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Disney Changes You Need to Know for October 2023

Halloween Candy
Credit: Disney

If you have a trip planned to Walt Disney World in October 2023, there are some changes you will want to be aware of before you arrive. Some changes won’t be a big deal, while others could significantly impact your vacation experience.

Check out these changes coming to the Walt Disney World Resort this October, and prepare for a magical vacation.

guests experiencing journey of water inspired by moana

Credit: Disney

Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana Opens

We are thrilled that this long-awaited attraction will open in EPCOT on October 16. This interactive walk-through attraction has been under construction for a long time, and finally, next month, guests will be able to experience the magic it has to offer.

Guests can explore the wonders of water as they walk through this attraction. This beautiful, well-themed outdoor attraction allows guests to interact with water features and take a nice, leisurely walk through the experience.

Parents should be aware that there is a splash area for kids. This area will be the perfect spot for little ones to play and cool off during those hot days at Walt Disney World. Be prepared by having extra clothes on hand.

We can’t wait to experience this unique attraction at EPCOT next month.

Related: Disney World Shares New View of “Moana” Attraction at EPCOT 

EPCOT Moana Attraction

Credit: Disney, Canva

Moana Meet and Greet to Open

Along with the opening of the Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana attraction in October, guests will also be able to meet Moana. This all-new meet and greet will take place within the attraction.

Disney has shared that Moana will have her designated area within the attraction to meet guests. As popular as Moana is, we anticipate this meet and greet to be extremely popular. If it is essential to your Walt Disney World experience, you must arrive early and plan to wait.

Disney has yet to release if the meet and greet or attraction will be part of Genie+ when they open in mid-October 2023.

The marquee for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway features blinking bulbs and animated neon depictions of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse welcoming guests into the lobby of the Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is home to the new family-friendly attraction opening March 4, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Credit: David Roark

Disney Parks Closing Early

We recommend you often check the Disney park calendar on your My Disney Experience. Disney is constantly changing and adjusting schedules. Because of this, you can be caught off guard by changes.

For example, on October 17, 2023, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will arrive early. Currently, the theme park has a closing time of 5:00 p.m. This is a drastic change from the standard 9:00 p.m. closing time we typically see at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you plan to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios on this day, you must plan accordingly.

October 17 might be challenging for Disney guests at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom will close at 6 p.m. for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the park closes at 7 p.m. With early closing times at three of the four Disney parks, EPCOT might see a large crowd influx at the end of the evening.

Check the Disney park calendar to see if special events impact the theme park hours.

Disney logo graphic design celebrates 100 years with new details

Credit: Disney

100th Anniversary Celebration

October 16, 2023, isn’t just a big deal for fans of Moana but also for Disney fans. October 16, 2023, will mark the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. Disney announced that EPCOT will host this celebration from September 22 through December 31, 2023.

The celebration includes new magic shots, a platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture, and a fantastic mural. When visiting EPCOT, please stop by and get pictures with Mickey and Minnie dressed in their platinum outfits as they, too, celebrate this monumental anniversary.

mickey's not so scary halloween party mickey mouse pluto donald goofy minnie mouse

Credit: Disney

Ongoing Magic in October

Don’t forget that many magical experiences will continue throughout October. We already mentioned Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom. Celebrate Halloween with this special event that allows guests to get into the holiday by dressing up and trick-or-treating throughout the theme park.

In EPCOT, the International Food and Wine Festival will continue to entice guests with excellent dishes and great drinks throughout the World Showcase. Have fun during the Food and Wine Festival by enjoying Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. This is a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy as you stroll EPCOT.

Work together to find Disney-themed pumpkins throughout the countries around EPCOT.

October 2023 is going to be a magical time at Walt Disney World. From new rides and meet and greets to exciting adventures throughout the parks, guests traveling in October to Walt Disney World will have a fantastic time.

 

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.