Pumpkins line every corner in the Magic Kingdom, the enticing aromas of international cuisine waft through Epcot’s World Showcase, and a spooky feeling is starting to arise. Despite the still-too-high temperatures, it is now official: fall is here. We’re coming off the heels of one of the busiest summers in recent memory for Walt Disney World, but that doesn’t mean new attractions and shows will stop coming this fall. In fact, with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival both in full swing, fall is one of the best times to visit Disney World.

So, grab a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, sit back, and find out about everything that’s coming to Disney World this fall. While we can’t help you pick a Halloween costume, we can maybe help you plan what new attractions to hit up this season at Disney World.

Magic Kingdom

Everything new at Disney World - Fall 2016

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Additions – Now Open – Mickey’s annual Halloween party at the Magic Kingdom just kicked off. While much of the party features returning fan favorites like the Boo-To-You Parade and the Hocus Pocus stage show, there are several new additions to the party, including two fun treats for Zootopia fans. The “Creepa Crew” that patrols Main Street now features Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, and the new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card for the party features Clawhauser. Also new this year are the allergy-friendly treat stations. You can read all about the new additions to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party here, and be sure to check out our MNSSHP guide.

Elena of Avalor - Magic Kingdom

Elena of Avalor’s Magic Kingdom Debut – Now Open – Magic Kingdom is giving Disney’s newest princess the royal welcome. Star of the new Disney Channel show of the same name, Elena of Avalor receives a special welcome ceremony in front of Cinderella Castle from Cinderella and Prince Charming. Elena performs her song “My Time” during the ceremony, which performs several times daily. If you have an Elena fan in your family, be sure to check this out.

Caterpillar - Main Street Electrical Parade - Disney World

Main Street Electrical Parade Farewell Tour – Ends October 9 – After four decades of lighting up the Magic Kingdom’s parade route, the Main Street Electrical Parade is “glowing” away. While the MSEP will get a new run at Disneyland in California in early 2017, it’s unclear if there will be any replacement nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom. Fingers crossed that Disney will bring something of the caliber of Paint the Night to Magic Kingdom, which feels like a Main Street Electrical Parade for this decade. If the opening chords to the MSEP music make you feel all nostalgic, be sure to check it out before it takes its final bow.

Muppets at Magic Kingdom

The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History – Starts October 2016 – Head to Liberty Square for a fun new take on American history that only the Muppets can bring you. This live show starring Sam Eagle, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo will retell classic American historical stories, such as Paul Revere’s ride or the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Naturally, The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History will take place outside outside the Hall of Presidents.

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Fall Finale – Now Open – Mickey Mouse’s new show outside Cinderella Castle is getting a new finale that celebrates the season of fall. Each season, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire will feature new costumes and music appropriate to the current season.

Epcot

Seared Scallops - Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Additions – Now Open – This is my personal favorite seasonal event to go to at Disney World. Every year I’ve attended Epcot Food & Wine, I’ve been delighted by my returning favorite dishes as well as surprised by the new additions. This year seems to be no different, with about 50% of the offerings at the festival either being new or reimagined. Check out a rundown of the new additions to the festival below, and check out our list of the 19 Dishes We’re Most Excited About at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

  • New Marketplaces: Chocolate Studio, Greenhouse Guru, Islands of the Caribbean, Wine & Dine Studio
  • Annual Passholders can receive a new free glass from the Festival. All they need to do is go to Epcot 3 times. Upon their third visit, they can go to Innoventions East with their pass and their ID to claim their glass.
  • Special celebrity chef events – Geoffrey Zakarian, Masaharu Morimoto, Maneet Chauhan, Elliott Farmer, and Graham Elliot are set to host their very first festival special events at the festival, joining returning favorites like Robert Irvine and Cat Cora.
  • New Mixology Seminars
  • “The Ultimate Day at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival” – VIP Guided Tour of the Festival
  • New special meals, including the Secrets of Flavor – a sensory experience. Check out the full lineup of new special events here.

Hollywood Studios

Club Villain - Walt Disney World

Club Villain Returns – Fridays and Saturdays throughout October – The premium character dining experience featuring Disney’s best baddies is coming back this October! Every Friday and Saturday night in October, Dr. Facilier will host Club Villain, a two-hour evening of “frightfully fun entertainment, decadent desserts, bewitching beverages and more” at Sunset Showcase in Hollywood Studios. The scariest part? The price tag of $129 per person, but they have offered DVC and Annual Pass discounts in the past (be sure to ask if there are any current ones). If you can spare the cash, this could be a fun alternative to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Reservations can be made via 407-WDW-DINE.

Dr. Strange Preview – Opens October 7. A 10 minute preview of Marvel’s upcoming mystical, magical movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch will take place in the Walt Disney One Man’s Dream theater.

Animal Kingdom

Rivers of Light Concept Art - New Show at Animal Kingdom

Rivers of Light – Rumored to Start in October – With the middling Jungle Book: Alive with Magic setting sail off into the distance, rumor has it that Rivers of Light should finally make its debut this fall at Animal Kingdom after being delayed this summer. The latest rumor I read said that Imagineering has handed the nighttime spectacular off to park operations, which means that it should be gearing up for a possible October debut. As with any rumor, take it with a grain of salt. Be sure to check back to Guide2WDW for more information on when this attraction will open.

Savor the Savannah Dining Experience – Now Open – This premium dining experience and tour takes guests on a private two-hour safari trek through the Harambe Wildlife Preserve, culminating in a special dinner in a viewing area on the preserve. The dinner features African-inspired tapas as well as a selection of regional wines and beers. This tour/dinner costs $169 per person. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for more information.

Beyond the Parks

Flying Fish & Abracadabar – Now Open – Featuring a completely revamped menu, a newly renovated Flying Fish just reopened on Disney’s Boardwalk to rave reviews. The restaurant now features a magic-themed lounge called the Abracadabar. If you want a magical dining experience, definitely give Flying Fish a shot.

Resort Food & Wine Festival Experiences – New for this year, Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian, the Contemporary, and Citricos at the Grand Floridian feature special, hands-on culinary experiences

Recent Additions to Disney Springs – Disney Springs continued its major expansion throughout the summer, adding a slew of new shops at the new Town Center, as well as restaurants from Art Smith and Rick Bayless. This fall, guests will be able to have a meet and greet with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear at the Coca-Cola store.

Still has that new ride smell

Frozen Ever After - Epcot Fastpass Guide

There are plenty of attractions and shows that just debuted over the summer at Disney World. Whether you’re talking about the wildly popular Frozen Ever After, the breathtaking Soarin’ Around the World, or the awesome Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Hollywood Studios, Disney added several must-do’s to the WDW lineup this summer. Be sure to check out our feature on Everything New At Disney World Summer 2016 to read up on these recent offerings at Disney World.

That wraps up our big look at the new attractions, shows, and events coming to Disney World this fall. What are you most excited about seeing on your next Disney World vacation? Let me know in the comments below!

Plan your Disney World Vacation with a FREE Vacation Planning DVD from Disney


Want to find out more about Disney World to get ready for your WDW trip? Click the graphic above to sign up for a free Disney World vacation planning DVD from Disney. This fun resource is a great way to learn more about the parks and get excited about your upcoming trip to Orlando. Plus, did I mention that it’s completely free?