6 Reasons Why Fall 2023 is the Perfect Time to Visit Disney World

As summer wanes, the fall season ushers in a variety of enticing family experiences at Walt Disney World in Florida. In 2023, fan-favorite seasonal celebrations will return with new festive and delicious offerings for guests of all ages to enjoy. Keep reading to learn why fall is a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World!

1 – Enjoy Haunting Halloween Festivities at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park brews delights from entertaining parades and exclusive character photo opportunities to scary-good treats. The special-ticket event is offered on select nights from August 11 to November 1 after normal park hours from 7 p.m. to midnight.

New for 2023, partygoers can see Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” in Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade.

Thirty scrumptious, specially themed fall and Halloween treats will be offered throughout the park. Select treats will be exclusively available for purchase at the party, while others will be offered to Magic Kingdom guests during regular hours.

Guests can trick-or-treat their way through the park and indulge in delicious Mars sweets like SKITTLES, SNICKERS and M&M’S, while dressed in their happiest, not-so-scary Halloween costumes.

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, The Seven Dwarfs return this year for event-exclusive photo opportunities. Enchanting entertainment abounds as a spirited pirate band takes over Adventureland with spooky sea shanties.

Pop-up parties – featuring Max Goof and his Powerline party pack – will appear throughout the park before the troupe dances its way onto Main Street, U.S.A. ahead of Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade.

Party guests can commemorate their visit with an event-themed step-in photo experience.

Each guest will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag and commemorative print to round out the special Halloween offerings.

We’ll be at the opening party! Check back soon for our review and what you need to know!

2 – Immersive Fall-Festive Decor at Magic Kingdom

More chills and thrills come from Magic Kingdom’s spirited seasonal decor. From August 10 through November 1, Main Street, U.S.A. transforms into a festive fall wonderland with a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, giant pumpkins, resident scarecrows and shops adorned with fall foliage.

3 – Savor Global Flavors at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE

Now through November 18, guests can take a taste tour across six continents at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE.

Click here for “What’s New at the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!”

New for 2023, Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey invites guests on a flavorful adventure featuring wacky culinary creations from Muppet Labs and video appearances by beloved Muppets, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his faithful assistant, Beaker.

More than 25 Global Marketplaces – themed locations found throughout EPCOT that offer a cornucopia of bites and sips – celebrate the best food and drink from around the world.

On September 22, all-new Global Marketplaces will debut to mark the Disney100 celebration that commemorates the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

Guests can enjoy live musical performances at the America Gardens Theatre as part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare. Well-known artists perform Friday through Monday and local bands rock the house Tuesday through Thursday.

Music fans can secure their spot for these performances with an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. More information is available at com.

From September 29 through October 31 (or while supplies last), Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit offers special Halloween fun for the whole family. With the purchase of a map and stickers, guests can search throughout EPCOT for hidden decorative pumpkins themed to Disney characters. Whether or not they complete their search, guests can return their maps to redemption locations in the park to receive a festival keepsake.

4 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Awakens for the Fall Season

Tree of Life Awakenings returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in early November after daylight saving time ends. As the sun sets, the Tree of Life will awaken with limited-time projections of stunning visuals teeming with vivid color and animated imagery in harmony with inspiring music and sounds.

Guests visiting The Animation Experience at Conservation Station can learn how to draw some of their favorite Disney Villains October 1-31st.

Celebrating ten years of the park’s Wilderness Explorers interactive program, young explorers can see and learn about some “spirited” creatures for the Halloween season at the insect, bat, and habitat badge locations.

5 – Savor Autumn Flavors and Seasonal Shopping at Disney Springs

Disney Springs guests can discover festive fun this fall with tantalizing treats, seasonal merchandise, and eerie entertainment.

The Ganachery serves up spooky, chocolaty treats, including Haunted Mansion Portrait Bars and Chocolate Skull Bonbons, along with Hot Ganache for decadent chocolate lovers.

Delectable Pumpkin Crème Brulee is on the seasonal menu at Amorette’s Patisserie.

“Squad Ghouls” performs live on the Waterside Stage every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Sept. 29- Oct. 29.

Zombie Drummers and Skeleton Stiltwalkers will roam Town Center every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October.

Shoppers can check out a frighteningly fun selection of Disney-themed Halloween essentials at The World of Disney store.

6 – Race into Fall with the Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend

The 2023-24 runDisney race season kicks off Nov. 3-5 with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The popular collection of races features a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, as well as the Disney Two Course Challenge (10K and half marathon) and Post-Race Party.

This year, racers will experience a journey of good food and good company during the 2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend’s Banquet Bash.

Race events feature an “Alice in Wonderland”-themed 5K, a “Beauty and the Beast”–themed 10K, an “Encanto”-themed half marathon, and a Figment-themed Two Course Challenge.

Guests can also experience the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, including the opportunity to buy merchandise and gadgets for runners. Race participants and other guests must sign up for the virtual queue on the first day of the Expo (Nov. 2) to enter.

The magical weekend will be capped off with a unique Post-Race Party at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Half Marathon and Challenge registration includes entry to this after-hours event. Race participants of the 5k and 10k, friends and family can purchase Post-Race Party tickets separately to join in the celebration with their favorite runners.

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is the first of four race weekends during the 2023-24 runDisney season. Other race events include the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 3-7), the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 22-26), and the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.

To experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit.