Hi, Leah!
I'm so excited for you! October is my very favorite month to visit Walt Disney World, mostly because of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! I mean, where else is it okay for grown-ups to dress up in costume with your children and go trick-or-treating?
Historically, tickets for the Party have gone on sale around the first of May. Keep an eye out on the
Disney Parks Blog for date and ticket sale announcements. You can save a few bucks by pre-ordering your tickets and picking them up at your Resort Hotel or at any Guest Relations location. Park hours are generally announced six months in advance, so it won't be much longer!
There are so many incredibly magical experiences to be had at the Party! Characters are dressed up in their Halloween best and the photo opportunities seem endless! You'll also find shorter waits for most of the Attractions. Our family likes to take advantage of all of the special activities that you don't see during regular Park hours, like the
Disney Villains Dance Mix and Mingle! You can really capture some special photos while interacting with the costumed Characters! Of course, you won't want to miss
Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and
Happy HalloWishes. I recommend the second showing for the Parade if you are able to stay for it because a lot of times, people with little ones leave after the Fireworks.
You will be allowed to enter Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4:00 p.m. with your Party ticket. I suggest having a pool day and arriving right at 4:00 p.m. so you don't have to use a regular Park ticket, you'll also have a better chance at staying out later if you have an easy day, we've found our kiddos to be much more rested that way.
I'm out of room for this answer, but I have more tips if you want to write back in!
Wishing you Pixie Dusted vacation planning!
~Jackie