12 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in the Fall

Walt Disney World in the fall is one of the best times to visit the parks. With better weather, a festival, a party, and new fall overlays, there is more to see and do this time of year than any other. Add decorations, the Main Street Trolley singers, and new Fall and Halloween Snacks and we’re there. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, cheaper prices on tickets and resorts, and a slew of events and 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.

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. 

Fall at Disney World Details

Okay, so why should you visit in the Fall? If you’re visiting Walt Disney World between August and October, you not only get all things Halloween, but also all things Fall. 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 Disney World Decorate for Fall and Halloween?

When Does Fall at Disney World Start? Fall at Walt Disney World begins the second week of August and lasts through October. Generally, as soon as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts you will see Mickey pumpkin wreaths on Main Street. Fall Snacks filled with pumpkin and apple flavors and new Halloween merchandise. What’s not to love?

What Events are at Disney World in the Fall Months?

The fall months at Walt Disney World include a variety of events that we’ll be sharing here. Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT, Fall into Magic at Disney Springs and the runDisney Wine and Dine Marathon are all part of the spooky season. It’s also the only time of year you can take advantage of things like the Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood Studios.

What Disney Resorts are Good for a Fall Disney Trip?

What Disney Resorts are Good For Fall? While all the resorts have a cheaper per-night stay during the fall months, did you know that there are certain Disney Resorts for Halloween, that are just better? We take into consideration late party nights for MNSSHP, or getting you within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios with this list. Check out the list in the link of all the best Disney Resorts for Halloween so that you don’t have to deal with long bus lines late at night after your festival and party nights. While some resorts, like the Monorail Resorts are 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. 

Cooler Weather

Walt Disney World in the Fall brings cooler weather. Our favorite things about fall at Disney World is the Weather in Florida is Cooler ( and sometimes rainy). In Florida, the weather between August and October, is in the 80’s. You’ll have some cooler nights between 60-70 degreed Fahrenheit, but for the most part, weather is bearable. 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! 

Everything is Cheaper

The costs of a trip to Walt Disney World in the Fall, is often the cheapest you’ll see all year long! August and September in particular have some of the lowest cost resort stays, and ticket prices of the entire year. Even Lightning Lane Passes  are cheaper. And if you’re flying, renting a car of grabbing the bus, all forms of transportation are also cheaper in the fall. From flights to Uber, you’ll be saving more money if you choose the fall as your time to travel. 

Fewer Crowds

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.

Fall Decorations

Parks, resorts, and Disney Springs all get decorated for Halloween starting in mid-August. And you can see fall decorations up until October 31. Beware, because as soon as November 1 hits, everything chances to Christmas. So if you’re visiting for fall, your trip needs to be in August, September or October. 

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. 

Halloween Snacks and Treats

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.

Special Fall Shows

If you’ve read even just a few posts on this blog you know we’re crazy about Magic Kingdom. And during the Fall it’s pure magic. As the Main Street Trolley Show is changed to fit the fall season the Main Street Trolley Dancers sing “The Magic that Can Happen When it’s Autumn”.  Plus the performers get to wear their fall best and even the trolley is decorated. It’s a small thing to love, but we love it nonetheless. And it just fits the whole caramel apple and pumpkin feeling of the park during the fall months. We LOVE it!

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. You can even play Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit! A fun scavenger hunt game that keeps you searching for pumpkins throughout EPCOT. 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

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 at Magic Kingdom! 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.

Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar at Disney Springs

New to the Halloween at Disney World lineup is a Halloween Overlay at Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar! Known for it’s Christmas overlay, we now get classic, if not vintage, Halloween decor, drinks and food to go with our season of spooky. A specialty menu includes everything from Snake Egg Surprise, to Alien Invader Sliders. Be sure to stop by for a drink and a look at this haunting new space. And take a look at Jock Lindseys Hangar Bar Menu for all the ghoulish delights!

Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine

Another exclusive experience you only get at Walt Disney World in the Fall, is at Hollywood Studios. Serving up a buffet meal, you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Goofy over at Hollywood and Vine. This character dining experience is all part of the Halloween fun in the parks this time of year, and does require a reservation. Check out the Minnie’s Halloween Dine details and other seasonal offerings too!

runDisney Wine and Dine Marathon

Only offered during the late fall months, the runDisney Wine and Dine Marathon is all about a weekend run and special foodie options all over the park. Runners can choose from 5K,10K, and half marathon distances and you can dress up! As with all runDisney races, the Wine and Dine Marathon is themed to certain characters. Check out our runDisney Schedule for all the  details on each race. 

Disney Fall and Halloween Merchandise

You can find loads of Disney Halloween and fall themed merchandise in the gift shops in the parks, and Disney Springs. But, one of the best parts about the fall season, is the weather is perfect for just an easy t-shirt. So, why not add a little Disney to your wardrobe with our fall designs in the shop. Check out all the best Disney Fall Outfits for the parks, to show your Disney side. 

Taking a Fall Trip to Disney World

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.