mindset. Every month at Disney World offers its unique blend of advantages and considerations, and the best choice depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

Disney World Key Dates and Events, October 2026

If you’re planning a Disney World visit in October 2026, take note of these highlights:

• Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend (October 9-12, 2026): This weekend typically brings an increase in visitor numbers, often making it the busiest weekend in October at Disney World. It is still a pleasant time to visit despite the increased crowds (which are similar to June’s levels). The holiday falls on October 12th in 2026.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Throughout October): As the core month of the Festival, October presents guests with the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious international foods and beverages. While it attracts larger crowds, particularly on weekends, these are often locals and do not significantly affect the other parks.
• RunDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Possibly in late October 2026):  A blend of fitness and fine food, this event adds a distinct ambiance to the park. The race, which had historically been held around Veterans Day in November, moved to late October for 2025. Dates for 2026 have not yet been announced—we’re waiting to see if it stays in the last weekend of October or moves back to early November.
• Halloween Festivities: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party continues on select nights through October, culminating on October 31. The Magic Kingdom transforms into a family-friendly Halloween haven, a feature that adds an extra layer of excitement to October visits.
• Possible Sports Tournaments: ESPN Wide World of Sports rarely hosts events in October due to fall sports being mid-season. However, if a Columbus Day weekend sports tournament is held, it may result in increased crowd levels, especially among young visitors at Disney Value Resorts like All-Star Sports.

These events have the potential to impact crowd levels, resort availability, and the overall Disney experience. Therefore, planning your October Disney World vacation should take these events into account.

Will Disney World be Crowded in October?

According to our data analysis, October is the 9th least crowded month at Disney World. While predicting crowd levels for October 2026, it’s essential to consider several factors, including the school calendar, weather conditions, special events, and holiday weekends.

• School Calendar: As most schools in the U.S. are in full swing in October, family visits to Disney World tend to decrease, leading to smaller crowds overall.
• Weather: The comfortable, warm climate in Florida during October makes it an ideal time for those seeking pleasant weather. While the weather is a draw for some, it does not significantly increase park attendance.
• Columbus Day Weekend: Visitor numbers often surge during the Columbus Day weekend as families use the long weekend for a quick getaway. Aside from this brief period, most of the month sees average or below-average crowds.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: While this renowned event attracts many visitors (especially locals) to Epcot in October, it doesn’t dramatically impact the crowd levels at the other parks.
• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Occurring on select nights throughout October, this event can cause an uptick in evening crowds at the Magic Kingdom.

Outside of Columbus Day weekend and certain event nights, the crowd levels are generally manageable, making October a desirable time to visit Disney World in 2026. This harmonious blend of favorable weather and lower crowds creates a pleasant Disney experience. See our Disney World Crowd Calendar and Avoid Lines at Disney World article for more insights.

Disney World Prices in October

Disney World’s pricing in October 2026 depends on seasonality, school calendars (holidays), and available promotions. October typically offers average pricing, with some nuances:

• Seasonality: October is nestled between the busy summer and the upcoming holiday season. This leads to a mixed bag for hotel and ticket pricing; Value Resorts tend to stay near average for most of the month due to decreased demand from families whose children are in school. Ticket prices are closer to “high average” — generally in line with Spring Break but not as high as during the Christmas holiday.
• Holiday Impact: There is usually a modest increase in prices around Columbus Day and Halloween. However, Disney Value Resorts and Disney Moderate Resorts tend to remain relatively stable or even decline throughout the month.
• Discounts: October’s discount pattern is less predictable, with the Disney Free Dining offer (in years when it occurs) sometimes ending in this month. Although discounts ranging from 10% to 25% are common, more discount blackout dates exist in October than in previous months. Discounts can vary depending on the hotel, room type, and availability.
• Average Costs: As an indication, the average cost for a family of four staying for a week at Disney World in 2025, including accommodation at a Value Resort, six-day theme park tickets, Lightning Lane access, and Quick Service meals, was estimated at $6,785. October 2026 pricing is generally in line with the year-round average estimate, though higher ticket costs compared to previous years might tick the cost up a bit versus prior years.

Hotel Costs

Hotel rooms can usually be found at Disney World in October for relatively cheap if you know when and where to look. Here are a few hotel rate examples for October 2026, which should be treated as a “snapshot in time”—they’re accurate as of the date we published this article but will almost certainly change. Prices tend to go up as travel dates approach, and there are huge swings depending on which resort you pick, which room type you book, and what day of the week / week of the month you book. Booking early usually ensures the best possible prices.

