Disney World in November: Tips and Info

Here’s all the info you need to make your November trip to Disney World magical!

Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney World

A Disney World vacation is a great way to make memories with your family that will last a lifetime! But, to set yourself up for success (and minimize meltdowns!) it’s important to know what you’re in for. Here’s what you need to know when planning a trip to Disney World in November!

Crowds at Disney World in November

In general, the crowds at Disney World tend to be relatively low in November. But there are a few holidays to look out for! The parks tend to see more guests on Veteran’s Day (November 11th), since guests will often build short trips around the long weekend. And you’ll see the biggest crowds this month during the week of Thanksgiving!

The CUTEST Thanksgiving Cupcake

Outside of the dates surrounding these two holidays, attendance tends to be pretty light in November. So, keep that in mind if you have some flexibility in your travel schedule!

Here are the best places in Disney World to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Disney World Park Hours in November

While the more manageable crowds are awesome, there is a tradeoff — with lighter attendance in November, the parks typically close a few hours earlier than busier times of the year. Most of the parks will close at 8PM or 9PM throughout the month.

And remember that Magic Kingdom will close at 6PM several nights of the week for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

In the past, the parks have stayed open later during the week of Thanksgiving — but again, the crowds will be a lot thicker that week!

Here are 6 Disney World planning tips everyone forgets!

Weather at Disney World in November

While the summer months can bring intense heat and humidity, the weather in Disney World tends to be super nice in the fall! The average high temperature will be in the mid-to-high 70s, and the average low is the high 50s to low 60s.

Spaceship Earth

That means you’ll definitely want to layer! Those early mornings and fireworks evenings can be c-c-c-cold!

Another benefit of November weather — it is one of the LEAST rainy months in Central Florida, with an average of 3 rainy days. But it still doesn’t hurt to be prepared with a poncho and an extra pair of shoes in your suitcase in case a storm does pop up!

Check out these 16 important things you’ll forget to do before your Disney World trip!

How to Pack for Disney World in November

The temperature can be chilly during the mornings and evenings, but it will usually get pretty comfortable in the afternoon. So, be sure to pack clothes that can easily be layered! Bring a jacket or sweatshirt, hat, scarf, and gloves that you can wear in the morning, and store in your park bag when it gets hot! (You’d be surprised how much a scarf can help!)

Early Morning at Cinderella Castle

And even though November doesn’t tend to be too rainy by Florida standards, you’ll definitely want to at least pack an extra pair of comfy shoes, in case yours get wet! Trust us, there’s nothing more uncomfortable than walking around Disney World in soggy shoes!

If you’ll be enjoying any of the holiday festivities toward the end of November, don’t forget your holiday-wear!

Here are 12 essentials you need in your park bag!

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

If a trip to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is on your bucket list, you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to the dates of your trip! In recent years, the festival has run through mid-November, so if you’re traveling at the beginning of the month, you might still be able to catch it!

The dates for the 2020 Epcot Food and Wine Festival haven’t yet been announced, but the last date of the 2019 festival was November 23rd.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

This is one of our FAVORITE Epcot festivals! With 30+ marketplace booths, special events and demonstrations, and the Eat to the Beat concert series, there is soooo much to do and see (and eat!).

2019 Italy Booth Spread

So, if the Food and Wine Festival sounds like your scene, be sure to aim for a trip in early/mid-November so you can catch it!

Check out our Best of the Fest from the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

From one festival right into another! If you’re traveling at the very END of November, you might catch the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This festival typically kicks off just a few days after Food and Wine wraps up. Dates for 2020 haven’t been announced yet, but the 2019 festival started on November 29th.

Epcot Festival of the Holidays

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Epcot festival without FOOD! This event features Holiday Kitchen Food Booths that serve up delicious festive treats from around the world.

Last Year You Could Get a Sushi Tree in Epcot!!

Another festival favorite is the Candlelight Processional — an event that features a full orchestra, choir, and celebrity narrator to tell the story of Christmas.

Epcot Candlelight Processional

During the festival, there are also Storytellers throughout the World Showcase, sharing stories of the holidays from their countries. It’s an entertaining and unique way to enjoy the holiday season. We look forward to The Festival of the Holidays every year, so be sure to check it out if it falls during your trip!

Click here to read more about the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

That’s right, Christmas starts in November at Disney World! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event held at Magic Kingdom select dates in November and December. During the event, guests can enjoy special entertainment, including

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration!

