5 Great Reasons for your Family to Visit Disney World this Fall or Holiday Season

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 1px; “][x_text class=”center-text “]by Danny de la Cruz[/x_text][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”3/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]With back-to-school ads appearing everywhere we turn, our thoughts start turning to the fall and yes, the holiday season. If you’re been thinking of heading to Disney World, these two seasons could be perfect with so many new things to explore and experience! Here’s a quick rundown of new openings, events and other info to consider if you’re ready to book your next trip.

1. Welcome to Batuu

Let’s start it off with the biggest news this year, the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on August 29, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For now, only one ride will be open in the land of Batuu, Smuggler’s Run–your chance to fly in the Millennium Falcon with a role as either a pilot, gunner or engineer. The other ride we’ve all been waiting for, Rise of the Resistance, won’t open until December 5, 2019. Just keep the date in mind if you’re debating on exact timing for when to book this trip.

The one advantage of going before December 5 is that it may be less crowded if others decide to wait until next year to see it all. Despite this staggered timing, there’s still plenty to see and explore in this truly immersive land–from the incredible theming, to the exotic drinks and foods offered at Oga’s Cantina and throughout the land, to opportunities to build a custom light saber or your very own droid.

The entire land is practically identical to Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland so if you’d like to learn more before the opening date, check out our overview of the land and the foods you need to try from our California visits.

While crowd levels are yet to be seen, keep these special hours in mind:

• From August 29 – 31, 2019: Galaxy’s Edge will open starting at 6 am for all guests.
• Beginning September 1 and through November 2, 2019: guests staying at a Disney resort can take advantage of Extra Extra Magic Hours from 6 am – 9 am to explore Galaxy’s Edge.

Photo credit: John Roiniotis for VRAI Magazine

Photo credit: John Roiniotis for VRAI Magazine

2. Hop on board the Skyliner

Officially opening on September 29, 2019 will be the all new Skyliner transportation system. We’re so excited about this because it gives guests a new mode of traveling between two parks and several Disney resorts.

Photo credit: Disney/Kent Phillips, photographer

The new Skyliner system will transport guests between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels–Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort, scheduled to open in December 2019. For those planning a stay at Caribbean Beach, Pop Century or Art of Animation, this is big news because guests at these moderate and value-level resorts will soon have two free transportation options. And with beautiful colors and a range of characters enveloping the various gondolas, it’s simply another magical element to the Disney experience.

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3. Events at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom

For Epcot fans, it’s the start of the International Food & Wine Festival running from August 29 – November 23, 2019. Sample the flavors from 30 festive, global food and wine marketplaces. There’s too many to list so you’ll simply have to make the rounds as you travel the globe.

Photo credit: Disney/ Steven Diaz, photographer

And as you cap off the night at Epcot, the existing “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” evening show will end on September 30, 2019 and the new “Epcot Forever” will debut on October 1, 2019. We can’t wait to see the new show!

Illustration courtesy of Disney

Finally at Epcot, the new Space restaurant is also scheduled to open before the end of the year, so more to come on this out-of-this-world dining experience.

Over at the Magic Kingdom, two big parties are coming. Let’s start off with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which will run on select nights beginning August 16 through November 1, 2019 from 7 pm – midnight. These are hard ticketed events–you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket just for this event. Come on in and trick-or-treat throughout the park, meet characters (some rarely ever seen) throughout the park, sample holiday themed treats, and experience the parade, nighttime show and more to celebrate the season.

Photo credit: Disney/Ali Nasser, photographer

If you’re a bigger fan of Christmas, then maybe Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is for you. Held on select nights from November 8 through December 19, 2019 from 7 pm to midnight, this is another hard ticketed event that you can’t miss. Filled with a holiday parade, fireworks, stage show, character experiences, holiday treats and so much more, there is so much to do to get you in the holiday spirit.

4. New Disney resorts

Located at Coronado Springs Resort, guests now have a new option, the beautiful 15-story Gran Destino Tower with incredible Spanish touches. Considered a moderate-level resort, this new tower will make you think that you’ve booked at a deluxe-level resort. With new eateries in the tower and in the center of the lake, amazing views and just the level of details throughout the new tower, Coronado Springs Resort is definitely one to consider for your next stay.

Photo credit: Disney/Steven Diaz, photographer

Opening December 16, 2019, the new Disney Riviera Resort will give guests a European experience like no other. Located next to Caribbean Beach Resort, this new resort is on the path of the Skyliner so Epcot and Hollywood Studios are just a quick ride away.

5. Big Savings

With the addition of new resorts, transportation systems and many new eateries, including several at Disney Springs, probably the biggest reason to plan a trip are the savings and special offers during this time of year. Save up to 20% at select Disney resorts (or up to 30% if you’re an Annual Passholder) or take advantage of free Disney Dining. Whether you book this upcoming season or another time in the year, always check the Special Offers link at the bottom of the Disney website to see what savings might be in store.

Finally, one of the best reasons to travel to Disney World this Fall or Holiday season is the cooler temperatures. The weather will definitely be on your side, especially once November rolls around. October can still be tricky with the heat so check out our Summer Survival Guide just to plan ahead.[/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]