How to Dress in Disney World in October
October is the PERFECT time to visit Walt Disney World! It is smack dab in the middle of the fall season, and everything is beautiful. All of the fall activities and the Halloween parties are happening, and spooky season is in full swing. This is honestly, one of my favorite times of the year to travel to Walt Disney World. The weather is glorious, Halloween is my favorite holiday, and the Magic Kingdom looks absolutely adorable all decked out in gorgeous fall aesthetic.
What is not to love?
If you have never been to Disney World in October, or never at all, you might be wondering what exactly you should be packing for your trip! What kind of clothes are you supposed to take with you? If you are planning on wearing Disney accessories, what should you bring with you? Is the weather going to affect your packing list in any way?
In this article, we are going to discuss what exactly you need to put on your packing list for your Disney World trip in October. There’s going to be major differences in your suitcase then there would be if you were going during the summer. Some items are going to the same, but there will be differences for sure.
So, what are you packing? Let’s find out!
How to Dress in Disney World in October
Let’s talk first about how the October weather in Disney World will impact what you wear.
The Weather in October
Before we start talking about the packing list specifically for your Walt Disney World trip in October, it is important to talk about the weather that you will be encountering. One reason why you should pick traveling to central Florida in October is because it truly is beautiful. Florida is known for being extremely hot and humid, especially in the spring and summer months.
Not to mention that this is the rainy season. October is when this kind of weather really starts to wane, and actually starts to become super comfortable. Actually, this month is the perfect time to go for those who both hate heat and cold.
One of my favorite Disney World trips was actually taken in October. The weather was absolutely amazing, and I was able to wear pretty much whatever I wanted to. The temperature in October reaches an average of 75 degrees fahrenheit, which is perfect for pretty much any article of clothing that you wish to wear. We will get into this later, but the weather at this time of year is an excellent compromise for everyone.
The average high is 84 degrees (29 degrees Celsius) Fahrenheit, and the average low is 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). This is always when the rainy season at Disney World starts to disappear. It is central Florida, after all, so rain can be extremely imminent, however this especially happens in the summer months.
Now, this does not mean it won’t rain at all in October, but it will not rain as much, nor will the rainstorms last as long. Usually rainstorms show up in the afternoon and only last for about an hour or so, and sometimes they can last even less. The amazing thing about these rainstorms is that after they are over, it is like they never happened. The sun comes back out, and the rain is gone for the rest of the day.
If you have someone in your party who absolutely hates the heat, forget about going in the summer. You need to definitely go in October, because this will also help those in your party who absolutely hate the cold as well. It is right in the middle of the temperature scale while also not having to worry about the rain very much at all. If weather is one of your biggest concerns, you should definitely consider taking your trip in the month of October.
Layers
If October in Disney World calls for anything you bring, it is going to be layers, layers, layers. This is the best piece of clothing advice that anyone can give when it comes to traveling to Disney World in general, but especially this time of year. Because the weather can change at the drop of a hat, it is good to be comfortable while you’re at the parks having fun and not having to worry about the weather you will be too hot or too cold.
Now, we just discussed the weather in October at Walt Disney World and how comfortable it is for guests. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t sweat at all or feel a slight chill every now and then. In the mornings, it can be quite chilly out, and then it will get hotter as the day goes on, only to have the temperature drop significantly again in the evening and nighttime.
Sometimes, people will take a break from the parks and go back to their hotel to refresh and to probably change if they want to. However, chances are you aren’t necessarily going to want to do this because you want to spend as much time in the parks as you possibly can, so you are going to want to bring along any reinforcements you want in order to have them throughout the day.
In the mornings in central Florida, especially in October, can be super chilly. The morning fog and dew on the ground can be beautiful, but not necessarily to walk around in. The sun may be out, but the temperature has dropped exponentially overnight. Obviously, you are going to want to wear a jacket with your outfit that day, at least in the mornings.
It could be a sweater of some kind too, just as long as it is something that can keep the chill off of you so you aren’t freezing in the mornings. Whenever you are choosing this jacket, make sure it is something that you can stuff in your bag you are taking with you or can tie around your waist. The reason I say this is because the day will warm up as it goes on, and you are more than likely to get a little toasty if you keep your jacket on.
