These are the changes at Disney World in August 2026 to know about if you will be there.
Halloween Season Starts
The Halloween season officially starts at Disney World on August 7th. There will be Halloween decor, merch, food, and more throughout the parks.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Starts
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom starts on August 7th. It will be August 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30th. Magic Kingdom will close at 6pm on those nights.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Starts
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starts on August 27th. It is included with your admission to EPCOT.
Ride Closures
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is closed and reopening in 2027. The WDW Railroad Frontierland Station is closed and does not have a reopening date.
Other Closures
Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom is closed with no reopening date. La Signature in EPCOT is closed and it is unknown when that will open.
Happily Ever After Won’t Be Every Night
Happily Ever After won’t be every night like it has been for a while. It’s at 10pm on nights without Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Starts
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular with fireworks is the nighttime show on nights with the Halloween Party. You must have a ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to go to Magic Kingdom to see it.
Lower Crowds
You can expect to see lower crowds the second half of the month when school starts.
Both Water Parks Open
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are both open for the summer. Typhoon Lagoon will close on September 9th for seasonal maintenance.
Free Water Park Admission on Check-in Day
Guests who are staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels can go to either water park for free on their check-in day. This ends in September.