If during the week in October, it shouldn't be too busy. The weekends will be busy and crowded, more so if the weather is nice.
If you want to stay onsite, the Grand Californian is the by far the best of the three DLR hotels.
If you stay offsite, I recommend the HoJo on Harbor Blvd. It is the best value of any of the nearby hotels.
Be sure to eat at the Blue Bayou in DL. You can make PS 60 days out. Check in a little early and ask for a table beside the water, it's great!!