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If you’re planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort this fall, you may be wondering what exactly you should plan to experience outside of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, or the lines for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, that is. Galaxy’s Edge aside, fall is one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World Resort with new experiences around every corner like the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and more. Avoid stressing about how to get into Disney’s newest land and focus on everything that fall at the resort has to offer with this helpful guide.
See what’s new at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has loads of enhancements coming in 2019, with a new fireworks show, different characters in the Boo-to-You parade, character dance parties, dining experiences, and more. For the first time in 14 years Disney is debuting a new fireworks show, to be hosted by Jack Skellington alongside other characters like our favorites, Mickey and Minnie.
Attraction enhancements from previous years are returning for 2019, including Space Mountain which riders will experience in total darkness, a new lighting package at the Mad Tea Party, and additional character interactions on Pirates of the Caribbean. New for this year, an interactive treat trail will take over the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and favorite Disney Junior characters will greet guests at the Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam.
Lastly, 2019 brings new characters to Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, with the additions of The Incredibles and Buzz Lightyear. These characters will appear on a Tomorrowland-centered float alongside classic favorites like the Haunted Mansion ballroom dancers and Disney Villains.
Try new flavors at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
This year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts August 29 (the same day Galaxy’s Edge opens) and spans a total of 87 days running through November 23. Lots of fan-favorite events are returning for this year’s event including Remy’s Hide & Squeek Scavenger Hunt, Party for the Senses, the Eat to the Beat live music series, culinary and beverage seminars, and of course those famous outdoor kitchens just to name a few.
New for the festival’s outdoor kitchen scene is the Apple Orchard with charcuterie and cheese plates, caramel apple popcorn, frozen apple pies, and an array of specialty hard ciders. The Candy Sushi making experience that debuted during last year’s event is returning for this fall, allowing guests to create candy sushi masterpieces of their own twice daily (be sure to get reservations online asap since this one fills up quick!).
ESPN is getting in on the foodie fun this year with Tailgate Tastings on select Sundays throughout the festivals. Taking cues from the annual culinary demonstrations, these events will serve up flights based on the football teams’ hometowns that are playing on a given Sunday and leave guests with recipes and inspirations to create their own tailgate dishes at home.
See IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth before it’s gone
Last year we learned that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth would be ending its run in Epcot, and we recently learned some more of the details surrounding its final months. The final performance of this classic Epcot fireworks spectacular will take place on September 30, 2019, so you’ll definitely want to start planning your farewell visit if you’re hoping to see these fireworks one last time!
On October 1, an all-new fireworks show is set to debut. Epcot Forever will offer a celebration of Epcot’s past and present, with nods to songs and motifs that paint a memorable image of the park’s past and future. Epcot Forever is actually a limited engagement however, with a new permanent replacement for IllumiNations coming later on in 2020.
Eat out during Orlando’s Magical Dining Month
Orlando’s Magical Dining Month runs August 23-September 30, 2019. If you’ve never experienced Magical Dining Month before, you’re in for a treat! During this special event (which takes place at select restaurants on Disney property but also throughout the Orlando area) you’ll be able to dine on special three-course pre-fixe menus for just $35 per person, with $1 from every meal supporting a local charity. For Disney dining, this not only means you’ll be supporting some important causes, but you’ll also be saving some money (because as you may be aware, $35 for three courses in Disney is a great deal!).
Participating restaurants on Disney property include: The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar & Restaurant, Il Mulino New York Trattoria, JALEO, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Morimoto Asia, Paddlefish Restaurant, Ravello, STK Orlando, Terralina Crafted Italian, Todd English’s bluezoo, Wine Bar George, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.
Are you ready to plan your fall trip to Walt Disney World even with the opening of Galaxy’s Edge? Academy Travel is here to help! They can offer you expert advice and a no-obligation quote on a dream vacation (and make sure you score all of those amazing fall discounts Disney just released!). Academy Travel provides their services at no extra cost to you and you can click here to get a no-obligation quote and discuss your vacation with a Vacation Planners at Academy Travel.