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Walt Disney World Annual and Seasonal Events Schedule

Walt Disney World Annual and Seasonal Events Schedule

Add a bit more magic to your vacation by enjoying some of the Walt Disney World Annual Events.  There is something that will appeal to everyone!  You can taste your way around the world at EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival. Maybe you want to take on a 5K or even a marathon at one of the many runDisney events.  If you are traveling in the fall you can have a spooktacular time at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Your family and friends can also enjoy the most magical holiday ever at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Learn more about the annual events that you can experience at Walt Disney World.

January February March April May June July August September October November December

January Events

Holiday Happenings & Events

Mid November – December 2024
(Dates for specific events will vary)
Walt Disney World Resort is all aglitter during the holiday season with dazzling lights, spirited songs, and even snow flurries. Throughout the Walt Disney World, there is caroling, enhanced parades, tree lighting ceremonies, visits by Santa, incredible decorations, exclusive dining, and ticketed events.

Walt Disney World Marathon

January 8-12, 2025
The Walt Disney World Marathon is an annual 26.2-mile adventure that winds through all four Disney theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The weekend also features a half marathon, a 10k, a 5K, kids races, special multi-day challenge races, a five-day health expo, and more.
Participation: Registered Event
Location: Property-wide
Impact: Possible heavy resort bookings by marathon participants and early morning traffic impact on race day.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Mid-January January – Mid-February, 2025
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts celebrates visual, culinary and performing arts inspired from all around the world set against the incomparable backdrop of EPCOT. The event will feature gallery exhibits, foodie experiences with art-inspired menus, live Broadway-style entertainment, and more.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Extra crowds at EPCOT, especially throughout World Showcase, mostly on weekends.

Additional Events During January

Youth Group Competitions and Exhibitions – Takes place at various times January through March. Youth activities (i.e., sports, dance, cheerleading, singing, bands) may be scheduled in public areas. These activities may create heavy bookings at some resorts, especially at the All-Star Resorts, by youth groups. Because of the additional traffic, the noise levels may be significantly increased. Also, there may be possible random closure of certain park attractions for use as event venues such as Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend – Third weekend in January (January 20, 2025) – While no specific events are planned, there are possible heavy bookings at resorts. Extra crowds possible in all parks and longer park hours.

February Events

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Mid-January January – Mid-February, 2025
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts celebrates visual, culinary and performing arts inspired from all around the world set against the incomparable backdrop of EPCOT. The event will feature gallery exhibits, foodie experiences with art-inspired menus, live Broadway-style entertainment, and more.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Extra crowds at EPCOT, especially throughout World Showcase, mostly on weekends.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend

February 22-26, 2024
Join your fellow princesses in a royal quest that will take you through 13.1 miles of the Walt Disney World Resort. Also taking place this weekend are the “Disney Enchanted 10k,” “Glass Slipper Challenge,” “Cinderella Royal Family 5K,” “runDisney Kids Races” and “Fit for a Princess Expo.”
Participation: Registered Event
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Possible substantial resort bookings by marathon participants and early morning traffic impact on race day.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

February 28 –  May 27, 2024
EPCOT blooms with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for kids, and workshops with gardening experts during this most beautiful of Walt Disney World Annual Events. This Walt Disney World Annual Event makes Epcot look even better. Also during the festival are Marketplace Food Kiosks, topiaries that fill the park, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Participation: Open to public (theme park ticket required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Possible extra crowds at EPCOT. Additional live entertainment at World Showcase

Additional Events During February

 Super Bowl – February 9, 2025 – Walt Disney World resort may offer special activities to celebrate the Big Game.

 Valentine’s Day – February 14, 2025 – Walt Disney World resort may offer special meals to mark the occasion.

Mardi Gras – February 13, 2024 – Events like mini-float parade (themed golf carts decorated by resort cast members) at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (both French Quarter and Riverside) on Fat Tuesday. The parade features music, select Disney characters, beads, and candy are given out along the parade route. Ask for parade time at the front desk.

