There is a whole lot happening at WDW in September! Not only is this month home to the heart of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, but it also marks the start of spooky season at WDW. From Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade to the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular—with some seriously delicious EPCOT eats in between—let’s recap why visiting WDW in September is extra special.
Even though September is still a very hot month at WDW (I personally think it’s just as hot in September as it is any time of the year) and you might not find the idea of eating savory food at the Food and Wine Festival very appealing… Trust me, the quality and flavor of the festival offerings make it a true must-do! The Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup (with a pretzel roll) from the Canada booth and Mongolian Beef Bao Bun from the China booth are some of my all-time favorites.
When it comes to holidays at WDW, you can make a very strong case that Halloween is as elaborate, well-themed, and exciting as it gets. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with tricks and treats from start to finish—and all parks, resorts, and Disney Springs have countless seasonal offerings (snacks, drinks, merchandise and more) in store.
Are you dreaming of a September trip to WDW yet? If so (like I am right now!), our friends at Destinations to Travel can get you started with the planning process! Get in touch with their team of Authorized Disney Vacation Planners here—and let them know Danny sent you.
September Disney World Crowds
Crowds vary throughout September, with Labor Day Weekend busing the busiest part of the month, but are pretty light for the most part. After the first few Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events, even those special ticketed nights at the Magic Kingdom won’t be very crowded (until they get a bit busier in October).
Weekends (especially Saturdays) at EPCOT will be busier than the rest of the week, but still shouldn’t be anywhere near unmanageable.
Dad’s Guide to WDW Crowd Calendar Disclaimer
This calendar is based on historical facts as we know them today, and personal experiences. Walt Disney World is an ever-changing destination and you might find the crowds, weather, or seasonal experiences to be different from what we’ve predicted.
How to Avoid September Disney World Crowds
Avoiding September Disney World crowds can be done by following a few simple pointers reflected in our September WDW Crowd Calendar.
Visiting any part of the month other than Labor Day Weekend, avoiding EPCOT on the weekends, and including at least a few weekdays in your planned stay is all it should take! As long as you don’t mind the heat, given the low crowds and all of the seasonal experiences happening throughout the month, September would be an excellent month for your next WDW vacation.
Find more tips to avoid crowds at WDW here.
September Events
- EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival – Taking place annually since 1995, this festival offers savory food, high quality (adult) beverages, fan-favorite merchandise, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series (at The America Gardens Theatre) and so much more.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks, Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, spooky attraction overlays, trick-or-treating, wickedly delicious snacks, rare character meet-and-greets, and much more make this special ticketed event (taking place on select nights) such a popular event.
- Halloween at WDW – Throughout WDW, you can enjoy limited-time treats, gaze at the many festive decorations, hear Halloween music being played, and shop for Halloween-themed merchandise.
The Best Time to Visit Disney World?
Wondering when is the best time to visit WDW? Of course, that really depends on you—your preferences, your schedule, and what’s on your must-do list. But, before booking your next vacation, here’s a breakdown of the factors you should consider.
Discover when the “best time to visit Walt Disney World” is here.
See all of our Walt Disney World crowd calendars here.
