Hi Denise!
It sounds like you already have some great plans in place! October is a wonderful time to visit. Temperatures are still quite warm and great for swimming, but have cooled some from the high heat of the summer. Crowds are traditionally lower as well, and yes, parks often close earlier than in more crowded months. We have traveled in the fall many times and I often recommend it as the best time of year to make a trip to Walt Disney World. In fact, we are going this October as well!
I think you’l find the park hours and crowds to be quite manageable. On select nights, if you see that Magic Kingdom is closing at 7 p.m., it is usually for
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. If you haven't done this before you might really enjoy it. The park is open late, there are special fireworks, dance parties, character and photo opportunities, and Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Parade is my favorite. Select nights even offer a discount for Disney Vacation Club Members.
To make the most of your time, I would recommend using of Extra Magic Hours. We find that Extra Magic Hours mornings in particular, allow us to enjoy a lot of attractions with very little waiting. The other insider tip I have for you also has to do with Extra Magic Hours. In my experience, visiting Epcot for Illuminations on a night that a different park is having Extra Magic Hours, appears to decrease the crowds at Epcot. On my past two visits I planned our Illuminations night this way, and on both occasions we were able to snag a fantastic viewing area within fifteen minutes of the show!
I hope this helps to alleviate some of your concerns, Denise. One of the wonderful benefits of being Disney Vacation Club Members is that you know you have many more Disney Vacations ahead of you!
Wishing you Membership Magic!
- Kate