What to Wear to Disney World in October

Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Allison Lancaster

Heading to Walt Disney World in October? Now is the time to plan exactly what to wear to Disney World in October. As someone who has been to Disney over 15 times in the last three years, I am here to share my top tips and tricks for packing for Disney World in October.

What to Wear to Disney World in October

When it comes to deciding what to wear to Disney World in October, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that the weather in Disney World in October can be a tad unpredictable (hello hurricane season!) and you want to be prepared for a fun-filled trip regardless of the weather.

The second thing to consider is who all you are traveling with. Are you traveling with your significant other? Then maybe you want to pack dressier clothes. Traveling to Orlando with your kids? You’ll want more casual options for chasing your little ones through the parks.

Thirdly, you want to consider what your plans are during the trip. Are you focused on hitting as many rides as possible? If so, you want to focus on comfortable and breathable clothing. Maybe you want to spend an hour or so in the parks shopping and hit up Disney Springs for the nighttime entertainment, in that case, you will likely want a variety of clothing options.

To make sure you’re prepared for your Walt Disney World trip during October, here are some important tips you’ll want to keep in mind when packing for a magical Disney World vacation.

Weather in October in Orlando

The weather in Orlando in October is typically hot and humid but can fluctuate significantly. The average high temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), while the average low is 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). So, not as brutal as the summer months, but cooler weather that makes park days more enjoyable.

However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach into the 90s Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) during the day. You can expect about six hours of sunshine each day, with rain showers possible in the afternoon.

October is still hurricane season so rain jackets and well-made disposable ponchos are a must for your Disney packing list, you won’t want to forget kid-sized ponchos either. I would also recommend packing at least two long-sleeved shirts for the cooler evenings.

I also highly recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast but also remembering that it is Florida and the weather can change at the drop of a hat.

So, just because the weather app calls for 80% chance of rain your entire trip does not mean it will rain your entire trip. We have had trips with an 80% rain forecast for the entire trip and it rained once.

Yes, watch the weather apps but please do not let them cause you to panic.

The Ultimate Guide to What to Pack for Disney World in October

Assuming you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, pack clothing that is light and breathable. Cotton is always a good choice, as it will help keep you cool and comfortable in the heat.

Tank tops are still a great option if you tend to overheat easily. Lightweight shirts and shorts are a great choice for the daytime.

A sweatshirt or light jacket will be perfect for the evening to make sure you’re not chilly. I personally prefer spirit jerseys that you can find in Disney parks.

If you don’t need an extra layer, you can always stash your light jacket or other items in a locker (or stroller if you have one). But better safe than sorry…no one wants to have to leave the park to go back to the hotel room because they weren’t prepared.

If you’re planning to visit a water park or the resort pool (which I highly recommend) during your vacation, be sure to pack a bathing suit and cover-up.

And finally, the most important thing to remember on your Disney vacation is don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you’ll want to make sure your feet are happy. The key to finding comfortable shoes for Disney World is to know your feet. Personally, my feet hurt on top at the end of a long day so I’ve learned that slip-on tennis shoes are best and the most comfortable for me. Your feet may be different so be sure to know what works best for you and to break them in prior to arriving for your vacation.

In fact, it’s a good idea to bring 2 pairs to make sure you’re not stuck with soggy shoes after those central Florida rainy days. Don’t forget an additional pair of socks for each day as well. Make sure that your socks are high-quality and breathable socks.

Packing List for Disney World in October

While there are lengthy lists of things you don’t want to forget when packing for Disney World, as someone who has been multiple times over the last few years, here are the things that you absolutely don’t want to forget when packing for Walt Disney World. This is not a full/all-inclusive list but will get you started. You can view my full Disney necessities list here.

• Anti Blister Balm
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Moleskin
• FuelRod portable phone charger (you can ‘swap’ these out in park for free but they are cheaper to buy on Amazon)
• Small Bottles of Hand Sanitizer
• Small First Aid Kit (if you are flying, make sure that you purchase a TSA approved one!)
• Cooling Patches (these are great to stick on the back of your neck and keep you cooler than cooling towels or neck fans!)
• T-shirts
• Tank tops
• Shorts
• Capri pants
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
• Light sweaters
• Jackets or hoodies
• Breathable cotton clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sneakers
• Sandals
• Sun hats
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Fanny pack or crossbody bag for carrying essentials
• Disney-themed accessories (e.g., hats, ears, pins)
• Ponchos or jackets with hoods (for water rides and rain protection)

Special Events at Disney World in October

When it comes to special events, the fall is one of the best times to visit. October is full of exciting things to do at Disney World. One of the most popular is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which takes place on select nights in October.

Guests are welcome to dress up in their Halloween costumes and enjoy a night of trick-or-treating, rides, and entertainment. Your favorite characters are out in their Halloween costumes too, so be sure to say hello!

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is also taking place in October. This event is perfect for food and wine lovers, with over 30 marketplaces featuring dishes from around the world. No special attire is required for this special event, except maybe stretchy pants. There are so many delicious dishes to try!

There’s no doubt that October is a great time to visit Disney World. With the weather being cooler and special events taking place, it’s the perfect time for a vacation. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!