• Thursday, October 1, 2026:
  • All-Star Sports (Value Resort): Starting at $173
  • Port Orleans French Quarter (Moderate Resort): Starting at $365
  • BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe Resort): Starting at $874
• Saturday, October 10, 2026 (Saturday of a holiday weekend):
  • All-Star Sports (Value Resort): Starting at $213
  • Port Orleans French Quarter (Moderate Resort): Starting at $349
  • BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe Resort): Starting at $787
• Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Halloween):
  • All-Star Sports (Value Resort): Starting at $202
  • Port Orleans French Quarter (Moderate Resort): Starting at $373
  • BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe Resort): Starting at $825

On a broader scale, October’s hotel prices are found to be generally in line with prices for the months before and after; The first half of the month is generally in line with September, while the last half of October generally matches November.

Ticket Costs

While there are few differences between September/November hotel prices and those in October, theme park ticket prices are another story entirely.

October theme park tickets cost significantly more than just one month before.

While September 2026 offers plenty of days with tickets starting at $119, the lowest ticket price in October 2026 is $159 — and that’s limited to just four days throughout the entire month. $164-$169 is a more common price point, and many days are priced starting between $174 and $179.

Remember that the ticket prices shown here are for one-day, one-park tickets and are merely starting prices. Ticket prices will increase depending on which park is chosen (Animal Kingdom is typically cheapest, with Magic Kingdom costing up to $30 more). Adding additional days or options such as park hopping can also increase the price.

You can use our Disney World Cost Calculator can help estimate trip expenses based on your travel preferences.

Disney World Weather in October: What to Expect

October at Disney World brings milder temperatures and decreased humidity, offering a welcome respite from summer’s heat. Here’s what to expect during this early autumn season:

Temperature: During October at Disney World, the average high temperature is approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), while the average low drops to about 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius). The onset of fall introduces a noticeable cooling trend compared to the prior months.

Milder Weather: With the arrival of autumn, October brings milder and more pleasant weather overall, with less heat and humidity than September. This moderated weather promotes a more enjoyable park experience.

Rainfall: October typically sees precipitation on an average of 5 days throughout the month, with a total rainfall of about 3.07 inches. The showers are usually brief, providing a refreshing break from the heat.

Hurricane Season: October is technically still within Florida’s hurricane season, which stretches until the end of November. However, hurricane activity is much less likely in October than in September.

The combination of moderate temperatures and reduced humidity makes October a particularly pleasant time to visit Disney World. However, you should still consider hurricane risk before booking.

Preparation Tips for Disney World Weather in October:

Here are some tips to help you get ready for the weather at Disney World in October.

• Dress Appropriately: In October, daytime temperatures are usually in the 80s. So, your Disney World packing list should include light, breathable clothes. The evenings can be cooler, with temperatures sometimes in the 50s and 60s. Bring a light jacket or sweater for these times.
• Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun: Even in October, you need to drink plenty of water and use sunscreen. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can get free ice water at the parks. Apply sunscreen often, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Plan Your Day: Use Lightning Lanes passes to avoid standing in the sun for too long. Take breaks indoors in the middle of the day. Try indoor shows and attractions like Epcot’s American Adventure, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Magic Kingdom, or the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride at Hollywood Studios.
• Be Ready for Rain: October has about 5 rainy days. Pack a light poncho and think about wearing waterproof shoes. If it does rain, there are lots of indoor attractions to enjoy. Check out our Disney Attractions to Escape the Rain page for more ideas.

Understanding October’s weather at Disney World, and planning accordingly, will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.  No matter the weather, Disney is always magical!

Hurricane Considerations for October Disney World Visits

While October marks the tail end of hurricane season, potential risks still exist. Consider these factors when planning your October 2026 Disney World visit:

• Historical Closures: Disney World park closures have happened several times due to hurricanes, including a few instances occurring in October. However, as recent trends have shown increased closures in September and October, you should take this into consideration.
• Safety: Advanced forecasts and Orlando’s inland location typically minimize safety concerns during hurricanes. Disney World’s infrastructure is built to withstand these storms. Despite this, park activities and dining options may be limited during closures.
• Inconvenience: Hurricanes can disrupt the magic of your Disney World experience. If parks and restaurants close, guests may end up confined to their rooms with basic meals and limited activities. Keep this in mind when booking your trip.
• Financial Considerations: Disney and airlines generally have policies in place to mitigate the financial impact of hurricanes. In cases of hurricane warnings for Orlando or your home area within seven days of your arrival, Disney offers the option to reschedule or cancel your reservation without penalty. Policies vary between airlines, and travel insurance could provide extra protection.
• Community Support: Disney World can become a safe haven for coastal Floridians during hurricanes. If you choose to leave, you free up resources for those who may need them more.