President’s Weekend – Third weekend in February (February 14-17, 2025) – While no specific events are planned, this is traditionally the start of spring break season. Possible heavy booking at resorts. Extra crowds are possible in all parks. Longer park hours with more frequent scheduling of fireworks, parades and some

Youth Group Competitions and Exhibitions – Takes place at various times January through March. Youth activities (i.e., sports, dance, cheerleading, singing, bands) may be scheduled in public areas. These activities may create heavy bookings at some resorts, especially at the All-Star Resorts, by youth groups. Because of the additional traffic, the noise levels may be significantly increased. Also, there may be possible random closure of certain park attractions for use as event venues such as Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

March Events

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

February 28 –  May 27, 2024
EPCOT blooms with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for kids, and workshops with gardening experts during this most beautiful of Walt Disney World Annual Events. This Walt Disney World Annual Event makes Epcot look even better. Also during the festival are Marketplace Food Kiosks, topiaries that fill the park, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Participation: Open to public (theme park ticket required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Possible extra crowds at EPCOT. Additional live entertainment at World Showcase

Additional Events During March

Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival – March 17, 2024 – Raglan Road restaurant and Disney Springs throws a yearly celebration centered around St. Patrick’s Day that lasts for several weekends, which features live entertainment, dancing, face painting and more! Read more on our MFL Blog.

Spring Break – Mid-March – Early-April 2024 – During this crowded time of the year, Disney employs several strategies to disperse crowds, including offering additional entertainment at alternative parks other than the Magic Kingdom and opening or offering seasonal restaurants or dining options.

Easter – March 31, 2024 – Special meals, meet and greets with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunts, and more.

Youth Group Competitions and Exhibitions – Various times January through March. Youth activities (i.e., sports, dance, cheerleading, singing, bands) may be scheduled in public areas. These activities may create heavy bookings at some resorts, especially All-Stars, by youth groups, where the noise levels may be significantly increased. Possible random closure of certain park attractions for use as event venues such as Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

April Events

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

February 28 –  May 27, 2024
EPCOT blooms with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for kids, and workshops with gardening experts during this most beautiful of Walt Disney World Annual Events. Also during the festival are Marketplace Food Kiosks, topiaries that fill the park, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Participation: Open to public (theme park ticket required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Possible extra crowds at EPCOT. Additional live entertainment at World Showcase

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

April 18-21, 2024
The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is slated to be a completely different experience every year! You never know what to expect, except that it’s going to be fun and distinctively runDisney.
Participation: Registered Event
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Possible substantial resort bookings by participants and early morning traffic impact on race day.

Additional Events During April

Animal Kingdom’s Birthday – April 22, 2024 – Opening April 22, 1998, the park turns 26 this birthday. The park celebrates with Earth Day celebrations.

Earth Day – April 22, 2024 – the Animal Kingdom celebrates Earth Day with special events. Activities are held throughout the park to commemorate.

May Events

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

February 28 –  May 27, 2024
EPCOT blooms with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for kids, and workshops with gardening experts during this most beautiful of Walt Disney World Annual Events. Also during the festival are Marketplace Food Kiosks, topiaries that fill the park, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Participation: Open to public (theme park ticket required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Possible extra crowds at EPCOT. Additional live entertainment at World Showcase

Summer Events at Walt Disney World

Late May – Early September
Each summer, new and exciting attractions and events get introduced.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required for activities at the parks)
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Book Disney Resorts early for best availability.

Additional Events During May

Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s Birthday – May 1, 2024 – Opening May 1, 1989, the park turns 35 this birthday. No celebration plans have been announced.

Cinco de Mayo – May 5, 2025 – Annual special family/kids activities at Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT.

Mother’s Day – May 12, 2024 – Special meals and deals are offered throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

June Events

Summer Events at Walt Disney World

Late May – Early September
Each summer, new and exciting attractions and events get introduced.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required for activities at the parks)
Location: Worldwide

Additional Events During June

School Summer Break – Time varies across the country, but generally occurs the last week of May until mid-August. Families with school-age children will be visiting Walt Disney World in more significant numbers. This can result in heavy bookings at resorts and longer lines in parks and restaurants. During this time, there will be longer park hours with more frequent scheduling of fireworks, parades, and some shows.

