Planning a trip to Disney World is not easy, but many people continue to do it, especially around this time of year!

Crowds typically start to ramp up in October ahead of the ultra-busy holiday season, but we can’t blame them — it’s an exciting time to be at Disney World! Disney recently announced a ton of news including the arrival of the Figment meet and greet, a change coming to Haunted Mansion, and an opening date for a big attraction. But what is going on in October at Disney World? You’ve come to the right place to find out!

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our list of the 15 ESSENTIALS you’ll forget to pack. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing!

So what can you look forward to in October? Check it out!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Opens!

The BIGGEST thing happening in all of Disney World in October is the grand opening of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana! This attraction has been in the works for a long time in EPCOT, but it will officially open on October 16th. 

This attraction is an interactive walkthrough that teaches you about the importance of the water cycle.

Previews for Cast Members, Annual Passholders, and DVC Members have been happening and we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek before the big opening day.

Everyone Will Forget This HACK for the Moana Attraction in EPCOT

Moana Debuts NEW Meet and Greet Location

Speaking of Moana, the Journey of Water attraction is not the only exciting announcement for the water-loving princess. Moana will have her own meet-and-greet area in EPCOT!

Right now, you can meet Moana over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and see her in the Adventure Friends Cavalcade in Magic Kingdom, but this meet and greet will be right by Journey of Water. Makes perfect sense!

MORE Details on the New Moana Character Meet-and-Greet in EPCOT

Parks Closing EARLY

Not every day in October is the BEST day to visit Disney World. We recommend avoiding October 17th if you can because two parks are set to close early.

Magic Kingdom is set to close early, at 6PM, but this is expected since Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party happens that night and it is a separately ticketed event. However, Hollywood Studios is also closing early for an unknown reason. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing at 5PM on October 17th.

If you have a park hopper, it may make sense to hit these parks in the morning. We’ve noticed wait times are lower from people avoiding the park but if you don’t mind hopping, it could work in your favor.

You Might Want To AVOID Disney World on October 17th

Catch a Special Performance at Disney Springs

If you want to get in the Halloween mood, you can check out special entertainment in Disney Springs! Go to the Waterside Stage, which will include performances by Squad Ghoul Friday through Sunday from September 29th to October 29th.

Also, over in Town Center, Zombie Drummers and Skeleton Stiltwalkers will roam every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. How cool! Be sure to grab a picture.

We’re BEGGING You To Read This Before Your Next Trip to Disney Springs

Dining Reservations Open for Important Dates

Dining reservations are an important part of planning a Disney World trip, and that’s why we talk about them all the time here on DFB! So we have to warn you that dining reservations open up for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in October.

As a reminder, Advance Dining Reservations open up 60 days before your trip. That means Christmas Eve reservations open on October 25th, while Christmas Day reservations are available on October 26th.

Set your alarms now, because reservations can fill up very quickly!

The Best Restaurants for Christmas Time in Disney World

Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it!