Tips for Visiting Disney World in November 2026
If you’ve always wanted to experience Christmas at Disney World but can’t go in December, you’re in luck. Disney World in November offers the same magic! The Disney Christmas decorations start going up as soon as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ends, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts on November 8th. By mid-November, all the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs have been transformed into a magical wonderland like only Disney can create.
If you’re like us and you’re here for all the incredible Disney food, November offers a great mix of classic Disney World food and limited-edition seasonal Disney snacks. Let’s dive into why November is one of the best times to visit Disney!
If you’re planning a Disney trip, this post covers what to expect for crowd levels, event dates, and weather (so you can style your perfect Disney OOTD). We’ll also be sharing our personal Disney World tips and tricks, and we’ve learned a lot over the 40 years we’ve been visiting!
November overlaps fall and winter at Disney World. Depending on when you go, in fact, if you visit during the first 10 days of the month, you’ll get to experience the fall and Halloween decorations and the Christmas decorations! November is busy in the very best way and oh so magical. Let’s dive in.
November Weather at Walt Disney World
Usually, the weather at Walt Disney World in November is fairly enjoyable. Highs will be around 78°, while the lows average 59°. That said, temperatures this time of year are quite unpredictable! I’ve been there when the heat soared into the 90°s, while in 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 for 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 22 – October 25), 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 is after Veterans Day and until Thanksgiving week. If you have flexibility in your schedule, I would aim for this time frame. Thanksgiving guests start arriving the weekend before Thanksgiving Day, you will see a huge influx in crowds
November Events at Walt Disney World
Events In the Parks
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: August 27th to November 21st, 2026
This multicultural event is a food lover’s dream! Enjoy cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and stroll around the World Showcase, sampling food and drink from each of the festival booths and kiosks from around the world!
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Dates: August 27th to November 16th, 2026
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 Jollywood Nights
Dates: November 7th, 2026 to January 5th, 2027
Step into a shimmering holiday scene of glitz and glamour! Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Hollywood Studios for its second year. This separately ticketed, five-hour party features exclusive entertainment, festive food and drinks, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. Find more information and purchase tickets here.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Dates: November 8th to December 22nd, 2026
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
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 27th to December 30th, 2026
Explore holiday traditions throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase with festive treats, holiday storytellers, and a chance to meet Santa! This season also features the popular Candlelight Processional. Gather at the America Gardens Theatre to hear the Christmas story told by celebrity narrators.
Outside Of The Parks
- Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Dates: October 22nd to October 25th, 2026
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 20th and 21st, 2026
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.
- ESPN Events Invitational
Dates: November 23rd and 27th, 2026
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.
Other Notable Events
Happy birthday to both Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on November 18th! In years past, the parks have celebrated 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!
Although it isn’t advertised, filming for the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (which airs on Christmas Day on ABC) often happens in mid-November. Filming takes place at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. 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!
The Diwali Dance Fest returns to Walt Disney World from October 22–24, 2026, moving its marquee parade from Disney Springs to the iconic Main Street, U.S.A., inside Magic Kingdom. The parade typically kicks off between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM and requires valid park admission and reservations. The multi-day cultural celebration also features an elite international dance showcase at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can find more information here.
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 in November, especially in the morning. Cozy apparel sells out fast. 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 longsleeve Disney shirt. It’s warm enough to keep me cool in the mornings and evenings and light enough that I’m comfortable midday
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.
More Disney Posts You May Enjoy
- Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
- Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
- Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
- Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
- Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers
⭐️ I hope this post helps you plan the most magical trip to Disney World in November! I’d love to hear your favorite thing about Walt Disney World in the comments below! Thanks so much for being here, friends!
