DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
October started with a bang as Disney World celebrated 50 years. The 50th Anniversary Celebration in Disney World was a huge success bringing in high crowds and lots of magic, but as the month continues, what else do we have to look forward to. If you are heading down in October to Disney World, look at all the events, experiences, and magic you have to look forward to this month.
Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Just because you weren’t there on October 1st doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the 50th anniversary. This celebration in Disney World is set to go on for 18 months. While visiting the theme Park, make sure that you look for the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection. In each of the four theme parks, you can search for some of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters that have been brought into the parks in statue form. Another fun way to celebrate the 50th is by enjoying some of the themed treats or purchasing some merchandise. There are so many amazing choices for the new merchandise for the 50th that you will have trouble picking out what you want. October will be a great time to head down and celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Credit: Disney
Boo Bash
As the anniversary celebration started to ramp up, the Boo Bash began to lose followers. Don’t forget that this after hours event in Magic Kingdom is still going on through October. If you want to experience a spooky celebration, you can look into purchasing a ticket to this special evening event. During Boo Bash, you can enjoy Halloween-themed cavalcades, snacks, trick ‘o’ treat and of course, hit up your favorite rides with little wait. This is a great event to get into a Disney Park if you have an older party traveling together and you all want to experience something special.
Extended Hours
October brings extended hours for Disney Resort Guests. Guests staying at any Disney Resort can enjoy early theme Park entry at any theme Park of their choice. Guests can get into any of the four theme parks 30-minutes before regular Park opening. This is an excellent option to get ahead of the morning crowds. If Guests are staying at a Deluxe Resort, they can enjoy extended evening hours. Deluxe Resort, and deluxe villa Resort, Guests have the opportunity to enjoy extra time at either Magic Kingdom or EPCOT on select evenings. We see EPCOT have evening hours on Mondays from 10 to midnight, and Magic Kingdom to have extended hours on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 pm. Again, these are great ways to experience the parks with lower crowds and less heat.
Resorts Opening
It is exciting that on October 14th, both Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter will once again be welcoming Guests home. After closing in March 2020, this will be the first time Guests will arrive at these resorts. Along with the Resort’s opening, we will see the return of boat transportation to Disney Springs as well as YeeHaw Bob returning! We are thrilled to have these Resorts, and the entertainment back brings magic to Guests.
Credit: Paula Kennedy
Beacons Of Magic
One of the biggest takeaways from the 50th Anniversary celebration has been the Beacons of Magic. At each of the four theme parks, the theme Park icons are being transformed with light as they bring Beacons of Magic to Guests. Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom, the Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios sees Tower of Terror light up. Finally, the big hit is in EPCOT Spaceship Earth is transformed. These are huge displays, but the combination of music and lights makes for a magical experience.
Credit: Disney
Fireworks and Firework Parties Are Back
We saw the introduction of Disney’s Enchantment in Magic Kingdom and Harmonious in EPCOT this past week. We are thrilled to have two new nighttime spectaculars back in the theme Park. With the arrival of these two new experiences have been the return of firework parties. In Magic Kingdom, Guests can enjoy one of three different firework dessert parties that allow them a reserved viewing area for Disney’s Enchantment and desserts. For EPCOT, a dining package includes a meal at Rose & Crown or Spice Road Table and then a viewing area for the fireworks. As these shows are extremely popular right now, a party option might be a great way to avoid some of the crowds in Disney Park.
Welcome Show Returns
It might not seem like a big deal, but we are thrilled that Mickey and friends are again welcoming Guests to Magic Kingdom each morning. The morning welcome show on the castle stage returned on October 1st, and it was fantastic to see and hear Mickey open the Disney Park. Although this isn’t the best use of the morning if you are trying to be ahead of the crowd, it is a magical experience.
Credit: Paula Kennedy
New Dining Options
In EPCOT, the last of the Food and Wine booths opened, giving Guests access to the full array of booths. Over in France, the new La Creperie de Paris is opened, providing Guests with both sweet and savory crepes. Disney’s Contemporary Resort has two new dining experiences for Guests. Steakhouse 71 opened and offered a nod to Disney himself with amazing photos and displays as well as outstanding food. Look into this option for your Magic Kingdom day as a way to escape the crowds. Finally, California Grill is receiving a change as they will be offered a prix-fixe menu that will offer an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The food still looks outstanding, but it will be an adjustment for fans of this dining experience.
These are just a few experiences you can look forward to in October when visiting a Disney Park. There are many more being announced daily as we see more and more returning to Walt Disney World. We are thrilled that so much magic is returning and excited to continue to be a part of it when we visit.