Booking with a trusted Disney travel agency such as The Vacationeer can help navigate potential disruptions, handling cancellations and refunds if needed.

Ride Maintenance, Refurbishments, Closures, and Openings in October 2026

As the park gears up for the holiday crowd surge in November, the visitor lull in October presents the perfect opportunity for occasional minor routine ride refurbishments. Visit our Disney World Refurbishment and Closure Calendar to see a list of work scheduled during your October visit.

You might also be interested in our list of New Rides and Upcoming Openings. Disney is adding new attractions left and right, and you won’t want to miss them!

Please keep in mind that maintenance schedules can fluctuate. We recommend contacting Disney World customer service or consulting with your preferred travel planner (such as The Vacationeer) for the most up-to-date information on the ride and hotel closures.

Early Park Closures in October 2026

October is prime time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party—and that means early park closures at Magic Kingdom for more than half of the nights in the month.

On days when the party is held—which can be as often as four times per week—Magic Kingdom will close at 6:00 pm for anyone who doesn’t have a party ticket. So be sure to check park schedules as your trip date approaches. Most tourists without party tickets prefer to avoid the park on party days (because of the shorter hours. But just ask any local (or an expert like The Vacationeer), and they’ll tell you that crowds are often significantly lower on those days so you might be able to ride more things despite the shorter hours.

Disney World Water Parks in October (2026): What to Expect

Disney World has two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, that are great for cooling off in Florida’s October heat. Each park has its own theme, attractions, and operating schedule. Here’s what to expect for your October 2026 visit:

Operational Trends: Walt Disney World has alternated the operation of its two water parks in recent years, though summer 2025 proved to be an outlier with both parks operating at the same time. Here’s a recent operating schedule history as well as future schedules that have been published so far:

• November 13, 2022: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
• March 19, 2023: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
• November 6, 2023: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
• March 17, 2024: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
• November 4, 2024: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
• May 1, 2025: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
• May 21, 2025: Typhoon Lagoon remains open as Blizzard Beach reopens.
  • BOTH water parks were open from May 21, 2025 – September 7, 2025 for the summer rush, something that hadn’t happened since before the pandemic.
• September 8, 2025: Blizzard Beach closes and Typhoon Lagoon remains open.

Annual Trends: If Disney returns to its typical operational cycle, Typhoon Lagoon would likely remain open from spring to fall, followed by Blizzard Beach from fall to spring.

October 2026 Outlook: Based on prior year trends, Typhoon Lagoon is likely to be the only Disney water park open during October 2026.

Remember, our predictions are based mainly on past trends, and actual schedules may vary.

Adding a water park visit to your October Disney World trip can make it even more enjoyable. For more info on Disney’s water parks and help planning your trip, reach out to The Vacationeer.

Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival in October: A Personal Account

Visiting Disney World in October offers the unique opportunity to participate in Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival — it’s a true culinary showcase, offering a wide range of global cuisines and beverages that delight the senses.

The festival’s dates vary from year to year, but October is practically guaranteed to encompass the festival every year. 2026 dates have not yet been announced, but the 2025 festival ran from August 28, 2025 through November 22, 2025.

My friends Laura and Nick visited Disney World in October 2022 and raved about their experience at the festival. Each international food and drink booth in Epcot’s World Showcase was like a passport stamp, introducing them to the flavors and cultures of different countries.

Nick, an avid wine lover, told me, “The wine pairings were incredible. Each pairing elevated the flavors of the dish and the wine and the end result was fantastic.” Meanwhile, Laura was impressed by the “Eat to the Beat” concert series, saying, “The music was the perfect nightcap after an adventure-filled day in the park.”

The festival was such a hit that they’re already planning a return trip. Laura excitedly mentioned, “Next time, we’ll attend the cooking demonstrations and seminars. I can’t wait to learn more about global cuisine!”

Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival is not just an event for food and wine enthusiasts; it’s a celebration of global culture, accompanied by excellent music. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in October, prepare your palate for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

What is the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon?

NOTE: 2026 dates are not yet announced—historical information from 2025 is below.

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, taking place from October 23 – 26, 2025, brings together physical activity and Disney magic. This event features races inspired by Disney’s culinary adventures, adding an athletic twist to the magical atmosphere of Disney World. The 2025 race was a bit earlier in the year than usual, with prior years’ races having been held in early- to mid-November.

2025 registration opened February 4, 2025 for Club runDisney Gold/Platinum members and February 11, 2025 for everyone else.

The race weekend typically features a themed 5K, 10k, and Half Marathon, along with additional medals for those who complete two or more of the races.