Underneath your jacket, you can wear pretty much anything you are comfortable with in temperature that is in the seventies. You can wear a long sleeve, but I suggest you do not wear long pants if that is the case, because you will get too hot. If you do not think you will, that is your decision, but I suggest not wearing both long sleeves and long pants at the same time.
My suggestion to you would be to wear a t-shirt or tank top underneath your jacket or sweater so you won’t be too hot as the day goes on. For those that absolutely cannot stand even the slightest amount of heat, I have seen people even wear tank tops underneath their t-shirt they have underneath their jackets. That way, they have three layers, their jacket, their t-shirt or shirt, and their tank top.
Then as the day cools down, they can put these layers back on. I usually am comfortable with just a jacket and a shirt underneath, but it gives you options the more layers you have. Just make sure that you are comfortable no matter what you wear. Here are some suggestions as what to wear for layers:
- Camisole
- Tank top
- T-shirt
- Cardigan
- Sweater
- Sweatshirt
- Rain jacket
- Jean jacket
The bottom layers can obviously be a bit more tricky, but again, it is whatever you are comfortable with. When I had gone in October, there was one day I wore a t-shirt, high waisted jeans, and flip-flops, and I was as comfortable as can be when it came to temperature. Shorts, paints, skirts, leggings, etc. are all articles of clothing that are comfortable during this time of year.
When it comes to choosing the bottom layers, however, what you want to do is consider the rest of your outfit. For instance, if you are wearing a t-shirt or a tank top (underneath a jacket for the mornings and evenings), then really consider long pants or leggings that day, after you look at the weather of course. If you are wearing a long sleeve, consider shorts or a skirt. Remember, however, everyone is different, and only you know what you are most comfortable in.
For shoes, I strongly suggest that you choose comfortable walking shoes to go to the parks in. Believe me when I say that you are going to be walking a lot. After awhile, your feet are going to hurt, and you are not going to want them to hurt in uncomfortable sandals with no arch, or high heels, or dress shoes. Tennis shoes are your best bet in my opinion. Even sandals that have a cushion and an arch for your foot will do as well.
I have worn flip flops and been comfortable, but they are flip flops that have support for my feet. Any shoes that you tend to put on quickly just to run errands, or exercise, or just because they are really comfortable are the ones that you need to take on your trip with you. If they are comfortable walking around in long hours, these are the shoes that you need to bring.
Even if you are used to walking, your feet are still going to hurt from being on them all day. I walk constantly, even when not on vacation, and my feet are still relieved when I sit down and take breaks during my day at Disney World. If there is one thing you can take away from this, it is to bring comfortable shoes. You will not regret it, I promise you. Also, your feet will thank you.
What Should Kids Wear?
Children can always be a bit tricky when it comes to figuring out what they are going to wear in general. Take them on vacation to central Florida, and it can be even more difficult at times.
Honestly, when it comes to figuring out what your kids should wear, it can be very similar to what you have chosen to wear for yourself. They are going to need layers, just like you will need layers. The only thing is, they will need them even more so because they are smaller, obviously, and will need more protection.
Like I’ve mentioned above, the temperature can change rather rapidly, especially in October. They will need layers, starting with a jacket in the morning. They might not want it at first, but perhaps if it is themed to their favorite Disney character, or maybe it is just one of their favorite things to wear.
This will help to convince them that they need a jacket in the morning, because they definitely are not going to want to be cold. Besides, later, they will probably be able to take it off. Underneath their jacket, they can wear pretty much any shirt they want to wear. I do not suggest them wearing a long sleeve shirt, because I believe it will be a little too hot for them, no matter what they temperature.
I have found that kids do not get as chilly as adults do and do not want to wear as many layers because they want to be comfortable. Now, that doesn’t mean do not give them layers. After all, we know the truth about the weather, and they have to be protected. However, after walking around all day and getting tired, the last thing you want your child to be is uncomfortable and stuffed to the gills in numerous layers. As far as lower layers go, my biggest suggestion would be to put them in shorts.
Jeans might be a little too much for them, and they might feel constricted when it comes to walking around in warmer weather as the day goes on. As long as they have a jacket and stay warm, shorts should be fine for them. I have also found that leggings work as well. This way they are comfortable and stay warm at the same time. Leggings can be breathable too, so they won’t get too hot especially if they wear a t-shirt with them.
