Summer might be around the corner, but Disney World is already thinking about fall and Halloween — and you should, too, if your vacation falls between August and November. The timeline of planning a Disney World vacation is unlike any other destination, with dining reservations, separate-ticketed events, and strategic itineraries to consider.
Disney World’s two flagship fall events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, will return in 2026. Both make for great add-ons and enhancements to a late summer or early fall vacation. Be sure to pencil the following dates into your calendar if you’re planning on attending!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns in August
As is customary at Disney World, Halloween starts extra early — depending on where you live, it starts while the kids are still on summer vacation! This year is no different, with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party having its first event on August 7.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an after-hours event taking place in Magic Kingdom on select nights in August, September, and October. It’s Disney World’s hallmark Halloween event that happens after the park closes to regular day guests (Magic Kingdom closes a few hours earlier than normal on party nights).
It requires separate admission to attend, and party attendees can enjoy shorter wait times to rides, special character meet-and-greets (be on the lookout for villains and Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes!), and exclusive entertainment. Guests are encouraged to dress in their own costumes for the occasion, and there are plenty of trick-or-treat trails to stock up on Halloween candy.
Here is the full lineup of event dates for 2026:
- August 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- September 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29
- October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Each party kicks off at 7:00 PM and concludes at 12:00 AM midnight. Ticket holders can enter Magic Kingdom starting at 4:00 PM the day of the party, giving families eight hours to enjoy the park.
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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets and event details
Interested in attending? Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party go on sale on May 5 for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green. Tickets go on sale on May 12 for all other guests.
Returning entertainment includes Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade (taking place at 8:15 PM) and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, a fan-favorite stage show taking place in front of Cinderella Castle featuring Winifred, Sarah, and Mary from ‘Hocus Pocus.’ Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks show also takes place at each party.
The Cadaver Dans — a Halloween-themed spin on the Main Street U.S.A. a capella quartet the Dapper Dans — will return as party-exclusive entertainment. New this year is an “ever-changing dance party” with Stitch at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland.
Character meet-and-greets just for party attendees will also be on deck, including the return of Jack Skellington and Sally. We’ll also see “new and returning Disney villains,” which is sure to be a huge draw for attendees. A complete character guide will be released by Disney closer to the party dates.
Event-exclusive food and beverage items along with merchandise will be available for purchase during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Stay tuned in the months leading up to the event for more details.
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2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival dates announced
More fall-centric activities return later in the month of August with the kickoff of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. The festival will be available daily from August 27 through November 21. The dates for 2026 are on trend with what we’ve seen in recent years.
The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is one of four food festivals that take place at EPCOT throughout the year. Typically offered starting in late summer and lasting until just before Thanksgiving, the Food and Wine Festival is the flagship among them, going back to 1996.
The Food and Wine Festival is best known for its bite-size menu items available for purchase at the festival kiosks around EPCOT (mostly concentrated in World Showcase). Inspired by culinary traditions around the world, it’s a great way to snack and sip your way through the park. A full foodie guide will be available closer to the start of the festival.
The festival also includes the Eat to the Beat Concert Series taking place in the American Adventure Pavilion. Concerts are included with EPCOT theme park admission with seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you want guaranteed seating, you can book a dining package that includes lunch or dinner at a participating EPCOT restaurant. The full lineup of concert acts and corresponding dates will be announced at a later time.
Other returning activities during the festival include Emile’s Fromage Montage, a cheesey food crawl where you collect stamps at select food kiosks to redeem for a festival treat for completion. Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt also returns, giving guests of all ages an engaging activity with a keepsake waiting for those who complete the challenge.
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News: Dates Announced For Disney World Fall Food Festival and Halloween Party was originally published on The World of Spark.