Gay Days – May 30-June 3, 2024 – Non-Disney sponsored event occurring yearly in June. Actual dates vary annually. Unofficial public and private events take place at Disney & other Orlando locations. Scheduled events in specific Walt Disney World parks on particular days. Possible extra crowds in specific parks, one each day. Possible early closings of some theme parks, water parks for private parties. Visit Gay Day’s Official web site for additional info.

Father’s Day – June 16, 2024 – Select Disney restaurants offer special meals for dad!

July Events

Summer Events at Walt Disney World

Late May – Early September
Each summer, new and exciting attractions and events get introduced.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required for activities at the parks)
Location: Worldwide

Independence Day

July 4, 2024
Get ready for a treat as Walt Disney World celebrates the Fourth of July with a unique choice of fireworks shows at several different theme parks.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required for activities at the parks)
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Heavy crowds in all parks except the Animal Kingdom. Longer park hours and special firework shows.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Late July – Mid-November 2024
Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine at Marketplace Food booths during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required)
Location: Epcot
Impact: Extra crowds at Epcot, especially throughout World Showcase, mostly on weekends. Possible late evening traffic impact near and around Epcot on the evening of.

Additional Events During July

School Summer Break – Time varies across the country, but generally occurs the second week in June until mid-August. Families with school-age children will be visiting Walt Disney World in a higher number, which can result in heavy bookings at resorts and longer lines in parks and restaurants. During this time, there will be longer park hours with more frequent scheduling of fireworks, parades, and some shows.

Bastille Day – July 14, 2024 – Annual special family/kids activities at France Pavilion at Epcot.

August Events

Summer Events at Walt Disney World

Late May – Early September
Each summer, new and exciting attractions and events get introduced.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required for activities at the parks)
Location: Worldwide

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mid-August – October 31, 2024
Adults and children can trick or treat their way through the Magic Kingdom while experiencing Halloween magic throughout the park with Disney characters, special parades and fireworks, at one of the most popular Walt Disney World Annual Events. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. This is a special hard-ticket event occurring on select nights. No word on if this event will be offered in 2021.
Participation: Ticketed event open to the public
Location: Magic Kingdom, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Impact: Early closings at MK for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Crowds in the Magic Kingdom may be lesser on party days due to the early closure of the park. Guests with event tickets may begin entering the park as early as 4 p.m.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Late July – Mid-November 2024
Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine at Marketplace Food booths during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Extra crowds at EPCOT, especially throughout World Showcase, mostly on weekends. Possible late evening traffic impact near and around EPCOT on the evening of.

Additional Events During August

School Summer Break– Time varies across the country, but generally occurs the last week of May until mid-August. Families with school-age children will be visiting Walt Disney World in higher numbers, which can result in heavy bookings at resorts and longer lines in parks and restaurants. During this time, there will be longer park hours with more frequent scheduling of fireworks, parades, and some shows.

September Events

Summer Events at Walt Disney World

Late May – Early September
Each summer, new and exciting attractions and events get introduced.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required for activities at the parks)
Location: Worldwide

Free Dining

Not currently offered. Check back for details.
Participation: Special discounted vacation package for specific dates Disney has released for the public to book in recent years; there is no guarantee Disney will offer the Free Dining vacation package each year! 
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Heavier than usual crowds for this time of year. Heavy restaurant bookings and lines at counter service. Click here for more information on Free Dining at Walt Disney World.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mid-August – October 31, 2024
Adults and children can trick or treat their way through the Magic Kingdom while experiencing Halloween magic throughout the park with Disney characters, special parades and fireworks, at one of the most popular Walt Disney World Annual Events. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. This is a special hard-ticket event occurring on select nights. No word on if this event will be offered in 2021.
Participation: Ticketed event open to the public
Location: Magic Kingdom, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Impact: Early closings at MK for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Crowds in the Magic Kingdom may be lesser on party days due to the early closure of the park. Guests with event tickets may begin entering the park as early as 4 p.m.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Late July though Mid-November 2024
Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine at Marketplace Food booths during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Extra crowds at EPCOT, especially throughout World Showcase, mostly on weekends. Possible late evening traffic impact near and around EPCOT on the evening of.

