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What to Expect at Walt Disney World in September

by Leap on July 8, 2023

September means getting back into the swing of things as the tadpoles are back in school and enjoying the leaves turning colors over the pond. The only thing better is visiting theme parks! September is one of the Frog Family's favorite times of the year to visit thanks to thinner crowds. In most years, the two biggest and best events at the Walt Disney World Resort (at least in our opinion) — Halloween and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival — are in full swing during September.

This year, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning on August 11 and will run through November 1, 2023. Tickets are on sale now! And listen up all you foodies: The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues on through fall for the longest running festival yet! Hungry for more? In terms of character dining, at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Minnie's Halloween Dine is returning to Hollywood & Vine as of Aug. 11. This boo-tastic Halloween meal makes for memorable character interactions with Minnie, Mickey and friends.

Be sure to check out the nighttime fireworks spectacular, Happily Ever After, at Magic Kingdom. This beloved show just made it's much anticipated return on April 3, 2023. EPCOT Forever has also made it's way back to the World Showcase Lagoon, but not for long. A new fireworks spectacular is in the works for EPCOT as Disney World prepares to celebrate the Walt Disney Company's 100th celebration. While there hasn't been an official start date announced, we do know that this show will debut sometime in late 2023. Our fingers are crossed for this September!

Disney World in September is a good bet if you don’t have school-age children or if you’re OK with taking your children out of school for, you know, vacation. (We know this is controversial, but we have a no-judging-other-parents policy in the Frog household. Here are some factors you should consider if you want to do this.)

Crowds at Disney World in September

The lowest crowds of the year can be found during September. We think this is a frogtastic month to visit as many families have returned to their school and work schedules, leaving the parks feeling low to moderately crowded. You'll also get to enjoy the fall decorations and festive eats found in Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs and sprinkled throughout the other three parks. To make your trip extra special, consider booking an evening to celebrate spooky season a little early at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This special ticketed event includes trick-or-treating, exclusive character meets, spooktacular entertainment including the famous Boo-to-You Parade and specialty treats for purchase.

The Disney 100 Celebration may bring a slight uptick in crowd levels, especially if the new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction has opened. Similar to the up-and-coming EPCOT fireworks show, this new attraction is slotted to open sometime in late 2023. If not open by September, there will still be a good amount of entertainment to enjoy, such as Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage and the Wonderful World of Animation projection show at Hollywood Studios. Enjoy some monstrous laughs with Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom and some toadally awesome questions answered with Turtle Talk with Crush at EPCOT just to name a few.

Don't froget to get a park pass (in addition to admission) through the Disney Park Pass Reservation System for your visit. In normal years, the majority of the month sees low crowds, while weekends during the second half of the month see medium crowds. Even with lower crowds, we still recommend heading to the park before opening because you will be able to see and do so much more in the parks thanks to the low crowds.

As you begin planning your Orlando vacation, we recommend you check the Crowd Calendar to find the best travel dates. As you get closer to your actual trip, you should revisit the Crowd Calendar to see the recommended parks by day.

*Beginning January 9, 2024, dated tickets will no longer require a theme park reservation.

Weather at Disney World in September

If there is one drawback to September, it's the weather. While temperatures are on the decline, the average high remains 90 degrees with high rainfall chances. It's quite likely you will encounter an afternoon shower in September. But the good news is that it generally clears up after an hour or two. You can still have fun on a rainy day at Disney World!

Be sure to read our guide on Disney World Weather, Plus How to Pack Year-Round.

Special Events at Disney World in September

Food and Wine Festival – Germany

Exciting events take place in September, and they are quite significant ones! Here's the rundown of what's usually happening in September. Be sure to check out special events pages for Disney World for full details.

The Disney 100th Celebration is headed to Walt Disney World and just so hoppens to kick off this September! This anniversary celebration is in honor of the Disney company's 100th year (not just the theme parks). This special event started in Disneyland and is now making its way to Disney World, with EPCOT being the epicenter of the party. The D100 Celebration will officially kick off on September 22 and run through December 31, 2023.

