Special Magical Events

Disney World hosts special New Year's Eve celebrations, including fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, along with parties and entertainment across the resort. Expect large crowds, especially at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, as these parks often reach capacity. Disney Springs also offers a vibrant atmosphere with dining and entertainment options.

 Here's a more detailed look at New Year's Eve at Disney World:

Fireworks:

• Magic Kingdom: Features a special New Year's Eve fireworks show called "Fantasy in the Sky". 
• EPCOT: Celebrates with fireworks and countdowns at each of the World Showcase pavilions, plus a special midnight fireworks display. 
• Nearby Resorts: You can view some of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from certain resort hotels like the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary, without needing park tickets. 

Other Celebrations:

• EPCOT: Offers special New Year's Eve parties at each of the World Showcase pavilions, with DJs and entertainment. 
• Disney Springs: Maintains its regular operating hours with dining, shopping, and live music, but does not have fireworks. 
• Parties and Entertainment: Expect additional entertainment like comedians, bands, and dance parties at various locations. 

Crowds:

• New Year's Eve is one of the busiest times at Disney World, with large crowds expected throughout the parks, especially at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. 
• It's recommended to arrive early, as parks may reach capacity limitations. 
• New Year's Day is also very crowded, with crowds typically increasing as the day goes on. 

Tips for Celebrating New Year's Eve at Disney World:

• Arrive early: To secure your spot for fireworks and avoid potential capacity limitations. 
• Consider the crowds: Be prepared for large crowds and potential wait times. 
• Utilize park hopping: If you have park hopper tickets, be aware of the 2 PM park hopping rule (if still in effect). 
• Explore other areas: Disney Springs offers a festive atmosphere without fireworks. 
• Enjoy the magic: Make the most of the special entertainment and festive atmosphere. 

 Disneyland Resort in California is known for its large-scale Lunar New Year celebrations, while Walt Disney World in Florida generally focuses its Lunar New Year festivities within the China pavilion at Epcot. Disneyland's celebration, which often includes a marketplace, special entertainment, and character meet-and-greets, typically runs for a few weeks in January and February. In contrast, Epcot's Lunar New Year celebration at the China pavilion is a shorter event, often featuring special food and entertainment, and usually occurs in late January or early February. 

 Disneyland Resort (California):

• Lunar New Year's Celebration: Disneyland hosts a larger, multi-week Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure Park, often running from late January to mid-February. 
• Highlights: The celebration includes a marketplace with Asian-inspired food and beverages, special entertainment like Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession, character meet-and-greets with Disney characters in traditional attire, and a "Lucky Wishing Wall" for guests to share their hopes for the new year. 
• Entertainment: Live music, cultural performances, and a pre-show for the "World of Color" water show are also part of the festivities, according to Disneyland Resort. 

Walt Disney World (Florida):

• EPCOT's China Pavillion: Walt Disney World's Lunar New Year celebrations are more contained within the China pavilion at Epcot. 
• Highlights: You can expect special food offerings at the Nine Dragons restaurant and potentially other locations, along with traditional Chinese entertainment like acrobats and cultural performances.
• Timing: The Epcot celebration typically takes place in late January or early February.
• Not a park-wide event: While there might be some decorations and mentions of Lunar New Year around Epcot, it's not a full-blown festival like the one at Disneyland, according to a Reddit thread. 

 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is an annual race weekend presented by runDisney at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It takes place in January and features a variety of races, including a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, plus challenging combinations of these races like the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge and the Dopey Challenge. The weekend is known for its Disney theming, character appearances, entertainment, and commemorative medals.  

 Key aspects of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend:

• Races: The weekend includes a full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles), and a 5K (3.1 miles). 
• Challenges: Runners can participate in the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (half marathon and marathon) or the Dopey Challenge (all four races) for extra medals and bragging rights. 
• Disney Magic: The courses wind through the Walt Disney World theme parks, featuring character meet-and-greets, entertainment, and Disney theming. 
• Expos and Events: The event also includes a Health and Fitness Expo where runners can pick up race bibs, shop for merchandise, and attend presentations.

