Hello there Marybeth,
Welcome to planDisney! Thank you for visiting with your question. Your Disney World vacation will be here before you know it... how exciting! I love that you live in Florida, that certainly gives you an arrival-day travel edge. I hope you can take advantage of the awesome perk being offered to Disney Resort guests this year, of
free admission to a water park on check in day!
I often reference that helpful
Parks Operating Calendar for insight on planning our trip itinerary. You're right, because it typically only posts park hours, firework times, and parade schedules around 2 months in advance... that first week in October has not yet been posted. So while there are no guarantees, we can take into consideration what we DO know.
We DO know that this fantastic nighttime parade
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away just debuted a couple of weeks ago, and is a huge success!
We DO know there's so much excitement and demand to see the new Starlight parade, that since it's debut Disney has been scheduling two nightly performances.
I recently answered another guest question about dates in August saying "no parades today" on that parks calendar. But by the time I answered her question a couple of days later, Disney Starlight parade times had been added for her trip dates. In that case, it appears Disney waited until closer to the date to add parade times. I'm guessing this is what you will also experience.
At this time, although they've posted park hours, I'm actually seeing no parade or fireworks times for any September dates. That's a bibbidi bobbidi bummer, right there! However, I really don't think this is the final schedule. I believe the parade and fireworks details are yet to be finalized.
You are also correct, they likely won't present Disney Starlight on evenings where Magic Kingdom is holding Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. That special ticketed event is currently scheduled for September 30, October 2, 3, and 5.
When we add up all these magical and not-so-magical clues... I feel strongly that you'll see some Starlight parade times added as the time grows nearer, and that your best bet will be October 1 or October 4th to see it. All we need is a little faith, trust, and pixie-dust right Marybeth?
I wish I had a more definitive answer for you. Please keep an eye on that calendar, and I'll be wishing upon a star for you to get to experience this twinkling, magical wonder of an experience soon! Send me a
message at planDisney if I can help with any other planning details for your trip.
See ya' real soon!
Tami