Disney World Special Events Ramp Up for Fall

About a month from now, Disney World will be celebrating a significant milestone when it rolls out the red carpet for its 50th birthday, being billed as “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, on October 1. Combine a 50th birthday party with the return of its Fall lineup of holiday-based events and there are some special activities to plan for if you own Disney timeshare.

Because of the way Disney timeshare points are structured, owners can book their stay during any of these events, subject to space availability and the number of points owned. If attending these events is your priority, you’ll want to start by booking accommodation at your home resort (where your points are deeded) since you’ll be given priority booking.

The good news is that the weeks from September 1 through to late December have some of the lower points requirements on the Disney Vacation Club calendar, apart from the higher totals needed for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. 

Below are some of the major Disney World events scheduled over the next few months:

Disney After Hours Boo Bash – now through October 31

Disney’s main Halloween-themed event, this evening showcase takes place at the Magic Kingdom on specific nights up until Halloween. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costume, but please remember that COVID face masks are required to be worn while inside park facilities. And no, a Halloween mask won’t be considered ok to replace a COVID mask.

Parades will feature your favorite Disney characters dressed in themed attire – along with your favorite Disney villains. And kids will love the trick or treat surprises.

Because it is considered a separately ticketed event, no additional entry passes are needed. Ticket holders can enter the park starting at 7:00pm, with the festivities beginning at 9:00pm when the schedule shifts on September 7. To see which dates the event takes place, please click here.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – now until November 20

This annual festival is back with exhibitors representing six continents showing off their unique wine and food samples.

Visit far away places like Australia, India and Kenya, while savoring the delights from Epcot’s traditional residents such as China, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan and Britain.

An admission ticket to Epcot is required to enter the park and food and beverages are purchased separately in addition to park admission.

“Squeak peek” of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - September 5, 17, and 20

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is set to debut at Epcot’s France Pavilion on October 1, but Disney Vacation Club members can get a sneak peak at the new ride before its official launch.

Based on Disney’s hit animated film Ratatouille, DVC members will need to register in order to gain access to the preview. Vacations need to be booked to register so you’ll need to move quick to take advantage of the offer. Contact Disney Vacation Club for more details, but if you can’t make the in-person preview, this video may help whet your appetite.

Disney Enchantment – from October 1

The highlight of the Magic Kingdom’s 50th birthday celebration, an entirely new evening extravaganza will center on – where else – the iconic Cinderella’s Castle and flow down Main Street.

Look for new fireworks displays, lighting effects, classic Disney music and your favorite Disney characters along with, for the very first time, new immersive projection effects.

Harmonious at EPCOT – beginning October 1

Even though the main birthday party centers on the Magic Kingdom, all of the Disney Parks will share in the festivities. Epcot will unveil a new evening fireworks and light show to replace the Illuminations show that has been such a mainstay of the Epcot experience.

Centered on the World Showcase Lagoon, the new show will include laser light shows, giant screens, fireworks, fountains, classic Disney music and use of new media.

For a sneak preview of the show, please visit here for a quick video preview.

Disney KiteTails – starting October 1

This is Animal Kingdom’s way of celebrating Disney’s 50th birthday. This daytime show, based at the Discovery River Amphitheater, will include wonderful kites and windcatchers featuring favorite Disney animal characters such as Simba and King Louie. Watch them fly through the sky to favorite Disney music in a unique performance that is sure to delight.

Disney Very Merriest After Hours - Nov. 8 through Dec. 21

Later this Fall, Disney will introduce a reimagined version of its Christmas Party called Disney Very Merriest After Hours, which takes the place of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

This will be a ticketed event which will need to be purchased separate from regular park admission. As with the earlier version, guests will experience snow on Main Street, Christmas-themed parade and decorations along with special holiday fireworks above the uniquely adorned Cinderella’s Castle.

Visitors will be able to enter the park at 7:00pm on the night of the event, with the special entertainment set to run from 9:00pm through to 1:00am.

Prices vary depending on the evening selected, so to see which nights are scheduled for the event and associated prices, please go to the Disney event page here.