If you’re like me, then summer flew by this year. Just like that, it’s time to talk about planning a Walt Disney World vacation in September. Where has the time gone?
September is a great time to visit the parks if you’re looking to dodge crowds. With the school year starting up, fewer families are looking to travel at the moment, which could greatly benefit you. Of course, crowded Disney World days can happen at any time…but you’re definitely hedging your bets well if visiting this time of year. That said, you’ll want to be prepared for continued heat and humidity. All of this is covered in today’s guide, so let’s jump in and start planning that September Disney World vacation!
What’s happening at Walt Disney World In September
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Halloween is in full swing at Walt Disney World for the month of September. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select evenings in Magic Kingdom, bringing family-friendly haunts after the park closes to regular guests.
Admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party includes event-exclusive entertainment, like Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, and more. You’ll also encounter character meet-and-greets with party-exclusive outfits, trick-or-treat trails, and shorter wait times for the rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom. Limited-time treats are also available for purchase you won’t find anywhere else in Walt Disney World.
Here are the dates for the 2025 lineup in September: September 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28 and 30.
MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY RETURNS TO MAGIC KINGDOM THIS FALL
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Over at EPCOT, foodies can enjoy the Food and Wine Festival daily throughout September. The festival is available to all guests with admission to EPCOT, though the food and drink items require additional purchase. That said, the Food and Wine Festival is a great way to try something different and snack your way through the park.
A fan favorite feature of the Food and Wine Festival is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. These concerts are included with your park admission with seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Here is the concert lineup for the month of September (each date has shows at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM):
- September 1: MercyMe
- September 2-4: 4NRS Journey
- September 5-6: KT Tunstall – NEW!
- September 7-8: TobyMac
- September 9-11: Audio Exchange
- September 12-14: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
- September 15: Bacilos
- September 16-18: La Calle Band
- September 19-20: Sheila E.
- September 21-22: Ben Rector – NEW!
- September 23-25: Evolution Motown
- September 26-27: Tiffany
- September 28-29: Jesse & Joy
- September 30: Southbound
If you want guaranteed seating to the concert on the date you’re in the park, consider booking an Eat to the Beat Concert Series Dining Package. These packages include a prix-fixe menu at a selection of EPCOT restaurants and a designated seating section at the American Gardens Theater (no need to wait in line!).
Jock Lindsay’s Halloween Bar
New for 2025 is a Halloween layover at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs. The not-so-scary layover, Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Bar, will be open through November 4.
In addition to the festive decorations found around the bar, guests can order a number of themed bites and sips perfect for celebrating Halloween. Menu highlights include the Alien Invader Sliders, the Phantom Dumplings, and the Skull of the Dead.
If you’ve ever checked out Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, then you know that this place truly goes all-out for seasonal overlays. It’s absolutely worth checking out if you find yourself in Disney Springs this September.
Walt Disney World In September weather
While some areas of the country may be feeling some relief from summer weather this time of year, the heat and oppressive humidity continues through September at Walt Disney World. According to Weather Spark, the average high in Orlando for the month of September is 88 degrees with an average low of 74 degrees.
If you are looking for any signs that the summer season is nearing its end, however, you may find it in the form of lessening precipitation. The average number of rainy days dips to 14.8 days in September, down from an annual peak of 20.2 days in August. Make no mistake; you definitely want to pack for the extreme heat and humidity.
September also marks the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic. While hurricanes are not a guarantee, your odds of encountering one heighten this time of year. If you have a September vacation booked, keep a close eye on the Tropics as your trip approaches and review Disney World’s hurricane policy, along with the policies of other third-party bookings such as airlines.
VISITING DISNEY WORLD IN SEPTEMBER? PREPARE FOR THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY.
Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In September
Know which nights offer Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Whether you want to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or not, you will want to know which evenings include the event during your upcoming vacation. Magic Kingdom closes early on the nights when the party is taking place, which could interrupt your trip, especially if you want to check out the nightly entertainment like the brand-new Disney Starlight parade.
On the flip side, dates when the party takes place may result in lower daytime crowds at Magic Kingdom for that exact reason — guests could plan their Magic Kingdom days for when there isn’t a party and they can maximize those park hours. It’s never a guarantee, but you’ll still want to review Magic Kingdom’s park hours calendar ahead of your trip so you can plan accordingly.
MAJOR CHANGES ARE COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM SOON!
Pack for peak summer weather
Don’t be fooled by the fall season starting in September. The month brings peak heat and humidity to Central Florida, with high temperatures and oppressive humidity. Packing the essentials in your park bag like liquid IV, sunscreen, a handheld fan, cooling towels, and a refillable water bottle are key to having an enjoyable vacation.
You will also want to keep the rain gear nearby in the event of downpours. The rainy season does seem to lessen up a bit this time of year, but it can still be quite wet day-to-day. Keep an eye on the weather radar throughout the day and be prepared to adjust your plans if needed.
PACK THE ESSENTIAL RAIN GEAR FOR YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION
Walt Disney World in September originally appeared on The World of Spark.
