Hi Amy,
I'm happy to be able to help with your first visit -- and put your mind at ease.
October is a terrific time for a Walt Disney World vacation. The crowds usually are smaller and the weather is starting to get a little cooler. You also can check out fun special events, such as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Character meals are great fun, but please don't stress because you haven't been able to get a reservation. Your boys are going to have such a wonderful adventure. No matter how many times you've been to Walt Disney World and no matter how long you stay, there's never time to do everything. Your sons will go home with lasting memories of all the awesome things you did together. They won't give a second thought to the things you have to save for another visit.
That said, if you really, really want to do a character breakfast, keep checking back. Plans change and guests sometimes have to cancel their reservations. I have occasionally picked up a coveted spot close to my visit.
If you want to kick off your vacation with a different special treat in place of a character meal, maybe your sons would like to visit the
Pirates League at Magic Kingdom, where they can be transformed into a swashbuckler and participate in some pirate-y fun.
Good luck! I'm sure your vacation will be amazing. Please let me know if I can answer any more questions for you as you finalize your plans. Enjoy your time with your family!
Wilma