If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, September is one of the best months to go. Why? Well, with lighter crowds, lower prices, and plenty of special events, September in Disney World is the perfect mix of fun at a great price. So, whether you’re looking for the best deals or the best events, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about crowds, weather, pricing, and what’s new for September 2026 in Disney World!

Disney World Events in September

September is widely regarded as one of the best months to visit Disney World if you’re looking to avoid crowds but still experience the parks at their very best. Fall in Disney is in full swing, with Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs decked out for the season, and over at EPCOT you can sample your way around the world thanks to the Food & Wine Festival. And, while the parks might not be super crowded like they are in the summer, there’s still plenty of things to add on to your trip to make it a bit more special, including After Hours events at Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Typhoon Lagoon, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on select nights.

So, whether you’re traveling for Labor Day weekend, planning a low-key mid-month trip, or looking to eat and drink at EPCOT’s fan-favorite festival, there’s a lot to pack into your September itinerary.

Here’s a look at what you can look forward to during your visit in September 2026:

• Labor Day: September 7th, 2026
• Cool Kid Summer: Ends September 8th, 2026
• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: September 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 27th, and 29th, 2026
• Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios: September 2nd and 12th, 2026
• Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: September 5th, 2026
• Disney After Hours at EPCOT: September 16th and 24th, 2026
• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: August 27th through November 21st, 2026
• Showdown at the Net at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports: September 9th, 2026

Be sure to check Disney’s theme park hours to see how/if any of these events will impact your park day plans.

September in Disney World Crowds

If you’re hoping to avoid heavy crowds, any Disney expert will usually suggest visiting Disney World in September, and there’s a good reason why! With most kids back in school and summer vacations wrapped up, September is considered the non-peak time to visit the theme parks. That said, Labor Day weekend is an exception, bringing a spike in crowds as locals and late-summer travelers take advantage of the holiday. Additionally, EPCOT can be busier on Fridays through Sundays as locals usually come to enjoy the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

If you’re trying to plan around the lowest crowds at Magic Kingdom, aim for a day when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is scheduled. While the park closes early for these special ticketed events, the shorter hours tend to deter regular day guests, resulting in lighter crowds and shorter wait times for rides. If you don’t mind missing the fireworks at the end of the night, these can be some of the most enjoyable park days of your trip.

Should You Purchase Lightning Lane Services?

September is one of the rare times at Disney World when you can confidently skip Lightning Lane services and still manage to ride just about everything you want in a single day. Thanks to the lower park crowds, standby lines are typically much shorter, making it easier to hit all the major attractions without paying for the add-on. For most guests visiting during September, especially those with a flexible itinerary, Lightning Lane isn’t a necessity.

However, if your trip is on the shorter side or you’d prefer to avoid any unexpectedly long waits, Disney’s Lightning Lane services can still be worth considering. Because demand is lower this time of year, pricing is often at its lowest. So, if the peace of mind of having quicker access to the most popular rides is important to you, September is a great time to take advantage of these services at a more budget-friendly rate.

Disney World Weather in September

September in Disney World is still quite warm, with average high temperatures hovering in the upper 80s to low 90s and humidity levels remaining high. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, often rolling in with little warning, and it’s also the peak of hurricane season in Florida. While full-blown hurricanes rarely impact Disney World directly, tropical systems can bring heavy rain and wind, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast during your trip. Mornings and evenings can feel a bit more comfortable as the month goes on, but overall, you’ll still be dealing with classic Florida heat and humidity.

Because of the unpredictable weather, packing smart is key. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes that can handle getting wet. Ponchos or compact umbrellas are a must-have for those afternoon downpours, and having a change of socks in your park bag can be a lifesaver after a soaking rain. Sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles are also essential to help you stay protected and hydrated throughout the day.

Disney World Water Parks in September

With the Central Florida weather still hot and humid in September, it’s still a great month to head to Disney World’s water parks! This year, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open through September 9th, 2026, so you can choose which one fits your family best. If you’re looking for a day of thrills, we recommend opting for Blizzard Beach, while Typhoon Lagoon offers a more laid-back experience. Just note that, beginning September 9th, Typhoon Lagoon will close for refurbishment, so you’ll need to head to Blizzard Beach if you’re visiting later in the month.

And, don’t forget that you can enter both water parks for FREE on the day you check in if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel through September 8th!

September in Disney World Prices

September is one of the most affordable times to visit Disney World, thanks to the lighter crowds. You’ll find some of the lowest rates of the year on park tickets, hotel stays, and even special event tickets, making it a great time to plan a vacation if you’re on a tight budget.

