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Why Fall is a Great Time to Go Disney

Credit: Disney

We think that any time of year is a great time to head to Walt Disney World, but this fall might be one of the best times to head down for a vacation.  With the amazing decorations, delicious food and the 50th Anniversary, fall is being set up to be a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World.

There are a few experiences that come each fall to Walt Disney World that we feel make this time of a year a festive and fun time to visit.

Food and Wine Festival

Back and running longer than ever is Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival.  The festival started on July 15th and will be running through November 20th with new booths being added on October 1st.  The festival is a fantastic way to enjoy the many amazing food and drinks throughout the World Showcase.  Adults can enjoy the fine cuisine and drinks while kids can have fun finding Remy throughout the different pavilions.  Guests can also enjoy live entertainment throughout the festival at the American Gardens Theater, another outstanding experience.  Being able to attend this festival at Epcot is a top reason to visit this fall.

New Fall Treats

Another fun reason to visit during the fall is all the fun fall themed treats that are offered.  If you are a snack lover, or an instagram fanatic, these beautifully themed and delicious treats are just what you need.  Try out the new pumpkin spice cookie at Catalina Eddie’s and Fairfax Fare or the adorable pumpkin mousse at the Trolley Car Cafe.  Don’t miss out on the newest cupcake, the spooky ghost cupcake at the Trolley Car Cafe as well as Backlot Express.  There are so many adorable, fall themed snacks that it will be hard to choose which ones to get.

Credit-Instagram-user-@rachel.beourguest

Credit-Instagram-user-@rachel.beourguest

Fall Decorations

Disney knows how to decorate and they don’t skimp during the fall.  Most people hear about how Disney decorates for Christmas, but the fall decorations aren’t to be missed.  From the huge pumpkins throughout Main Street USA to the small fall touches throughout the other parks, the decorations truly get you ready for fall.

Lower Crowds

This might not be 100% true this year, see next point, but typically early fall is a good time to visit the parks.  With school starting back up throughout the US, it leads to lower crowds and more openings when it comes to dining and resorts.

credit: Disney

credit: Disney

50th Anniversary Celebration

One of the biggest reasons to visit Walt Disney World this fall is the 50th anniversary celebration.  On October 1st, Magic Kingdom, as well as the other parks, will celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.  We have gotten sneak peeks (click HERE to see the amazing new statues coming) at what we can expect from this celebration and it’s going to be magical, emotional and truly unbelievable.  Although most of us can’t be there on October 1st, the celebration will continue afterwards allowing you to enjoy the celebration throughout the fall.

Boo Bash

Halloween fans were disappointed MIckey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party took another break this year, but we were happy to see that Disney is still celebrating the Halloween season with a Boo Bash at the Magic Kingdom.  This special ticketed event allows guests to enjoy around three extra hours in the Magic Kingdom following park closing.  Guests can trick o’ treat, enjoy free snacks, ride attractions with low wait times and see special Halloween themed cavalcades including Jack and Sally.  These tickets are hard to come by already for this year; however, if you are thinking of going to Disney in the fall in future years, these special events aren’t to be missed.

credit: Disney

credit: Disney

New Experiences Coming

This year there are a few additional, unique reasons to head down this fall and that is the new nighttime shows and the new ride coming to Epcot.  Both Epcot and Magic Kingdom will be getting new nighttime shows starting on October 1st.  Harmonious will be shown at Epcot and is described by Disney as “sending your spirit soaring with fireworks, fountains, magnificent lighting, visual effects and multimedia magic. One of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park, it’s a sensational way to cap off your day at The World’s Most Magical Celebration!”   Disney Enchantment will debut on the same evening and described by Disney as “be swept up in a world of wonder filled with friendship, love and fun as you watch this nighttime spectacular unfold. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, Disney Enchantment will feature captivating Disney music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and—for the first time—immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom park.”  These two shows alone are reason enough to head down late fall this year.

Along with the opening of two new nighttime shows will be the long-awaited opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase.  This 4D ride experience will shrink guests down to the size of Remy and you race through Gusteau’s kitchen.  This trackless ride will be fun for the whole family.  Remy’s will begin with a virtual queue system when it first starts welcoming guests on October 1st.

Because of the 50th anniversary, this fall has a lot of new, exciting opportunities for guests on top of the already amazing options such as the festivals and snacks.  If you have never been to Disney during the fall months, consider taking a trip down to experience the outstanding atmosphere throughout the four parks, resorts and Disney Springs.  You will have a truly magical time.

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.