5 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Visit Disney World

One question we often get is, “When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?” It is literally the Most Magical Place on Earth, so I don’t think there is a wrong time. However, there are good times to visit and great times to visit. The best of the great times is, without question, the fall. I could easily list a couple of dozen reasons this is true, but here are the top five.

5 – The Weather (October and November)

Those of us who live in central Florida have come to look forward to the month of October. It is usually around the second or third week of October that Orlando ceases being hotter than the surface of the sun. The “humidity bubble” that covers Orlando during June-September, magically disappears, and we actually begin to cool off with little or no humidity. It’s a welcome relief from oppressive summer weather. For those who are traveling from the north, you may think our 80-degree weather is a bit warm, but your kids will love that they can swim outside in Disney pools in November! Fall is a great time to visit Disney World because you’ll find comfortable temperatures in the afternoon and cooler temps in the mornings and evenings, and you can enjoy being outside all day without being miserable!

4 – Lighter Crowds in September, November, Early December (Historically)

Along with better weather, the fall is a great time to visit if you want to experience lighter crowds. Now “lighter” is a bit relative. You’ll still find waits, and they may even seem long to you. It will be busy, but it should not be crazy busy. Disney has done a great job of getting people to visit in the fall with resort discounts, free dining plans (on hold at the moment), and awesome special events (See how I slipped a couple of extra reasons to visit in the fall in there :) ).

However, if you come in early September, especially after Labor Day, mid-November, and early December, you may experience lighter crowds than at other times of the year. Again, it will still be “busy,” but the lines will just be shorter. For example, we’ve seen a 30-minute wait for the Mine Train in Magic Kingdom, substantially lower than the 90-120 minutes that is normal during peak season.

Notice I did not include the month of October. You may find a few lighter days here and there, but overall, October is a busy time.

3 – Celebrate Christmas Early in November at Magic Kingdom

Early in November, Magic Kingdom transforms, shedding its Halloween decorations, and magically becomes a Christmas wonderland. If you visit the first week of November, you’ll start the week with Halloween decorations (and possibly the last Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on October 31) and end it with Christmas. If you like celebrating Christmas early, then you’ll love Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This special event is a fun time that includes a special holiday parade, fireworks, and a stage show. It certainly will get you in the holiday spirit!

2 – Halloween Special Event at Magic Kingdom

Starting in August and running through Halloween, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom offers plenty of fun, spooks, and trick-or-treating. With an amazing stage show, fireworks, and parade, you don’t want to miss it! It’s our favorite special event at Walt Disney World.

1 – Food & Wine Festival

The hands-down number one reason to visit in the fall is the Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival. The Food and Wine Festival brings out over 30 global marketplaces where you can taste the best food and drink from around the world. Also popular is the Eat to the Beat concert series, which brings in favorite artists from past glory to entice you to dance the night away. These shows run every evening throughout the festival. There are also many excellent seminars and special tasting events in addition to the kiosk around World Showcase. You’ll want to spend a lot of time in Epcot exploring and tasting your way around the world during your fall visit!