What Will Disney Be Like in October 2023?
We haven’t quite reached summer yet, but many Disney fans are anxiously anticipating a different season.
We are a handful of days away from being #HalfwaytoHalloween, a holiday people love so much that the Halfway event will cause celebration in and of itself.
Disney fans annually trek to Orlando in October to celebrate all things Halloween. It’s one of the best times to visit Disney all year!
What will Disney be like in October 2023? You’re gonna love it. Here’s what you need to know.
About October Visits
I’m wildly biased here. The four times of the year when I’m most likely to visit Walt Disney World are January, May, September, and October.
I’ve spent more than half my Halloweens at Walt Disney World over the past decade. The number would be close to 100 percent if not for the pandemic.
I’m devout in the belief that October represents one of the best times to spend a week at Walt Disney World.
The weather cools down from the summer, while the crowds aren’t anywhere near as intense as they will be during the final two months of the year.
You can achieve so much at Disney, and you’ll even learn a way to improve your visit.
Should you stretch your visit into November by a couple of days, you can watch the Halloween decorations come down and the Christmas ones go up!
This serendipitous turn of events explains why you’ll usually find me in Orlando during the last week of October and first week of November!
Florida Weather in October
The weather legitimately cools off in October. For the first time since April, temperatures rarely rise above 90 degrees.
Sure, we’ve experienced more variance over the past decade, but the trend is irrefutable.
The average high temperature in Central Florida in October is 80 degrees, while the average low temperature is 64 degrees.
Cold spells aren’t even unprecedented in the area during this time of year.
Obviously, the weather grows colder as the month advances. When you visit in early October, you’ll likely face warmer weather than Halloween Week.
In fact, you may even need a light jacket, depending on how the weather breaks that week.
During the last two years, the temperatures have fluctuated wildly, partially because of something else we should discuss.
Hurricane season has proven especially disruptive in September and October in recent years.
For this reason, you should read MickeyBlog and/or check your favorite weather app as your travel date approaches.
Rainy weather comes with a hidden benefit at Walt Disney World. It keeps the place cool, which you’ll appreciate on those days when the temperature is in the upper 80s.
Disney has grown proactive in closing the parks due to inclement weather and will refund you in this unlikely event. It’s happened less than 10 times in 20 years, though.
So, the most important thing to remember here is pack an umbrella or rain slicker just in case…and you should do that anyway anytime you travel to Central Florida!
What to Expect at Disney in October
Let’s skip the obvious thing for a moment and talk about a strong possibility.
Disney has spent the past two years constructing its next signature landmark at EPCOT.
Soon, World Nature will open Journey of Water | Inspired by Moana, whose construction MickeyBlog has tracked for a long time now.
The attraction recently added water, a strong indicator that it’ll open within a matter of months.
Should you visit in October, I believe there’s a solid chance you’ll be among the first to witness the latest stunning innovation at EPCOT!
Still, let’s be honest. You won’t be visiting in October for Journey of Water.
In fact, you won’t even be there for Tron Lightcycle / Run, which will be only six months old in October!
Instead, odds are good that you’re spending October at Disney to relish in the spooky atmosphere for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP).
This event has evolved into one of the most popular after-hours parties at Walt Disney World. It may even be THE most beloved of them all.
Disney temporarily modified its holiday offering during the pandemic, hosting Disney After Hours – Boo Bash instead.
Fans didn’t revolt per se, as they understood Disney was doing the best that it could in trying circumstances.
Still, Disney lovers undeniably rejoiced when park officials confirmed the return of the real deal in 2022.
At night, after the park closes to regular guests, the evil Disney characters take over. This event allows Disney Villains to strut their stuff in the open.
Guests line up for rare character greetings and Halloween overlays of their favorite attractions.
Sometimes, live actors appear in character at attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean.
Also, Disney sells exclusive food, beverages, and merchandise. It’s simply one of the best things at Disney all year!
What to Expect in Central Florida in October
Okay, let’s start with something controversial that will definitely apply to some of you.
I recognize that not everyone wants to split their Disney vacation with another park. However, some do, especially in October.
Universal Orlando Resort has developed an exemplary reputation for its Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) event.
Some theme park fanatics consider it THE reason to visit Universal each year.
I would never ever never recommend this strategy to parents traveling with small children. HHN is decidedly adult and could scar kids for life.
People in terrifying outfits wield chainsaws as they chase after strangers. It’s definitely not for everyone.
For horror fanatics, especially adults traveling without children, HHN signifies a marvelous way to marry Disney magic with Universal terror.
You can celebrate the whimsy of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and then switch gears to HHN Houses themed to some of the most fear-inducing films ever.
HHN 2023 has already posted its dates, and you’ll have 21 opportunities to attend in October.
Again, I realize this option isn’t for everyone. For the #HalfwaytoHalloween crowd, it’s Heaven on Earth, though.
Final Thoughts
Halloween fans are automatically going to Orlando in October. I’m preaching to my choir here.
However, fans of holiday decorations of all kinds should consider this an ideal vacation time as well.
When you travel in early October, you can enjoy all the festivities happening at the parks – I didn’t even mention the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! – and much more.
Those who arrive at the end of the month can spend Halloween Night at Magic Kingdom, which is the absolute best thing to do.
Then, you can visit the park the next day to watch the Christmas decorations, Gingerbread houses, and Christmas trees arise. It’s a stunning change to watch unfold.
In short, I’m devout about visiting Walt Disney World in October. It’s my favorite time of the year!
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