By Sinaiyouth 
Summer may 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 Disney World vacation planning calendar is unlike any other destination, with dining reservations, separately ticketed events, and strategic itineraries to consider.
Disney World’s two flagship fall events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party EPCOT Food and Wine Festivalwill return in 2026. Both make great additions and upgrades for a late summer or early fall vacation. Be sure to mark the following dates in your calendar if you plan to attend!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns in August
As is customary at Disney World, Halloween starts very 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 will have its first event on August 7th.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an after-hours event held in Magic Kingdom certain nights in August, September and October. It is Disney World’s Iconic Halloween Event this happens after the park closes to regular daytime visitors (Magic Kingdom closes a few hours earlier than usual on holiday nights).
Separate admission is required to attend, and party attendees can enjoy shorter wait times for journeys, encounters with special characters (be on the lookout for Disney villains and characters dressed up in Halloween costumes!), and exclusive entertainment. Guests are encouraged to dress up in your own costumes for the occasion, and there are plenty treat trails to stock up on Halloween candy.
Here is the full list of event dates for 2026:
- August 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- September 1st, 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 evening starts at 7:00 p.m. and ends at midnight.. Ticket holders can enter Magic Kingdom starting at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the partygiving families eight hours to enjoy the park.
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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Event Details
Interested in participating? Tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are on sale at 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 p.m.) and Hocus Pocus Spelltacular Villain, a fan-favorite stage show set in front of Cinderella Castle featuring Winifred, Sarah and Mary from “Hocus Pocus.” Disney’s Not So Scary Show A fireworks display also takes place at each festival.
THE Cadaver In – a Halloween-themed version of Main Street USA’s a cappella quartet the Dapper Dans – will return as exclusive party entertainment. New this year is an “ever-changing dance party” with Stitch on the Rockettower Plaza stage in Tomorrowland.
Character encounters just for the party participants will also be on deck, including the return of Jack Skellington and Sally. We will also see »new and old Disney villains,“, which is sure to attract a lot of participants. A complete guide to the characters will be published by Disney closer to the dates of the party.
Event-exclusive food and beverage items, as well as 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-focused activities return later in August with the kickoff of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. The festival will be available every day from From August 27 to November 21. The dates for 2026 are in line with what we have 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 from late summer until just before Thanksgiving, the Food and Wine Festival is the flagship of them all, dating back to 1996.
The Food and Wine Festival is best known for its bite-sized menu items are available for purchase at festival kiosks around EPCOT (mainly concentrated in World Showcase). Inspired by culinary traditions from around the world, it’s a great way to snack and sip while roaming the park. A comprehensive food guide will be available closer to the start of the festival.
The festival also includes the Eat to the Beat Concert Series taking place at the American Adventure Pavilion. Concerts are included with EPCOT theme park admission with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want guaranteed places, you can book a meal package which includes lunch or dinner at a participating EPCOT restaurant. The full concert schedule and corresponding dates will be announced later.
Other returning activities during the festival include Emile’s Cheese Montagea cheesy food tour where you collect stamps from select food kiosks to exchange for a festival treat. Rémy’s Hide & Squeak treasure hunt also returns, offering guests of all ages an engaging activity with a souvenir waiting for those who take on the challenge.
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^ “Announced dates for the Disney World Fall Food Festival and Halloween Party were originally published on The World of Spark”.