Best night for fireworks in October at WDW

Question

We are going to WDW in October, and because of the Halloween Party, there are only three nights we have a chance to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks and new night time parade, Saturday 10/4, Monday 10/6, and Wenesday 10/8. I was told that days surrounded by party days create bad crowds for those between. Saturdays are extra bad for weekend residents coming in, and Monday is the worst because many start their trips on that day, but that Wednesdays are typically busier as well. Given all that, would anyone argue that the Wednesday October 8th is probably the best day we should brave the crowds and stay late?

Answer

Great question! It’s definitely true that crowd patterns around Halloween events at Walt Disney World (WDW) can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to fireworks and parades at Magic Kingdom. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Based on your observations, the weekends surrounding the Halloween parties tend to bring in large crowds, as many local residents and tourists from other areas are flocking to the park. You’re correct that Saturdays are typically the busiest because it's the start of the weekend, and many guests arrive for the Halloween parties. Mondays are also tricky because it’s a popular day for many families to start their trips, so crowds can be thick, and that’s compounded by the fact that many guests will be arriving for the parties later in the week. This often creates a ripple effect of higher-than-usual crowd levels through the surrounding days.

Now, as for Wednesday, October 8th, it does sound like a good option for a number of reasons:

Mid-week advantage: Wednesdays are generally less crowded than Saturdays or Mondays, as many families arrive over the weekend or at the start of the week. By Wednesday, the weekend crowd is often thinning out, and the new arrivals are typically there for the party, so the park may feel a little less congested.
Good chance to enjoy the nighttime entertainment: Since there are fewer guests in the park compared to the weekend or Monday, you'll likely have a better chance to enjoy the fireworks and parade without the crowds piling up at the same time. You’ll have a better viewing experience overall.
Longer park hours: Disney typically has extended hours during the week, especially in October, which means you'll have more time to enjoy the park and the fireworks display later in the evening.

However, it’s important to note that Wednesdays are not entirely "slow" during the Halloween season, and while the crowds may not be as heavy as weekends or Mondays, they can still be substantial due to the proximity to the weekend parties. But in your case, it seems like a reasonable choice to go with the flow of the mid-week crowd and enjoy the nighttime events.

In summary:

Wednesday, October 8th is likely your best bet, given the overall crowd patterns. The crowds may be lighter than the weekend and Monday options, and it will still give you a good chance to catch the fireworks and parade with fewer people around.
Be sure to arrive early for a good spot, as the crowds will still gather for the fireworks despite the lower attendance compared to weekends.

Good luck, and have a magical time at WDW!