Tips for Visiting Disney World in November

If you’re headed to Walt Disney World in November, we’ve got you covered with the average weather, crowds, events, tips, and strategies!

Walt Disney World in November is another one of our favorite times to go. The overlap between Halloween, autumn, and December holidays is so special. Spirits are high, the decorations transport you, and the specialty food and beverage items are hard to top!

November Weather at Walt Disney World

Usually, the weather at Walt Disney World in November is fairly enjoyable. Highs will be around 75° —80°, while the lows will range from 57° —63°. That said, the temperature at this time of year is quite unpredictable! I’ve been there when the heat soared into the 90°s, while other years, a cold snap hits central Florida, bringing temps down to the 40s!

As a reminder, hurricane season in Orlando, Florida, continues until November 30th. That brings rain and humidity, but they should be significantly less than in the summer months. Because of this and the potential varying temperatures, it is best to bring a little of everything clothing-wise.

November Crowds at Disney World

In November, you will see high and low crowds at Walt Disney World. The first full week will bring an influx of guests due to the Wine and Dine Marathon Weekend (October 31 – November 3), Election Day, and the infamous “Jersey Week.” (This is when many New Jerseyans flock to Walt Disney World to spend extra days off from school – lucky!)

The second week brings Veteran’s Day (November 11th), a Monday this year. Expect many visitors to enjoy this long weekend at the “Most Magical Place on Earth!”

The “slowest” time of the month will most likely be after Veteran’s Day and until Thanksgiving week. If you have flexibility with your schedule, I would shoot for this time frame. Especially once it is Thanksgiving, guests will start pouring in early. I distinctly remember one family vacation during this time frame—the difference between crowd levels from the start and end of our trip was striking.

November Events at Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: August 29th to November 23rd, 2024
This multicultural event is a food lover’s dream! Enjoy cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and samples of food and drink from worldwide!

Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Dates: August 30th to November 18th, 2024
This star-studded musical event showcases both local and popular talent! Held in the America Gardens Theatre—American Adventure Pavilion, showtimes are typically 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. The updated list of scheduled artists is here.

Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: October 31st to November 3rd, 2024
Burn off those extra Food and Wine calories by participating in the immensely popular Wine and Dine races! The weekend will celebrate its 15th year with a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Participants will run throughout areas of the Walt Disney World property, experiencing culinary wonders from around the world. Friends and family members are invited to celebrate at the post-race party for an additional fee.

The Food & Wine Classic at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Dates: November 15th and 16th, 2024
Swan and Dolphin’s Food and Wine Classic is returning for its 15th year! The ticketed, two-day event will feature yummy bites prepared by award-winning chefs, live entertainment, and a variety of globe-trotting wines, beers, and sakes. The event runs in the evenings from 5:30 – 9:30 pm each day.

Returning for 2024: Jollywood Nights!

Disney Jollywood Nights
Dates: November 9th to December 21st, 2024
Step into a shimmering holiday scene with glitz and glamour! This five-hour holiday extravaganza is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for its second year! This is a separate ticketed event featuring exclusive entertainment, food offerings, specially-curated holiday beverages, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Dates: November 8th to December 30th, 2024
The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo ops with characters dressed in their best holiday wear, and a festive parade and fireworks. The event kicks off at 7:00 pm and ends at midnight. To purchase tickets, click here.

Disney Trip Essentials
Disney Gingerbread Sweatshirt	Disney Holiday Backpack	Disney Apple Watch Bands

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 29th to December 30th, 2024
Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays. Munch on savory and sweet treats, listen to holiday storytellers, and even meet Santa! This is also when the ever-popular Candlelight Processional happens. Gather with friends and family to hear the story of Christmas—brought to life by celebrity narrators. Held in the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT at 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:30 PM each night.

ESPN Events Invitational
Dates: November 28th and 29th, 2024
Guests are welcome to celebrate Thanksgiving by cheering on Division 1 college basketball teams in an early season two day tournament. Games will be hosted at the State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Tip: You do not have to be a participating athlete or coach to visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex! For frequent Disney vacationers, this would be a great way to add something new to your trip! FYI: there is an admission fee to tour the facility.

Other Notable Events

Happy birthday to both Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on November 18th! In years past, the parks celebrate this joyous occasion with commemorative pins and birthday edition parades. (We even received these pins on our honeymoon in Hawaii at Disney’s Aulani Resort!) And if you cannot make it to the parks, check Disney World’s social media accounts on Instagram and Tiktok, as well as the Disney Channel, to see fun birthday festivities!

Fun fact: if you are at Magic Kingdom on this day, try and plan to ride Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid ride to spot a once-a-year and VERY Hidden Mickey! Supposedly, a Mickey-shaped shadow will be cast while in the rocky ceiling portion of the queue. However, it can only be seen at noon if the weather is right!

Although it is not advertised, filming for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (which airs on Christmas Day on ABC) frequently happens in mid-November. Filming takes place at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks. If you just so happen to be at the parks those days, you will be able to see the production – and maybe even be featured in the background during the broadcast!

If you are in Disney Springs on November 8th, be on the lookout for a Diwali Parade! According to their site, the parade will take occur at 11:00 AM.

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

Special Olympics FL Fall Classic (November 8th – November 9th, 2024)
WBCA Showcase (November 21st – November 24th, 2024)
NIT Season Tip-Off (November 28th – November 29th, 2024)
Disney Junior Soccer Showcase (November 29th – December 1st, 2024)

November Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World Parks

The following will be closed during the month of November:

Parks:
EPCOT – Frozen Ever After (November 2-6) and Test Track (returning date TBD)
Blizzard Beach Water Park (returning date November 3rd)
Typhoon Lagoon (closes November 4th for its seasonal refurbishments – reopening date TBD)

Resorts:
Polynesian Village Resort – various areas under construction due to resort wide renovations
Port Orleans French Quarter – some guest rooms under refurbishment
Contemporary Resort – the Bay Lake Tower will undergo a year long refurb (reopening September 2025)

Tips for Visiting Disney World in November

Did you know you can preview EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival items online? Check them out here!

Cold snaps are common at Walt Disney World Resort, and cozy apparel is quickly bought up. Come prepared for a possible Elsa moment and pack a few cold-weather clothing items. A personal favorite of mine for this time of year is a crewneck sweater – just enough to keep me cozy, especially during those cool November nights.

The week of Thanksgiving (November 28th) is one of the top five busiest times of year for Walt Disney World. Having said that, it is especially festive and feels pretty magical. If you keep that in mind, mentally prepare for the crowds, and plan a few more hotel and pool breaks, you’ll be fine!

The holiday decorations are magical at Walt Disney World! Since many guests come to enjoy them at Disney Springs (and the other fun festivities happening there this time of year, like the Christmas Tree Trail and holiday bites), there will be a significant uptick in crowds – especially in the evenings and on weekends. If possible, plan to visit Disney Springs during a weekday to cut down on the crowds. And the earlier the better! PS: don’t forget to make your dining reservations if you plan to dine at one of the many restaurants in Disney Springs.

I hope this is helpful, and we'd love to hear your favorite Disney tips! Please share in the comments below or tag me on Instagram, follow on Pinterest and Facebook, and join my email list so you don’t miss anything new. Thanks for being here, friends! 🙂