The D100 Celebration will include:

Mickey & Minnie meet & greet in their 100th platinum outfits. They will meet daily at the Imagination Pavilion.
Spaceship Earth will light up each night with a new show featuring the D100 anthem and a special "When You Wish Upon a Star" rendition.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will offer special D100 food and drink options.
Specialty merchandise to include an exclusive purple metallic Mickey Balloon Premium Popcorn Bucket.
A new platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture in World Celebration.
New D100 mural and Disney 100 platinum banners/decor in World Celebration.

What is happening in 2023 recap:

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (Aug. 27 – Nov. 18)
Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party — (select nights Aug. 11 – Nov. 1)
Disney 100 Celebration (Sept. 22 – Dec. 31)
New Disney 100 EPCOT nighttime spectacular (sometime late 2023)
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (sometime late 2023)

You'll find more resources to help you plan your Disney World vacation on our When to Visit Orlando page inside the Orlando Planning Guide.

Keep hopping!

Tags: Epcot, Extra Magic Hours, Disney World, Park Hopper, Orlando Vacation, Disney Family Vacation, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Crowd Calendar

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Oct 29, 2018 at 4:21 p.m.

Angela Snowman Says...

Hi. I am planning a surprise trip for my parents 40th anniversary in 2019. I am thinking of traveling in September (perhaps last week, into October). What are your thoughts on this travel date?

It will be just my parents and myself (no kids). Any suggestions you have? Hotel? Attractions? Restaurant?

Open to ideas as this will be my parents first time visiting since 1987 and I want it to be magical!!

Thanks in advance!

Oct 31, 2018 at 11:14 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Angela!

Our Crowd Calendar predicts this to be a great time to visit with only moderate crowds. The weather should be pretty nice too!

Our hotel suggestions vary depending on price range. For a lower budget option, Art of Animation is a newer value hotel with fun, gorgeous details. Port Orleans is our absolute favorite moderate resort, and we can't even choose between the deluxe resorts!

There are too many restaurants to choose from, too! This also depends on budget, and whether or not character meals interest you. There are TONS of delicious options.

There are more new attractions than we can count, considering your parents' last visit was in 1987. Be sure to check out both Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, as they have some of our FAVORITE attractions and will be brand new to your folks :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Sep 8, 2018 at 2:57 p.m.

Cristal Says...

I will be traveling to Disney World in September and I already got tickets for Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party. Do you recommend visiting another park that day and then going to Magic Kingdom for the Halloween party? Or attend magic kingdom all day? I have 5-day theme park tickets for my trip.

Sep 12, 2018 at 1:06 p.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cristal!

It's important to know that your party ticket can get you into Magic Kingdom beginning at 6 p.m. We recommend a low-key day beforehand to save your energy for the party!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Aug 4, 2018 at 1:10 p.m.

Chuii Says...

Hello there!

I’m a great fan of your blog, thank you for all the hard work. My question is: I’m planning a trip on September 20th (for my 30th birthday) and I’m beyond excited, but the thing is, when I check the schedule for that day, it says “special event schedule 21:00-00:00” buuuut Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween appears to be on the 18th, 21th, 23th and so it goes. I can’t find what’s happening on September 20th (besides my bday ????????????). Can you please help me? Thank you in advance!

Aug 6, 2018 at 2:27 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

You are correct - this is not a Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party night. However, Disney is hosting a "Disney After Hours" event between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. If you aren't interested in attending this separately ticketed event, we recommend visiting another park that night!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Jan 23, 2018 at 3:43 p.m.

Sam Says...

I am planning our first trip (September 2, 2018-September 9th 2018) to Disney and there will be 9 of us going. I am worried about the weather. We are hoping they are just quick showers, and we can resume our day at the parks. Is that pretty typical of rain around that time or does it usually rain all day? Thank you!

