This Week at Disney World: October 19 to 25

Happy Monday! We are officially in the last full stretch of Halloween season, and this is one of my favorite weeks of the whole year at Walt Disney World. The decorations are still up, the weather has started to behave, and the holiday stuff is quietly creeping in around the edges. Here's what I'd keep an eye on. 🎃

What's happening in the parks

Magic Kingdom is in its final party weeks. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights through the end of the month, which means the park closes early to day guests on those dates (usually around 6pm). Check the calendar before you commit to a Magic Kingdom day this week, because an early close can wreck an afternoon plan if you're not expecting it. On non-party days, the Halloween decor on Main Street is still up and photos around the castle in the morning light are so worth the early wake-up.

Epcot still has the International Food and Wine Festival going, and this is the sweet spot: the opening crowds are long gone and the booths are running smoothly. Weekday afternoons around World Showcase are genuinely pleasant right now. Epcot is my pick for a relaxed day this week.

Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are both in a calm pocket before the holiday rush. If you've been waiting to do Flight of Passage without a two hour wait, go at rope drop or in the last hour before close.

Expect crowds to build as the weekend approaches. The last Halloween weekend of the season always pulls people in.

Snacks and merch I'd look for

The pumpkin and candy corn treats are still everywhere, so grab them while you can. Food and Wine booths are worth a slow lap: I always make time for the cheese booth and whatever's new at the Flavors from Fire area. On the merch side, you'll start seeing the first holiday items appear alongside the Halloween clearance. If there's a Halloween spirit jersey or set of ears you've been eyeing, this is the week to buy it. It won't be there in two weeks.

What to wear this week

Highs in the mid 80s, lows in the mid to upper 60s, and finally a little less humidity. That means a light layer for the morning that you can tie around your bag by 11am. I'm wearing shorts or a skort with a breathable top, and packing a cardigan for party nights or a late Epcot evening. Orange and black ears still feel right through the 31st. More ideas in my outfit notes.

One planning tip

If you're here on a party night but don't have a ticket, don't fight the Magic Kingdom crowd. Book an early dinner somewhere else instead. Dining availability at Epcot and the Boardwalk resorts tends to look better on party evenings, and the walk back along the water is lovely in this weather.

Have a wonderful week. 💛