Disney World in October?

[Castillo Mom]

I was initially planning my son's grad trip for August but it seems I may need to push back his trip a couple of months.

Before I make a final decision, can anyone tell me their experiences for that time of year? I'd be interested to know whether it'll still be warm enough to enjoy the waterparks and pool. I know the main parks close earlier but is there a significant difference in the lines for attractions in October to compensate for early park closure?

We've only been to WDW during August and being a summer girl, I'm somewhat skeptical about visiting in the fall. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[javamom]

Well I have been in the Fall a few times, and normally, I would say that yes it is warm enough. However, last year, we FROZE at MNSSHP. The CMs said that it was abnormally cold that night. Now, as far as swimming and and water parks... well, we are from the Midwest so we will swim when others might not.

I would go the weather channel and look up the average temps for the area, and go from there.

 

[nolanboys]

I've only been in October once, 4 years ago around Columbus Day. Great weather - warm enough during the day to swim, but not oppressive heat or humidity. We've gone in November and February as well, and both times it was unseasonable cold, so I guess you take your chances. I would say the earlier in October you go, the better chances you'll still encounter warmer weather. We'll be there for 5 nights starting Oct.1 and are hoping for some great warm weather!

 

[Heard02]

Never been in August...but I would say the weather would probably be better in October (not as hot) and the crowds would be less because of the kiddos being back in school. We go every October and we think it is perfect! (next to April of course)
Either way, have fun!!!

 

[JWG]

We love October. Beautiful weather. We did the water parks in October when we went - it was HOT! Blizzard Beach was hard to walk in with the white concrete surfaces. The pools are all heated. I think you'll be fine.

Enjoy!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Thanks everyone, I feel a little more optimistic. I know it it may sound strange but I love WDW in the summer regardless of the heat and humidity. We usually get up early to hit the parks at opening and leave after lunch to go back to the resort for a swim. Then we shower and change for dinner and head back to the parks. With earlier park closings in the fall, I feel like we need something else to do to fill the time in the evenings. Any suggestions?

 

[eporter66]

Most of our trips have been in October and we love it. Gives us a little extended summer. We have experienced very warm weather (90's) and very cool weather (60's), but for the most part I would say usually averages in the 80's. We are from NY, and usually spend two days at the pool. We see many others at the pool, so I would guess if it is seasonal, you can be pool side with no problem.

The parks stay open late sometimes for extra magic hours, so you could probably get a few parks open late on your trip. For our trip this October, 3 of the 4 parks stay open late. So we plan our days around those times, and usually it is very easy to get in all the rides you want with the magic hours. You have Downtown Disney as an option, and the Boardwalk is a fun area in the evening if you are looking for something else to do.

 

[ELKHUNTER]

Out of all of the trips over the years during different seasons I feel the Oct. trip was the one of the best by far the weather was still warm but not hot and the crowds were low. It was also our honeymoon so maybe thats why!

 

[pennst8r]

We go in October every year. Love it! Days are warm/hot, evenings are cooler. Low crowd levels.

 

[CruznLexi]

We normally go in Oct. When we got to Pop last year it was 95 at 3pm. By Friday it had gotten cooler like low 60's. We were in the pool/hot every day.

 

[lucyem]

So funny - I am worried Oct will still be too hot We are from northern New England and swimming in Feb at WDW while the life guards are in jackets and pants is the norm for us. I cannot even begin to imagine what the summer heat/humidity is like.

 

[johnsonville5]

We have been to Disney World more times in October than any other month. This was becasue of school breaks in October in Minnesota. October is beautiful in Orlando. Not too humid but still plenty warm and yes you can use the water parks. Shorts and tee shirts is dress for us. Also enjoy the wine festival at Epcot. Lines not a problems either.

 

[BWV2001]

We typically do October vacations in WDW. While the lines probably aren't as bad as they are in summer months, I haven't found it to be entirely crowd-free, either. So far, we've had consistently nice weather in October, and as long as you avoid Columbus Day weekend, I think the crowd level isn't too bad.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So funny - I am worried Oct will still be too hot .

Me too! Strange weather can always happen but odds are that it will be pretty warm.

 

[loveswdw]

We been several times in October. First year, absolutely best weather for a trip EVER. Low 80s, no humidity, breezy, just beautiful. Last several October trips--HOT! HOT! HOT! I mean 2 showers a day HOT. We went to MNSSHP in 2007 and it was miserably hot even at 9 and 10 in the evening. In all our pics of our DS his hair is plastered to his head due to sweat!

But we LOVE October! Our FAVORITE time to go to DW!!

 

[Inkmahm]

If you like it hot and humid, then go in the first half of October. DH and I don't like it so hot and humid so we wait until later in the month for the chance that it may be a little cooler. That's worked for us so far. We get warm days and slightly cooler nights. Perfect.

 

[crisi]

We've been fairly regular October, guests. This year we were August guests.

Weather - October will be hot, but less hot (likely) than August (our week in August was lovely and we've had hotter Octobers). October is sometimes rainy, but so was August.

Park Hours - with F&W and MNSSHP, parks are busy. There aren't the "1 am" closes. But DS and MK will likely remain open until 10pm a few nights. The Halloween Party is a great chance for older kids to ride Mountains.

Lines - We found lines fairly equal - maybe a little longer in August for some things (like Test Track).

 

[Starr W.]

I did a solo trip last year 3rd week of October. Weather perfect and as a regular Thanksgiving week traveler thought the parks were very doable. Lots of grousing by other guests about the MNSSHP running like 2 of the 3 nights I was there.

Like DVC Mike posted recently, his WDW season is October-May.

 

[LSchrow]

we prefer the begininning of october b/c it is much warmer. we went the last week of oct one year, and woke to 30 degrees, never again! vacation means hot sun on my shoulders, not mittens and coats

weather is still cooler than august, with the daily 30 minute rain around 4pm.
crowds are huge in EPCOT during the weekend (F&WF), but not bad during the week. we found weekdays in oct much less crowded than august.

of course, the absolute best time is in early may - gorgous weather, low crowds - just perfect

 

[DisneyNut22]

Disney in October is a great choice. Avoid Columbus Weekend b/c locals go to the parks. Try to be there on WDW's B'day (Oct 1) they always festivities at the Magic Kingdom.