Although half-marathon weekends typically bring an influx of runners, they don’t significantly affect park crowds. In fact, they may even slightly decrease.

Experiencing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October

October is a magical time at Disney World, with the Halloween spirit echoing throughout the park. One of our favorite events – one that my wife Jaimie and I eagerly anticipate each year – is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Running throughout October, this event blends Disney’s magic with Halloween’s seasonal charm. Magic Kingdom transforms into a delightful spectacle of festive decorations, playful scares, and beloved characters in unique Halloween costumes.

NOTE: 2026 Halloween Party Dates have not yet been announced. Historical data from 2025 is included below for reference.

In 2025, Halloween Parties were scheduled on 38 nights from August 2025 through October 2025. 17 parties were scheduled for October 2025:

• October 2025: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 31

Ticket prices varied by date; with 2025 tickets ranging from $119 to $229 per person across the entire three-month party season. October typically commands prices on the higher end of the range, especially on weekends and as Halloween itself approaches.

As Jaimie often remarks, “Disney is magical in October. The Not-So-Scary Halloween Party captures this perfectly with its perfect blend of autumn festivities and Disney enchantment.”

A highlight of the event is the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Guests join the iconic Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus in a bewitching celebration on the Cinderella Castle stage. Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is another must-see, featuring a delightful procession of characters, including the eerie inhabitants of the Haunted Mansion.

There is no doubt that October is the best month for this festival. As we move closer to Halloween on October 31, a sense of anticipation and excitement builds throughout the park. This enhances the eerie, atmospheric lighting and decorations, creating an unforgettable Halloween extravaganza.

The event runs on select nights, and tickets sell out fast due to limited capacity. With shorter wait times for attractions and plenty of themed treats, it’s an event not to be missed. To secure your tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, contact The Vacationeer.

Is October the Best Month to Visit Disney World?

In my opinion, October is one of the top three months of the year to visit Disney World. Here’s why.

October offers pleasant weather. The summer heat subsides, and rainfall decreases, creating perfect conditions for park exploration during the day and cooler evenings for nighttime events.

Crowd sizes in October are moderate, providing a balance between the hectic summer and holiday seasons. You can experience popular attractions with less wait time and enjoy a more relaxed park atmosphere.

Unique events make October special at Disney World. Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival is in full swing, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers a delightful celebration leading up to Halloween on October 31st.

Early October can offer some cost savings compared to peak summer and holiday seasons, but prices may creep up as Halloween approaches due to the popularity of seasonal events.

However, October has potential drawbacks. Columbus Day weekend can bring crowds, families might find it difficult to travel during the school session, and the threat of hurricanes still lingers. It’s essential to balance these considerations with October’s benefits to ensure a magical Disney World experience.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for pleasant weather, manageable crowds, average to below-average pricing, and unique seasonal events, October might be the best time to visit Disney World.

Having trouble making a decision? Consult a trustworthy resource such as The Vacationeer.

Comparing Disney World in October to Neighboring Months

It is helpful to compare October with its neighboring months, September and November, when deciding when to visit Disney World:

• September or October?: September is warm and humid, with a potential for unpredictable weather due to the peak hurricane season. However, it usually results in fewer crowds and below-average prices. Both months feature the Epcot Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Still, October sees a drop in hurricane risk, less humidity, cooler temperatures, and the unveiling of fall decorations. On the flip side, October can be busier due to fall breaks and Columbus Day weekend, resulting in slightly higher prices.
• October or November?: October offers comfortable weather and a balance of crowd sizes, thanks to the continuation of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival and Halloween events. In contrast, November introduces the holiday season, with the start of Christmas celebrations at Disney World usually around November 8. The weather is slightly better in November, but the crowd levels fluctuate due to Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Overall, October might be a safer bet unless you are keen on holiday events and are willing to navigate unpredictable crowds.

Ultimately, if a balance of pleasant weather, moderate crowds, and unique seasonal events appeals to you, October could be your best bet. If you’re willing to face potential storms and lower crowds for reduced costs, consider September. Despite fluctuating crowd sizes, November might be worthwhile for those interested in holiday celebrations.

Our month-by-month Disney World guides are useful resources for planning your vacation. They’re designed to provide you with detailed information on events, pricing trends, crowd sizes, weather, and new attractions for each month.

Discover the best month for your Disney vacation with our comprehensive guides to the other months of the year:

• Disney World in January
• Disney World in February
• Disney World in March
• Disney World in April
• Disney World in May
• Disney World in June
• Disney World in July
• Disney World in August
• Disney World in September
• Disney World in November
• Disney World in December

Whether you’re a Disney first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast, our guides will help you plan a Disney vacation that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences.