Walt Disney World in the fall brings better weather, a festival, a party, and new fall overlays. Add decorations, the Main Street Trolley singers, and new fall Snacks and we’re there. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, cheaper prices on tickets and resorts, and a slew of activities you can’t get any other time of year, then Fall at Disney World is just what you need. Here’s all the Magic that Can happen When it’s Autumn at Walt Disney World.
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The Magic That Can Happen When It’s Autumn
If you’ve been to Disney World in the Fall then chances are you’ve heard the fun song in Magic Kingdom, that the trolley dancers sing; “The Magic that Can Happen When it’s Autumn.” For us, this embodies, every single thing we love about fall. And when we’re at Disney, well fall gets even better! If you’re on a budget, not crazy about hot weather, can’t handle the crowds, and enjoy fall and Halloween, then we think fall is one of the best times of year to visit Walt Disney World. Mainly because it combines all of our favorite things with things you can’t find the rest of the year! Special holiday shows, Fall and Halloween Decorations, New Fall Snacks at Disney better weather and so much more await.
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World between August and October, you not only get all things Halloween, but also all things Fall. We write a lot about Fall at Walt Disney World simply because we think it’s absolutely the most magical time of year! From Mickey Pumpkin Wreaths to Fall Flavors in menus and snacks, there are a ton of ways to honor Disney World in the Fall during your trip.
When Does Fall at Disney World Start?
Fall at Walt Disney World begins in mid-August. Typically falling in line with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which is offered on select nights starting mid-August. While it’s CRAZY to think that “Fall” starts in mid-August, we’re not complaining. Fall brings Mickey pumpkin wreaths, snacks filled with pumpkin and apple flavors and new merchandise. What’s not to love?
What Disney Resorts are Good For Fall?
You may think it doesn’t matter which resorts you choose on your Disney Fall Vacation, but think again! Depending on the goal of your visit, your Disney Resort choice could make all the difference. While some resorts, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort is in walking distance of Magic Kingdom, making it ideal if you’re attending the late night Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, any of the Disney BoardWalk Resorts are better for the Food and Wine Festival.
Because believe it or not, some Disney resorts are just better in the fall! Just like we love specific Disney resorts at Christmastime, there are also others that we love for the fall. Check out all the Best Disney Resorts for Fall to get a handle on resorts best for your budget, and plans.
Is Fall a Good Time to Visit Walt Disney World?
We LOVE Fall at Walt Disney World for a variety of reasons. Better weather, decorations, new snacks, the Halloween Party, Food, and Wine…so many reasons! If you’re on the fence about when to visit Disney World check our Top 5 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in the Fall. We most like late September for a visit and early October still sees lower crowds and prices.
Disney World in the Fall is a Better Vacation
In addition to the special events and activities at the parks, resorts and Disney Springs during the fall at Disney World, there’s also fundamental reasons we like the fall for a trip to Disney World. The weather better, the crowds fewer and the prices of tickets and resort nights are cheaper.
The Weather in Florida is Cooler ( and sometimes rainy)
Ok guys, when we say the weather in Florida is “cooler” we don’t mean it’s sweater weather. We mean in September it cools down to the high 80s and the humidity is a little less exhausting. That being said, it’s also the rainy season in Orlando. This isn’t always a bad thing because the rain often brings cooling winds a chance to take a break. Walt Disney World in the Rain can still be fun and the mini downpours usually don’t last long. Bring ponchos, and keep them in your Disney Day bag. We’d take a slightly damp and cooler September than the scorching hot months of summer anytime! Enjoy the Disney fall weather in Florida!
