WDW days of the week ... during Party season

Question

So another clueless first time WDW vactioner question. Visiting with family this October and trying to pick the best days to visit the various parks. I have read enough to know that Monday is the worst day to do Magic Kingdom, weekend evenings at Epcot are busier, and Animal Kingdom is small and anytime would work. The Halloween party evenings throw another factor to confuse me, as we want to spend at least one evening in MK to see the fireworks/parades.

We will be there 10/4 through 10/10. We have a 5 day hopper tickets, and a tickets to the Halloween party on Tuesday 10/7. Staying at Shades of Green, young kids aged 10, 6, 5.

Sat - AK morning, hop to spend afternoon/evening at MK to see fireworks.

Sun (Halloween Party day, MK early closure) - Magic Kingdom Day - Hop toHollywood Studios

Mon - Epcot Day, Hop to Hollywood Studios

Tues - Rest morning, Halloween Party ticket night

Wen - Rest day, hotel pool

Thur (Halloween Party day, MK early closure) - Magic Kingdom Day - Hop to Epcot

Fri (Halloween Party day, MK early closure) - Magic Kingdom Day - Hop to Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic Show to end trip.

Answer

Planning a Walt Disney World (WDW) trip during the Halloween Party season can be tricky due to park closures, crowd patterns, and special events. Given your dates (10/4–10/10), staying at Shades of Green, and traveling with young children, here’s a detailed perspective on your proposed plan and tips to optimize it.

Saturday 10/4 – Animal Kingdom Morning, Magic Kingdom Afternoon/Evening

This plan is solid. AK tends to be less crowded in the mornings, especially early in the day. Hopping to MK in the afternoon works well for your goal of seeing the fireworks, but be aware that this is a popular time for crowds arriving from resorts and other parks. Consider using Genie+ or Lightning Lane for key attractions to minimize wait times.

Sunday 10/5 – Magic Kingdom Day, Halloween Party Evening

Since MK closes early for the Halloween party, plan your day efficiently. Arrive at rope drop to get in rides with shorter waits. The party ticket allows access later, so you can leave and return for Halloween festivities. For families with kids, enjoy classic attractions early and prioritize must-dos.

Monday 10/6 – Epcot Day, Hop to Hollywood Studios

Epcot weekdays can be busy, but Monday is generally okay. If your kids enjoy rides like Frozen Ever After, plan for those first. Hopping to Hollywood Studios later allows you to catch shows or attractions with typically shorter waits in the evening. Early dinner reservations at Disney Springs or Hollywood Studios can help avoid rush hour crowds.

Tuesday 10/7 – Rest Morning, Halloween Party Night

Use the morning for hotel pool or a relaxed start. This will help kids recharge. The Halloween Party is best approached after 5–6 PM. Focus on trick-or-treating, character greetings, and parade/fireworks viewing. Since crowds at the party can be heavy in certain areas, consider starting at less popular spots.

Wednesday 10/8 – Rest Day

Perfect for downtime. Shades of Green has a good pool area, and children will appreciate the break. You could also explore Disney Springs for a casual stroll, snacks, and shopping without dealing with park crowds.

Thursday 10/9 – Magic Kingdom Day, Hop to Epcot

Another early closure day for the Halloween Party, so similar strategy as Sunday applies. Prioritize morning rides in MK and hop to Epcot in the late afternoon for dinner or a few attractions. Using Genie+ can help maximize your time in both parks.

Friday 10/10 – Magic Kingdom Day, Hop to Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic Show

Ending your trip with MK in the morning and Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic is a great plan. Arrive early to maximize morning attractions and use the hop option to finish the trip with the nighttime show. Make sure to check Fantasmic reservation requirements or dining package options if you want guaranteed seating.

General Tips for Your Trip:

Use Genie+ or Lightning Lane where possible to reduce wait times for popular rides, especially on Halloween Party days.
Book dining reservations in advance to avoid long waits, particularly for character meals or table-service restaurants.
Check park opening/closing times each day as they can change during party season.
Plan for rest breaks mid-day, especially with young kids, to keep the trip enjoyable.
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles, and sunscreen to avoid unnecessary stops.

Overall, your itinerary is well thought out. Focusing on morning attractions at each park, planning for rest during peak afternoon hours, and leveraging park hopping plus Halloween Party access will make the experience manageable and fun for your family.

WDW days of the week ... during Party season

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