  The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is an annual event at Walt Disney World's Epcot park that celebrates visual, culinary, and performing arts. It features a variety of art-inspired food, live performances (including the Disney on Broadway concert series), and opportunities to engage with artists and their work. The festival also includes interactive art displays, photo opportunities, and exclusive merchandise.

 Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Visual Arts:

• Art galleries and studios showcasing work from Disney and other artists.
• Opportunities to purchase art and interact with artists.
• Chalk art displays and interactive paint-by-number murals.
• Photo opportunities with art-inspired backdrops. 

Culinary Arts:

• Food studios offering art-inspired dishes and drinks.
• A "Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine" food stroll. 

Performing Arts:

• The Disney on Broadway concert series featuring Broadway stars.
• Live musical performances throughout the park.
• Opportunities to step into famous works of art for photos.
• Live art and animation demonstrations. 

Other Activities: Figment's Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt, Exclusive festival merchandise, and Interactive art activities. The festival is included with park admission and runs for a limited time, typically from mid-January to late February. 

  Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is an annual runDisney event held at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring a series of races themed around Disney Princesses. The weekend typically includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a challenge that combines the 10K and half marathon. It's a popular event for runners of all skill levels, with a focus on fun, costumes, and Disney characters and entertainment.  

 Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Races: The weekend includes a Disney Princess 5K, Disney Princess 10K, and the Disney Princess Half Marathon (13.1 miles). 
• Disney Fairy Tale Challenge: Runners can participate in both the 10K and half marathon to complete this challenge and earn an extra medal. 
• Themed Experience: The event is heavily themed around Disney Princesses, with runners often dressing up in costumes and enjoying character meet-and-greets along the race routes. 
• Location: All races take place within the Walt Disney World Resort, including its theme parks and resort areas. 
• Audience: While open to all, the event has a strong focus on female runners and often sees large numbers of participants

   A little-known event on Mardi Gras is the mini-parade through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Several departments of the resort build floats on golf carts. The floats are judged and then parade through the grounds. During the parade they throw New Orleans-style trinkets (beads, candy, doubloons) to the guests who line up to watch. If you will be at Port Orleans Resort on Mardi Gras, be sure to ask at the front desk when this event will take place.

Several Disney Springs eateries, such as House of Blues and Maria & Enzo’s, celebrate Mardi Gras (or Carnevale, the Venice version of Mardi Gras) with special meals or menu items. Usually these special meals and menus are offered for several weeks.

  The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is an annual event held at Epcot in Walt Disney World during the spring, typically from early March through early June. It's a celebration of all things floral, featuring elaborate topiaries of Disney characters, vibrant gardens, delicious food and drinks at outdoor kitchens, live entertainment, and more. The festival is included with regular park admission, but some special events may require separate tickets.  

 Here's a more detailed look at what the festival offers:

• Topiaries and Gardens: Epcot is transformed into a botanical wonderland with hundreds of topiaries featuring Disney characters and scenes. Visitors can explore gardens with unique themes and floral displays. 
• Outdoor Kitchens: Numerous outdoor kitchens offer a variety of food and drinks, including plant-based options, inspired by the festival's theme. 
• Garden Rocks Concert Series: Live musical performances featuring a variety of artists take place at the America Gardens Theatre. 
• Bambi's Butterfly House: A highlight of the festival, where visitors can see butterflies up close and learn about their life cycle. 
• Shopping and Merchandise: The festival offers unique merchandise themed around the event, including Orange Bird, Mickey and Minnie, and Figment. 
• Garden Graze: A food scavenger hunt where guests can sample different dishes and earn a special treat. 
• Special Activities: There are also interactive displays, play areas for children, and opportunities to learn about gardening. 

  Disney World celebrates Easter with special decorations, treats, and activities, primarily at the resorts and in EPCOT. While not as extensive as Halloween or Christmas theming, guests can enjoy elaborate Easter egg displays, unique food offerings, and festive events.

