Disney World Vacations in the Fall – 5 Reasons Why You Should Plan One!

Fall is our favorite season to vacation in Orlando. Winter being our second favorite.

We’ve visited in late Spring and Summer twice and the crowds and heat were way too much for our little ones to handle. We barely went on any rides that year and spent the majority of our vacation trying to stay cool.

Don’t know if a Fall visit is worth it for your family? Visiting Walt Disney World in the Fall can be a truly magical experience for anyone.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, and Magic Kingdom magically transforming from Halloween to Christmas overnight combine together to make it a special time to be in Orlando.

RELATED READING: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tips & Tricks

Why should you visit Walt Disney World in the Fall? Today I am going to share some tips and tricks for making your Autumn visit to Walt Disney World memorable and magical.

While Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is the focus for the months of August to October, I am also going to briefly reference Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which begins in November – technically still a Fall month in the US.  

1. Warm and Sunny Weather

Fall at Walt Disney World means the weather is cooler and that makes the parks with kids more manageable.  It is still nice and warm, and sunny. Plus, you can swim and enjoy your resort activities.

It cools down a bit at night, and you aren’t subject to those daily thunderstorms that Florida typically sees in summer.  Rain is always a possibility, but in the fall, it doesn’t seem as frequent.

2. Smaller Crowds

The parks are less crowded.  While most of the Midwest is back in school, in the midst of football and marching band season, that takes the crowd level down.  The Disney parks won’t be empty, but you certainly won’t see the July/August crowds.

Keep in mind that the Magic Kingdom will close early on select nights for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and then Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in November.  

RELATED READING: How to Celebrate the Holidays at Disney World

This can affect your plans a bit, so it is good to be aware of those dates when planning your meals and park days.

3. Special Events at Disney World in the Fall

The special events are a “must do” while visiting Walt Disney World in the Fall. I am of the mindset that if you are in Orlando during a party or even at Walt Disney World, you should try to go.  

This means an extra expense for Mickey’s Not So Scary or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. However, those only take place during this time of year, and it could be a once in a Disney trip experience for your family.  

Also, if you are visiting EPCOT during the Food & Wine Festival, try to do so on a weekday, as the weekends can be very crowded in World Showcase.

RELATED READING: Best Things to Do at EPCOT with Kids

4. More Time at the Parks

Parties mean more park time.  You can get into the Magic Kingdom as early as 4PM with a party ticket.  The party starts at 7, and ends at 12AM. So….that gets you almost 8 hours of park time!  

Plus, the crowds are lower as the park empties and party guests enter. Many rides are a walk on, plus you get the fun extra experiences that come with the party ticket.  Trick or treating, parades, fireworks, and characters in exclusive themed costumes (similar to the Halloween on the High Seas Disney cruises).

5. Holiday Decor

The extra special décor makes the Magic Kingdom more picturesque.  We had the opportunity to visit Magic Kingdom while it was decorated for Halloween AND Christmas in the same trip.  It literally happens overnight!

This occurs on Halloween and into the first week of November. This made for great photos, and a fun and magical atmosphere to the Magic Kingdom.

RELATED READING: Best Things to Do at Magic Kingdom with Kids

Not only is there special décor, but also fun treats!  Even if you are not attending a Halloween or Christmas party, you can still purchase exclusive fall or Christmas themed treats in the shops and restaurants.

It isn’t too late to plan a getaway to Walt Disney World for the Fall months.  Will you be visiting Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year?