Getting ready to visit Walt Disney World in November? Maybe you’re considering a trip to Disney World next year in the month of November. Either way, this is one of my personal favorite months to visit the theme parks, so I’m very excited for you!
Of course, November is perhaps best known as the kick-off to the holidays at Walt Disney World. But it’s also a wonderful time to visit with manageable crowds, great weather, and festive events. If you’re planning a November trip to Disney World, here’s everything you will need to know!
What’s Happening At Disney World In
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney World’s flagship holiday event is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. This after-hours event takes place on select evenings in the months of November and December. A ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party includes exclusive entertainment like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, andMickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.
Here are the following dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the month of November:
- November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29
Each Christmas party takes place from 7:00 pm until midnight. Available tickets range in price from $169 to $219 per person.
READ MORE: MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY DINING GUIDE (2024 EDITION)
Disney Jollywood Nights
Returning in 2024 is Disney Jollywood Nights. The after-hours event made its debut last year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with all of its glitz and glamour. It’s back this year with a brand-new ice skating show, new food and beverage items, and more!
Like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Jollywood Nights takes place on select evenings in November and December. Attendees pay for separate admission that gives them access to Hollywood Studios after regular park hours. Jollywood Nights includes party-exclusive entertainment, dining, and character meet-and-greets.
Here are the following dates for Disney Jollywood Nights in the month of November:
- November 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30
Each Jollywood Nights event takes place from 7:30 PM until 12:30 AM, with access to Hollywood Studios starting at 6:00 PM. Available tickets range in price from $159 to $179 per adult ages 10 and up.
READ MORE: DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS GUIDE
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
While attention turns to the holiday season at Walt Disney World starting in November, EPCOT is still in the midst of its flagship Food and Wine Festival. The festival typically wraps up the weekend before Thanksgiving (in 2024, the final date of the Food and Wine Festival is Saturday, November 23).
The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival features small-bites and beverages available for purchase at food booths around the park. It also is where you’ll find the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, taking place in the American Adventure Pavilion. Here is the full lineup of acts headlining the Concert Series this November:
- Haley Reinhart featuring Maddie Poppe, Justin Lee Schultz & Casey Abrams: November 1 and 2
- Boyz II Men: November 3 and 4
- Sugar Vibe: November 5, 6 and 7
- Magic!: November 8 and 9
- Parmalee: November 10 and 11
- The M-80’s: November 12, 13 and 14
- Smash Mouth: November 15 and 16
- 98 Degrees: November 17 and 18
Concerts take place at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM. Guaranteed seating is available through concert dining packages, otherwise, standby queues open before each performance.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Once the Food and Wine Festival wraps up at EPCOT, things transition quickly to the International Festival of the Holidays. This holiday season festival has the most “reliable” dates annually among all of the EPCOT festivals, traditionally begins the day after Thanksgiving — the 2024 Festival of the Holidays takes place from November 29 through December 30.
Like the other EPCOT food festivals, the Festival of the Holidays is centered around the limited-time bites and sips you can find at the food booths (dubbed “Holiday Kitchens” this time of year). At night, the fan-favorite Candlelight Processional takes place in the American Adventure Pavilion, joined by a celebrity narrator. If you’re at the festival in its first couple of days, you can catch Josh Gad narrating the show November 29 and 30.
For 2024, guests visiting the Festival of the Holidays will be treated to several new offerings. Stop by CommuniCore Hall and check out the all-new 8-foot-tall gingerbread display inspired by Spaceship Earth. You’ll also be able to check out an enchanting forest with the Glittering Grove presented by Balsam Hill.
Other Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World
In addition to the festivals and after-hours parties that start in the month of November, you’ll be able to enjoy a series of other festive offerings starting this month. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Merry Menagerie can be found around Discovery Island. This is a great photo op with the winter-esque, beautifully-carved animal puppets! In 2024, the Merry Menagerie begins November 12.
Also expected to begin around November 12 is the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs. The shopping and dining district comes alive starting mid-November with dozens of uniquely-decorated Christmas trees. They are a fun scavenger hunt of sorts for the entire family.
Over at EPCOT, a special seasonal overlay of Living With the Land called “Living With the Land – Glimmering Greenhouse” will officially arrive November 29 (you may start to see decorations before this date).
The gingerbread lobby displays will start to appear in November as well. These are great ways to enjoy seasonal decorations without needing a theme park ticket! The popular displays that return annually can be found at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Disney’s Beach Club.
Of course, it’s not the holiday season without a visit from Santa Claus himself. Guests can meet Santa at the four Disney World theme parks as well as Disney Springs staring around November 12. For 2024, Santa will have a special meet-and-greet location at DinoLand U.S.A. November 12 to December 24 as we bid adieu to the land. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find him at “It’s a Wonderful Life Shop.”
READ MORE: HOLIDAY SEASON GUIDE TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
Disney World In November Weather
We’re still still hurricane season through November 30, but we’re typically past peak at this point. Whereas September and October I’d be really careful about planning your trip in regards to inclement weather, you’re far more likely to encounter really pleasant weather in November.
In fact, November can get chilly! One of my favorite Disney World trips took place in November and it was in the middle of a cold snap — I needed to buy extra layers because I was totally unprepared for how cold I was going to feel! Make sure you double check the forecast ahead of your trip and pack those jackets, hats, and yes, even gloves.
READ MORE: WHAT TO WEAR AT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN COLD WEATHER
Tips For Visiting Disney World In November
Be aware of Christmas party dates at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
Even if you are not planning on attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Disney Jollywood Nights, it’s in your best interest to know which dates the parties are taking place. That is because Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will close early on their respective party evenings. If you’re all about maximizing time in the theme parks, you may want to consider visiting those parks on a day when the parties are NOT taking place. Of course, if you are attending the party that evening, you can plan your day in the park around the party to make the most of your visit.
Take advantage of seasonal entertainment included with park admission
While there are some seasonal entertainment that’s exclusive to those guests with after-hours event tickets, Disney World has some great holiday offerings available to regular guests as well. Over at EPCOT, the Festival of the Holidays (starting November 29), the Candlelight Processional is available to all guests — that is, if you can get a seat. This nighttime show is very popular with guests, and the line to get a seat will start early.
For guaranteed seating at Candlelight Processional, book a Dining Package that includes a lunch or dinner reservation at a participating EPCOT restaurant along with reserved seating at that evening’s performance. You can also catch JOYFUL! during the day at no extra cost.
Know which restaurants offer Thanksgiving Dinner
Visiting Disney World for Thanksgiving? Many restaurants offer exclusive one-day menu specials on the holiday itself. As a reminder, Advance Dining Reservations open 60 days in advance. Your best bet is to book your reservations as early as possible to guarantee your best chance at getting the restaurant and time you want. Not visiting on Thanksgiving but still wanting to enjoy the flavors of the season? Several restaurants serve traditional turkey dinners year-round, including Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom and Garden Grill at EPCOT.
Yes, it can get busy. But it won’t always be so crowded.
In general, November is a great time of year to visit Disney World with relatively fewer crowded days. However, it can get really busy around the Thanksgiving holiday when most families have time off to travel. Expect the week of Thanksgiving to be the busiest for the month, with the weeks leading up to the holiday (especially weekdays) to be generally milder. In general, the earlier you visit in November, the better.
Pack for all kinds of weather.
Unlike summer, which is reliably hot, the weather can do all kinds of things in the month of November. It can be warm but pleasant (the humidity has more or less moved out for the season), but it can also be quite cold. It’s important to check the forecast ahead of your trip so you’re prepared with cold weather gear. Otherwise, you may be spending extra money you were not planning on spending in order to layer up.
