November 2021 at Walt Disney World
November is now only a few weeks away. If you are traveling to Disney World in November your countdown is really clicking down. Lucky for you, things are really looking more and more normal at Walt Disney World. With more of the restaurants open, and the new fireworks displays happening. There is so much to see and do during your visit. Every time is special to visit Disney World, but there are always special events and festivals happening that you should be aware of. Whether you want to include them in your visit or avoid them. Simply click below on the dates your vacation falls under and you can decide for yourself what you want to include.
November 1st-10th
Park Hours
Magic Kingdom 1st-7th 9am-9pm. 8th and 9th 9am-8pm (closes early for Christmas Party). 10th 9am-9pm.
*3rd and 10th Extended Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests 9pm-11pm*
Epcot 1st-6th 10am-10pm. 7th-10th 11am-10pm. *1st and 8th Extended Magic Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests 10pm-12am*
Hollywood Studios 9am-9pm
Animal Kingdom 8am-7pm
Blizzard Beach 11am-6pm
Disney Springs 10am-11pm *11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays*
Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival
Epcot’s World Showcase is enjoying one of its yearly festivals until the middle of November. Throughout World Showcase guests can find delicious offerings, representing the different countries found. But there are multiple things to discover about the festival beyond the food.
Global Marketplace
Each pavilion will have its own marketplace, featuring special food and wine to compliment the flavours of that culture. Each market typically has a couple food choices, one being a dessert. There are a couple drinks options as well, so you’re not limited to just wine. There’s something for every preference.
Live Entertainment
There are currently three different sets of musicians expected to be playing throughout the festival. I expect more will be added as restrictions continue to lift. But here are the details thus far:
JAMMin’ Chefs
These musicians will be using your favourite kitchen utensils and cooking ware to produce incredible music. This band will be found on the Canadian Mill Stage, which is located just outside the pavilion as you are heading toward Future World.
Mariachi Cobre
This group plays Mexican folk music and will be performing in the American Gardens Theatre. This is the large theatre that is located outdoors in the American pavilion, it’s a large stage with all kinds of seating.
Voices of Liberty
This group of singers, who typically sing inside The American Pavilions beautiful building, will be performing on the American Gardens Theatre stage. Throughout the festival you can expect to watch them perform a 15 minute of Americana classics.
American Gardens Bandstand
Come watch a live performance by local Floridian bands, playing your favourite tunes. The bands play Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings. Be sure to check your times guide when you arrive at the park.
November 1st. Element
November 5th-8th. The Vibe.
Family Friendly Activities
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
Guests can search for Remy from Ratatouille as they tour around World Showcase. This can be done on your own or you can purchase a booklet and stickers from these festival locations: Port of Entry, Mouse Gear or World Traveller. Port of Entry is located on the Northern end of World Showcase and is a store that sells apparel and toys. Mouse Gear is a store currently located in Epcot’s Future World East, by MISSION: Space. World Traveller is the store located at the World Showcase entrance to Epcot, this is where guests travelling by the Skyliner arrive, and guests walking or taking the boat from one of the Crescent Lakes enter. Each of the stickers has an ingredient that a Remy statue is holding. Once you’ve located each ingredient, bring your completed sheet to Disney Traders for a prize. Disney Traders is the store opposite Port of Entry at the Northern end of World Showcase.
Emile’s Fromage Montage
Enjoy 5 of the participating cheese dishes found around World Showcase and collect a prize. Get a stamp for each participating cheese dish and bring them to Shimmering Sips, directly across from Port of Entry at the Northern End of World Showcase.
November 4th-7th
runDisney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 4th-6th. Race Expo
November 4th-6th, at a variety of times, ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex is the place for race participants and volunteers to pick up their race kits. It’s also here where you’ll find exclusive race merchandise as well as a number of specialty retailers from all over the country offering you one of a kind products. It’s a fantastic event to attend whether you’re racing the event or not. All resorts have transportation to the Race expo.
November 5th. 5k Race
Early in the morning on November 5th, racers will be running 5k through the Animal Kingdom (if it’s the same route as previous years). The race takes place at 5:00am so you don’t have to be worried about this event affecting your day at the parks. This event is sold out but you can register to volunteer.
November 6th. 10k Race
On Saturday, the 10k event begins at the Magic Kingdom and finishes at Epcot, but again the event starts at 5:00am so you can be sure that the roads will be clear by the time you’re making your way to the Magic Kingdom. The only thing I would be leery of is if you have an early morning breakfast reservation. Buses will definitely be a little later or be taking a little longer, so be sure to give yourself lots of time to make your reservation time. The race does run along the Boardwalk so if you’re staying on Crescent Lake you’ll be able to cheer for the participants. There’s still space to participate in this event.
November 7th. 1/2 Marathon
This half marathon is going to take racers through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The event begins at 5:00am but because of the length of the event and the staggered start times you can expect your morning to be delayed. Of all the parks to go to this day it would be the Magic Kingdom because the race does not take place in this park. The event is sold out but you can cheer on participants at the Boardwalk Inn as they finish up the final miles of their race. The race takes place on Sunday morning.
November 8th and 9th
Disney Very Merriest After Hours
The Magic Kingdom is decorated to celebrate the holidays, but during these special evenings the park is amped up to the next level of celebration. Throughout the evening, ticket holders will enjoy the Christmas Parade, a special Christmas fireworks display, and a dance party found in Tomorrowland. The cost of tickets for this event are $169-189 depending on the night you purchase. A $10 discount is given to DVC members and annual pass holders. The event runs for 4 hours and tickets include the enjoyment of several Christmas sweets and drinks. Want to know if you should attend the event click here.
