A Magical Halloween at Walt Disney World: A Guide for Canadians
Curious about Halloween time at Walt Disney World? Canadian besties: we’ve got ALL the Halloween info you need! It’s time to get SPOOKY – Disney style!
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, many Canadians start planning their fall getaways. For those with a love for magic, adventure, and a touch of spooky fun, there’s no better destination than Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Halloween at Disney World is a truly enchanting experience, offering a unique blend of autumn festivities and Disney magic.
The Ultimate Guide for Spending Halloween at Walt Disney World
Here’s a guide to help Canadian travellers make the most of their Halloween trip to the most magical place on earth.
Planning Your Disney Trip for the Halloween Season
When’s the best time to go to Disney World for Halloween?
Halloween celebrations at Walt Disney World typically begin in mid-August and run through October 31st. For those wanting to avoid the larger crowds, consider visiting in late August or early September is always a good bet. American schools usually start classes a couple weeks ahead of us, so end of August is usually a somewhat slower period.
Weather Considerations
Florida’s fall weather is hot and humid! Highs can be around 35 degrees. The caveat is that it’s also hurricane season, so travel plans may change (make sure to book flexible travel arrangements). There can also be periods of rain and wind, even if it’s not a hurricane. Prepare to get drenched at some point.
Pack light clothing, comfortable shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen. Evenings can be cooler, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is advisable. A foldable rain jacket (or better yet a packable rain poncho) is a must!
Lisa and I were once so stuck on our way out of Epcot late at night in September rains so drenching that we thought our cellphones were going to die from the water even though they were inside our backpacks. We had water up to our ankles in minutes. It can rain like you’ve never seen it rain before!
Must-Experience Halloween Events
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)
This special ticketed event at Magic Kingdom is a Halloween extravaganza perfect for families. It features:
- Trick-or-Treating: kids and adults alike can collect candy and treats throughout the park, and they are very generous with their handouts.
- Special Shows and Parades: The “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show are highlights.
- Halloween Fireworks: The “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” fireworks display is a must-see.
The crowds are also somewhat lighter than during the days, as attendance is limited, even if the event is sold out. Though most popular rides are opened, not all of them are operating during special events, but attendees can access the park at 4 p.m. on the day of, and the event starts at 7 p.m. (meaning you can ride whatever ride will not be opened during the event before 7 p.m.).
It was recently announced that Tron Lightcycle Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will have standby queues for the event. During regular hours, both attractions will continue to use virtual queues.
There are no DAS Passes or Multi or Single Passes during special events, and waiting times are not posted on the app, which means you have to do it old-school style, which we really enjoyed. Though some waiting times can rack up, they were usually much shorter than the waiting times posted (for example, Haunted Mansion posted a 50-minute wait and we waited about 25 minutes tops, which wasn’t bad considering we also had a live entertainment while waiting. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train posted a 35-minute wait and we waited barely 20). And our event was sold-out!
The party this year (2024) will host its first event on August 9, 2024. Prices can vary depending on the night (between $119 – $199 per person), click here for more information:Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Walt Disney World Resort (go.com)
Halloween Decorations
Magic Kingdom is transformed with festive decorations, including pumpkins, scarecrows, and fall-themed decor that provide perfect photo opportunities. Decorations are everywhere, and they are spectacular!
Halloween decorations will go up in Magic Kingdom during the first full week of August 2024.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
This event runs concurrently with the Halloween season and offers a great way to sample global cuisines and beverages. This year it will run from August 29 to November 24, 2024. The locals and fans rush around for this much-anticipated event, where there are special scavenger hunts, special concerts and food and wine samplings throughout World Showcase not found at any other time of the year.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
Book Early
Halloween is a popular time at Walt Disney World, so book your accommodations and tickets well in advance. Consider staying at a Disney Resort hotel for added convenience and early access to the parks. Special events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) sell out quickly, so don’t wait if it’s a must do on your list.
Use the My Disney Experience App
This app helps you plan your day, book Lightning Lanes selections, and make dining reservations. It’s an essential tool for navigating the parks efficiently.
Costumes
Guests are encouraged to dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but not for regular park days. There are guidelines to follow, especially for adults, so check Disney’s costume policy before you pack here: Park Dress Guidelines | FAQ | Walt Disney World (go.com)
Dining Reservations
Halloween-themed treats and special dining experiences are abundant. Make reservations early, especially for popular spots like Be Our Guest Restaurant or Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Making It Memorable
Capture the Moments
Consider purchasing a Memory Maker package for unlimited Disney PhotoPass photos. This ensures you capture all your magical memories without worrying about taking pictures. But do the math, it may sometimes be more worth it to buy single pictures than to purchase a package depending on your needs and days in the parks (you can purchase individual pictures on the MyDisneyExperience website, not the app).
Bring Home Souvenirs
Halloween-themed merchandise is plentiful. From Mickey ears to exclusive pins and apparel, there are plenty of options to bring a piece of the magic home. The special themed popcorn buckets are also an item that fans often go crazy for, and are usually in limited supply (creating a high demand for them).
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
The excitement and heat can be exhausting. Remember to stay hydrated, take breaks, and enjoy the magic at a pace that’s comfortable for you and your family. When Lisa and I went to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, we couldn’t function as well as we thought we would the next day. Although we had a morning in Animal Kingdom planned, we ended up cutting our visit shorter than anticipated and headed to the hotel pool around lunch. Listen to yourself!
Halloween at Walt Disney World offers Canadians a chance to experience a unique blend of Disney magic and spooky fun. With careful planning and a bit of preparation, your Halloween trip to Disney can be a memorable adventure filled with joy, laughter, and perhaps a few delightful frights. Happy travels and have a magical Halloween!
Have you ever visited Disney World during their Halloween celebrations? How did you like it? Let us know by dropping us a comment on Instagram or TikTok!