Special Meals

There are special meals available at certain restaurants on Easter Sunday. An Easter Brunch is usually held each year at the Epcot World ShowPlace located between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions. Regular Epcot admission is required. You can reserve holiday meals up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

Note that “holiday pricing” (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) for the two weeks on either side of Easter. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Easter Sunday, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

Religious Services

Religious services are usually held on Easter Sunday only in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is at 8:00 am and 10:30 am. A Protestant service is at 9:15 am. If you plan to attend, it is best confirm the time and location with the front desk or concierge.

You may not park at the Contemporary for these services

  At Walt Disney World, "Pride" is celebrated primarily through the Disney Pride Collection and unofficial events like Gay Days. While Disney does not host official Pride-specific events, they offer a dedicated merchandise collection and feature Pride-themed photo opportunities throughout the parks during June, which is Pride Month.

 Key aspects of Pride celebrations at Walt Disney World:

• Disney Pride Collection: Disney releases a special collection of apparel, accessories, and other merchandise featuring rainbow designs and characters, often created by community members and allies, according to Disney.com. 
• Pride-themed Photo Opportunities: Disney PhotoPass often provides special backdrops and props like rainbow umbrellas and Magic Shots for guests to capture Pride-themed photos. 
• Gay Days: This unofficial, multi-day event, held in June, brings together LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies for celebrations at Disney World and other Orlando locations. 
• One Magical Weekend: This event, also an unofficial gathering, is a large LGBTQ+ music festival held at Walt Disney World resorts and other locations, known for its DJs and parties. 
• Limited Time Food and Drink: Disney Springs and other locations may offer special Pride-themed food and beverages, like the Tropical Rainbow drink and a chocolate mousse dessert. 

In essence, Disney acknowledges and celebrates Pride through its merchandise, photo opportunities, and partnerships with third-party events like Gay Days and One Magical Weekend, while also supporting LGBTQ+ communities through various initiatives.  

 Disney World celebrates Independence Day with special fireworks shows, character appearances in patriotic costumes, and festive food and merchandise. The Magic Kingdom features "Disney's Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" on July 3rd and 4th, while Epcot offers a patriotic extension to its nighttime spectacular and special performances at the American Adventure pavilion.  

Magic Kingdom offers a special Independence Day fireworks show on July 3 & 4 in the Magic Kingdom above Cinderella Castle. There are also dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland during the fireworks show. These activities are included in regular park admission. 

In 2024, there was also a fireworks show over Seven Seas Lagoon on July 3 and July 4.

At Epcot on July 4, Disney characters are dressed in patriotic attire throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a cappella group, has a special performances at the American Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. These activities are included in regular park admission.

On July 4 there is a special Independence Day version of the Epcot evening spectacular.

 The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual event at Disney World that celebrates global cuisine and culture through food and drinks. It features numerous Global Marketplaces offering dishes and beverages inspired by countries and regions around the world. The festival also includes live music, scavenger hunts, and opportunities to meet celebrity chefs.  

 Here's a more detailed look:

• Global Marketplaces: These are the heart of the festival, where guests can sample small plates of food and drinks from various countries and regions. 
• Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Live music performances by renowned and local artists take place at the America Gardens Theatre, with some concerts available through dining packages. 
• Scavenger Hunts: Guests can participate in family-friendly scavenger hunts like Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit. 
• Emile's Fromage Montage: A cheese crawl where guests can sample and collect stamps for various cheese dishes. 
• Special Events: The festival may also feature culinary demonstrations, seminars, and opportunities to meet celebrity chefs. 

 At Walt Disney World, Halloween is celebrated with Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom, and other festive offerings across the resort. The party features trick-or-treating, special parades, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, and more.

• Halloween decorations and overlays: Expect festive decorations and ride enhancements in other parks and resorts throughout the fall season.
• Seasonal food and merchandise: Look for special Halloween-themed treats and souvenirs.
• Character meet-and-greets: Characters may be seen in their Halloween costumes in other areas of the resort. 

  Christmas at Walt Disney World is a festive celebration encompassing decorations, special events, and unique experiences across all four theme parks and beyond. Key highlights include Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and special holiday overlays on attractions. Disney World also decks out its resorts and Disney Springs with elaborate decorations, including giant gingerbread displays and Christmas trees.

