These 9 Changes Are Hitting Disney World In August, September, and October

Now that summer is winding down, the fall season is starting at Walt Disney World, with new events and opening attractions. Multiple changes will impact the resort as the seasonal events are about to kick off, as we look ahead through August, September, and October.

However, a few seasonal offerings are coming to an end, including some popular character interactions at Disney World. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including new annual passholder perks and major announcements that matter for theme park fans.

READ MORE – Disney World’s New Sit-Down Restaurant With Direct Fireworks Views is Surprisingly Affordable With Great Food

1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Begins

The biggest change taking place at Magic Kingdom starting August 7 is the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The ticketed event will run through October 31. Guests attending the event can wear Halloween costumes and participate in trick-or-treating, rides, and special entertainment.

Exclusive event entertainment includes a Hocus Pocus stage show, starring the Sanderson sisters, Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade, and a special Halloween-themed fireworks show.

For guests not attending the party, Magic Kingdom will close early at 6 PM on party nights

2. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Begins

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starts August 27, 2026, and runs through November 21. This fan favorite festival brings Global Marketplace food booths across EPCOT along with the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

Also returning for the 2026 festival are Remy’s Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt and Emile’s Fromage Montage food stroll, both themed to Ratatouille. The popular event will bring higher crowds to EPCOT, especially in the evenings.

3. Halloween Season Starts Across Disney World

While the main Halloween celebration takes place at Magic Kingdom, new food items will be available across the park along with brand new popcorn buckets.

Disney Springs has added a huge lineup of seasonal Halloween items along with a new menu offering at one of our favorite bars.

You can expect Halloween merchandise across the resort along with fall foliage decorations and Mickey-themed pumpkin decor.

4. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Ends

The summer promotion Cool KIDS’ SUMMER runs through September 8 and brought kid-focused experiences across Walt Disney World, including Bluey and Bingo’s debut at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, interactive character play moments, Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at Magic Kingdom, family entertainment at Disney Springs, and additional character encounters throughout the parks. The popular Bluey experience in Animal Kingdom is expected to continue beyond September 8.

5. New Attraction Opening at Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut several new experiences when The Magic of Disney Animation opens on September 14.

The new experiences in the building include Drawn to Wonderland: A Curiouser and Curiouser Playground, Olaf Draws!, Off the Page!, and the Once Upon A Studio Theater.

The area outside of The Magic of Disney Animation, formerly known as Animation Courtyard, was recently refurbished and transformed into a fun hub with character interactions and grassy areas to play.

6. Halloween Party Schedule Increases

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will increase its party nights each month, which will increase the days each month that Magic Kingdom closes at 6 PM to those without tickets.

In September, the number of parties will increase to 13 from 9 in August and then increase to 16 in October, including the final event on Halloween night.

The growing number of party nights will also steadily impact the crowd patterns, with non-party days often becoming busier as guests shift their Magic Kingdom visits around to navigate the party schedule.

7. After Hours Events End for the Season

Disney After Hours events will conclude their 2026 run in September, with the final event taking place on September 12 at Hollywood Studios.

This is typical, as Disney After Hours events usually do not continue through October, November, and December at Disney World. They are generally scheduled from January through September before Disney shifts its focus to the fall and holiday season.

8. Extended Evening Hours Offerings Change

As the party nights increase at Magic Kingdom, Disney will begin shifting Extended Evening Theme Park Entry for eligible Deluxe Resort guests and select partner hotel guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights instead of Magic Kingdom.

EPCOT will continue to offer Extended Evening Hours on select nights with the potential for Animal Kingdom to receive additional nights.

9. Holiday Transition Begins Late October

Disney will begin transitioning toward the holiday season at the end of October, which can include merchandise changes as the Halloween items are swapped for Christmas, along with early holiday decorations going up.

This is actually a popular time to visit for many Disney World fans so they can experience both Halloween and Christmas at the same time.

READ MORE – Hidden Secrets of the Disney World Hotels You Haven’t Heard Of

I love exploring the different hotels at Disney World. Each hotel has so much detail that I always catch something new every time I revisit them. However, each hotel also has its own stories and secrets that, once you learn them, may change your whole perspective on Disney’s attention to detail. Let’s go over the top hidden secrets of the Disney World hotels.

READ MORE -Don’t Pack These Items For Your Disney Trip. They Can Cause Headaches and Some Are Banned.

When it’s time to pack for your Disney vacation, it’s important to keep in mind that certain items are not allowed on property. Even though Disneyland and Walt Disney World both have their own set of property rules, it can sometimes be unclear what exactly is allowed and what’s not. There are many items that are completely banned, while others only have certain stipulations that need to be followed. These are the Disney items you shouldn’t pack for your trip.