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 really 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 being said, the temperature at this time of year is known to be quite unpredictable! I’ve been there when the heat soared up into the 90°s; other years a cold snap hits central Florida, bringing temps down to the 40s!

As a reminder, it is still hurricane season in Orlando, Florida until November 20th. With that brings rain and humidity, but overall should be significantly less compared to the summer months. Because of this and the potential varying temperatures, it is best to bring a little bit of everything clothing-wise.

November Crowds at Disney World

You will see both high and low levels of crowds at Walt Disney World in November. The first week will bring an influx of guests due to the Wine and Dine Marathon Weekend (November 3 – 6) and the infamous “Jersey Week.” (This is when many New Jerseyans flock to Walt Disney World to spend their extra days off from school – lucky!)

The second week brings Veteran’s Day (November 11th), which falls on a Friday this year. In recent years, many visitors take the whole week off to celebrate at the parks. (If you are visiting during this time, be sure to see Magic Kingdom’s flag-raising ceremony!)

Tips for Visiting Disney World in October

The third week will most likely be the “slowest” time of the month. If you have flexibility with your schedule, I would shoot for this time frame. Especially since the following week is Thanksgiving and guests start pouring in early in the week. 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.

The month ends with a steep decline in crowds. Between that and the Christmas decorations up throughout the Walt Disney Resort, this is a really lovely time to visit.

November Events at Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: July 14 to November 19, 2022
This 129-day event is a food lover’s dream! Enjoy cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and samples of food and drink from all over the world! This event is ending this month, so be sure to check it out if it is on your bucket list!

Eat to the Beat musical artists include:
- Boyz II Men (November 4 to 7)
- Kenny G (November 11 and 12)
- Sugar Ray (November 13 and 14).

Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: November 3-6, 2022
Burn off those extra Food and Wine calories by participating in the immensely popular Wine and Dine races! The weekend will host 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. Can’t make it? Don’t worry, runDisney has you covered with the option of participating virtually in the weekend’s races!

The Food & Wine Classic at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Dates: November 11-12, 2022
Swan and Dolphin’s Food and Wine Classic is returning for its 13th year! The ticketed, two-day event will feature yummy bites cooked up by award-winning chefs and a variety of globe-trotting wines, beers, and sakes. For an additional fee, there are also food and wine-themed seminars. The event runs in the evenings from 5:30 – 9:00 pm each day.

Preparing for Unpredictable Weather at Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Dates: November 8 to December 22, 2022
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.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 25 to December 31, 2022??
Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays! Enjoy savory and sweet treats, storytelling from special visitors, and the ever-popular Candlelight Processional. More details to come soon!

ESPN Events Invitational
Dates: TBA, but should fall around the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
Guests are welcome to celebrate Thanksgiving by cheering on Division 1 college basketball teams in a special preseason 12-game tournament. Games will be hosted at the State Farm Field House at 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.

Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary
Dates: October 1st, 2021 to March 2023
“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” features new rides, fireworks, and entertainment across all four Disney World theme parks!

Other Notable Events

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthdays will be on November 18th! Although nothing official has been announced yet, in years past the parks celebrated the occasion with commemorative pins and birthday edition parades.

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 just 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!

November Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World

The following will be closed during the month of November:

Parks:
Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World Railroad (returning date TBD)
Blizzard Beach Water Park (returning date TBD)

Resorts:
Grand Floridian – Narcoosee’s (returning date TBD)
Polynesian – Kona Cafe (returning date TBD)

Tips for Visiting Disney World in November

Did you know you can preview items from EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival 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 content, especially during those cool November nights.

The week of Thanksgiving (November 24th) 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’re prepared for the crowds and plan a few more hotel and pool breaks, you’ll be fine!

Best Places to Watch the Fireworks at Disney World

The holiday decorations are really something else at Walt Disney World! Many 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) – because of that, there will be a significant uptick in crowds in the evenings and on weekends. If possible, plan to visit Disney Springs during a weekday to cut down on the crowds. And don’t forget to make your dining reservations if you plan to dine at one of the many restaurants located within Disney Springs. Walk-ins are rarely guaranteed.

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