 Theme Park Experiences:

• Magic Kingdom: Main Street, U.S.A. is adorned with festive decor, including a giant Christmas tree, and hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event with special parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets. 
• EPCOT: The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates seasonal traditions around the world, featuring themed kitchens, entertainment, and the Candlelight Processional, a retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator, orchestra, and choir. 
• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Sunset Seasons Greetings transforms the Hollywood Tower Hotel with festive projections, and Toy Story Land gets a holiday overlay with oversized decorations. 
• Disney's Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island comes to life with the Merry Menagerie, featuring artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals, and the Tree of Life is illuminated with special holiday projections. 

Beyond the Parks:

• Disney Springs: The Christmas Tree Stroll features elaborately decorated trees throughout the shopping and dining district. 
• Resorts: Many resorts, like the Grand Floridian, create impressive gingerbread displays, including life-size gingerbread houses. 
• Special Dining: Several restaurants offer holiday-themed menus and character dining experiences, such as Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine. 
• Holiday Merchandise: Guests can find special holiday-themed merchandise throughout the parks and resorts. 

Overall: Disney World goes all out for Christmas, transforming the entire resort into a festive wonderland. From special events and decorations to unique dining experiences and character interactions, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas season at Walt Disney World.  

  Christmas at Magic Kingdom centers around Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event held on select nights in November and December. During the party, guests can enjoy unique entertainment, including the "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," "Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks," and the "Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration" stage show. The park also features festive decorations, special food and merchandise, and lower wait times on popular attractions.  

 Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: This after-hours event requires a separate ticket from regular park admission. 
• Lower Crowds: Because of the limited ticket sales, the party generally has smaller crowds and shorter wait times for rides and attractions. 
• Entertainment:
  • Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: A festive parade featuring Disney characters in their holiday best, marching toy soldiers, and Santa Claus. 
  • Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks show set to holiday music. 
  • Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration: A stage show with singing and dancing characters, including Mickey Mouse. 
  • A Frozen Holiday Surprise: A show featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies, culminating in the castle being lit up. 
• Festive Atmosphere: Magic Kingdom is transformed with holiday decorations, including a 65-foot Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., and snow flurries on Main Street. 
• Food and Merchandise: Guests can enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, as well as specialty food and merchandise items. 
• Ride Overlays: Some attractions, like the Tomorrowland Speedway and Jingle Cruise, receive holiday overlays with decorations and special music. 
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Guests can meet Disney characters in their holiday attire. 

  Christmas at Disney's Animal Kingdom includes festive decorations, special entertainment, and unique character meet-and-greets. The park is adorned with animal-shaped luminaries, bird lanterns, and holiday-themed decor, especially on Discovery Island. A highlight is the Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition, where the tree shimmers and sparkles with a festive musical score each evening. Guests can also enjoy the Merry Menagerie, a collection of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals, and meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their holiday attire.  

 Here's a more detailed look at what makes Christmas at Animal Kingdom special:

• Festive Decor: Animal Kingdom features unique decorations like animal-shaped luminaries and bird lanterns, along with holiday-themed decor throughout the park. 
• Tree of Life Awakening: The Tree of Life transforms nightly with a special holiday show featuring shimmering lights and a festive musical score. 
• Merry Menagerie: This collection of hand-crafted, life-size animal puppets, including reindeer, foxes, polar bears, and more, are a highlight of the holiday season. 
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday best at the Adventurer's Outpost, and other characters like Santa Goofy may also make appearances. 
• Pandora Holiday Decor: Even Pandora – The World of Avatar gets into the spirit with festive decorations, including Christmas lights on the AMP suit and a Santa hat. 
• Entertainment: The Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla brings a colorful group of percussionists to the Discovery River, and there are other seasonal entertainment offerings throughout the park. 
• Unique Holiday Touches: Animal Kingdom also features smaller touches like twinkling lights on rooftops, trees that glow at night, and even tiny birds and trees inside larger trees. 

