Welcome to the very first session of Disney 101! We are so excited to have you here and we are commited to educating you on the ins and outs of Walt Disney World travel. If at any time you have questions, concerns or suggestions please do share in the comments section below.
*Don’t forget to check the course requirements here.
Before we begin I want to explain why we chose the topics that we chose for this entire Disney 101 course. Jenn and I are expert Disney travelers and also Disney travel planners. We talk to hundreds of Disney travelers a month and have seen common questions and concerns along the planning process. After collecting months of data we have devised a series of posts that we are confident will help you plan the most magical Disney World vacation. As you can see from the course outline, these topics have been carefully chosen. You will see that we are not going to discuss the cost of things as that topic can be found anywhere. Our purpose is to share information with you so that you can then book/plan a vacation that is EXACTLY what you and your family are looking for. It is our hope you walk away from this feeling like a Disney Guru!!
Course 1-Special Events: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Halloween at Magic Kingdom is a truly unique experience. When you visit and purchase tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party you are going to be in for a real treat as you meet and greet your favorite Disney Characters dressed up in their costumes. In addition, you will see special events that can only be seen during the Halloween Party. Events such as Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and HalloWishes fireworks, dance parties with your favorite Disney Characters and even trick-o-treating. There is nothing like being in the Magic Kingdom after dark while the lights are dim and the haunted music is playing. But do not fear, everything was designed with the family in mind. :0)
The Bottom Line
Time-frame of Event: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party happens on select nights beginning the second week in September and going through November 1 or 2. These dates vary from year to year.
Cost: It is best to purchase your tickets in advance for this event as they will be a bit cheaper. Adult tickets range from $52.95-$58.95 and children’s tickets range from $47.95-$50.95. Except for Halloween Night when tickets will run you $69.95 per adult and $60.95 per child.
Crowds: This event can be very crowded. But the earlier in the week you attend the better the crowds are. For example, if you are visiting Disney World for a week and they offer the party on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Tuesday is going to be the best time of the week to attend the party. Weekends=Crowds! The closer you get to Halloween the more crowded the event will be.
Weather: September-November the weather changes quite a bit.
- September average is 81.5 degrees with an average rainfall of 5.76″
- October average is 75.5 degrees with an average rainfall of 2.73″
- November average is 75.1 degrees with an average rainfall of 2.32″
Quality: This party is spectacular! Not only does it scream Disney through its elaborate theme and ambiance but the fact that you can join in on the fun by dressing up makes it the best holiday party all year round. Here at Disney Guru we give Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party two thumbs up!
Tips: If you are traveling to Disney World during the months of September-November you should know that Magic Kingdom closes at 7:00 PM to the general public the nights that this event is held. If you do not hold a ticket to this event, you will be asked to leave. Wishes Fireworks will not be held on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party nights. If you hold a ticket to this event you can enter Magic Kingdom at 4:00 PM the night your ticket is valid. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot for Boo-to-You Parade in addition, the Headless Horseman passes down the parade route about 10 minutes prior to the parade start.
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is an event that takes place yearly in the fall. This event transforms Epcot into a food and wine lovers paradise. Through tastings, entertainment, and specialty food items this event is sure to please the palate. While Epcot always does a marvelous job of creating a place where you can experience cultures from around the world Food and Wine is put together with ample tasting opportunities in mind . This event is the ultimate food education event.
As you make your way around World Showcase your sense will be teased at the smells and sights of the various special food booths from around the world. In addition to a culinary delight you can also indulge in a plethora of adult beverage options.
The Bottom Line
Time-Frame of Event: Beginning 9/28 and ending on 11/11. This event is held daily.
Cost: Aside from the cost for the food and beverages all you need to get into Food and Wine is a park ticket. There are some events within Food and Wine that carry an added cost such as: Wine and Beverage Seminars, Daily Culnary Demonstrations, Food and Wine pairings, Party for the Senses and Wine View Lounge. Please call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to book your special event.
Did you know the following events are FREE with your paid admission?
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series
- Authentic Taste Seminars
- Authors without Borders
- History of Beer in America
- Taste of Puglia — Hosted by Taste of Puglia
Comune di Andria-Qoco
Crowds: Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival can get very crowded especially on the weekends and evenings.
Weather: October and early November weather is by far the most highly desired weather time for Disney vacationers. In fact, in a recent poll among our fans we asked people what their favorite time of year to travel to Disney World was and October won by leaps and bounds. Average daily temperature are 74.3 degrees and also there is a very low precipitation rate with normal rainfall ranging from 0 to 2.73 for the month.
Quality: The quality of this event is outstanding! If you like food, enjoy trying new things, want to be full immersed by culture, people and a chill atmosphere including live bands…this is a must do event for you. Disney Guru gives this event two thumb up!
Tips:
- If you happen to be visiting Disney World during food and wine and you have a dining reservation around World Showcase, I would highly recommend a 30-40 minute walk time. Crowds do congest all areas around the lagoon.
- Try something new!
- Are you on the Disney Dining Plan? Use your snack credits!!
- Grab the Food and Wine Festival Passport. See this amazing article written by Guru Jenn where she explains all about it.
