Walt Disney World has already packed plenty of changes into 2026, with new attractions, restaurants, entertainment, and updates arriving across the resort.
Along with the start of another busy fall month at Disney World, October brings a milestone anniversary, a brand-new BoardWalk lounge, more EPCOT Food & Wine Festival booths, restaurant changes, and one of the biggest runDisney weekends of the year. Here’s what’s changing around Walt Disney World in October 2026:
Walt Disney World Celebrates 55 Years
October 1 marks the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney World, which officially opened to guests on October 1, 1971! Back then, Walt Disney World looked quite different. Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort all welcomed their first guests that day. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground followed shortly afterward on November 19, 1971.
— Photo: RetroWDW
We’ve already gotten our first look at merchandise sporting Walt Disney World’s new 55th anniversary logo, including apparel and Minnie ears.
— 55 Magical Years
While Disney hasn’t announced any specific anniversary celebrations to look out for, which isn’t unusual for a milestone ending in five, October 1 is still a pretty big birthday for the Vacation Kingdom of the World!
Hurly-Burly Opens at Disney’s BoardWalk
Hurly-Burly opens on October 1 inside the former Jellyrolls space at Disney’s BoardWalk. Inspired by an old seaside vaudeville theater, the menu includes vintage-inspired cocktails and light bites, with entertainment changing throughout the day.
During the afternoon, families can stop in for hosted activities, including trivia and games. Beginning at 9 PM, Hurly-Burly switches over to a 21-and-older venue with live music and nightlife.
Four More Food & Wine Festival Booths Open
The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicked off on August 27, but six of this year’s Global Marketplaces had delayed openings.
Festival Favorites joined the lineup on September 9, followed by The Wedge (Hosted by Dairy Does More) on September 18. The final four arrive on October 2:
- Coastal Eats
- Earth Eats
- India
- The Alps
That means October 2 marks the first day guests can experience the complete 2026 marketplace lineup. The festival continues through November 21, although The Wedge has a shorter run and closes November 8; assuming Communicore Hall needs the time to prep for the International Festival of the Holidays!
The Diamond Horseshoe Reopens with a New Experience
Beginning October 4, The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will reopen with a limited-time pop-up dining experience. Rather than the family-style meal traditionally served at The Diamond Horseshoe, there will be a menu of small plates, specialty drinks, cocktails, wine, and beer. See the full menu HERE!
Reservations open September 29, and Disney also plans to accommodate walk-ins when availability allows.
Scat Cat’s Club Closes for Refurbishment
If Mickey-shaped beignets are part of your Port Orleans routine, there’s an important change coming in October… Scat Cat’s Club Café and Scat Cat’s Club Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter will close for refurbishment beginning October 6.
The Café is expected to return in December, while the Lounge is currently scheduled to reopen in January 2027.
Thankfully, the beignets aren’t disappearing during the work! Guests will be able to find beignets and coffee at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, while a temporary bar near Scat Cat’s Club Café will operate from 5 PM to 11 PM daily.
Olivia’s Cafe Says Goodbye to Brunch
After October 5 at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Olivia’s Cafe will discontinue its current brunch service after and move to separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner periods.
Beginning October 6, breakfast will run from 7:30 AM to 11 AM, lunch from 11:30 AM to 2 PM, and dinner from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Returns
Runners take over Walt Disney World later in the month for the 2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, running October 22 through October 25.
The Health & Fitness Expo begins October 22, followed by the 5K on October 23, 10K on October 24, and Half Marathon on October 25. The Disney Two Course Challenge combines the 10K and Half Marathon for 19.3 miles over two mornings. EPCOT will also host the Wine & Dine Post-Race Party on October 25.
Between Walt Disney World turning 55, new dining and nightlife, Food & Wine additions, and a busy runDisney weekend, October has plenty happening around the resort. It’s also that in-between stretch where Halloween is still in full swing, but the holidays are waiting right around the corner. Before Christmas trees, gingerbread displays, and holiday parties begin popping up across Walt Disney World in November, there’s plenty to keep an eye on throughout October!