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show, the Frozen Holiday Wish Castle Lighting, and the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!

Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks in locations around the park, including cookies, hot chocolate, cider, and more; and there are plenty of exclusive treats available for purchase! Last year, one of the exclusive treats was our (now) beloved Kakamora Float which has since been added to the full menu!

Our Precious Kakamora Float

Guests at the event also have the option to purchase tickets to Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party. This is a supplementary event, and guests can pop in and out of Tony’s Town Square Restaurant to enjoy a spread of savory hors d’oeuvres, sweet desserts, and a selection of included alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit a little early, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party might be the perfect event to add to your itinerary!

Check out our ultimate guide to the 2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Holiday Celebrations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Of course, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has to get in on the celebrations as well! The holiday festivities in the park typically begin in early November. Holiday entertainment includes the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM fireworks show, and the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show.

Sunset Seasons Greetings

The park also gets an adorable makeover, with holiday decor and classic figurines to set the mood!

Ooooo…Toy Story Land Holiday Decorations

And Hollywood Studios gets in on the holiday treat game in a BIG way as well! We’ve seen treats like a holiday lunchbox tart, chocolate chestnut pinecone, specialty cupcakes, and SO MUCH MORE!

Chocolate Chestnut Pinecone. This Thing Was SERIOUSLY Good!

Holiday entertainment, treats, and decor starts popping up in November, so be sure to keep an eye out for these on your trip!

Click here to see all the delicious holiday offerings last year at Hollywood Studios!

Animal Kingdom Holiday Celebrations

Last year, Animal Kingdom also started offering more holiday entertainment, decor, and treats! These offerings also began last year in early November. We loved last year’s introduction of holiday menagerie puppets, festive decor throughout the park, and a wintery projection show on the Tree of life.

Merry Menagerie Puppets Interacted With Guests on Discovery Island!

Animal Kingdom also offers special holiday snacks! Last year, we tried a Double-Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich that we were wild about!

The Amazing Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich

Even though Animal Kingdom doesn’t have quite as many holiday offerings as the other parks, you’ll still see some really unique entertainment and treats pop up here in November!

Click here to learn more about the holiday celebrations in Animal Kingdom!

Disney Springs Holiday Offerings

You can also get festive at Disney Springs! The Christmas Tree Trail is a FREE way to get in the spirit of the season, and we usually see this open in early November. The trail is also lined with treats — last year we saw options like gourmet cotton candy, churro bites, and cookies!

Rapidly Melting (It Was Hot Out!) Fall Spice Cotton Candy!

And the restaurants at Disney Springs celebrate the season with holiday offerings starting in November!

Yes, Friends, There Was Even a Peppermint Margarita Last Year

If you’re looking for some specialty eats and free holiday entertainment (including meeting Santa Claus!), be sure to add Disney Springs to your to-do list in November!

Check out our food tour of the Christmas Tree Trail!

Holiday Decor in the Hotels

Last but not least, you can also find the halls decked at the hotels starting in November! While the lobbies of all the hotels get some holiday love, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa gets some extra-special treatment.

Every year, the pastry chef team constructs a HUGE gingerbread house in the lobby that serves as a holiday sweets shop, selling cookies and more! We saw this go up mid-November last year, so we’ll be keeping an eye out for this to pop up around the same time this year!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

And Grand Floridian isn’t the only hotel with a colossal confectionery construction! Last year, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, for the first time ever, got a gingerbread CABIN of their own; and Disney’s Contemporary Resort usually features a gingerbread Cinderella Castle, while Disney’s Beach Club has a gingerbread carousel!

Beach Club’s PETER PAN Themed Gingerbread Carousel in 2019

A number of resorts and locations offer up smaller displays as well, like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, which displays a gingerbread recreation of the BoardWalk Bakery! These gingerbread creations are quite a sight! If you’re planning a day outside of the parks in late-November, consider resort hopping to see all of these awesome edible works of art!

Click here to see our roundup of ALL the gingerbread around Disney World last year!

November is an awesome time to visit Disney World! Between the relatively light crowds, nice weather, and special holiday offerings and events, it feels as magical as ever. Be sure to consider these things when planning your November trip to Disney World!

Are you still undecided about when you want to vacation in Disney World? Check out our Month By Month Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation.

Will your vacation extend into December? Check out our December Disney World Trip Planning Guide!

Planning your first Disney World vacation? Check out answers to FAQs here!

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