November 11th-20th
Park Hours
Magic Kingdom 11th and 12th 9am-8pm (closes early for Christmas Party). 13th 9am-9pm. 14th 9am-9pm (closes early for Christmas Party). 15th 9am-9pm. 16th 9am-8pm (closes early for Christmas Party). 17th 9am-9pm. 18th and 19th 9am-8pm (closes early for Christmas Party). 20th 9am-9pm.
*17th Extended Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests 9pm-11pm*
Epcot 11am-10pm *15th Extended Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests 10pm-12am*
Hollywood Studios 11th-17th 9am-9pm. 18th 9am-7pm. 19th-20th 9am-9pm.
Animal Kingdom 8am-7pm
Blizzard Beach 11am-6pm
Disney Springs 10am-11pm *11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays*
Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival
Epcot’s World Showcase is enjoying one of its yearly festivals until the middle of November. Throughout World Showcase guests can find delicious offerings, representing the different countries found. But there are multiple things to discover about the festival beyond the food.
Global Marketplace
Each pavilion will have its own marketplace, featuring special food and wine to compliment the flavours of that culture. Each market typically has a couple food choices, one being a dessert. There are a couple drinks options as well, so you’re not limited to just wine. There’s something for every preference.
Live Entertainment
There are currently three different sets of musicians expected to be playing throughout the festival. I expect more will be added as restrictions continue to lift. But here are the details thus far:
JAMMin’ Chefs
These musicians will be using your favourite kitchen utensils and cooking ware to produce incredible music. This band will be found on the Canadian Mill Stage, which is located just outside the pavilion as you are heading toward Future World.
Mariachi Cobre
This group plays Mexican folk music and will be performing in the American Gardens Theatre. This is the large theatre that is located outdoors in the American pavilion, it’s a large stage with all kinds of seating.
Voices of Liberty
This group of singers, who typically sing inside The American Pavilions beautiful building, will be performing on the American Gardens Theatre stage. Throughout the festival you can expect to watch them perform a 15 minute of Americana classics.
American Gardens Bandstand
Come watch a live performance by local Floridian bands, playing your favourite tunes. The bands play Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings. Be sure to check your times guide when you arrive at the park.
November 12th-15th. Element
Family Friendly Activities
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt
Guests can search for Remy from Ratatouille as they tour around World Showcase. This can be done on your own or you can purchase a booklet and stickers from these festival locations: Port of Entry, Mouse Gear or World Traveller. Port of Entry is located on the Northern end of World Showcase and is a store that sells apparel and toys. Mouse Gear is a store currently located in Epcot’s Future World East, by MISSION: Space. World Traveller is the store located at the World Showcase entrance to Epcot, this is where guests travelling by the Skyliner arrive, and guests walking or taking the boat from one of the Crescent Lakes enter. Each of the stickers has an ingredient that a Remy statue is holding. Once you’ve located each ingredient, bring your completed sheet to Disney Traders for a prize. Disney Traders is the store opposite Port of Entry at the Northern end of World Showcase.
Emile’s Fromage Montage
Enjoy 5 of the participating cheese dishes found around World Showcase and collect a prize. Get a stamp for each participating cheese dish and bring them to Shimmering Sips, directly across from Port of Entry at the Northern End of World Showcase.
November 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th and 19th
Disney Very Merriest After Hours
The Magic Kingdom is decorated to celebrate the holidays, but during these special evenings the park is amped up to the next level of celebration. Throughout the evening, ticket holders will enjoy the Christmas Parade, a special Christmas fireworks display, and a dance party found in Tomorrowland. The cost of tickets for this event are $169-189 depending on the night you purchase. A $10 discount is given to DVC members and annual pass holders. The event runs for 4 hours and tickets include the enjoyment of several Christmas sweets and drinks. Trying to decide whether you should go to the event, click here.
November 21st-30th
Park Hours
Magic Kingdom: 21st, 23rd, 28th and 30th 9am-8pm (closes early for Christmas Party). 22nd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 29th 9am-9pm.
*24th Extended Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests 9pm-11pm*
Epcot 11am-10pm *Extended Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests 10pm-12am*
Hollywood Studios 9am-9pm
Animal Kingdom 21st-27th 8am-7pm. 28th-30th 9am-7pm.
Blizzard Beach 11am-6pm
Disney Springs 10am-11pm *11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays*
November 21st, 23rd, 28th and 30th
Disney Very Merriest After Hours
The Magic Kingdom is decorated to celebrate the holidays, but during these special evenings the park is amped up to the next level of celebration. Throughout the evening, ticket holders will enjoy the Christmas Parade, a special Christmas fireworks display, and a dance party found in Tomorrowland. The cost of tickets for this event are $209-229 depending on the night you purchase. A $10 discount is given to DVC members and annual pass holders. The event runs for 4 hours and tickets include the enjoyment of several Christmas sweets and drinks. Trying to decide whether you should go to the party or not, click here.
November 25th-28th
ESPN Events Invitational
Eight teams will play a total of 12 games over these three days. These college basketball teams will be competing to see who will take home the title.
November 26th-28th
Disney Junior Soccer Showcase
Age groups 11 and under to 14 and under will play a this high level tournament. Boys and girls teams from across the nation will play against teams far and wide during this soccer showcase.
There’s plenty to see and do during your trip to Disney World, and now you know of even more to add to your itinerary. For more tips for your Disney World vacation check out these previous posts:
The Best Disney World Restaurants for 2021
My 5 Favourite Disney World Meals
Why You Should Stay at a Disney World Resort
The Most Expensive Restaurants at Disney World
5 Big Mistakes We Made on our Disney World Vacation
