If you’re heading to Walt Disney World in the Fall of 2019 you can depend on some tried and true favorites returning to the parks. Plus add in new experiences, services, restaurants and of course Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and you may be more than overwhelmed! Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss a thing or lose your sanity along the way.
What’s Happening at Walt Disney World Fall 2019
The Disney Skyliner Gondola System Opens
The Disney Skyliner Gondola system is set to open September 29, 2019. See our entire post with tips and details here.
TIP: The gondola system will be traveling from Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach Resort, to stop both at the International Gateway at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. To get first dibs on this transportation considering booking one of these Disney Resorts.
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival Aug 29- Nov 23
Starting Aug 29th, which should help pull at least some crowds into Epcot, this event will feature outdoor kitchens, the Remy Hide and Squeak Game, the Eat to the Beat concert series and a selections of classes, events, and more. Check out our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Beginner’s Guide for navigating the festival . the 2019 Food and Wine Festival Menus are LIVE! See the Menus!
TIP: If this is your reason for visiting Walt Disney World this fall, consider staying at one of the Boardwalk Resorts ( Swan, Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn). This will get you close to the action, without the interference of the heavy crowds arriving for the Star Wars opening. That way, you can just wake up and mosey into Epcot on foot, without competing with everyone else at the buses or monorail or parking lot.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Aug 16 – Nov 1
This special party at Magic Kingdom requires an extra ticket. Arriving earlier than ever, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party begins August 16th. 2019 will premier a new Fireworks Show, with dessert party option. A dinner party package at Tony’s featuring Cruella and a slew of new snacks, overlays and all our favorite dressed up characters. For all our tips on this party, check out our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide.
TIP: If attending this party, know that there is no cap on ticket sales, so the park won’t necessarily be less crowded. Have a game plan before you go. If NOT attending the party, know that Magic Kingdom closes EARLY on party nights. So take a look at the Disney calendar when planning your vacation, so your Magic Kingdom day doesn’t get cut short at 6pm when the park closes to regular guests.
Epcot Forever Opens Oct 1 2019
Replacing Illuminations after it’s final run September 30th, this oddly named (since it’s potentially temporary?) installation takes the place of Epcot’s evening digital show, complete with fireworks on Crescent Lake at Epcot. With state of the art technology, a new soundtrack, fireworks and more this show will come with it’s very own dessert party, for an additional cost, with special viewing locations.
TIP: This show will be brilliant all on its own, so no need to purchase the dessert party package unless you’re looking for something really special. There are so many great viewing areas around the lake, you will get prime viewing without paying the extra.
TIP: If using the Disney buses or monorails plan to leave about an hour after this show ends, (or an hour before it starts if you don’t need to see it ). Plan to spend your time at the gift shops, or Werthers Store instead of waiting in the lines.
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Oct 31- Nov 3
Walt Disney World in the Fall of 2019 has no shortage of events. This runDisney annual event is a runners dream! Register here if you’re hoping to get in on the action. These races fill up fast.
TIP: Crowds for runDisney will quickly fill the parks but then also quickly leave! As many runners are only at Walt Disney World for the race and not a vacation. If vacationing these days avoid Epcot during this time if you can help it. As parts of the race and after party happen in Epcot.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Opens Aug 29
The biggest news about Fall 2019 is the early opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. While we haven’t seen a reservation in place yet like at Disneyland Extra Extra Magic Hours have been set to help with crowd control. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will be phasing in rides. Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run is expected to be open on Aug 29 along with a few shops and eateries. The Rise of the Resistance ride will open later in 2019 ( December is rumored). Read all about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge . We cover menus, shops, restaurants, rides and more.
TIP: Open the My Disney Experience App when you get into Star Wars Land, as a lot of the Immersion experience will take place via your phone.
Toledo at Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower Opens
If you’re looking for a new place to eat, that has a little extra Spanish flare, try Toledo. This new rooftop restaurant features Spanish inspired Tapas, small plates, and drinks. Open summer of 2019, this restaurant at Coronado Springs offers a great way to get away from the crowds. Three Bridges Bar and Grill is also opening at Coronado Springs this summer. This small restaurant will sit on the lake at Coronado Spring, accessible by the walkways.
TIP: Book your reservation now! You can add it on your My Disney Experience App. This restaurant’s rooftop rival, California Grill at The Contemporary, books fast! So we can expect the same for this new restaurant as everything starts becoming booked for Fall 2019.
Takumi Tei in Epcot Japan Opens
Japan, Epcot already features a great Hibachi at Teppan Edo and classic dining at Tokyo Dining, but we were thrilled to see a traditional tea service and artisan food lineup added to the Takumi Tei menu. Epcot Japan’s newest restaurant opens late Summer 2019.
TIP: Plan a later dinner around 7:30/8pm. With the light show on crescent lake, Illuminations, retiring and the new show, Epcot Forever opening Oct 1, the Japan area gets you great views of this evening show. Might as well plan to be close to the action when it starts!
Regal Eagle Smokehouse Craft Drafts & Barbecue in Epcot America Opens
Replacing Liberty Inn at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, this new BBQ smokehouse is sure to be better than the former “fast food” joint that epitomized America in the World Showcase. No opening date yet announced, but it’s set to be ready for late Fall 2019.
Extra Extra Magic Hours Aug 29 and Nov 2
If traveling to Walt Disney World in the Fall of 2019 get ready for 4 months of early hours! The parks are opening EARLIER to help manage the influx of crowds expected. Take this info into consideration when planning your vacation.
Hollywood Studios
From Aug 29- Aug 31 Hollywood Studios will be open for ALL GUESTS at 6 am. Afterwards Extra Extra Magic Hours will kick in as follows.
- When: Sept 1- Nov 2
- Time: 6 am-9 am
- Who: Disney Resort and Select Hotel Guests
- What: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and select attractions will be open
Magic Kingdom
- When: Aug 29- Nov 2
- Time: 7 am-8 am
- Who: Disney Resort and Select Hotel Guests
- What: Fantasyland and Tomorrowland attractions and select attractions will be open
Animal Kingdom
- When: Aug 29- Nov 2
- Time: 7 am-8 am
- Who: Disney Resort and Select Hotel Guests
- What: Pandora: World of Avatar and select attractions will be open
Closings at Epcot Begin September 8, 2019
Epcot Changes 2019
Closings across the front of Epcot are slated to begin September 8th. This includes the removal of Character Spot, Innoventions East, Colortopia, Nanooze Break, Club Cool, Electric Umbrella, the Fountain View Starbucks, Art of Disney, and the Camera Center underneath Spaceship Earth.
Everything Happening at Walt Disney World in 2019
If you haven’t taken a look at our roundup post of all the 2019 plans at Walt Disney World, it’s time to dive in.
- Everything Opening in 2019 at Walt Disney World
- New Snacks at Walt Disney World 2019
- Everything New Coming to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
- Everything New for the 30th Anniversary at Hollywood Studios for 2019
If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World this fall, know that while you’re in for a treat there will be crowds, lots and lots of them. You can best prepare to manage the chaos by getting a few things figured out ahead of time. Check out our TOP 5 TIPS for any Disney vacation.
And for even more of our favorite things, read up on our fall favorites that happen every year at Disney.