The Disney Crowds Are Lighter in the Fall
Walt Disney World is busy. Very busy. But there are certain months throughout the year when crowds are significantly lower in all the parks. If you go in October, the weather is a little cooler and the rain isn’t as bad, but October generally sees higher crowds than September at Walt Disney World. Speaking of crowds, the fall is a great time to avoid them. While there really isn’t an off-season at Walt Disney World anymore, statistics will show that when kids go back to school the Parks are a little less crowded. That doesn’t mean you’ll get to walk right onto Frozen Ever After, but it does mean you won’t have to wait in lines as long. And Advanced Dining Reservations at popular restaurants become a little easier to get.
Disney is Cheaper in the Fall
While Disney World prices are the lowest in January, the second time of year, when you can find lower prices on everything is Fall. The cost of your room at any resort is typically lower during the fall. As are Lightning Lane Passes, Tickets, and all forms of transportation. From flights to Uber, you’ll be saving more money if you choose the fall as your time to travel.
Epcot Food and Wine Festival
As one of Walt Disney World’s most popular festivals at EPCOT, Disney’s Food and Wine Festival runs from mid-July through mid-November and offers cultural cuisines, fun games and foodie challenges, new merchandise, and entertainment! Small dishes can help you stick to your Disney Dining Budget and save money on full-blown meals. Featuring small plates both savory and sweet, we love trying the new cuisines that appear in the World Showcase countries. From the drinks in France to the tacos in Mexico, and desserts in Japan, there is so much to try.
Be sure to browse the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Menus ahead of time so you can plan what to try ahead of time! We highly recommend spending at least 2 days in EPCOT if you’re visiting for the festival, simply so you have a chance to get around to the food booths. In addition to food, you can also experience the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt game, and Emile’s Fromage Montage Challenge. We love this festival for families and Disney Adults alike. We recommend you avoid evenings and weekends, as crowds at Walt Disney World are lower throughout the week.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Magic Kingdom
One of the best things about Fall at Walt Disney World is the chance to ring in the spooky season with Mickey’s Halloween Party! This party does cost extra, but includes fan favorites like the Boo to You Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Fireworks, and more! Running from mid-August through October, this party features experiences you can’t have anywhere else at Walt Disney World. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is one of the biggest events during the fall months and is totally worth the price tag of the extra ticket. And if you’re cringing at the cost of a party ticket, just skip your actual park ticket on the day of the party! While the party doesn’t start until 7 pm, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guests can arrive as early as 4 pm to enter the park.
Disney World Fall Decorations
Parks, resorts, and Disney Springs all get decorated for Halloween starting in mid-August. Of all the parks at Walt Disney World, you can feel fall at Magic Kingdom the most. From loads of Fall Mickey Wreaths to Halloween merchandise filling the gift shops. While pretty fall decorations may not justify the cost of a Disney park ticket, remember that fall brings special experiences you can ONLY experience this time of year. The Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are both fall-only events at Walt Disney World.
Fall into Magic at Disney Springs
Another fall event at Disney World can be found at Disney Springs. Featuring special entertainment, seasonal menus at a variety of restaurants, and a list of Fall and Halloween treats, makes this a one stop shopping experience to get a little more “fall” into your season, without the need for a park ticket. Check our all the details about the Disney Springs Fall into Magic experience.
Disney World Fall Snacks
You can grab new Disney Snacks for Fall and Halloween at Walt Disney not only in the parks but also in Disney Springs. There are Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Main Street Bakery’s Starbucks, candy corn soft serve ice cream at Storybook Treats, and fall flavors everywhere. Some restaurants on Disney property even change up their menu in the fall to more cozy fare. Even the Disney candy and caramel apples get dressed up for Halloween.
Walt Disney World in the Fall
So between festivals, parties, fall snacks, and lower crowds along with all of the magical touches, you can see why we love Disney in the fall. With 3 months from August – October to choose from, there are plenty of “Fall” months to choose from. Dare we say maybe even more magical than the holiday season? While Christmas at Walt Disney World brings loads of magic, it also brings higher costs and tons of crowds. But in the fall, you don’t see those issues quite so much and there are so many festive things to do. We hope this post has been helpful in planning your next Disney World in the Fall Vacation.
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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