Walt Disney World in September 2025: Crowd Levels, Weather, Events, and Closures
Visiting Walt Disney World in September comes with key advantages. You’ll typically see lower crowd levels as most schools are back in session, which means shorter wait times for popular rides and easier dining reservations. September also offers more affordable resort rates compared to peak travel times like summer or the holidays, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious families. This month has seasonal offerings such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. These events add unique entertainment, character meet and greets, and specialty food options that are only available for a limited time. If you’re looking to experience Disney without the intense heat of summer or the overwhelming holiday crowds, September is a strategic time to visit.
Crowd Levels and Busy Dates
September is generally a slower month at Walt Disney World compared to other times of the year. With most children returning to school and the peak of hurricane season deterring some travelers, crowd levels are typically lower. Weekdays tend to see moderate crowds, with Wednesdays and Thursdays often being the least crowded. In contrast, weekends bring more guests, especially when holidays fall during the month.
Two holidays to plan around are Labor Day and Rosh Hashanah. Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1, and the entire weekend leading up to it usually sees a noticeable increase in crowds. Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of Monday, September 22 and continues through Wednesday, September 24. Expect a bump in attendance during that week, particularly from guests traveling in for long weekend trips.
Tips for Managing Larger Crowds at Disney World:
Check official schedules often: Walt Disney World updates event times, locations, and park hours frequently. Review these details in advance and create a list of priority attractions for your group.
Have backup options ready: If a ride like Dumbo has a long wait, skip it and try something nearby with a shorter line. Keep a map accessible, and use that downtime to get water, reapply sunscreen, or take a bathroom break.
Visit shops strategically: When crowds peak, explore indoor shops for a break from the heat and crowds. Disney often releases seasonal merchandise in September, especially Halloween-themed items.
Plan ride times carefully: Avoid peak wait times by entering ride queues while others are eating meals. For example, plan an early dinner, then head to a popular attraction while others are still at restaurants.
Weather at Disney World in September and What to Wear
Orlando remains hot and humid in September, especially at the start of the month. Expect daytime highs in the 90s and overnight lows in the 70s. Toward the end of the month, temperatures gradually drop, with highs in the low to mid-80s and cooler mornings and evenings dipping into the 60s. The weather is still very summer-like but with signs of early fall, especially in the mornings.
September also falls squarely within hurricane season, which runs from June through November. While it’s not guaranteed that a storm will hit during your visit, it’s important to stay informed. Always monitor local forecasts before and during your trip, especially if a named storm is developing in the Atlantic. Disney is known for handling weather disruptions efficiently, but it’s still wise to be prepared for rain or potential schedule changes.
What to Wear and Pack:
Lightweight, breathable clothing to handle daytime heat and humidity
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals that dry quickly after rain
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect from strong UV rays
A light jacket or sweatshirt for air-conditioned spaces and cool mornings
Ponchos, umbrellas, and raincoats for afternoon thunderstorms
A change of clothes in case of getting caught in the rain or riding water attractions
Stroller rain covers and clip-on fans to keep children dry and cool during storms
If you’re traveling with young kids, stroller weather shields are especially helpful—just make sure to add a small fan inside to prevent overheating in the enclosed space. And no matter your age, pack extra socks. Wet socks can quickly ruin a park day.
You can shop all of my recommended gear—including travel ponchos, stroller fans, rain-ready park shoes, and more—on my Amazon storefront. Everything I list is something we’ve actually used and loved at Disney.
Fall Events at Walt Disney World in September
Boo! Just kidding—there’s nothing too scary here. Disney does an excellent job of making sure the Halloween season is festive and family-friendly. September is the perfect time to experience the start of fall at Walt Disney World without the heavy October crowds. You’ll get the benefits of themed décor, specialty treats, and seasonal entertainment while still enjoying shorter wait times and lighter park traffic.
Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
This separately ticketed event takes place on select nights in September and October. Guests can enjoy exclusive entertainment like the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks. There’s also trick-or-treating around the park, character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes, and themed ride overlays. Costumes are welcome, and families with young kids will especially appreciate the lighthearted vibe.
EPCOT: International Food and Wine Festival
Festival Dates: August 28 – November 22, 2025
This guest-favorite festival turns EPCOT into a global tasting tour. Dozens of themed marketplace booths are set up around World Showcase and other areas of the park, each offering small plates and drinks inspired by international cuisines. The portion sizes are small, so you can try multiple dishes as you walk the park. Many guests turn this into a fun food crawl, making it one of the most engaging and delicious ways to experience EPCOT.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Also part of the International Food and Wine Festival, the Eat to the Beat concert series takes place at the America Gardens Theatre, located in the American Adventure Pavilion. Concerts are included with park admission and feature live music from popular bands and artists throughout the festival season. Performers for 2025 will be announced closer to the event dates.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: August 15 to October 31, 2025. Select nights to be announced!: Celebrate Halloween a month early in the Magic Kingdom with Mickey Mouse and all of his friends (and foes)! Read below for everything offered at this Spooktacular extravaganza!
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse meet and greet at the Town Square Theater.
Haunt for young children in the Storybook circus area.
Disney ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires dance party at the Rockettower Plaza Stage. Jam out with the all new ZOMBIES soundtrack!
Trick or Treating: Wear your Halloween costumes and Trick or Treat with your family around the park! Locations to be determined.
Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade: Watch floats of Disney characters, including Haunted Mansion favorites and villains!
Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular: View lasers, Fireworks, and storytelling by Jack Skellington, Mickey & friends, and Disney villains.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular: Enjoy this Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle stage show with the Sanderson Sisters, accompanied by Disney villains.
Disney Jr. Jam: Jam out at a dance party for young children. Located at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland.
The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet: Be a part of the live audience to some “Dead-pan” humor, if that’s up your alley, of course! Located in Frontierland.
Walt Disney World Closures and Refurbishments – September 2025
Animal Kingdom
It’s Tough to Be a Bug – Permanently closed to make way for “Zootopia: Better Zoogether,” a new Zootopia-themed show in the Tree of Life Theater.
The Boneyard – Scheduled to permanently close on September 2, 2025, to allow for future development in the DinoLand U.S.A. area.
TriceraTop Spin – Permanently closed as part of the planned transformation of DinoLand U.S.A.
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed for a major refurbishment. It is expected to reopen sometime in 2026, with no confirmed reopening date at this time.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Temporarily closed for updates. The reopening is also anticipated in 2026.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant Playground – The indoor play area is currently closed for refurbishment. The ride itself remains open. No reopening date has been announced.
Walt Disney World Railroad – As of July 7, 2025, operating in shuttle mode due to ongoing construction in Frontierland.
Hall of Presidents – Closed with no announced reopening date.
Frontierland Area Projects – Construction is underway for the new Piston Peak National Park area. The following attractions closed in July 2025 to accommodate the project:
Rivers of America
Tom Sawyer Island
Liberty Square Riverboat
Hollywood Studios
Disney Junior Play and Dance – Temporarily closed. A reopening date has not yet been announced.
Get Animated! – A temporary offering replacing Disney Junior Play and Dance. This experience is scheduled to close on September 1, 2025.
Water Parks
Either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon will close for the season on September 8, 2025. Disney typically operates one water park at a time during off-peak seasons. The park selected for closure will be confirmed closer to the date.
Walt Disney World Resort Refurbishments – September 2025
The following Walt Disney World resorts remain open to guests but are undergoing phased refurbishments or construction. Guests staying at these resorts may see or hear work during daytime hours, though Disney typically limits construction activity to avoid disrupting the guest experience.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
General maintenance and updates are ongoing through September 2025. Amenities remain available, but guests may notice work in select areas of the resort.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Updates continue in the lobby and convention center areas, expected to be completed by November 2025. Guests should expect minor changes in lobby access and potential noise during daytime hours.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The resort is currently undergoing villa, bungalow, and exterior updates, including enhancements around the existing buildings. These updates are being phased to minimize guest impact.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Room refurbishments are taking place across select buildings. Construction is limited to daytime hours, and amenities remain open.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
The Magnolia Bend section is undergoing room renovations through 2026. Work is taking place in phases, and the resort continues to operate normally during this time.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Refurbishments to the villas and exterior are expected to be completed by September 2025. Work is primarily limited to the Boulder Ridge Villas area.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
New Disney Vacation Club cabins are under construction, replacing existing cabins throughout the resort. The campground remains open, with construction activity expected to continue into 2026.
New to Magic Kingdom
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade is the perfect way to end a spectacular night in the Magic Kingdom! Take a dreamy journey through Disney’s classics through bedazzled floats, character appearances, and dancing, and music. Dream the Night Away features dream-centered favorites, like the Blue Fairy from Pinnochio, the Family Madrigal from Encanto, royal families from classics like the Princess and the Frog and Cinderella, and a special appearance from Mickey and his gang!
After Hours Events: After Hour park events usually last from 10pm-1am on select nights for each park, with the exception of Hollywood Studios, which will operate After Hours from 9:30pm-12:30am. Guests can enter the park as early as 7:00 PM, before the event officially begins. After Hours is a separate-ticket special event. Monitor the main Disney site to make sure to get your tickets early!
Budgeting with Special Offers:
There are lots of ways you can save when booking a trip to Walt Disney World! Read below for opportunities you can scout out during the booking process!
US Military packages: Are you in the US military? If the answer is yes, then you are eligible to claim a discount. Discounts and time available (some packages are valid until mid-December, 2025) will vary depending on the package and offer you choose!
Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts-Collection hotels: When you stay five consecutive nights or longer you are eligible for discount offers. These are valid for stays on most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
Budgeting with Special Offers
There are several ways to save when booking a trip to Walt Disney World. Below are some current offers and tips to keep in mind during the planning process.
US Military Discounts
Eligible active or retired U.S. military members can take advantage of special ticket and resort offers. Discounts vary by package, and many are valid through mid-December 2025. Be sure to check eligibility requirements and availability through Disney or your base's ticket office.
Save Up to 30% on Select Disney Resort Hotels
Guests staying five consecutive nights or more can save up to 30% at select Disney Resort Collection hotels. This offer is valid for most nights from August 1 through October 11, 2025. Availability is limited, so booking early is recommended.
Keep an Eye on Seasonal Offers
Special offers are updated regularly throughout the year. Monitor the official Disney website for the latest promotions, including room discounts, dining deals, and vacation packages.
Don’t let September’s reputation for rain or hurricanes keep you from enjoying an early celebration of the Halloween season. With lighter crowds, seasonal events, and great discounts, September is a beautiful and cost-effective time to visit Walt Disney World.
Now that you have everything you need to plan your trip, it’s time to book your vacation. Follow Well Hello Magic for more tips on how to make the most of your Disney experience.