Jan 23, 2018 at 10:37 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sam,

Our motto is: A rainy day at Disney is better than a sunny day anywhere else! Florida weather can be pretty unpredictable. We don't want to make any promises, but we wouldn't worry too much about the rain. It is rare that Florida experiences consecutive all-day rains. Just come prepared with ponchos and umbrellas, just in case!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Jul 9, 2017 at 4:46 a.m.

jason Says...

heading back on the 5th september for two weeks cant wait , visit number three

Sep 13, 2016 at 3:08 a.m.

Shannon Says...

Hi, well I am planning a trip in September 2019 ( I know long ways away) but my head is already swimming with everything. I plan on staying at ft. Wilderness campground, renting a camper from Moore camper rental, my 2 daughters and I will be driving down from michigan, plan on spending 12 days at FW, 7 days at the parks and going to universal and seaworld. This is our first time in Florida and Disney. Any suggestion? ????????

Apr 10, 2018 at 12:26 p.m.

Anaïs Says...

hello Shannon I am like you planning our September 2019 trip to WDW, we will be there for the first week of September. We live in France and my kid's go to school in Luxembourg so they only go back to school on Sept 16th. It will be our first trip to WDW and we are pretty excited we go to Disneyland Paris every year this year will be the last time before WDW. So happy ;-) Hope you have fun

Dec 31, 2017 at 4:41 a.m.

Mallory Says...

I disagree with the two previous replies. You don't need to extend your trip or change your plans to stay on the campground. I don't support or really enjoy SeaWorld, but I have done Disney and Universal in that amount of time or less many times. In September, I really don't think you will have too much trouble, especially if you make good use of EMH and FP+. If you do this, there is no reason you would need four full days at Magic Kingdom. Take note of the crowd calendar and plan accordingly. Also, I have gone to Universal in September every year for the past 6 years, and it's very rare for many of the wait times to exceed 20 minutes. If you need to, you can always buy Express Passes once you get into the parks. All that said, at the end of the day, you can only do what you can do, so even if you don't have time to see and do every single thing there is to see and do in every single park, you will still have a great time!

Jul 23, 2017 at 1:07 a.m.

Pamela Hamarowicz Says...

12 days to do WDW, SeaWorld, and Universal is a very ambitious itinerary. If you are going to US to see HP, you will need a 2 park pass because Gringotts is in US, and Hogwarts is in IoA and the Hogwarts Express runs between the two parks. You really need 2 days to see Universal completely. You should be able to do WDW in 7, and Sea world in 1. I don't know the expense of renting a trailer but I would definitely consider staying at a resort. In September you should be able to get a discount of some sort. On our first trip we stayed in one of the Disney trailers thinking we would save money cooking, etc. Nope. Even though our kids were little, we didn't want to take the time to go back and forth. Although MK is not far from the campground, everything takes time- catching a bus, or parking and then catching the boat or ferry to MK.

Good luck with your planning. There are lots of sites to help you.

Jul 12, 2017 at 9:41 p.m.

Darla Neises Says...

many suggestions, 1st start with consider flying Southwest, we stalk the airlines daily until one way is under $100 and then grab the other way...we can usually get 6 tickets for around $900, cheaper than driving...next, only go to Disney World...you will need 3 days at MK, 1 day at AK, 1 day at HS and 2 days at EPCOT minimum...that's 7 full days, you will need a rain day and a rest day, 2 travel days...that's 12...finally stay on grounds, dining is free in September if you stay on grounds, the girls would probably like Art of Animation...trust me, and you will have a fantastic time...

Aug 20, 2016 at 6:33 p.m.

Claire Says...

Hi, I'm looking to book up for next year with my husband and 6 year old daughter, travelling from Scotland ..what month would you think would be most suitable for a 6 year old?...I'm open to taking her out of school, thanks xx

May 23, 2017 at 2:03 a.m.

Anna Says...