For shoes, they definitely need to wear the most comfortable shoes they have as possible. Tennis shoes are their best bet because they will support their feet and are made for walking around for hours at a time. Their feet will start to hurt even faster than yours, and tennis shoes will help with that relief the best. Like I said, you want them to be as comfortable as possible, especially as you near the end of your day at the park. They will be tired, and the last thing you want them to be is uncomfortable.
Fall Events at Walt Disney World
The autumn season has grown to be one of the most popular times for people travel to Walt Disney World. The Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT and Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween party in the Magic Kingdom are two of the biggest and most popular events during the year at Walt Disney World. Along with these events comes even more options when you’re thinking of what to wear in the parks at this time of year.
The Food and Wine Festival is not a separate ticketed event. Different food stands are set up in World Showcase in EPCOT, featuring different exotic foods and drinks from different countries. To learn more about it, check out more information here.
Everyone “travels around the world” sampling different dishes. There are so many options that sometimes people end up doing this the entire time they are at the park. Now, I’m not saying you are going to do this, but a lot of people will wear “themed” shirts for the festival. A lot of people will look on Etsy or even make their own shirts for the occasion.
Also, make sure you are extra comfortable that day. Though little food samples might not seem like a lot to eat, trust me when I say that you will fill up faster than what you think you will. Buying drinks along with your food and trying food from as many “countries” as you possibly can will definitely add up.
The last thing you want to feel is extremely uncomfortable in really tight clothing if you are feeling full. Make sure you wear clothes you feel comfortable walking around in while eating a lot.
The second event in the fall is Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween party at the Magic Kingdom. This is a separate ticketed event in the evenings at the park. One reason why this party is so popular is because you are allowed to dress up for Halloween in the park. Always wanted to dress up like your favorite Disney character? Now is your chance to do so while enjoying the magic of a Disney park itself!
Normally, teenagers and adults are not allowed to dress up in the parks, but the Halloween party allows you too! Now depending on the date in which you are attending the party, you’re going to want to pick something that is comfortable and cooler (I know I sound redundant, but seriously, it is the truth).
The Halloween party usually starts in mid August. Obviously at that time, you are going to want to pick something that is easy to wear and keeps you cool so you aren’t overheating.
In October, there is still a chance it could be really warm, but it won’t be nearly as warm as it would be in August or September. In October, it is a hit or miss, but when I went later in October, I wore a costume with a loose fitting long sleeve shirt and loose fitting pants.
I was super comfortable, and it was a little chilly, but it didn’t bother me too much because I had layers on and prepared for the weather. Check the weather on the day you are going to the party and determine what you are going to be most comfortable with. From there, you can pick a costume that you love and one that won’t make you overheat or freeze.
Dining Reservations
While you’re on your trip, you might decide to try some Walt Disney World restaurant reservations. Depending on the reservation, you might have to find a few different things to wear besides what you where to the parks.
If your dining reservations are at a nicer restaurant, you should go by the same guidelines as what you would wear in the parks. If your reservation is early in the morning or later at night, you’re going to want to dress in warmer clothes.
This is not only because of the temperature outside but also because of the intense air conditioning in the buildings. Layers are definitely a must because you’re going to want to keep the chill off, but you might get warmer as the reservation goes on.
A nice jacket or sweater will go perfectly with a nicer outfit. For men, it is pretty much the same. If they wear a polo for instance, a sweater overtop or a nice leather jacket or windbreaker will go great with an outfit that really isn’t meant for walking around all day.
Nicer shoes are obviously in order for dining at a nice restaurant. Open-toed shoes can be worn if that is what you are most comfortable with, especially if the weather that day is beautiful and warm.
It also depends on how long you expect to be in those shoes. What I mean is, if you are going directly from your dining reservation to the parks, and you are determined not to change, you’re going to want to make sure that you wear shoes that are comfortable yet nice.
Therefore, tennis shoes are not going to go over well with your nice outfit. If you want to, you can definitely bring a change of shoes in your bag if you so wish, however. As long as you are happy, then wear what you would like while also being comfortable.
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