Hi Lina,
Welcome to planDisney! I’m excited to hear you’re planning a visit to Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this October with your family and even more thrilled to know it’ll be your little one’s first time! There’s nothing quite like experiencing Walt Disney World through the eyes of a child, and I have a feeling this trip will be full of memories you’ll treasure forever. While planDisney can’t book anything on your behalf, we’re a group of Guests just like you who love helping others navigate the magic, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.
When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, there are a few key decisions to make first: where to stay, what type of ticket to purchase, and whether to add a dining plan. Since you've already circled the weekend of October 11th, you're off to a great start. That time of year is one of my personal favorites with slightly cooler temps, festive fall décor, and that unmistakable Halloween charm.
Choosing the right
Disney Resorts Collection hotel can elevate your visit. Resorts are grouped into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The differences come down to things like location, theme, transportation, and amenities. For families with young children, I often recommend Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Value), the larger-than-life theming is a hit with little ones, and access to the Disney Skyliner makes park travel fun and easy. For a Moderate option, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is peaceful, scenic, and offers convenient boat transportation to Disney Springs. If you're looking to stay a bit closer to the magic, Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Deluxe) is just a short walk to Magic Kingdom, perfect for mid-day breaks or early mornings with your five-year-old explorer.
Since your plans include Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the
2-day, 1 Park Per Day Ticket will likely be the most cost-effective and simplest option. Florida residents also have access to some great ticket offers and specials throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on the
Special Offers, Deals & Discounts page as your travel dates approach.
As for dining plans, there are two available: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan. For a short visit like yours, I usually recommend going without a dining plan so you have the flexibility to snack and dine wherever your adventures take you. Magic Kingdom is full of family-friendly dining!
Now, here’s where the park planning kicks in:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. These allow you to spend less time in line and more time soaking in the magic. At Magic Kingdom, I’d suggest booking a Multi Pass and selecting Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion. These are timeless favorites with immersive stories, and they're perfect for a little one’s first visit. Over at Hollywood Studios, consider attractions like Toy Story Mania! and Alien Swirling Saucers for younger Guests, while the adults might want to add The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to their lineup.
Lina, I hope this helps get your planning off on the right foot. Once you’ve settled on your resort, tickets, and any extras, you can start building your itinerary using the
Disney Vacation Planning page.
If you have any more questions,
submit another question.
Brent