Walt Disney World is known as the “Vacation Kingdom” and is something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. However, let’s face one undeniable fact. Disney in the summer is hot and crowded! If that’s the only time you can go, don’t worry, you’ll still have fun. But, given a choice, I’d rather go when the weather is nicer and the crowds are smaller. Here are 11 reasons why you should consider going in the Fall.
11. Cooler weather – Walt Disney chose central Florida for his new “Florida Project” because the weather is suitable year-round for vacationing fun. After about mid-October, the temperature and humidity drop to very comfortable levels. You might need a light jacket in the morning and a dip in the hotel pool that afternoon!
10. Smaller crowds – After Labor Day, kids are back in school and families are back to their normal routine. That means shorter lines at the Disney parks! Who doesn’t like that?
9. Lower prices – Since Fall is not peak season, you can get a great deal on a Disney resort hotel room. Tip: Stay away from weeks associated with holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, as crowds pick up during those times.
8. Free dining – While you should not always count on Disney offering free dining, it can be a huge savings! What dining plan you receive will depend on what level of Disney resort hotel you choose.
7. Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival – Taste your way around Epcot in this annual festival that features food and wines from over 25 different countries. Also offered are cooking demonstrations by famous chefs and the “Eat to the Beat” concert series, featuring well-known musical acts.
6. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – On select nights beginning in September and running through October 31st, the young (and “young at heart”) can enjoy trick-or-treating, special parades and fireworks, and meeting your favorite Disney villains during this fun event in the Magic Kingdom. Tip: This party requires a separate ticket from your theme park admission. You can enter the park as early as 4:00 pm, and the party officially runs from 7:00 until midnight. Check out: 13 Reasons To Attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
5. Halloween/Fall decorations – After Labor Day, up until Halloween, the Magic Kingdom is dressed up in beautiful Fall colors and Halloween decorations. This makes for unique and fun photo opportunities.
4. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Enjoy hot cocoa and sugar cookies as you watch it “snow” on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom! Like the Halloween Party, this is a separate-ticket event where you can enjoy special parades and fireworks in a Festive Christmas atmosphere.
3. Resort decorations – During the Christmas season, every Disney resort hotel is decorated with beautiful lights, tinsel and Christmas trees. On nights that the parks close early, consider visiting the monorail resorts. Don’t miss the giant gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort. Another fun place to visit is the Disney campgrounds. You will be amazed at what the guests themselves have done to celebrate Christmas!
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2. Candlelight Processional – Hear a re-telling of the Christmas story, narrated by celebrity guests and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir in Epcot’s American Gardens Theater. Tip: Book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package to secure your seats.
1. Castle decorations – While Cinderella Castle is beautiful year-round, during the Christmas season, it is spectacular! Covered in beautiful glistening lights that look like icicles, it is a sight to behold! Have your camera ready!