What to Wear to Disney World in October

Planning an October trip to Disney World? Find out what to pack and wear so you’ll be prepared!

Wondering what to wear to Disney World in October? We’ve got you covered with this list of everything to pack for an October Disney trip!

Mickey pumpkin decoration found at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World in October

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here.

Are you planning a visit to Disney World in October but aren’t sure what to wear? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Maybe you’re planning your vacation to take advantage of special events, such as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Or maybe you’ve decided to spend Fall Break at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Either way, we’re sharing our top picks for what to pack for your Disney trip so you’ll be prepared.

We’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trip, including what to wear, what to pack, and any dress code restrictions you should be aware of.

We’ll also explore crowds and what to carry into the parks to make your trip more enjoyable.

pumpkin decoration in front of the Walt Disney World Railroad during October

Disney Weather in October

First of all, let’s talk about the weather.

October is a great month to visit Disney World as the weather tends to be mild and comfortable.

In fact, many would say it’s the best time of year to plan your vacation!

During the day, average high temperatures usually range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-29 degrees Celsius), which is much milder than the summer months!

However, it’s important to note that temperatures can drop significantly during the evening, and mornings at rope drop can be quite chilly.

So it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater.

Not only that, but October is still part of hurricane season in Florida, meaning there’s always a chance of rainy days in central Florida.

How busy is Disney World in October?

Another important thing to consider when planning a trip to Disney World is how busy it will be.

October is usually one of the less busy months for the Disney parks, but crowds can still pick up on weekends and popular Fall Break times.

It’s also worth noting that many people spend Halloween at Disney World, so plan accordingly if you’ll be visiting around late October.

But generally speaking, it’s a good time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, thanks to good weather and slightly smaller crowds.

Mickey's Boo to You Halloween Parade sign

What to Wear to Disney World in October

Now that we’ve covered the weather and what to expect with crowds, let’s talk about what to wear.

Of course, some of this will boil down to personal preference, so use these suggestions as a guide.

1. Comfortable Shoes

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’ll definitely want to be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

Walking all day and standing in long lines means you need to take care of your Disney feet!

We have a whole list of the best shoes for Disney World, including sandals and sneakers, so you can enjoy the day in comfort.

Be sure to check out our list of the best socks for Disney World to help prevent blisters at Disney World.

2. A Warmer Layer

Because the weather can be chillier in the early mornings and evenings, we recommend bringing along a warmer layer.

This could be a sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket.

You want it to have enough weight to it that it will be warm in cooler temperatures, but not so bulky that you can’t tie it around your waist or roll it up into your Disney backpack.

Of course, you could always buy one in the Disney gift shops, but if you’re trying to do Disney World on a budget, you may want to just bring something from home.

Or, plan ahead for the cost and let it be one of your Disney splurges and a fun souvenir!

3. Rain Gear

Because rainy days aren’t out of the question, we recommend bringing one of these ponchos for Disney World to have on hand.

Also be sure to check out our tips for enjoying Disney World in the rain!

4. Swimsuit

While many parts of the country are too cold for swimming in October, it’s typically still warm enough in Orlando to swim.

So be sure to pack your bathing suit!

5. Comfortable Shirts

When visiting Disney World in October, it’s important to wear breathable and comfortable clothing.

Choosing one of our favorite Disney Halloween shirts is always a good idea!

Opt for lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen, and avoid heavy materials like denim.

Since you’re probably going to be layering with a sweater or sweatshirt, you may want to stick with a comfortable short-sleeve or sleeveless shirt/tank top to wear under your jacket, so you don’t get too hot.

I prefer looser, more flowy shirts for keeping cool when it’s warm, or athletic shirts are another comfortable option.

You could even do matching family t-shirts for Disney or matching couples shirts!

6. Shorts, Pants, or Leggings

Chances are pretty good that most days of your trip will be warm enough to wear shorts instead of long pants.

But it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast ahead of time to see if it’s worth packing some.

If you want to pack pants, I recommend comfortable pants that are easy to move in, like linen or athletic material, rather than denim.

Be sure to check out our favorite Disney leggings–they’re SO cute for wearing around the parks!

7. A Hat and Sunglasses

A hat and sunglasses are always a good idea as the Florida sun can be quite strong, even in the fall.

Although the weather is mild, it’s still important to protect yourself from the sun. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to avoid burning.

Dress Codes at Disney World

It’s also important to note that Disney World has a park dress code.

Because it’s considered a family-friendly environment, “barely-there” clothing or offensive clothing items are not permitted.

Additionally, clothing that drags the ground is not allowed, as it poses a safety hazard.

Keep in mind that costumes are not allowed for guests over the age of 14, unless they’re attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

For that special event, there’s a separate dress code policy for Halloween costumes.

So on a regular park day, it’s fine for your younger kids to dress up as their favorite characters, but adults can’t wear costumes.

Some restaurants at the park have a specific dress code. To avoid being turned away, research each restaurant’s dress code before your visit.

The most important thing is to use good judgment and not take chances–you don’t want to end up in Disney jail!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed in Halloween attire at Disney World in October

Packing for Your Trip

When it comes to packing for your trip, it’s a good idea to bring a backpack or bag to carry your belongings.

We suggest investing in a comfortable and practical bag. Our favorites can be found below:

Once you have your bag picked out, you’ll need to consider what to pack!

Check out the following resources for packing:

Here’s a short packing list of items you’ll want to consider packing in your park bag at Walt Disney World:

Wipes
Hand sanitizer
First aid items
Refillable water bottle
Park bag
ID, medical card, and bank card or credit card
Ponchos
Sunglasses & hat
Sunscreen
Broken-in, comfortable shoes
Change of clothes for kids, zip-lock bags to put their dirty or wet clothes in
Snacks and cups or water bottles
Camera & extra batteries

What to Bring to Disney in October

So there you have it – everything you need to know about what to wear, pack, and expect at Disney World in October.

With a little bit of preparation and the right clothing, you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience at the most magical place on Earth!

Enjoying a Walt Disney World vacation during the month of October can be a great time for fun in the sun.

With mild weather and lighter crowds, it’s an excellent opportunity to experience all that Disney World has to offer.

We hope our guide on what to wear, pack, and expect at Disney World in October helps you plan your magical trip!

Find More of Our “What to Wear” Guides:

Be sure to save this list to your Disney planning board on Pinterest!