7 Things to Know Before You Visit Disney World in the Fall

Fall is one of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. I love Halloween, and seeing all the pumpkins, leaves, and other fall decorations around the parks puts me in a super festive spirit! Aside from the atmosphere, I also love the events that take place during the fall season- there’s a lot to see and do at Disney from September to December. The best part is that you can usually experience everything with more pleasant weather and slightly fewer crowds. Here are the top things to remember when visiting Disney World in the fall.

7 – Nicer Weather in Late Fall

While Orlando can still get pretty hot in the fall, you can generally expect milder temperatures even going into December. In the summer, Orlando is known to get unbearably hot. In September, you can expect temperatures to still be in the lower 90s through the end of the month. October is a transition month, beginning with hotter temperatures and ending with generally much more comfortable temperatures. During late October through early December, you can usually expect temperatures between 75-85 degrees during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. Of course, predicting the weather is always tricky, so monitor the forecast for Orlando in the few weeks leading up to your vacation. Be prepared for cooler weather, but don’t leave behind those hats, sunglasses, and bottles of sunscreen just yet.

6 – Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom

One of the best things about planning a fall trip to Disney World is the option of attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Starting in mid-August and lasting until November 1^st, the Halloween event is separately ticketed in the Magic Kingdom. You can celebrate Halloween in costume at the event while most rides and quick-service food locations remain open. There are trick-or-treat stations around the park where you can load up on candy and usually see unique characters. The party includes a Halloween-themed parade, a stage show, a fireworks celebration, fun photo opportunities, and merchandise. The Magic Kingdom Halloween-themed event is a great way to get into the fall spirit. Click here to learn more about the party! Still, even if you don’t attend, Halloween decorations are situated throughout all parks and resorts during this time of year.

5 – Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Another fun event that occurs during the fall is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. The festival runs from late August to mid-November, so you’ll have plenty of chances to visit if your vacation falls during one of those months. The Food and Wine Festival includes park admission to Epcot and consists of plentiful booths around the World Showcase. Each booth represents a different country or ingredient/cooking style and serves food in snack-size portions. This festival is definitely something to check out if you’re in Disney during the fall season!

4 – Wine and Dine Half-Marathon

For those who feel like working out after indulging at the Food and Wine Festival, the Wine and Dine 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon take place in November. This event is a popular weekend for runners, as the races provide courses through the parks and interactions with Disney characters, special entertainment, and an after-hours Post-Race Party just for runners and their guests (with access to Epcot’s attractions and Food and Wine Festival). Families of runners can cheer them on. Disney also offers a Two-Course Challenge. Sign-ups start in spring, so if you’re interested in participating, make sure to keep an eye on the Disney website!

3 – Walt Disney World’s Anniversary

Magic Kingdom and Epcot both opened on October 1^st (Magic Kingdom in 1971 and Epcot in 1982). Both parks usually hold small celebrations to commemorate the occasion.

2- Lower Crowds

While it’s true that there really is no “slow” season anymore at Disney World, early fall generally brings lighter crowd levels. Historically, September has shown to be the best month to visit Disney World since kids will have gone back to school. It gets busier as Halloween approaches and then slows down again (slightly) in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving as most families plan their trips during the holiday season. If you visit during the fall, you can’t expect the parks to be empty, but you also won’t have to deal with the number of people that the summer months typically bring.

1- September is Rainy Season

I think this is one of the most important things to remember if you visit Disney World in the fall. Many guests who live out of state expect rain in the summer but don’t realize that storms can be just as prevalent in the fall. September is the height of Orlando’s rainy season, and guests should prepare themselves for daily afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane season also lasts until late November, so you’ll want to check the weather forecasts before your trip. However, don’t let the chance of thunderstorms dampen your visit! Rain drives crowds away and gives the weather a chance to cool down. I always have a blast visiting the parks during September – it truly is one of the best months to visit, rain or shine.