Visiting Walt Disney World in Fall

Visiting Walt Disney World in the fall can be a truly magical experience for anyone. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, and Magic Kingdom magically transforming from Halloween to Christmas overnight combine together to make it a special time to be in Orlando.  Why should you visit Walt Disney World in the fall?

There are so many reasons why visiting Walt Disney World in the fall has become very popular. It’s definitely my favorite time of year to visit! As soon as the fall decor, foliage, and Mickey pumpkins go up on Main Street, you know it’s fall at Walt Disney World! “Fall” at Walt Disney World is mid August through the very end of October. Guests who have a stay between Halloween and the first week in November will see Magic Kingdom change from fall to Christmas literally overnight!

Visiting the Parks in Fall

There are a lot of perks to visiting the theme parks in fall. First, the Walt Disney World parks are less crowded overall.  While most of the midwest is back in school, in the midst of football and marching band season, that takes the crowd level down.  The Disney parks won’t be empty, but you certainly won’t see the July/August crowds.  If you want to visit in fall, try for September. It is the least busy of the fall months. Guests cannot expect to just walk onto popular attractions, but the waits are MUCH lower than the busy summer and holiday months.

The cooler weather makes the theme parks more manageable. It is still nice and warm, and sunny.  Plus, you can swim and enjoy your resort activities.  September can be quite humid and rainy. As we move into October and early November, the weather is especially nice. However, the fall weather in Orlando is all around more pleasant than the hot summer months. It gets dark a bit sooner, so that makes the evenings cool and very pleasant in the theme parks.

Keep in mind that the Magic Kingdom will close early on select nights for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. This can affect your plans a bit, so it is good to be aware of those dates when planning your Disney Dining Reservations and park days.  

Magic Kingdom in Fall

The special events are a “must do” while visiting Walt Disney World in the fall. I am of the mindset that if you are in Orlando during a party or even at Walt Disney World, you should try to go!  This means an extra expense for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, as it is not included in your theme park ticket. However, this only take place during the fall season, and is so much fun! When else can you trick or treat on Main Street and see “Boo to You”?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party means more park time.  Guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4PM with a party ticket.  The party starts at 7, and ends at 12AM.  That gives you almost 8 hours of park time!  Plus, the crowds are lower as the park empties and party guests enter. Many rides are a walk on, plus you get the fun extra experiences that come with the party ticket. These include trick or treating, parades, fireworks, and characters in exclusive themed costumes!

The fall decor makes the Magic Kingdom more picturesque.  This makes for great MemoryMaker photos, and a fun and magical atmosphere to the Magic Kingdom. Not only is there special decor, but also fun treats!  Even if you are not attending a Halloween party, you can still purchase exclusive fall themed treats and merchandise in the shops and restaurants.

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Beginning in mid July, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival occurs until mid November. This event is complimentary, and is very popular!

Guests do not need an extra ticket for Food and Wine. Unlike Mickey’s Not So Scary, it is included with your theme park ticket. During this time, there are exclusive menus and activities for guests to enjoy. Most of this is in World Showcase, however there are often food booths and activities in other areas of the park.

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival gives guests the opportunity to try amazing food and drinks from all around the world. Also, there is a themed scavenger hunt for kids, as they make their way around trying various foods and collecting stickers to turn in for a prize.

Guests definitely know it’s “spooky season” when the pumpkin Mickey wreaths are hung along Main Street USA and when the food booths go up in World Showcase! It isn’t too late to plan a getaway to Walt Disney World for the fall months!  Will your family be visiting Walt Disney World in fall?