Throughout the year, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida hosts special annual and seasonal events that draw not only park goers but guests who come specifically to enjoy the event. From holiday parties for the whole family to international events and marathons, Disney World‘s calendar is filled with exciting special events.
Walt Disney World Marathon
This full marathon takes place in January and spans all four theme parks. Participants can choose the 26.2 mile run or opt for a half marathon, 10K or 5K. There are even special kids’ races so the whole family can enjoy the fun.
Epcot International Flower Garden Festival
Opening in March and running through mid-May, this event blooms each year and features more than 30 million flowers plus themed topiaries, live entertainment, activities for kids and workshops with gardening experts. It’s open to the public but requires a theme park ticket to attend.
Star Wars Weekends
The force is strong at Walt Disney World each spring during Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The annual event runs on weekends from mid-May through mid-June and includes a variety of activities, parades, live entertainment and the chance to meet some of your favorite characters from the Star Wars universe. Actors from the various Star Wars movies also are in attendance.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Don your Halloween costume as early as mid-September for the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party held on select nights in the Magic Kingdom. The annual event runs through November 1 and requires a special ticket for attendance. Adults and children can wear their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat through the Magic Kingdom park. The event features special themed parades, fireworks and all your favorite Disney characters.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Each year beginning in late September and running through mid-November, guests to Epcot can experience the unique Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. It’s open to the public with theme park admission required. However, some events within the Festival do require their own separate tickets. Guests to the Festival have the opportunity to enjoy culinary delights from around the world at specialty food booths and take in culinary demonstrations and live entertainment.
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
From early November through the first week in January, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights takes place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Admission is free with your theme park admission to Hollywood Studios. It’s a spectacle light display on the Streets of America designed by Jennings Osborne as a gift to his family and the guests at Walt Disney World. It’s an annual event.
Candlelight Processional
Held in Epcot from late November through the end of December, the Candlelight Processional is a special retelling of the Christmas story that features a 50-piece orchestra and celebrity guest narrator. It’s open to the public with their theme park admission but a special ticketed dinner package can be purchased that includes reserved seating.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Celebrate the Christmas holiday with Mickey and Friends in the Magic Kingdom on select nights from November through mid-December. It’s a special ticketed event perfect for any age. The Magic Kingdom is transformed into a winter wonderland and there’s even snow on Main Street U.S.A. There’s live entertainment, a parade and a special holiday firework display.