We know that it isn’t even summer yet, but planning for fall at Walt Disney World has already started. If you have a trip planned for after this summer, there are a few things that you will want to be aware of ahead of time.
Fall is a fun time to head to Walt Disney World. Great festivals, Halloween decorations, and decent weather make fall a time for a Walt Disney World vacation. Here are some tips to remember when visiting Walt Disney World this fall.
1. Halloween Starts Early
One of the best parts of visiting Walt Disney World during the fall is the opportunity to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. This special ticketed event happens on select days at Magic Kingdom. Be aware that these parties begin around the middle of August and run through November 1.
Attending this Halloween event is a fantastic option if you want to add extra special magic to your fall trip. Not only do ticketed Guests enjoy spare time in Magic Kingdom with lower waits, but they can also enjoy party-specific experiences.
During the party, Guests can meet unique characters, see the Halloween Boo To You Parade, watch the special firework celebration, and so much more. This is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.
Even if you don’t want to attend the special ticketed event, you will still want to be aware of these parties. Magic Kingdom will close early (typically between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.) to those that don’t have a party ticket. This can impact your Magic Kingdom visit if you aren’t prepared.
2. EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Another wonderful fall event takes place in EPCOT. EPCOT International Fodo and Wine Festival will occur from the end of July through mid-November. This festival brings in a variety of food booths that feature unique cuisine from around the world.
This is a trendy festival, and foodies love trying out all the different dishes created yearly. Schedule a time during your fall trip to enjoy the festival and all it offers. Take time to enjoy the different food booths and the entertainment. This is a great time to explore the World Showcase and all EPCOT offers.
Related: 6 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make When Visiting EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
3. Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Disney hosts a race weekend as part of the Food and Wine Festival. Participants run a 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon throughout the weekend. This is a popular experience as runners come to cheer one another while also having the chance to enjoy the festival.
Even if you aren’t a runner, this is a fun weekend at Disney. The excitement and support that everyone has for their fellow Disney fans is moving. Take time to cheer on the runners if you are in the Parks during this race.
runDisney events are enjoyable and an excellent way to experience Walt Disney World uniquely.
Related: Why Disney Fans Should Consider a runDisney Event
4. Better Weather Overall
When visiting Walt Disney World, there isn’t a time throughout the year when you will get perfect weather. What is nice about later on in the fall is that you will get more ideal temperatures.
Early September will continue to see highs in the 90s with humidity, but nice weather tends to show up as the fall continues. October is when we start to see those more comfortable temperatures show up.
5. Rain Happens
As you plan your fall vacations to Walt Disney World, remember that September is prime hurricane season. Although this doesn’t mean a hurricane will impact your vacation, the chances of rain each day are relatively high.
If you plan a trip during this rainy season in Florida, ensure you come prepared. Have those raincoats and ponchos ready to continue enjoying the magic even while it rains. Rain doesn’t have to ruin your trip if you come prepared.
Related: Having a Magical Time Even When It Rains at Disney
6. Lower Crowds
The idea of having a slow season at Walt Disney World doesn’t exist anymore; however, if you are looking for slightly lower crowds, fall is an excellent time to visit. Typically, September tends to show lower groups. As most kids start school, this isn’t typically when families plan vacations.
You won’t see empty Parks, but slower Parks are possible now. The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving can also be a slower time. Families are typically waiting for Thanksgiving break to take a vacation together.
If you have a flexible schedule, looking at fall for lower crowds will be an intelligent choice.
7. Celebrations
We already talked about Halloween being a fun celebration at Walt Disney World during the fall, but there are a few others to be aware of. Both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT celebrate anniversaries during the fall months.
October 1 is the opening day for Magic Kingdom (1971) and EPCOT (1982). We don’t believe that either Park will be having a large celebration in 2023; there is always something going on to honor the anniversary.
Look for specific merchandise or treats to help ring in another great year at these two fantastic Walt Disney World Parks.
When traveling to Walt Disney World this fall, you will want to know seven facts. Don’t miss out on the extraordinary experiences at Walt Disney World during the fall months.
