Summer’s over, the Dole Whips are melting a little slower, and Walt Disney World is rolling headfirst into its fall lineup. But this isn’t just a seasonal switch — we’re talking major shakeups, from closed lands to changing showtimes and some serious discount drama.
Whether you’re planning a trip next week or just trying to keep up with the chaos, we’ve got the full rundown on what’s ending, what’s beginning, and what’s just flat-out disappearing.
Let’s dive into everything that’s changed in Disney World since the calendar flipped from summer to fall — and what it means for your next park day.
Summer Is Officially Out — and So Is “Cool Kid Summer”
First things first: Disney’s Cool Kid Summer initiative ended on September 1st, and with it went a surprisingly large number of experiences across all four parks. It wasn’t heavily marketed, but it offered extra character meet-and-greets, dance parties, and mini-events throughout the resort.
If you missed it, you’re not alone — it came in quietly and left the same way. Here’s what’s gone:
Magic Kingdom: Say Goodbye to Those Summer Dance Parties
Over in Tomorrowland and Storybook Circus, those summertime dance breaks have vanished. If you were hoping to groove with Stitch or bounce around with some rare characters, you’ll have to wait for another limited-time offering. The Rocket Tower Plaza Stage is now mostly quiet, aside from DJ dance sets during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
EPCOT: From GoofyCore to Ghost Town
This summer, CommuniCore Hall saw some light theming under the GoofyCore banner. But now that’s all been cleared out — and the space is currently sitting empty.
What’s next? Come November 28th, CommuniCore Hall becomes Santa’s new home during EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Yep, after years at the Odyssey pavilion, Santa is relocating. Expect a new meet-and-greet location with scheduled appearances at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:00 PM.
Also gone from EPCOT: Phineas and Ferb, who were doing meet-and-greets near the front of the park. It was a nice nostalgic touch while it lasted, but they’ve clocked out for the season.
Hollywood Studios: Walls Go Up, Shows Wind Down
This is where things start to get real.
On September 25th, Disney shut down Animation Courtyard — and not just temporarily. It’s gone, walled off, and officially in the early phases of being transformed into The Walt Disney Studios Lot — a new mini-land set to open in 2026.
This means:
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Star Wars Launch Bay is permanently closed
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Disney Junior Play & Dance is gone
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Expect construction walls and rerouted foot traffic
Don’t worry — The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is still running. But that won’t last forever either. Eventually, the entire area will be revamped to include The Magic of Disney Animation experience and the Drawn to Wonderland indoor play zone. Think character chaos and Mary Blair-inspired whimsy.
Meanwhile, over at Fantasmic!, showtimes are shifting.
As daylight hours shrink, the second performance has been cut. Starting September 27th, most nights will only feature one show at 9:30 PM, though you might find an earlier 8:00 PM slot sprinkled in during November.
Planning to visit on a Jollywood Nights evening? Fantasmic! will run at 6:30 PM — a full three hours earlier than usual.
Bottom line: if you want to see the dragon breathe fire, check the app or you’ll miss it.
Animal Kingdom: DinoLand Fades as Zootopia Moves In
Cool Kid Summer brought some fun surprises to Animal Kingdom, including pop-up music moments on Discovery Island and a temporary Wilderness Explorer badge. All of that is now gone.
But the big news? The Boneyard — DinoLand’s beloved playground — closed on September 2nd. And if you’re hoping to ride Dinosaur, you’d better do it soon. The whole area is on borrowed time.
In its place? Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a brand-new 4D experience debuting at the Tree of Life Theater on November 7th. It’s being pitched as a playful, animal-powered adventure that might help pivot Animal Kingdom’s identity away from fossil bones and toward fur-covered fun.
Water Park Shuffle: Blizzard Beach Closes Again
For those looking to cool off, note that Typhoon Lagoon is your only option. As usual, Blizzard Beach closed for its annual refurbishment as soon as fall hit. No return date yet, but historically, it comes back in time for the holidays.
Seasonal Discount Drama
If you were holding out for a late-summer discount, you may have missed the boat. Several major ticket and hotel promos expired in late September:
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50% Off Kids’ Tickets – Ended September 30
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3-Day, 3-Park Ticket Deal – Ended September 22
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Disney+ Hotel Discount – Ended July 31
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Florida Resident Magic Ticket – Ended September 27
There is still a 30% off resort hotel offer, but only until October 11th. After that, it’s full price unless something new is announced.
Disney Starlight Parade: What You Need to Know
Let’s talk about Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, the new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom that debuted earlier this year.
It’s still running this fall — but not every night.
You won’t see it on party nights (like during MNSSHP or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). On the nights it does run, you’ll have two chances: 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
So far, November 1st is the only confirmed date for the parade that month, but expect more to be added. Just know this: if you want to see it, don’t assume — check the app.
What to Watch as Fall Marches On
This fall, Disney World is shifting gears — and fast. Between construction closures, seasonal show changes, and the usual parade schedule puzzles, there’s a lot for guests to juggle. But there’s also a ton to look forward to.
You’ve got:
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Santa in a new home at EPCOT
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Zootopia stepping in where dinos once roamed
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A brand-new parade lighting up Magic Kingdom
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And hints of what’s coming in 2026 with The Walt Disney Studios Lot
For foodies, families, and character chasers alike, fall is shaping up to be a transitional time at Walt Disney World — and we’re here for every minute of it.
