Fall at Walt Disney World is one of my new favorite times to be at the parks. The temperatures are still high, but the humidity has begun to drop, the delicious EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is in full swing, and the Magic Kingdom is decorated for the autumn holidays.
Here’s at what’s new and exciting this fall at Walt Disney World.
Epcot
The most delicious time of year is underway at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Running now until November 14, the 21st epicurean adventure features five new marketplaces, and for the first time in the Festival’s history, an expansion into the Disney resorts. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa there’s a fabulous “brunch with a twist” prepared by top chefs from across Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can also get a behind-the-scenes look at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney Polynesian Village Resort. Interactivity is also a star of the Festival this year, providing guests the chance to prepare food and drinks along-side Disney and celebrity chefs and mixologists.
Eight new acts join the Eat to the Beat concert series, including Plain White T’s, Soul Asylum and Jeffrey Osborne. For those who want a music-and-meal combination, dining packages guarantee seats to popular restaurants including Le Cellier, Les Chefs de France and Spice Road Table and to that evening’s concert. This year, premium events like the themed Party for the Senses and Rockin’ Burger Block Party include different live entertainment each night.
While guests explore the 30 marketplaces around World Showcase, they can stop by the Norway Pavilion to visit the kingdom of Arendelle in the new Frozen Ever After attraction. Beloved characters, songs from the hit movie “Frozen” and an icy-blast await. Princesses Elsa and Anna are also in residence at their nearby Royal Sommerhus vacation cabin where guests can meet them in person.
After tasting their way around the globe, guests can fly around it: Soarin’ Around the World is a multisensory, hang-gliding-like adventure over the most popular landmarks and stunning sights across six continents.
Magic Kingdom
Happy haunts come out to socialize when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Magic Kingdom Park on 29 select nights now through October 31. Favorite Disney Characters join the fun, decked in costumes and ready for trick-or-treating. In between the treat trails and attractions, live entertainment stirs up mischief: the Sanderson Sisters return to the Cinderella Castle stage for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Partygoers can also catch the eerie and whimsical procession of “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” before the “HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular lights up the sky.
For guests who prefer their treats during daylight hours, the Magic Kingdom is all decked out with festive fall decor. New park entertainment includes the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire that brings together Mickey Mouse and his pals for a musical celebration on the castle stage. The daily show features Disney’s contemporary characters and classic songs.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A bewitching dance party awaits at Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Every Friday and Saturday night in October (and of course on Halloween, Oct. 31), Dr. Facilier hosts a lineup of dastardly dancing divas – Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen – Potion Bar beverages and New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
An out-of-this-world fireworks and projection show fueled by The Force paints the sky over Disney’s Hollywood Studios nightly in Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Mystery and majesty come alive as night “falls” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The theme park’s iconic Tree of Life undergoes extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment. Animal encounters shift at twilight, too, as darkness camouflages the boundaries between wildlife and guests on sunset excursions with Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guest can also dance alongside African performers in Harambe and indulge in the new signature restaurant, Tiffins.
Have you already planned a visit for this fall? If not, Disney has a few special deals right now, including this one for Annual Passholders: stay on property for as low as $89 per night at All-Star Sports resort. Other hotels have discounts too. Book through November 4, 2016. If you’re just looking for a fun Family Vacation, Disney is offering a 4-night/4-day package with a stay at All-Star Resort and 4-Day Magic Your Way Tickets for a family of four for just $1,980. Book before October 8 and stay for most nights from November 6 – 10, 13 – 12, and Nov 26 – December 21.
If you would like more information on booking a Walt Disney World vacation, please send an email to Pixie Vacations authorized Disney travel agent Stacey Frost ([email protected]), call (407) 454-1477 or fill out this form for complimentary travel planning. Your use of this free service to book your travel will help support The Disney Blog. Thank you.