October is a fantastic time to go to Disney World. The Halloween decorations are all out, the temperatures are cooling, and the delicious food and beverage offerings continue to fill up the World Showcase. Remember, you only have 30 more days to come up with a costume idea other than Olaf doing the Ice Bucket Challenge while bending an iPhone 6.

Don’t dress up as that. That’s my idea. Don’t steal it, ok?

Trick or Treat: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The Halloween party for all ages continues all throughout this month. With special fireworks, character meet and greets, trick or treat trails, and one of the best parades Disney puts on all year, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is the best way to celebrate the spooky holiday at Disney World. The only question is: Who are you going to dress up as?

Be sure to check out our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide for dates, tips, and information.

Smell My Feet: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler

If your idea of a good Halloween activity involves less candy and more cardio, don’t miss the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler. With the villains taking the spotlight, this weekend features a 10 mile race that goes from Hollywood Studios to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and back to the Tower of Terror. Just typing that sentence got me out of breath.

After the race, guests are invited to the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash party, where they can enjoy live music, character meet and greets, and select attractions until 4 AM. If you’ve been wanting to ride Toy Story Midway Mania in the dead of the night, now is your chance. Admission to the party is included for runners, and tickets are available for friends and family.

The race weekend also includes some less demanding races, such as the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run. A two-day runDisney Health and Fitness Expo will also take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Give Me Something Good to Eat: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Guests will continue to eat and drink their way around the world this month at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This festival features over 25 international marketplaces, free concerts, and special parties. While there are some premium events, most of the Food and Wine Festival is included with Epcot admission. If you’re at Disney World this month, this event is not to be missed.

This month’s Eat to the Beat bands are:

  • Oct. 3-5 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
  • Oct. 6-8 – Sugar Ray
  • Oct. 9-10 – Fuel
  • Oct. 11-12 – Sister Hazel
  • Oct. 13-14 – Richard Marx
  • Oct. 15-16 – Billy Ocean
  • Oct. 17-19 – Night Ranger
  • Oct. 20-22 – Smash Mouth
  • Oct. 23-24 – Jim Brickman
  • Oct. 25-26 – Los Lonely Boys
  • Oct. 27-28 – Wilson Phillips
  • Oct. 29-31 – Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX

Halloween at the Resorts

Be sure to check with your resort for Halloween activities. Each Disney World resort does something slightly different. Most will have some trick or treating in the lobby. A couple of years ago, we enjoyed a big dance party at the Boardwalk Inn, and we got our picture taken with Scarecrow Mickey. These activities are a fun way to spend Halloween, and they are free to resort guests.

Pour One Out for Maelstrom

You may be the last to pass this way, as the World Showcase’s wacky, troll-starring boat ride will close for good on October 5 to make way for an upcoming Frozen attraction. We can debate endlessly about whether this is a good idea, but there’s no denying that Maelstrom was a unique attraction and will be missed by many.

Crowds

October is one of my favorite times to visit Disney World. The weather cools off compared to September, but the crowd levels still stay moderately low.  As with last month, Epcot on the weekends, as Food and Wine definitely brings in the crowds. Also take note of which nights the Halloween party takes place at Magic Kingdom. The park closes at 7 PM those nights for non-party guests, and party guests will start pouring into the park around 4 PM.

Attraction Closings