October at Disney World might seem like the perfect time to visit — the weather is cooler, the Halloween vibes are in full swing, and the parks are decorated in their fall best.

Walt Disney World entrance

But it’s also a month full of closures, construction, and schedule changes that can seriously throw off your plans. Today, we’re breaking down the Disney World mistakes you’ll want to avoid in October so you don’t end up frustrated instead of festive.

Forgetting About Ride Closures

The biggest mistake you can make in October is showing up at Disney World expecting to ride all your favorites, only to find out some of them are closed. This month is a tricky one for refurbishments, and a few big-name attractions will be unavailable.

Kali River Rapids

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids will be closing on October 6th for its annual refurbishment. Normally this water ride goes down in January, but this year the schedule has been moved up. It’s not expected to reopen until December, so if you were hoping to get in a last splash before the weather cools down, that won’t be an option.

Construction at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Magic Kingdom fans are going to feel the impact of not one but two big closures. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 6th, 2025, for a massive multi-year refurbishment. It won’t reopen until 2026, and it’s not just a quick refresh. Disney is working on enhancements that will connect Big Thunder Mountain with the upcoming Villains Land and other projects in the area, meaning construction around Frontierland is going to be significant.

Closed for Refurbishment

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also closed for a major overhaul. The attraction shut down in August 2025 and isn’t set to reopen until sometime in 2026. When it comes back, guests will see an entirely new scene featuring a new character named Buddy, brand-new ride vehicles, interactive targets, and upgraded blasters. It’s going to be exciting when it reopens, but for now, Tomorrowland is down one of its family-friendly rides.

Inside Spaceship Earth

Over in EPCOT, Spaceship Earth has been closed since late August for a routine refurbishment. The good news is that it’s expected to reopen later this year, but Disney hasn’t given an exact date yet. That means if you’re visiting in October, there’s a decent chance this icon will still be off-limits.

Not Factoring in Construction

Another mistake that can catch you off guard in October is underestimating just how much construction is happening across Disney World. Magic Kingdom is in the middle of preparing for its new expansion, which will bring Piston Peak and Villains Land to the park. That means construction walls are up, and areas around Frontierland and Liberty Square might feel crowded or blocked off.

Walls near the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom

At Animal Kingdom, work is in full swing on the Tropical Americas project, which is replacing DinoLand U.S.A. If you’re used to spending time there or hopping on Dinosaur, you’ll need to adjust your plans. Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is starting construction on its upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land, which is replacing Muppets Courtyard. Expect walls, detours, and some rerouted foot traffic around that area.

The sign has been covered!

Construction might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can really change the flow of the parks. Walkways may be narrower, crowding can feel worse, and your usual shortcuts might be blocked. If you don’t plan for that, you could find yourself losing precious time just trying to navigate.

Forgetting About Party Nights

Finally, if you’re planning a Magic Kingdom day in October, don’t forget about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. On party nights, the park closes early to guests who don’t have a party ticket. That means if you’ve booked a day at Magic Kingdom and don’t have a ticket to the party, your evening will end much earlier than expected.

The party map!

Party nights are amazing if you’ve bought tickets — the parades, exclusive snacks, and character meet-and-greets are top-notch. But if you’re not going to the party, you’ll want to avoid booking Magic Kingdom on those days, or at least manage your expectations. It’s a common mistake for guests to assume the park will be open until its normal closing time, only to get caught off guard when Cast Members start ushering them out around 6PM.

The Bottom Line

October can be a magical time at Disney World, but it’s also packed with closures, construction, and special events that make it more complicated than it looks on paper. The mistake you’ll want to avoid is walking in unprepared. Know which rides are unavailable, anticipate construction walls, and check the calendar for party nights before locking in your park plans.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2025

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

---

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Are you planning a trip to Disney World this October? Let us know in the comments!