September 2026 Park Ticket Prices

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a park ticket in September:

• Magic Kingdom: $154-$184
• EPCOT: $139-$169
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $154-$179
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $119-$159
• Park Hopper: $207-$253
• Park Hopper Plus: $243.50-$278

September 2026 Disney World Resort Hotel Prices

Here’s an overview of the average price ranges for Disney World hotels in September 2025:

• Value Resorts: $160-$250 per night
• Moderate Resorts: $250-$400 per night
• Deluxe Resorts: $600-$900 per night

Be sure to check Disney’s website for exact pricing and availability for your travel dates.

September Deals and Discounts

Visiting in September at Disney World lets you take advantage of some of the best deals of the year, especially if you plan your visit early to mid‑month. Disney is offering special discounts for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, Military Members, and…well…everyone else! Just note that many room and ticket promotions wrap up before the end of September, so we recommend planning a trip for the first or second week to lock in the best savings.

Here’s a look at all the ways to save in September:

All Guests:

• Save up to 30% on your Disney Resort hotel through September 30th, 2026. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.
• Get a specially priced 4-Day, 4-Park Ticket that’s valid for admission to one park per day starting May 26th through September 26th, 2026. Learn more about how to save here.
• Get a free dining plan for the whole family when you purchase a non-discounted 4 night/4 day or longer Walt Disney Travel Company Package that includes a room at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels and tickets with a Park Hopper option. Learn more here.
• Get a specially priced 2-Day, 2-Park Ticket that’s valid for admission to EPCOT or Disney’s Animal Kingdom from August 3rd to September 30th, 2026. Learn more here.

Florida Residents:

• Purchase a 4-Day Summer Magic Ticket for just $65 per day, plus tax. Specially priced 2-day and 3-day tickets will also be available. Tickets valid from May 17th to October 3rd, 2026. Learn more here.
• Save up to 30% on hotel stays of 5 nights or more at select Disney Resorts most nights from July 30th to October 3rd, 2026. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.

Annual Passholders:

• Save up to 40% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most nights from July 30th to October 3rd, 2026. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.

Military Members:

• Save on park tickets: Specially priced 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day Disney Military Salute Tickets can be purchased through December 18th, 2026. Learn more here.
• Save on rooms at select Disney Resorts from January 1st through December 18th, 2026. Learn more here.

September Refurbishments and Closures

There are a lot of changes underway at Disney World as they make room for some really exciting new additions over the next few years. However, these refurbishments and closures can impact your trip if you’re headed to the parks in September.

Knowing about the closures that are ongoing and planning ahead can help you make the most of your vacation despite these temporary changes. Here’s the full list of closures to plan for in September 2026:

Magic Kingdom

• Carousel of Progress: Closed July 6, 2026, for refurbishment, set to reopen in 2027
• The Diamond Horseshoe: Closed throughout Cool Kid Summer

EPCOT

• None

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Animation Courtyard: Open as of May 26, 2026
• The Magic of Disney Animation: Opens September 14th, 2026

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Dinoland: Permanently closed, reopening at Tropics of America in 2027

Disney Water Parks

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: Closing September 9th for refurbishment

Disney Resorts

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9AM)
• Grand Floridian Cafe: Closing for refurbishment, brunch is now held at Citricos
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9 AM)
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9 AM).
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9 AM)
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9 AM)
• Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the exterior and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9 AM)
• Room Refurbishments at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Ongoing all month

What’s New at Disney World In September

While there are certainly a lot of things closed for construction across the theme parks in September, it’s still shaping up to be a great month for anyone who wants to experience something brand new!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back in 2026 with all the fan-favorite ways to celebrate the season returning, new eats and merchandise, a new Halloween experience in Storybook Circus in Fantasyland, and a new dance party in Tomorrowland.

If you’re traveling with little ones during the first week of September, you’ll want to be sure to take advantage of the “Cool Kid Summer” offerings. These activities include dance parties in EPCOT at CommuniCore Hall with Goofy, fun and games with Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom, and rootin’ tootin’ fun with your favorite Toy Story pals at Magic Kingdom. It’s your chance to really embrace the summer fun!

And, across the other three parks, there’s plenty more to do for the first time if you haven’t been to the parks recently. EPCOT has reopened Test Track and added a new quick service restaurant, La Poutinerie, while Hollywood Studios debuted the new Animation Courtyard and Magic of Disney Animation opening this month. At Magic Kingdom, the nighttime parade Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away is now lighting up Main Street, U.S.A. And of course, EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival brings plenty of new eats, drinks, and the fan-favorite Eat to the Beat Concert Series throughout the entire month.

To learn more about what else is in store for 2026, click here!

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