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5 things to look forward to this fall at Disney World (Mirabel, Hatbox Ghost, and more)

5 things to look forward to this fall at Disney World (Mirabel, Hatbox Ghost, and more)

There are quite a few things coming this fall at Walt Disney World! You can expect the opening of a highly-anticipated attraction, a milestone celebration, and new characters.

Speaking of characters…

Who’s ready to say hello to Moana at Epcot? What about Mirabel and Bruno at Magic Kingdom? And don’t forget about the Hatbox Ghost, who’s joining the lineup of Haunted Mansion ghosts!

If you’re planning to visit Disney World anytime soon, you are in for some fun treats.

Here are 5 things to look forward to this fall at Disney World!

Magic Kingdom welcomes Mirabel and Bruno

merida meet and greet at magic kingdom

Beginning September 15, two members of the Madrigal family from Encanto will reunite at Magic Kingdom!

First, Mirabel’s long-awaited meet and greet in the Fairytale Garden over in Fantasyland opens. You can find her next to the restrooms by Cheshire Café and near the path that leads to Cinderella’s wishing well.

This is where Merida from Brave used to hang, but she has since been moved over to the “Enchanted Glade Gazebo” in Liberty Square.

bruno in disney adventure friends cavalcade at magic kingdom

I know we’re sometimes not supposed to talk about him, but I think that’s ok to do now, right? Whatever the case, Bruno makes his official debut at Magic Kingdom also on September 15!

While you won’t be able to meet him, you will be able to wave to him during the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, which runs at select times each day at the park (check the My Disney Experience app for official times).

Parking lot trams return to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Parking Lot Tram

Finally! Parking trams are returning to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in September. We don’t have an official date, but Disney has been testing them so keep your eyes peeled when you visit either park.

Parking trams returned to Magic Kingdom in December 2021 and at Animal Kingdom in May 2022.

Disney100 kicks off at EPCOT

disney100 platinum sign at epcot

Starting September 22, the Disney100 Celebration begins at EPCOT, the main host of the annivesary.

This milestone celebrates 100 years since The Walt Disney Company was founded. EPCOT will have a slew of limited-time events, including:

  • Mickey and Minnie will meet guests as they don celebratory platinum outfits.
  • A platinum Mickey sculpture will be positioned in front of the Disney100 sign near the walkway that leads to the World Showcase.
  • There will be an all-new mural along the walkway to the World Showcase featuring 100 Disney characters.
  • There will be a special lighting design on Spaceship Earth in the evenings accompanied by the Disney100 anthem, a unique rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star”.
  • Soarin’ Over California is returning (only for a limited time)!
  • New booths will debut for the remainder of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival that runs through November 18.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana finally opens

Journey of Water

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens to everyone on October 16! I repeat, the new attraction that you can find in World Nature near The Seas Pavilion is opening October 16.

It feels like we’ve been waiting a very long time for Journey of Water to welcome guests, so it’s nice to see it finally happening.

Now, this isn’t a ride, but a self-guided outdoor trail that explores the cycle of water and includes interactive water features.

moana meet and greet in epcot

Better yet, Moana is also getting her own meet and greet at EPCOT when the attraction opens. She’ll have a dedicated space near Journey of Water.

The Hatbox Ghost takes up residence at Haunted Mansion

hatbox ghost

The Hatbox Ghost is coming to the Haunted Mansion in late November!

Disney hasn’t revealed a specific date yet, but just know that the ghost who is one of the original 999 happy haunts will soon be on display.

You’ll be able to see him as you pass the Endless Hallway, the scene that comes after the Endless Stairs.

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What are you most excited for this fall at Disney World?

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Allyson Koerner