Welcome to Walt Disney World, where the magic never ends! Every year, the happiest place on Earth hosts many seasonal events that will enchant and delight visitors of all ages. From the spooky fun of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the festive cheer of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there’s always something special happening at Walt Disney World. These seasonal events occur throughout the year, ranging from festivals to marathons to concerts. Join us as we take a closer look at the annual events that make Walt Disney World a truly magical destination.
Page Navigation:
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Experience has shown that having more of a good thing is always great, and when it comes to Disney magic, it is the best thing of all. So you can now enjoy more of it at the H2O Glow Disney After Hours Event, which grants you three hours of exclusive access to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park on select nights after regular park hours from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Plus, you can enter the park at 6:00 PM to get a head start on the fun a couple of hours before the official event begins.
The H2O Glow Disney After Hours Event means more time to ride popular Typhoon Lagoon attractions, indulge in incredible experiences, and make the most of your unforgettable Walt Disney World adventure.
2024 Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon Event Dates:
- May 25
- June 1, 8, 14, 22, 28
- July 5, 6, 13, 16, 20, 26, 30
- August 2, 10, 17, 24, 31
EPCOT® International Food and Wine Festival
Event Dates: August 29 to November 23, 2024
Event Tickets: Admission to Epcot® required.
The EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival is a popular annual event
at Walt Disney World‘s EPCOT theme park in Florida. The festival typically takes place in the fall season and celebrates international cuisine and beverages from around the world.
During the festival, EPCOT is turned into a food lover’s paradise, featuring dozens of food booths and kiosks serving up a diverse array of dishes and drinks inspired by various countries and regions. From savory bites to sweet treats, there is something for every taste and palate.
In addition to the food and drink offerings, the festival also features live musical performances and other special events, such as culinary demonstrations and tastings led by celebrity chefs and beverage experts.
One of the festival’s highlights is the “Eat to the Beat” concert series, which features performances by well-known musicians and bands from various genres, including rock, pop, country, and more. Guests can enjoy the live music while savoring delicious food and drinks.
Another popular aspect of the festival is the opportunity to participate in interactive experiences, such as mixology and beverage seminars, where guests can learn about the latest trends in cocktail-making and sample innovative drinks and flavors.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is a must-visit event for foodies and anyone who loves exploring different cultures and cuisines. Whether you’re a seasoned food and wine connoisseur or simply enjoy trying new things, this festival is sure to delight and inspire. Don’t miss your chance to taste your way around the world at EPCOT!
Valid EPCOT admission is required. All entertainment and artist appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Event Dates: Select Nights August 9 to October 31, 2024
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in August to October in Magic Kingdom® Park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
The tone of the event is, well, “Not-So-Scary”, and is appropriate for children of all ages.
2024 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Event Dates:
- August – 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30
- September – 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29
- October – 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an annual event at Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom in Florida. The event occurs on select nights throughout the fall season and is a spooktacular celebration of all things Halloween.
During the party, Magic Kingdom is transformed into a haunted wonderland featuring special Halloween decorations, lighting effects, and music. In addition, guests are encouraged to dress up in costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the park, collecting candy from various locations.
In addition to the trick-or-treating, there are special Halloween-themed entertainment offerings, including a parade featuring favorite Disney characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes, a dance party with Disney characters, and a nighttime fireworks show set to a spooky soundtrack.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a fun and festive event for the whole family, offering something for guests of all ages to enjoy. Tickets to the event typically sell out quickly, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. And don’t forget to bring your favorite costume and plenty of room in your treat bag for all the candy you’ll collect!
Request a free vacation quote or Book your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an annual event at Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida. The event occurs on select nights throughout the holiday season, typically from early November through December, and is a festive celebration of all things Christmas.
Magic Kingdom is transformed into a winter wonderland during the party, featuring unique holiday decorations, lighting effects, and music. In addition, guests will enjoy special entertainment offerings, such as a holiday parade featuring favorite Disney characters, a fireworks show set to classic holiday tunes, and a stage show featuring Mickey and his friends.
Another popular aspect of the party is the opportunity to meet and take photos with beloved Disney characters dressed up in their holiday best, such as Mickey and Minnie in their Santa outfits.
Guests can also enjoy unlimited cookies and hot cocoa throughout the park and other holiday treats and snacks available for purchase at various locations.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a fun and festive event for the whole family, offering something for guests of all ages to enjoy. Purchase of an event admission ticket is required to attend the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event. Tickets to the event typically sell out quickly, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. And don’t forget to bring your holiday spirit and plenty of room in your stomach for all the delicious treats!
2024 Event Dates
- November – 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29
- December – 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 20
Event Times
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight.