We go every year in November the week of the 18th, (Mickey, Minnie and I share a birthday ????). We try and start our time on a Sunday and fly out the following Saturday. The park is usually low volume -- very short lines for most rides!! I HIGHLY recommend getting the dining package with 2 sit-down meals -- totally worth it but they book up fast as lightening so 180 days out, call and reserve your spots at the best restaurants!! If you're coming with a 6 yr old, you have to take her to the bibby-bobbity-boutique in the Disney castle followed by lunch with the princesses at Cinderella's round table right in the castle!! It is perfect for every princess no matter the age!!

Aug 22, 2016 at 8:39 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Claire,

Every month is suitable for a 6-year-old, but if she is set on swimming, I would look at March through October.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Jun 1, 2016 at 6:57 a.m.

Amanda Says...

Just booked our dream trip for September 11-17. I am nervous about the weather. A few pop up showers and storms don't bother me...it's the thought of a total washout that scares me. Do you recommend trip insurance? And what exactly would that cover for us? Anything weather related?

Jul 15, 2017 at 5:12 a.m.

Loria Says...

Never been 2 Disney as a kid, but me n my husband is going sept. 18th thru the 24th September. We have a 2 day hopper pass n staying at the grand villas, they have great rating. Really hope the weather b ok. Hey Mickey, here we come

Aug 3, 2017 at 7:39 p.m.

Danielle Says...

Hey, my honeymoon is at the exact same time in the villas as well! We're planning on taking an uber to and from the parks. Do you know if they offer shuttles or anything at the hotel? I haven't been able to find much info on it. Also, it says its a mile away, does that mean freeway or is it walking distance?

Aug 20, 2016 at 9:29 p.m.

Christina Says...

When we booked the offered insurance mentioned "unforeseen weather conditions". Guessing rain doesn't cover that but sounds like it will be short bursts of rain. We are going Sept 10 to 17 to avoid the crowds. Celebrating two birthdays when there! Can't wait!!!

Aug 11, 2016 at 8:17 p.m.

Ashley Says...

Amanda, we are going to be there the same week and it will be my LO first trip! I have done lots of reading. There are some good tips out there for rainy days. Go to the dollar store and buy parkas. They cost upwards of $20 in the park. I have also stumbled upon a guide for what to do if/when it rains. Most of the personal experiences with September rain state that they are mostly short showers and you can resume all the fun shortly!

Jun 17, 2016 at 10 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Amanda,

We are not completely familiar with the ins and outs of trip insurance, but perhaps someone reading will weigh in!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Jan 25, 2016 at 7:42 p.m.

Noelia Says...

Thank you so much for all this information. It really helped us as a family to really enjoy our first time there. We took some, not all, the advice and had an overall great time!

We went Sept 2-6 and the lines were pretty small! We used the fast pass very wisely and ended up riding EVERYTHING! We were really exhausted at the end of the day but also really happy.

Please target the Castle first if your little princess (my 6 yr old) wants to meet Elsa and Anna, since that line was our longest all day (40 min). After that, we did not wait more than 30 minutes in anything.

May 29, 2015 at 8:02 a.m.

Tia Says...

Hi, will the end of Sept. beginning Oct. be very rainy or is that time when the afternoon rains stop I'm planning Sept 29- Oct 3 or Oct. 25-29? Also, I know this is for Sept. How's the weather at the end of October?

May 29, 2015 at 8:23 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tia,

Precipitation chances go down significantly in October to about 30%.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Jun 10, 2015 at 7:37 p.m.

heather Says...

But how is the rain usually the end of september/beginning of october? Does the chance of rain drop at all then? i dont mind short showers and storms, but last year (they say is not typical) it rained 6 of those 8 days around that period and some all day... i am trying to make the same decision. i was also told it's extremely crowded teh week of 10/26 and that in late october it can be cool. im so confused

Jun 11, 2015 at 8:04 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Heather,

At the end of September, early October you are looking at 30-40% precipitation chances, just looking at the historical data. I would expect some rain, especially showers in the afternoon, but you can never predict what is actually going to happen ;) It will get cooler later in October, but cooler is a relative term, as highs are in the low 80s and lows are in the low 60s. You might need a sweatshirt in the evenings, but overall, those are pleasant temps in my book!

