Fall is one of our favourite times to visit Walt Disney World as a family. The weather is cooler, Magic Kingdom hosts one of the best Halloween parties [1] of the year, there's a plethora of food at Epcot, and this year, there's even more magic in store! Little ones and their parents can visit the all-new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge [2] at Hollywood Studios and enjoy even more time in the parks, and don't forget about all of the yummy snacks [3] that debut around this time of year. If you and your family are planning to visit Walt Disney World this Fall, read on for everything you can look forward to doing while hanging out with the Mouse!
The Start of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party [5] is one of our favourite things to do at Walt Disney World in Fall. Not only is it perfect for little kids who want to dress up as their favourite prince or princess (and get free candy all night), but it's also filled with spooky fun for all ages. Even Mom and Dad can get in on the fun by dressing up in a fun family group costume! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party [6] runs on select nights from Aug. 16 through Nov. 1.
The Debut of the New Epcot Forever Fireworks
Kids young and old love fireworks, and there's honestly no better way to end a night at Walt Disney World than with a fireworks spectacular. Starting Oct. 1, Epcot [7] will be debuting a new fireworks show, Epcot Forever [8]. The new show will feature kites, a new soundtrack, and some of Epcot's most beloved attractions in a story like no other.
The 24th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Epcot is also celebrating the 24th year of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival [9] with dozens of outdoor kitchens offering samples of international dishes [10] — there's a lot to try. Kids will love the festival because there are activities just for them, like a scavenger hunt based on Ratatouille, a dance party, and candy sushi making classes. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival starts Aug. 29 and goes through Nov. 23.
The NBA Experience Is Opening at Disney Springs
Over at Disney Springs [11], sports fans of all ages are going to enjoy the NBA Experience [12], which will allow kids and parents to see what it's like to be in the NBA. Kids can take part in basketball challenges, see what it's like to be an NBA player on draft day, and more. The NBA Experience opens at Disney Springs on Aug. 12.
Enjoy Rivers of Light: We Are One
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park has been celebrating The Lion King [13] all Summer, and we don't see that stopping anytime soon. In fact, its nighttime show, Rivers of Light, recently had new Lion King elements added and is now called Rivers of Light: We Are One [14]. After seeing The Lion King in theatres, the whole family won't be able to resist singing along to songs from the film.
Spooky Fall Decorations Abound at Magic Kingdom Park
All around Magic Kingdom Park [15], Halloween [16] and Fall decorations take over. From the cute little Mickey pumpkin wreaths to autumnal bunting on Main Street U.S.A., the park is dressed to impress! There is also a bounty of Fall treats for the family to try at the Confectionery and Main Street Bakery — we recommend one of the seasonal Mickey caramel apples or the pumpkin fudge.
The Disney Skyliner Will Start Transporting Guests
A new mode of transportation is taking off at Walt Disney World [17] starting Sept. 29. The Disney Skyliner [18] will allow guests to travel on two gondola lines high above the parks and resorts from Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot to Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Caribbean Beach, Disney's Pop Century, and Disney's Riviera Resorts. If you have kids who love trains or boats and a little bit of a thrill, they are going to love heading into the parks on the Disney Skyliner.
Even More Magic With Extra Extra Magic Hours
Starting Sept. 1, each day at the Walt Disney World parks, there are going to be extra Extra Magic Hours [19]. Kids might not love getting up so early, but they will for sure love getting to ride some of their favourite attractions with a limited wait, including entrance into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at 6 a.m.! Extra Extra Magic Hours [20] run through Nov. 2.