Ticket holders will be admitted to Magic Kingdom park as early as 4:00 PM on the valid date of their ticket—giving them even more time to enjoy park favorites before the event begins! These date-specific event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or theme park reservation.
Request a free vacation quote or Book your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets
Disney Jollywood Nights
Disney Jollywood Nights—a festive fun nighttime holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Dance the night away with friends at themed celebrations that feel like you put your holiday hit mix on shuffle. Indulge in delicious treats and cheery spirits. And add a little magic to your merriment as favorite Characters offer you season’s greetings. (And pose for festive photos with Disney PhotoPass® downloads included in the price of your ticket!) You can’t help but feel joyful on favorite thrill rides and classic attractions at this limited-capacity event. And the party wraps up with the return of a favorite nighttime spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
So grab your friends and gift your tickets for an evening filled with cheer at Disney Jollywood Nights.
Disney Jollywood Nights takes place select nights in November and December 2024.
2024 Disney Jollywood Nights Event Dates
- November 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30
- December 2, 7, 11, 14, 18 and 21
Event Times
This special event takes place from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
You can get a head start on the festive fun! Ticket holders will be admitted to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 6:00 PM on the valid date of their ticket. These date-specific event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or theme park reservation.
Request a free vacation quote or Book your 2024 Disney Jollywood Nights tickets
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
November 29 through December 30, 2024
Event Tickets: Admission to Epcot® required.
Discover a festival unlike any other, one that celebrates the merry holiday customs of the countries included in World Showcase. Immerse in the magical sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday season as celebrated by cultures from near and far during Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays.
Take a festive global tour while costumed performers bring time-honored customs to life throughout World Showcase; delight in stirring live musical acts; savor seasonal food and beverage specialties at the Holiday Kitchens and enjoy a scrumptious Holiday Cookie Stroll.
Candlelight Processional
One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot – a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir.
Performances are at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM nightly from November – Late December 2024.
The Candlelight Processional is an annual event at Walt Disney World‘s Epcot theme park in Florida. The event typically takes place during the holiday season, typically from late November through December, and is a beautiful and inspiring celebration of Christmas.
During the event, a mass choir of talented singers joins a live orchestra to perform traditional Christmas carols and songs. A celebrity narrator joins the choir and orchestra to recount the Christmas story through readings from the Bible about the birth of Jesus.
The Candlelight Processional is typically held in the outdoor America Gardens Theatre, with the choir and orchestra performing on a stage adorned with beautiful holiday decorations and candles. The result is a breathtaking and moving spectacle that is sure to inspire and uplift.
Guests can attend the Candlelight Processional by purchasing a special dining package with a meal at a select Epcot restaurant and reserved seating at the show. This is a popular option, as it guarantees guests a spot at the show and provides a delicious meal to enjoy beforehand.
The Candlelight Processional is a beautiful and unforgettable experience that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this magical celebration of Christmas at Walt Disney World!
Candlelight Dining Packages:
Savor an extra special treat when you ring in the holiday season with a Candlelight Dining Package. Each package includes lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theater during the Candlelight Processional. Ask your Travel Counselor for more information.*
*Candlelight Dining Packages do not include Park admission.
Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend Event
Event Dates: January 8-12, 2025
The Walt Disney World Marathon is an annual event that takes place in January at Walt Disney World in Florida. The event draws thousands of runners from all over the world to participate in a variety of races, including a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K. Runners will have the opportunity to race through the Walt Disney World theme parks and other iconic locations throughout the resort. Along the way, runners will be cheered on by Disney characters and entertained by music and live performances. The Walt Disney World Marathon is an experience like no other and a must-do for any avid runner or Disney fan.
Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend Features:
- Walt Disney World Marathon: Participants will experience the most magical 26.2 miles in the world with a racecourse that winds through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks.
- Walt Disney World Half Marathon: Participants will experience 13.1 miles of on-course Disney music and entertainment visiting two Walt Disney World Theme Parks along the way.
- Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge: Accept the challenge and enjoy 2 races in 2 days running through Walt Disney World Resort for 39.3 miles of fun – and get a chance to earn the coveted Goofy medal in addition to your Half Marathon and Marathon finisher medals!
- Walt Disney World Resort 10K: Participants will experience a 6.2-mile course that winds throughout Epcot®, the scenic World Showcase, and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.
- Walt Disney World Resort 5K: Join friends and family in a 5K course that features a tour of Epcot and an unforgettable finish complete with Disney characters and entertainment!
- Dopey Challenge: Compete in the ultimate endurance challenge—a 4-day series of fun races that cover a distance of 48.6 miles. Run the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon, with a chance of winning 6 medals including the Dopey Challenge finisher medal.