Keep hopping!

Leap

May 25, 2015 at 2:37 a.m.

David Fincham Says...

So, we are going september 20th 2015. Im worried about how rainy its going to be. We'll be there for 5 days. Whats the expected weather at that time? Any tips for rain???

Thanks,

May 26, 2015 at 11:46 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi David,

I would expect afternoon thunderstorms. They usually blow in and out quickly. Hopefully that will be it. I would definitely recommend purchasing ponchos before you go. They will be much cheaper than if you have to pick them up in the park.

Keep hopping!

Leap

May 13, 2015 at 10:45 a.m.

Marin Says...

This is fabulous. Me and my partner are thinking of coming over in September next year ( from England ). I enjoyed reading this and have taken down some notes!

May 13, 2015 at 9:40 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Marin,

So glad we can help! Let us know if you need anything else.

Keep hopping,

Leap

Sep 5, 2017 at 1:48 p.m.

Donna jenkins Says...

I we are going to Orlando on saterday the 9th for 2 weeks I can't wait but I'm worried about the weather

Sep 5, 2017 at 10:08 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Donna,

The best way to prepare for those Florida showers is to arrive prepared with ponchos and umbrellas!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Mar 5, 2015 at 12:36 a.m.

mechelle Says...

hi ive booked cates 21st august to the 5th september will this month be all storms wet ect

Mar 6, 2015 at 1:17 p.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mechelle,

This is the rainiest period of the year in Orlando, so I would expect some rain. That said, what is very typical is a brief, afternoon storm that rolls through very quickly.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Jan 25, 2016 at 7:44 p.m.

Noelia Says...

I went around that time, the showers were no problem because we brought PONCHOS! Just be prepared.

Oct 31, 2014 at 4:36 p.m.

Tammy Says...

The parades and shows I'm interested in seeing.

In September when crowds are lower, do they still have the parades and shows going throughout the park?

Nov 3, 2014 at 8:27 a.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Yes, Tammy! That is what makes it so great!.

Jul 30, 2013 at 4:59 p.m.

jan Says...

We have been to Florida before but never in september. do the nightime fireworks display still go ahead in this month ? I got told that they stop at the end of August. Please could you advise .

Thanks

jan

Apr 27, 2016 at 5:08 a.m.

Bev Says...

Did you ever get a reply to this? We are looking at going to Disneyworld September 2016 (probably from 9th for 14 days) and would love to know if fireworks will be on at night as this is one of my favourite parts of visiting Disney.

Sep 25, 2012 at 12:56 p.m.

Cheryl Says...

We would really like to go next September but we are scared of the hurricanes/thunderstorms/rain. Does it really thunder and rain every day as we've heard? We homeschool, so taking the kids out of school is not a concern for us. We'd like to go for 2 weeks and visit the water parks for the first time. We've been at the end of January and the end of October, both nice times.

Sep 25, 2012 at 1:03 p.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Cheryl,

Generally there are short thunderstorms and rains that come in the afternoons and usually go away rather quickly. If you tour the parks early, as we suggest, then you could leave the park in the afternoon when the rains come so the kids can rest or nap. When it's clear again, you could head back to the parks in the late afternoon/early evening.

-- Leap

Sep 24, 2012 at 6:44 p.m.

Heather Redmond Says...

As a AAA Travel Agent, I knew that September would be a a great time to visit and I'm glad I did. We did the Halloween party at the MK and it was awesome although a little pricey.

Sep 24, 2012 at 7:49 p.m.

FrogBlog Says...

Heather,

So glad you had a great trip! This is a great time of year to visit.

-- Leap

Sep 18, 2012 at 10:58 a.m.

Leah Moss Says...

I normally travel at this time to florida. It's still lovely warm weather and the parks are quieter.

I wil be taking my son out of school at our next visit to DW he'll be in (P4). This is his 2nd time going.

I know their will be judgments made about this fact but I wouldn't be able to afford the prices during school holidays!! Xx