Park Watch: What’s Happening This Month
AUGUST 2024
Things really start heating up in August as both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party AND the EPCOT International Food and Wine festival return to Disney World! And also because well… Florida + August = surface-of-the-sun temperatures with the occasional hurricane.
Seriously though, take breaks and stay hydrated folks!
Disney World
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is kicking of a little later than usual in 2024. Starting at the end of the month, this popular festival runs from August 29 to November 23. The festival will feature the usual incredible variety of food and wine menus from more than 25 global marketplace booths, but the festival will also look a little different than previous years.
The newly opened CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be operating as the main hub for festival events and information. This brand new space is equipped with indoor and outdoor spaces for art exhibitions, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more. We can’t wait to see what the International Food & Wine Festival has in store for CommuniCore Plaza.
Also returning as part of the International Food & Wine Festival is the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series. This year’s Millennial heavy lineup includes Sugar Ray, Hanson, Boyz II Men, 98° and more! Eat to the Beat Dining Packages will go on sale July 6, so you’ll be able to setup MouseWatcher alerts to snag a seat for your favorite performances!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Spooky season in the Magic Kingdom will kick off on August 9 run through Halloween Night, October 31.
August: 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
September: 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
October: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
Ticket prices range from $109 to $199 plus tax, depending on the date selected. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, valid for select event nights in August and September.
Returning party favorites include “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” fireworks show, hosted by Jack Skellington, the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. Popular attractions with special Halloween overlays will be back as well, including Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain, and Mad Tea Party. And as always, access to most Magic Kingdom rides, party exclusive snacks and merchandise and exclusive PhotoPass Magic Shots will be available.
This year, the first run of “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” will take place at an earlier time – 8:15 PM. Also returning this year, the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace and the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon
Disney H2O Glow After Hours events continue this month at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. This late night splash fest includes a DJ dance party with some beloved Disney characters, special park lighting effects, glowing accessories, plus snacks and drinks. And of course, all of the attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be available.
This is a separate ticket event and will be held on August 2, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
Flavors of Florida – Disney Springs
Savor the flavors of summer as this Disney Springs celebration continues through August 11. Over 30 locations all throughout Disney Springs will be featuring a variety of the best homegrown dishes, snacks and sips the Sunshine State can offer as well as live culinary demonstrations from the expert.
Disneyland
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Spooking Season officially begins in Disneyland on August 23 and goes through October 31.
Main Street becomes a pumpkin festival with hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins on display and guests can enjoy special seasonal entertainment, eats and drinks. There are also seasonal overlays to some of the rides, including the Haunted Mansion Holiday hosted by Jack Skellington.
The Halloween Screams show is now a projection and special effects show that will light up Disneyland Park most nights of the Halloween season. You can book the Halloween Screams Dining Package at Plaza Inn to enjoy some spooky treats and reserved viewing area for the Halloween Screams Nighttime Spectacular. Reservations are highly recommended. Same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.
Things get spooky in Disney California Adventure Park too. Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land has the residents of Radiator Springs dressing in silly costumes and decorating their homes and shops. Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree are two ride overlays in Cars Land. Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission Breakout! also gets a Halloween overlay, becoming Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark.
Celebrate the everlasting bonds of family, the spirit of Día de los Muertos and the world of Coco at Plaza” de la Familia” in Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure Park.
Oogie Boogie Bash
On select nights during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure hosts the Oogie Boogie Bash. This year’s event is already sold out and runs on select nights from August 25 through Oct. 31.
August: 25, 27, 29
September: 3, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
October: 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Oogie Boogie Bash activities include the the Frightfully Fun Parade, spooky immersive trick-or-treat trails, the Villains Grove Trail, and special character meet and greets. The party runs from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, but your ticket also lets you into Disney California Adventure Park as early as 3:00 PM.
You can enjoy premium reserved seating to watch the Frightfully Fun Parade at Oogie Boogie Bash by booking the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party. You can also book the Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining Package at Wine Country Trattoria where you can enjoy a special 3-course meal before enjoying the parade from a reserved standing viewing area.