- runDisney Health & Fitness Expo: This four-day event involves celebrity runner appearances, seminars on training, racing, and nutrition, and the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment.
Register for these events at runDisney.com
EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts
Event Dates: Mid-January – Mid-February 2025
Event Tickets: Admission to Epcot® required.
Welcome to the Walt Disney World’s EPCOT®, where art comes to life in all its forms during EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts! As soon as you enter the Theme Park, you’ll be immersed in a world of artistic expression, from visual arts to culinary and performing arts. Running from mid-January mid-February the annual EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts is an exciting event, featuring the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series with top stars performing beloved Disney songs seven days a week.
You’ll find inspiration everywhere, from the intriguing art techniques of cultures near and far at the World Showcase galleries to new interpretations of Disney Characters. You can even step into a painting for an Artful Photo Op. And, of course, there’s plenty of art you can eat, like the whimsical Artist Palette Jumbo Cookie and the surprising Sushi Donut, available at the many Food Studios throughout the park.
Make sure not to miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a vibrant culinary tour that culminates in a colorful culinary prize. The festival is perfect for everyone, whether you’re a kid, a grown-up, a concert-goer, or an art connoisseur. So follow your creative impulse and celebrate art as it comes to life in EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts!
Entertainment subject to change without notice.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is an annual event held at Walt Disney World in Florida that typically takes place in February. The event celebrates women’s empowerment and encourages participants to channel their inner princesses as they run through the park.
The weekend typically features several events, including a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. There is also a Fairy Tale Challenge, which involves completing both the 10K and the half marathon over the course of the weekend. In addition to the races, there are various other events and activities, including a Health and Fitness Expo, where participants can pick up their race packets and browse vendors selling running gear and other fitness-related items.
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is known for its fun and festive atmosphere, with many participants dressing up in elaborate costumes inspired by their favorite Disney princesses. The races themselves take runners through various parts of the parks, including Cinderella Castle and Epcot.
If you’re interested in participating in the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, check the official runDisney website for registration and event dates details. And remember to start training early so you will be ready to run like a true Disney princess!
Event Dates: February 20-24, 2025
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Features:
- Disney Princess Half Marathon: Race by yourself or join a friend for a fun run on this 13.1 mile-course across the most magical place on earth.
- Disney Princess Enchanted 10K: Take an enchanted journey running across Epcot®— complete with a finish fit for royalty!
- Disney Fairy Tale Challenge: Challenge yourself to a 2-day endurance test, which includes 2 races totaling over 19.3 miles.
- Disney Princess 5K: Share the magic with the whole family while running the spectacular course at Epcot. This royal race is great for both beginning and experienced marathoners.
- runDisney Kids Races: Younger princes and princesses get to join in on the fun too—during one of the many races designed especially for them.
- runDisney Health & Fitness Expo: Find what you need for your race weekend—and sneak a peek at the latest apparel and fitness equipment at this sensational expo.
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Event Dates: Late February – Late May, 2025
Event Tickets: Admission to Epcot® required.
The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is an annual event
at Walt Disney World‘s EPCOT theme park in Florida. The festival typically runs from early March to late May and celebrates gardening, landscaping, and horticulture.
EPCOT’s sprawling grounds are transformed during the festival into a blooming wonderland featuring thousands of colorful flowers, and topiaries shaped like beloved Disney characters, and stunning garden displays. In addition to the impressive flora, the festival also offers a variety of food and drink options inspired by springtime flavors and ingredients, as well as live musical performances and other special events.
One of the festival’s highlights is the Garden Rocks concert series, which features performances by well-known musicians from various genres, including rock, pop, country, and more. Another popular aspect of the festival is the Garden Marketplace, where visitors can sample delicious foods and beverages from around the world, including unique dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Throughout the festival, guests can attend educational seminars and demonstrations led by expert gardeners and horticulturists, and children can participate in unique interactive activities and scavenger hunts.
The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is a must-see for anyone who loves flowers, gardening, or enjoys enjoying beautiful outdoor spaces. So whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just appreciate nature’s beauty, The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival festival will surely delight and inspire you.
Admission
Epcot theme park admission is required. Most EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival events are included with admission to EPCOT theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.
Whether you want to improve your gardening skills or simply savor colorful scenery, a spectacular array of experiences awaits you at EPCOT theme park during this festival.
Free Quote
Request a no-obligation, cost-free quote from one of our travel agents today. You won’t pay more when you book with us. Get started planning for your vacation to Walt Disney World!
If you would like to request a quote for another destination, click here.
