We can’t believe it’s time to talk about September…but here we are!

The Halloween season has officially kicked off in Disney World and we’ve seen everything the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has to offer. On top of that, a new restaurant is opening in EPCOT and the Food & Wine Festival is in full swing. But September has some BIG things in store and that’s what we’re here to talk about today!

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our list of the 15 ESSENTIALS you’ll forget to pack. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing!

So what can you look forward to in September? Check it out!

100th Anniversary Celebrations Hit EPCOT

EPCOT has been in the middle of a huge transformation for what feels like FOREVER. But the park is transforming even further this September with the addition of a 100th anniversary celebration!

On September 22nd, you’ll be able to celebrate the 100th anniversary with things like this platinum Mickey statue. The “100” display is already out, but Mickey will join us for some selfies soon!

Would it be a celebration if Spaceship Earth didn’t do something special? On the 22nd, we’ll also see the debut of a new Spaceship Earth lighting show accompanied by the 100th Anniversary anthem, which will be a new rendition of “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

In the Imagination pavilion, Mickey and Minnie will greet you in their 100th anniversary attire. Plus, there will be a mural full of your favorite Disney characters in World Celebration. We can’t wait to see it!

If that wasn’t enough, the Disney100 Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket will be available as well. We’ve seen this bucket before over at Disneyland Resort!

That’s not all, because there are also four NEW EPCOT Food & Wine Festival booths debuting on this day! We’ll soon be able to try Bubbles & Brine, Char & Chop, Swirled Showcase, and Wine & Wedge. Although these booths are late to the party, you’ll have until November 18th to give them a try!

Menus have already been announced for the booths, so check those out to prepare for your next EPCOT trip.

10 Huge Ways EPCOT Will Change on September 22nd

Star Wars Hotel Closing

A huge permanent closure is going to hit Disney World in September — the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Disney shocked many fans when it announced the closure of this experience back in May 2023. There are many reasons that the experience closed including its high price tag and negative publicity — read all about why the closure happened here.

The final “voyage” will take place from September 28th to 30th, and although the last trips sold out pretty quickly, we have seen availability reappear from time to time. Keep an eye on the Disney World website and on DFB to know if/when certain dates open up again!

For now, Disney has not revealed what could replace the Star Wars Hotel, but we’ll be the first to let you know about any announcements.

Why the Star Wars Hotel Closed in Disney World

Happily Ever After Times Change

Now it’s time to talk about the fireworks show whose return was celebrated by SO many Disney fans — Happily Ever After! The show returned earlier this year with some new effects and lights up the sky at Magic Kingdom again.

However, if you want to see the show in September, we’ve got to warn you that the times are changing. Starting on September 18th, showtimes will move from 9PM to 8:30PM through the end of the month. This is a typical change around this time of year as we make our way into fall, but it’s important if you plan on catching the show!

Can You Keep a SECRET? Our FAVORITE Hidden Place To Watch Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Extended Evening Hours Return to One Park

Ever wanted to stay in the parks after it closes? Well, you can at Disney’s Hollywood Studios again soon…that is if you’re paying the price of staying at a deluxe resort. Extended Evening Hours officially return to Hollywood Studios on September 30th with additional dates on October 5th, 11th, 19th, and 25th.

This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the short wait times at the park’s most popular attractions. Unfortunately, Rise of the Resistance is not on the list of included rides, however, you CAN ride Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, and more.

Comparing After Hours Events and Extended Evening Hours in Disney World

Destination D23

Finally, in September, Disney World will host the Destination D23 event! This three-day event takes place from September 8th-10th, and you’ll want to stay tuned because we usually get some HUGE announcements out of the weekend.

At Destination D23 in 2021, we learned a whole bunch of news like the return of Walt Disney Studios lot tours, the opening timeline for Disneyland Paris’ Avengers Campus, Connections Cafe and Eatery would be coming to EPCOT, and more. Disney has yet to release the schedule for the weekend, but we know some exciting announcements are sure to come out of it!

See all of the announcements from last year’s D23 Expo!

Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it!