  At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Christmas season features a special nighttime event called Disney Jollywood Nights, a separately ticketed party. This event includes holiday décor, modern beats mixed with classic holiday songs, craft cocktails, decadent dishes, and entertainment like a Latin street fair, a jazz lounge, and a sing-along. The event takes place on select nights from November to December. Additionally, Hollywood Studios has festive decorations throughout the park, including a large Christmas tree on Echo Lake and holiday decor on Sunset Boulevard.

 Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Disney Jollywood Nights: This event transforms Hollywood Studios into a festive wonderland with special entertainment, themed food and drinks, and character meet-and-greets. 
• Entertainment: The event features a stage show with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, a jazz lounge at the Hollywood Brown Derby, and a soiree at the Hollywood Tower Hotel courtyard. 
• Food and Drink: Guests can enjoy unique holiday-inspired cocktails and decadent dishes during the event. 
• Other Festivities: Beyond Jollywood Nights, the park features classic Christmas decorations like a large Christmas tree on Echo Lake and holiday lights on Sunset Boulevard. 
• Character Meet and Greets: Guests can also enjoy special holiday character meet-and-greets throughout the park. 

 The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is a seasonal celebration held annually at Epcot in Walt Disney World, typically from late November through December. It's a festive event that immerses guests in the sights, sounds, flavors, and stories of holiday traditions celebrated around the world, particularly within the World Showcase pavilions.

 Key aspects of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays include:

• Holiday Kitchens: These are themed food and beverage booths located throughout the park, offering a variety of festive dishes and drinks inspired by different cultures' holiday cuisines.
• Candlelight Processional: A popular show featuring a celebrity narrator recounting the Christmas story, accompanied by a mass choir and a live orchestra. This often requires early arrival or a Candlelight Processional Dining Package for reserved seating.
• Holiday Storytellers: Throughout the World Showcase, storytellers share holiday traditions and legends from their respective countries.
• Holiday Cookie Stroll: Guests can purchase special cookies at designated locations and collect stamps in their festival passport. Once all stamps are collected, they can redeem the passport for a completer prize.
• Olaf's Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt: A fun, family-friendly activity where guests search for Olaf throughout the World Showcase.
• Special Holiday Entertainment: Performances like "JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season," featuring gospel, jazz, and R&B music celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, are also part of the festival.
• Attraction Overlays: Select attractions receive holiday enhancements, such as the festive lights on Living with the Land at night.
• Festive Decorations: The park is adorned with holiday decorations, including a large Christmas tree at the entrance to World Showcase.

 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special holiday event held at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. It's a separately ticketed event, meaning you need to purchase a special ticket to attend, even if you have regular park admission for that day. The party takes place on select nights in November and December, and allows guests to enjoy the park after it closes to the general public.  

 Here's what makes the party unique:

• Exclusive Holiday Entertainment:
  • Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: Features festive floats with Disney characters, gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and Santa Claus.
  • Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks show with projections, special effects, and holiday music.
  • Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration: A stage show at Cinderella Castle with dancing, singing, and your favorite Disney characters in their holiday attire.
  • Frozen Holiday Surprise: A "Frozen"-themed show where Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a winter wonderland.
  • Dance Parties: Get your groove on at dance parties like Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland and Disney Junior Jingle Jam in Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe.
• Complimentary Treats: Enjoy unlimited complimentary cookies and hot chocolate at designated locations throughout the park.
• Character Meet and Greets: Meet Disney characters dressed in their holiday outfits, and even some rare characters that don't usually appear in the park.
• Attraction Overlays: Experience some of your favorite rides with a festive twist, like Space Mountain — Holiday Run!! or the Tomorrowland Speedway Race Through the Holidays.
• Unique Merchandise: Find exclusive party merchandise at stores like The Emporium and Star Traders.
• Lower Crowd Levels: Since it's a separately ticketed event with limited capacity, the crowds are generally lower than during regular park hours, allowing for shorter wait times at attractions.
• Early Park Entry: With your party ticket, you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM, giving you a head start before the party officially begins at 7:00 PM. 

In short, it's a festive and unique way to experience the magic of Disney World during the holiday season.