Additional Events During September

Great Irish Hooley Festival – September 2, 2024 – This Labor Day weekend party at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney features top Irish bands playing traditional and rock tunes, Irish Dance Workshops for the whole family, structured set dancing, Celtic face painting, and authentic food and beverages.

October Events

Halloween/Fall Events

Mid August – October 31, 2024
There’s just so much to do at Walt Disney World during the Halloween season. While normally, Guests get to experience Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, there are special parades and decorations in the parks, there’s lots to do on Halloween day at the Disney resorts too. And, at Disney Springs, the Halloween/Fall season is celebrated the entire month of October with unique photo spots, pumpkin patches, and more.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mid-August – October 31, 2024
Adults and children can trick or treat their way through the Magic Kingdom while experiencing Halloween magic throughout the park with Disney characters, special parades and fireworks, at one of the most popular Walt Disney World Annual Events. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. This is a special hard-ticket event occurring on select nights. No word on if this event will be offered in 2021.
Participation: Ticketed event open to the public
Location: Magic Kingdom, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Impact: Early closings at MK for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Crowds in the Magic Kingdom may be lesser on party days due to the early closure of the park. Guests with event tickets may begin entering the park as early as 4 p.m.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Late July – Mid-November 2024
Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine at Marketplace Food booths during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Extra crowds at EPCOT, especially throughout World Showcase, mostly on weekends. Possible late evening traffic impact near and around EPCOT on the evening of.

Additional Events During October

EPCOT’s Birthday – October 1, 2024 – Opening Oct 1, 1982, the park turns 42 on this birthday.

Magic Kingdom’s Birthday – October 1, 2024 – Opening Oct. 1, 1971, the park and Walt Disney World resort turns 53 on this birthday.

Fall Break – Usually the week before and after Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day. Expect to see heavier crowds in the parks, especially the Magic Kingdom.

November Events

General Tips: November is a transition month. There will still be Fall and Halloween activities during the first part of the month, and then celebrations will switch to Christmas and other holiday activities. Pay close attention to the dates of the events this month.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Late July – Mid-November 2024
Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine at Marketplace Food booths during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required)
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Extra crowds at EPCOT, especially throughout World Showcase, mostly on weekends. Possible late evening traffic impact near and around EPCOT on the evening of.

Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Mid-November 2024
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts showcase a passion for food and beverage during the Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. Elevate your knowledge of wine appreciation in a series of beverage seminars or enjoy great food. Live entertainment is included.
Participation: Open to the public
Location: Swan and Dolphin hotels

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

Early November 2024
Start by running through the theme parks with world-class Disney entertainment along the way to help the miles fly by. The icing on this cake? An exclusive after-hours party at Epcot celebrating the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Guests can participate in a 10K, as well as a two-race challenge, plus the Half Marathon. The weekend will also include a three-day expo, “Mickey’s Holiday 5k,” kids races, and a lot of special Disney touches. The half-marathon will start at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and finish outside of Epcot.

Participation: Registered Event
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Possible substantial resort bookings by participants. This is a late-night event and should not greatly affect park availability, but may have some traffic issues during the race.

Holiday Happenings & Events

Mid November 2024 –  Early January 2025
(Dates for specific events will vary)
Walt Disney World Resort is all aglitter during the holiday season with dazzling lights, spirited songs, and even snow flurries. Throughout the Walt Disney World, there is caroling, enhanced parades, tree lighting ceremonies, visits by Santa, incredible decorations, exclusive dining, and ticketed events.

Candlelight Processional

Late November – December 30, 2024
A breathtaking retelling of the Christmas story in words and music complete with a 50 piece orchestra, choir, and celebrity guest narrator. Tickets for the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages can also be purchased.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required) A separate ticketed dinner package is available that includes reserved seating. Click the link above for details.
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Heavy crowds in and around the America pavilion before and during performance times.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Early November – Late December 2024
The Magic Kingdom will be transformed into a winter wonderland at this most magical of Walt Disney World Annual Events. Snow will descend on Main Street, Mickey and friends will be dressed in seasonal apparel, and Cinderella Castle will once again light up as special holiday fireworks, parades, and shows await. This is a special ticket event occurring on select nights.
Participation: Ticketed event
Location: Magic Kingdom
Impact: Early closings at MK for ticketed events. Possible heavier than usual dinner crowds at MK restaurants and resorts.

