One of the things to know about Walt Disney World is that there is a lot going on. Yes, visitors are coming from around the world to check out Cinderella’s castle, meet Mickey, and hug a princess. But visitors are ALSO coming to run marathons, do sporting competitions and experience different festivals and celebrations in the four Disney parks.
It is important to have a general idea of what is happening at Walt Disney World throughout the year. Some of the events draw large crowds which will add to the overall business and wait times in the parks. You may choose to avoid planning your vacation during these events.
Some events, like the EPCOT festivals, may draw you to Disney World! We have been to Disney during the Food and Wine Festival and loved it!
If you are a runner, you may choose to pick a time to go to Disney during one of the runDisney events.
Disney World Event Guide
We have given you a guide as to what is happening at Walt Disney World in 2023. There are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Holidays are always busy at Disney World, so we have noted the major ones below
- runDisney events are very festive but can also have impacts on park hours and events. The races start very early in the morning but the longer races, particularly the marathon, may impact opening times. These do draw crowds – both runners and spectators. Be sure to check out the runDisney page to stay up to date.
- Many of the sporting events and competitions happen at ESPN Wide World of Sports. This is on the Disney property. Participants of these events often stay at the Disney value hotels and will visit the four Disney parks during their stay. These athletes are NOT at the Disney Parks the entire time, but you will see busier buses, hotels, and a general uptick in crowds.
- EPCOT festivals, particularly the Food and Wine Festival, draws locals in on the weekends.
Ticketed Events
A few of the events at Walt Disney World are special ticketed events. You will need to purchase a ticket in order to attend the festivities. These events often start in the evening [around 7:00pm] and guests without tickets will need to leave the park early. You cannot stay in the park without a ticket even if you have a dining reservation.
Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party
This event happens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. It includes trick or treating, character meetings, and eerie entertainment. A special Halloween themed fireworks show called Not So Spooky Spectacular and a Boo-to-You parade! Cost is $109 and up.
If you have an event ticket you may enter the park at 4:00. Theme park reservations are not required unless you plan on visiting the Magic Kingdom prior to 4:00.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This event is at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park where you will see Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time Fireworks, a Christmas parade, and enjoy special holiday treats! Cost is $139 and up.
If you have an event ticket to this party you may enter the park at 4:00. Theme park reservations are not required unless you plan on visiting the Magic Kingdom prior to 4:00.
Disney’s H20 Glow After Hours
This special event takes place at Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. The park will close to non ticketed guests and you will enjoy a magical evening at the water park!
You can find out more information about these special events here.
Here are all the special events happening at the Walt Disney World Resort. Be sure to check out our crowd calendar to give even more information about the crowds and weather at Disney World.
January 2023 Events
January 1 – New Years Day
January 4 – 8 runDisney Marathon [entire Walt Disney World Resort]
January 9 through February 9 – Festival of the Arts TENTATIVE
January 13 – 15 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships
January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
photo credit Alexis Lariscy
February 2023 Events
February 2 – 7 is the NFL Pro Bowl Week with the actual Pro Bowl on February 5
February 3 – 5 National Dance Team Championship
February 10 – 12 National High School Cheerleading Championship
February 14 – Valentine’s Day
February 17 – 21 President’s Day Weekend with President’s Day on February 20
February 17 – 20 Twirl Mania International Championships
February 23 – 26 runDisney Princess Half marathon Weekend [Walt Disney World Resort]
photo credit Alexis Lariscy
March 2023 Events
March 1 – July 1 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival [Dates tentative]
March 3 – 5 Contest of Champions Nationals
March 10 – 12 UCA International All Star Championship
April 2023 Events
All month – Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot
April 2 – Chip and Dale’s 80th Birthday
April 9 – Easter
April 13 – 16 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend To the Finish line….and Beyond! [EPCOT]
April 17 – 23 Earth Month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
April 22 – Earth Day 25th Anniversary at Animal Kingdom
photo credit Alexis Lariscy
April 22 – 24 US All Star Federation Cheerleading and Dance Worlds
April 27 – 30 The Summit-Varsity All Stars Cheerleading and Dance Championship
April 29 – 30 Dapper Day at Walt Disney World [Tentative]
May 2023 Events
All month – Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot
May 4 Star Wars Day. May the Fourth be with you!
photo credit Alexis Lariscy
May 5 – Cinco De Mayo
May 27 – 31 Memorial Day Weekend
May 27 – August 26 Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon [Tentative]
photo credit Alexis Lariscy
June 2023 Events
All month – Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot
All month – Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon
June 3 – 5 One Magical Weekend at Walt Disney World
July 2023 Events
The Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot ends this month
All month – Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon
July 4 – Independence Day
July 13 – Food and Wine Festival at Epcot starts [Tentative]
August 2023 Events
All Month Food and Wine Festival at Epcot
August 11 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at magic Kingdom begins [ending on October 31]
August 22 – 26 Princess Week [Tentative]
August 26 – Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon ending
September 2023 Events
All Month Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
All Month Food and Wine Festival at Epcot
September 4 – Labor Day
photo credit Alexis Lariscy
October 2023 Events
All Month – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom [ending on the 31st]
All Month Food and Wine Festival at Epcot
October 7 – 11 Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day
October 16 – 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company
October 31 – Halloween [check out our favorite Disney Halloween shirts and costumes!]
November 2023 Events
Food and Wine Festival at Epcot ends November 18 [Tentative]
November 7 – Election Day
November 2 – 5 runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 7 – December 21 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park [Tentative dates]
November 11 – Veteran’s Day
November 18 – 26 Thanksgiving Week [Thanksgiving 23rd]
November 18 – Mickey and Minnie’s 95th birthday
November 24 Festival of the Holidays at Epcot [ending on December 25th]
photo credit Alexis Lariscy
December 2023 Events
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom [Ending December 21]
Festival of the Holidays at Epcot [Ending December 25th]
December 25 – Christmas
December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Generally speaking, most of these events will be happening around the same time in 2024. This should help in your planning for future Disney World vacations! Of course, if you do happen to be at the parks during one of the special events don’t worry.
We have tips to help you save time in the parks and tips to help you avoid long wait times. You will have a blast!