15 Reasons Why October Is the Best Time to Visit Disney World

Once school starts up, the crush of family vacationers thins out and makes October one of the prime months to enjoy the Disney World Parks. Shorter lines and a little elbow room means you can spend more time hanging with Mickey.
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1. Less Crowded
Once school starts up, the crush of family vacationers thins out and makes October one of the prime months to enjoy the Disney World Parks. Shorter lines and a little elbow room means you can spend more time hanging with Mickey. YourFirstVisit.net recommends going in mid to late October for minimal crowds and maximum open rides.

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2. Good Weather
Florida summers are famous for being hot and humid. With highs that average in the 80s and lows in the 60s, October provides beautiful weather that's still warm but much more comfortable. You may even need a sweatshirt or jacket for cool mornings and evenings. Check the latest forecasts, but October also happens to be one of the less rainy months of the year.

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3. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
The Magic Kingdom is decked out in its fall finery and ready for the annual celebration of Mickey's party that's perfect for all, preschoolers and up. Put on your costume and collect candy all around the park from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Party entry does require a separate ticket, and includes a Halloween-themed parade and fireworks show, plus lots of character sightings.

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4. October's Foodtopia Event
During the month of October, eight top restaurants in Downtown Disney offer specially priced three-course dinner menus for only $30. If you make reservations, you can also add tickets to Cirque du Soleil La Nouba with a 20 percent discount for everyone in your group. Check out the details for this brand-new offering on MouseSavers.com.

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5. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival
October is the perfect time for a couple's getaway to one of the most delicious annual events in WDW. Celebrity chefs, special events and Epcot's 25 international marketplaces make for a spectacular food and drink experience.

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6. Wine School
Prepare yourself for the festival with an expert-led course on wine appreciation and tasting. It's one of many seminars offered during the festival.

7. The Parks are Still Open Pretty Late
Many parks stay open for evening rides throughout October. If you're still not ready to leave when the parks close, head to Downtown Disney, where food, drinks and fun are happening until 2:00 a.m. Be sure to check park calendars for your visit days, as they vary quite a bit from day-to-day.

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8. Fun Running Events
Disney-loving runners have a variety of races to choose from, including three that all take place the weekend of October 5. First, families trek out in the morning on a fun 5-mile trail run through the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, followed by kids' fun runs with distances up to a mile for kids 13 and under. Later at night, runners hit the dark streets of Hollywood Studios for a thrilling 10-miler haunted by Disney villains.

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9. Disney Villains Hollywood Bash
The party wrap-up to the race weekend, the bash rocks on till 4:00 in the morning with DJs, dancing and rides on park favorites like the Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Runners taking part in the 10-miler already have access with their entry, and race spectators can buy tickets to the event, which are still available as of 9/30/13. The 2013 race itself is sold out, and Disney's running events are popular - check the RunDisney site for future race dates and ticket info.

10. New Fantasyland
Now open in the Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland features characters, rides and restaurants showcasing Disney favorites from The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, and beloved favorite characters like Dumbo and Goofy.

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11. Bats at Animal Kingdom on Oct. 31
Part of the Conservation Awareness Days series at Animal Kingdom, bats are the perfect star of the day on Halloween. Play games and learn about how important it is to keep these animals hanging around.

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12. Both Water Parks are Still Open
Blizzard Beach is open for the whole month, and Typhoon Lagoon is open until Oct. 27. Find out about surfing at Typhoon Lagoon and more Disney World secrets on our infographic on HomeAway.com.

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13. Extra Magic Hours
If you're staying in one of the select WDW Resorts, individual parks offer extra time outside of regular park hours. Both regular park times and extra hours vary from day to day, but several parks still offer late-night Extra Magic Hours through October. Check Disney's official calendar for information on your exact dates.

14. Vacation Rental Deals
October is part of the Low Season with fantastic savings and much lower rates than the popular Summer and Holiday seasons. Many properties still have openings this month for a last-minute fall getaway.

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15. Halloween in Orlando
If you're planning to visit Disney World this October, be sure to check out all that Orlando offers this month to celebrate Halloween. Events, parties and attractions for adults and kids alike will be happening all around town.

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