Disney Jollywood Nights

Early November – Late December 2024
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be transformed into a tinsel town wonderland this holiday season. A special fireworks show, Mickey and friends dressed in seasonal apparel, and holiday themed shows abound. This is a special ticket event occurring on select nights.
Participation: Ticketed event
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Impact: Possible heavier than usual dinner crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios restaurants and resorts.

Filming of ABC Holiday Specials

Mid-November 2024
Participation:
Public (theme park admission required). Registration for spectators is necessary.
Location: Walt Disney World Resort
Impact: Larger crowds in the parks around recording times. Some shows and parades may be canceled. Sections of the parks may be closed off during the taping days, and other sections may also be roped off.

Additional Events During November

Jersey Week – First or Second Week in November – New Jersey Teachers Convention is held during this time, and schools in the state are out of session. Many Jersey families choose to vacation at Walt Disney World during this time resulting in decreased availability at resorts. Possible extra crowds at all parks.

Thanksgiving – November 28, 2024 – Restaurants will offer special menus for the day. Likely extreme crowds on Thanksgiving weekend, especially at Magic Kingdom, heavy bookings at sit-down restaurants.

December Events

Holiday Happenings & Events

Mid November 2024 – Early January 2025
(Dates for specific events will vary)
Walt Disney World Resort is all aglitter during the holiday season with dazzling lights, spirited songs, and even snow flurries. Throughout the Walt Disney World, there is caroling, enhanced parades, tree lighting ceremonies, visits by Santa, incredible decorations, exclusive dining, and ticketed events.

Candlelight Processional

Late November – December 30, 2024
A breathtaking retelling of the Christmas story in words and music complete with a 50 piece orchestra, choir, and celebrity guest narrator. Tickets for the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages usually go on sale sometime in the summer.
Participation: Open to public (theme park admission required) A separate ticketed dinner package is available that includes reserved seating.
Location: EPCOT
Impact: Heavy crowds in and around the America pavilion before and during performance times.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Early November – Late December 2024
The Magic Kingdom will be transformed into a winter wonderland at this most magical of Walt Disney World Annual Events. Snow will descend on Main Street, Mickey and friends will be garbed in seasonal apparel, and Cinderella Castle will once again light up as special holiday fireworks, parades, and shows await. This is a special ticket event occurring on select nights.
Participation: Ticketed event
Location: Magic Kingdom
Impact: Early closings at MK for ticketed events. Possible heavier than usual dinner crowds at MK restaurants and resorts.

Disney Jollywood Nights

Early November – Late December 2024
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be transformed into a tinsel town wonderland this holiday season. A special fireworks show, Mickey and friends dressed in seasonal apparel, and holiday themed shows abound. This is a special ticket event occurring on select nights.
Participation: Ticketed event
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Impact: Possible heavier than usual dinner crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios restaurants and also resorts.

Christmas Week

Participation: Public
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Heavy booking at resorts for the end of December. Extreme crowds on Christmas week and between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Resort prices at their most expensive.

New Year’s Eve

December 31, 2024
From celebrations in the theme parks to upscale dining experiences and dancing on Disney’s BoardWalk, take your pick of how you want to ring in the New Year.
Participation: Public & ticketed
Location: Worldwide
Impact: Heavy booking at resorts. Extreme crowds at all parks. Atlantic Dance Hall at Boardwalk restricted for ticketed events. Extended Park hours and special fireworks.

Additional Events During December

Dapper Day Fall Soiree – Check back for dates – Inspired by the original Disney park designer’s illustrations, which often featured extremely well-dressed guests enjoying Epcot, this unofficial Disney event invites park guests to don elegant fashions from vintage-inspired to contemporary chic and visit the park with other stylish guests. Dapper Day is not a Disney sponsored event, and guests do not have to participate. Learn more at dapperday.com.

 

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