UPDATED September 1, 2024

“Do you remember… what Disney World’s like in SEPTEMBER?“ No? You’ve never been to Walt Disney World in September, you say, or perhaps it’s been a while?

Well, we’re here to help! After all, we’re in Disney World every single day, so we can keep you up to speed on what you can expect — including special events, crowd levels, weather considerations, and more — from a Disney World vacation in early autumn. Here’s what you need to know if you’re headed to Disney World in September!

Crowds at Disney World in September

Have you heard the saying, “There is no slow season in Disney World anymore?” There are no two ways about it: the theme parks are positively hoppin’ these days. But September offers something of a silver lining.

Summer vacations are over, and with kids and parents in “back-to-school” mode, those crowds do tend to dwindle quite a bit! This comes, of course, with a caveat or two…

Traditionally, Labor Day Weekend makes for a busy time in Disney World as we all try to make the most of the last long weekend of the (unofficial) summer!

Generally speaking, Saturdays and Sundays will remain busy, especially as the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival runs throughout September, bringing both visitors and locals out to enjoy all the eats and drinks EPCOT’s most popular Festival has to offer!

Weekdays, though, will likely offer some of the lowest ride wait times and crowds you’ll see all year.

Crowds, schmowds… check out potential September ride wait times in Disney World!

Disney World Park Hours in September

Alas… with less people comes shorter park hours.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom begins to move its closing time on several September dates from 8PM to 7PM. Disney’s water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach — often transition to a 5PM closure (as opposed to summertime’s typical 7 or 8PM closings).

Magic Kingdom also closes early on select evenings throughout the month so it can host Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (an extra-ticket event which we’ll discuss shortly). On nights when the park remains open to all guests in the evenings, a fairly standard closing time is 10PM (compared to the 111PM closing often offered in the summer months).

You can see ALL of the Disney World Park Hours for September HERE!

Weather at Disney World in September

Aaah, September! While much of the country is pulling out their cardigans and hoodies and grabbing that first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season… well, let’s just say we’re glad there’s a Pumpkin Cream COLD BREW around these days, too, in case a latte is still a little too hot to handle in Orlando. We’re looking at an average high temperature of 89 degrees with average lows of 74 degrees in September.

On average, 11 days are affected by rainfall (though we still recommend packing that poncho for the more-than-occasional afternoon shower). And we can’t neglect mentioning that September falls under the umbrella (apologies for the unintended pun) of Hurricane Season. In fact, September 2022’s Hurricane Ian even affected Disney World operations with theme park and water park closures on September 28th and 29th.

Admittedly, park closures such as this are rare, but are also (obviously) not unheard of, and it’s best to be prepared by understanding Disney World’s hurricane cancelation policies and considering trip insurance if you haven’t already.

Click here for 6 Tips for Planning a Disney World Trip During Hurricane Season

You can also prepare by watching this video from our DFBGuide YouTube channel…

How to Pack for Disney World in September

Since what we pack is based, in many instances, on the weather, think SUMMER: short sleeves and shorts (perhaps even of the moisture wicking variety), caps and sunscreen for plenty of protection, and even cooling aids such as cooling towels, portable fans, and water bottles.

Don’t forget water gear! And I mean water gear for both fun (swimsuits — hooray!) and not-as-fun purposes (we’ll say it again — pack those rain ponchos or other waterproof jackets!).

No matter the time of year, GOOD SHOES are highly encouraged, and we have recommendations from our friendly readers here!

Find our Ultimate Disney World Packing List HERE!

Oh, there’s one more (perhaps unexpected) item you may want to pack in September: your HALLOWEEN costume!

Here’s why…

Special Events and Seasonal Offerings

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

One of the most highly anticipated fall events in Disney World is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

This extra-ticket event is typically offered for select nights starting in early-mid August then running all through September and October up through the BIG NIGHT: October 31st. So, September offers plenty of times to catch it.

Highlights of the event include trick-or-treating in the Magic Kingdom and the party-exclusive Boo-To-You Halloween Parade (which starts with an appearance by the Headless Horseman), and the exclusive Halloween fireworks spectacular, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, along with access to Magic Kingdom attractions and meet-and-greets with Disney characters in their too-cute-to-spook Halloween costumes!

See EVERYTHING included at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party HERE!

Minnie’s Halloween Dine

If an extra-ticket event isn’t in the budget, there is another way you can celebrate Halloween in September.

Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a Character Meal featuring Minnie and friends (such as Mickey, Goofy and Pluto) in their Halloween costumes throughout the entire month!

Minnie’s Halloween Dine is typically offered from mid-August through early November. Just bear in mind when making your Advance Dining Reservation that Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is presented for lunch and dinner, while breakfast features Disney Junior stars at Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine throughout the year.

Find our FULL REVIEW of Minnie’s Halloween Dine HERE!

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Heads up, fellow foodies! The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival began on August 29th and ran through November 23, 2024. So, September is HIGH FOOD AND WINE TIME! Stay tuned for 2025 dates!

This, of course, means that the Festival’s incredibly popular International Marketplace Food Booths will be serving up globally-inspired dishes and drinks!

It also means that the park will offer additional fun activities including — but not limited to — Emile’s Fromage Montage Cheese Crawl and Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt!

And if you just so happen to see someone screaming “I LOVE YOU, SHAWN!” during a Boyz II Men Eat to the Beat performance, I’m telling you in advance that it is NOT ME. (Ok, it will probably be me. On select nights the scream may instead be “I LOVE YOU, NICK!” if 98 Degrees returns again this year. You’ll be able to find the full concert line-up right here.)

We’ll keep you posted on the Food and Wine Festival dates as soon as they are announced — along with ALL the Festival info you need — so stay tuned!

Can’t wait for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? Click HERE to start preparing!

MORE September Fun

There’s even more to look forward to beyond those headliner events!

Great Irish Hooley Music Fest at Raglan Road

What the heck is a “Hooley?!” Well, if you’re visiting Disney Springs over Labor Day Weekend, you may be able to find out for yourself at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant’s Annual Great Irish Hooley Music Fest!

Get the full scoop on Labor Day Weekend’s BEST celebration HERE.

Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month

For the past few years, Disney World has celebrated Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month starting in mid-September. 

You’ll find cuisine that highlights the flavors of the Hispanic and Latin American cultures throughout the Resort!

What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World?

Will your vacation extend into October? Check out our October Disney World Trip Planning Guide!

So, as you can tell… even when the crowds slow down a bit, the FUN sure doesn’t in Disney World! A September trip to Disney World has a LOT going for it. But if you’re still considering which time of year to visit Disney World, we have more helpful info for you in our DFBGuide YouTube video below:

Have you ever visited Disney World in September? Leave us a comment and let us know!