Autumn—the weather is cooler, the leaves are changing, pumpkin flavored everything is in season. Even Winnie the Pooh is quoted saying “Autumn! A time of hot chocolatety mornings, and toasting marshmallow evenings, and best of all, leaping into LEAVES!” All in all, Autumn is a beautiful time of year. But the question is, does this happen in Florida? Well I have happy news coming to you from Orlando, Florida today! Having been a Florida Resident all my life, I can tell you that here in the Sunshine State our seasons aren’t too incredibly different. For the most part it is hot all year round as I’m sure most of you enjoy. However, the fall is an amazing time to come visit the Walt Disney World Resort. Why you ask? Well, lucky for you, I will be listing below the reasons which can hopefully help you ponder about the next WDW trip you may want to take in the year up ahead. Let’s hit it!
#1. Seasonal Favorite Foods! Nom nom nom
We all know Disney food in general is delicious, but when these seasons come around, oh boy! My personal favorite seasonal food item is at Earl of Sandwich nestled over at Downtown Disney in the Marketplace. A sandwich that encompasses all the foods that make the holidays so great, it is something I look forward to each year! Of course the possibilities are endless at Disney; there’s also a peppermint ice cream cookie sandwich sold over at Sleepy Hollow at Magic Kingdom. Pumpkin funnel cakes sold next to the American Pavillion in World Showcase at Epcot. And seasonal cupcakes galor! As well as Disney’s famous candy apples. So whenever you’re in the parks this time of year and you’re craving a seasonal something you can only have one time of the year, make sure to keep an eye out for those amazing treats!
#2. Cooler Weather. Ah! Feel the gentle breeze.
I’m aware that most everyone enjoys Florida for its weather; the heat, the humidity, the fact that there are no such thing as seasons here. But I’ll let you in on the fact that being a Floridian all of my life, I look forward to the cold weather! Face it, it’s a lot more enjoyable to walk around the parks when the sun isn’t beating down on you and you have to reapply sunscreen every hour. You’ll find you have way more energy to last the entire day at the parks without the intense Florida weather. So although you may come down for the heat, remember that our winter is 70 degrees instead of possibly your 20 degree weather at home! My advice would be to maybe pack for both. Pack shorts and tank tops, but also bring along some jeans and sweaters just so you’re prepared for both since the weather here is so unpredictable.
#3. Slow Crowds. Walk on to Space Mountain? Yes please!
Even if none of the other things on this top 5 list was ever present, this should be the biggest reason to go down to the parks at this time of year alone. Well, not entirely, but you get my point. During the summer time or near Spring Break, the crowds are unbearable! 2 hour wait times, fast passes running out within 30 minutes of park opening, let’s face it large crowds aren’t exactly present. But between the months of August through middle December, the park crowds almost look like a tumbleweed could glide by at any moment. I’m exaggerating but you get my drift. Most attractions will be walk ons, or no more than 30 minutes most of the time during this wonderful time of year. So you’ll be able to casually stroll along in the parks without rushing to make sure you get there for your fast pass time or to get everything done for the day.
#4. Decorations. Jack O’Lanterns and lit up Cinderella Castle, Oh My!
I’m a sucker for decorations. The parks are already beautiful enough because of the fantastic Disney Imagineers who wow us constantly with their works of genius. But going during the Halloween and before Christmas season are just amped up! Between September and early November, you’ll spot jack-o’lanterns, fall leaf garland, and tons of Mickey pumpkins all around. Christmas time, forget it, it is absolutely breathtaking. My personal favorite place to view the best holiday decorations are at the Magic Kingdom. If you think Cinderella Castle is beautiful at night time already, just wait til you visit when all of those Christmas lights are on it. Once Disney has turned over to Christmas decorations, every night at I belive 6 or 7:15, check with a Cast Member to certify, there is a gorgeous castle lighting ceremony in front of the castle. You help Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Cinderella, and her Fairy Godmother light up the castle for the night. It is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see, I guarantee it and your little one will be in awe too. Trust me, this is a must do on your Disney Bucket List if you haven’t gone yet.
#5. Special Events!
SO many fun things to do during this time of year, it’s unbelievable! Basically throughout this entire time, there is something special going on. There’s of course Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party which starts early September each year. For young and old, new and returning Guests, this event is a hoot and a holler and a half. I mean how can you go wrong with trick or treating in Magic Kingdom, and adults, I know a lot of you have been dying to wear your special Disney character costume in the parks just like the kids do all the time. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party also has one of the absolute best parades I believe Disney has ever produced called “Boo to You Parade.” The Headless Horseman starts it off, and each float is exciting and like nothing you’ve seen before during regular park hours. Not to mention the song will be stuck in your head for days to come! There are also special fireworks called “Hallowishes” and might I say it is quite a spook-tacular show! (See what I did there?) I’m sure you’ve all heard of this one: the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. This is so amazing, it’s beyond words. World Showcase already offers great cuisine and beverages all year round, but during this Festival, the possibilities are endless! Make sure to bring a friend or two to share, drink and be merry. This is another must do on your Disney Bucket List. Lastly, there is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! It’s gorgeous, snowing on Main Street, and you are offered free hot chocolate and cookies all night long. With an exclusive parade and fireworks show, really what more could you ask for?
As you can see, there’s tons more to do during this time of year than people realize. So although for some it may be too late to book for this year, make sure to give it some thought to book for next year! You can email myself at Kayla@themagicforless.com or go to http://themagicforless.com to contact one of my other fellow agents to get a free no-obligation quote.
If you’ve ever been to the parks this time of year, make sure to leave a comment below to let me know what you’re favorite thing(s) about attending are. Until next time, see ya real soon!
You had me at Seasonal Foods!
Fall truly is the best time of year in Florida. Having booked a trip to Orlando for Food and Wine for next weekend I can say, that Disney is a great destination to reconnect with the child in all of us.