Fall at Walt Disney World

Between the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, spooky Halloween treats, and cooler temperatures, October is one of our favorite times of the year to visit Disney World!

It is also a lot of other people’s favorite time to go and what used to be a quiet month is now one of the busiest. Not to worry I am here to keep you ahead of the other ghosts and goblins.

Here are the special events, weather, and more you need to know if you’re planning a vacation this spooky season!

EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

I absolutely recommend taking the time to explore the Food and Wine Festival during your fall trip!

It may be fun to “taste your way around the world” by grabbing small bites from the MANY food booths.

In order to have the stomach capacity to try everything you want I recommend splitting your EPCOT visit into multiple days.

This food aficionado’s paradise is full of delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits, and other beverages sure to satisfy every palate—from over 20 individual marketplaces including Hawaii, Brazil, and the Alps.

For those looking for something special, you may want to look at this year's slate of celebrity chefs.

These visiting chefs host a variety of daily demonstrations, Party for the Senses grand tasting experiences, beverage and cheese seminars, and other events, all of which are a big part of the festival.

Returning favorites include Alex Guarnaschelli, Robert Irvine, Masaharu Morimoto, Buddy Valastro, Carla Hall, and my favorite, Art Smith.

On the entertainment front, you can catch some of your favorite performers at the free Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Festival favorites include Plain White T’s, Sugar Ray, Hanson, Sheila E., and Boyz II Men.

If you don’t want to waste park time waiting for a seat you can purchase an Eat to the Beat dining package which includes priority seating with your dinner at select restaurants.

There is also a Disney du Jour Dance Party in Future World where on weekdays a DJ will perform; on Fridays and Saturdays, Radio Disney personalities pump up the mix with live performances.

But this event isn’t just for adults, family activities include the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt and the Family Play Zone.

The popular Candy Sushi interactive experience is also a favorite, offering guests the chance to learn how to roll sweet sushi treats with a Disney Chef.

MICKEY’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Another festive occasion that starts this time of year is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

This extra ticket event begins in mid-August and runs through October (sometimes November) on select evenings at Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties feature a bunch of exclusive snacks, free candy via trick-or-treating of course, and special character meet and greets!

There’s also Mickey’s-Boo-to-You parade, dance parties, merchandise, and Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks!

WEATHER

Even though fall where you are usually means cooler temperatures, you’ll probably need different gear than sweaters and boots when you’re in central Florida!

The high temperatures in the fall tend to hit the mid-80s, so be sure to pack enough shorts and t-shirts to keep you cool during the day!

But, even though the afternoons can get pretty warm, be prepared for chilly temps in the early morning and evening!

BEFORE YOU GO

September is considered to be one of the “slow seasons” for Disney World.

But with fewer crowds also comes shorter hours at the parks.

You’ll likely see many of the parks close around 8 PM or 9 PM as opposed to the midnight or later closings that are more common in the summer or during Spring Break.

With the Halloween party on select nights at the Magic Kingdom the park may close as early as 6 pm.

If you are ready to start planning that Fall trip or have questions, feel free to reach out to sarah@pinkcastletravel.com