Walt Disney World Events

The ultimate planning resource for Walt Disney World annual events and information on Disney holiday events. NOTE: All event dates/entertainment are subject to change.

FEBRUARY

Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando - February 11 – April 14, 2012 Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studio Orlando!! With 13 original floats from New Orleans, authentic Cajun food, extravagant costumes, and live jazz music, you'll feel like you’re in the French Quarter.

Valentine's Day in the Disney area - February 14, 2012

Disney's Princess 1/2 Marathon Weekend - February 24 - 26, 2012

Atlanta Braves Spring Training - March 3 - April 2, 2012

Save up to 30% at Select Disney Resorts!
Discount valid for stays select nights 4/13/12 - 6/14/12. Guests can save up to 30% when they book a standard room at select Disney resorts.
More Info | Get a Quote

Walt Disney World Package plus Dining!
The Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining offers you an easy and affordable way to experience a wide variety of participating Disney restaurants.
More Info | Get a Quote

MARCH

Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando - February 11 – April 14, 2012 Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studio Orlando!! With 13 original floats from New Orleans, authentic Cajun food, extravagant costumes, and live jazz music, you'll feel like you’re in the French Quarter.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training -March 3 - April 2, 2012

ESPN THE WEEKEND - (event has been discontinued)
This event is hosted at Disney's Hollywood Studios and features a lineup of ESPN and sports personalities. There are show tapings, motorcades, interactive venues and a slew of activities for sports fans, including a 5K race (on March 5th).

Disney Dreamer's Academy - March 8-11 , 2012

Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival - March 7 - May 20, 2012

APRIL

Easter - April 24, 2011

Disney Grad Nites - April 29 & 30, May 6 & 7, 2011

Grad Nites take place at the Magic Kingdom.

After 2011, Grad Nites will no longer be held.

Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando - February 11 – April 14, 2012
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studio Orlando!! With 13 original floats from New Orleans, authentic Cajun food, extravagant costumes, and live jazz music, you'll feel like you’re in the French Quarter.

Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival - March 7 - May 20, 2012

Universal Grad Bash - April 20 & 21, April 27 & 28, May 4, 2012

MAY

Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival -March 7 - May 20, 2012

Expedition Everest Challenge - May 5, 2012

This nighttime event at Disney's Animal Kingdom includes a 5K, an obstacle course, and scavenger hunt. The post-race party will be held in Dinoland.

Downtown Disney Car Masters Weekend - May 13-15, 2011 (10:30 am - 6:00 pm)

Celebrating the "Cars" film franchise, this weekend is for families to get their "Cars" fix before the newest film "Cars 2" comes to theaters June 24. Enjoy meet and greets, games, and dozens of classic cars on display.

Star Wars Weekends - Fridays, Saturday, & Sundays May 18 - June 10, 2012
Special appearances from Star Wars characters, that roam the park greeting guests and taking photos with true Star Wars fans each weekend. Click here for Information

Disney Gay Days 2011 - May 29 - June 4, 2012

Discount Checking and Dining Reservations Made For You!

Not only will Dreams Unlimited constantly looks for new discounts (even after you book), but they will also take care of all your WDW dining reservations!

Between the time you book with Dreams Unlimited Travel, and the time you depart on your vacation, Dreams Unlimited Travel constantly looks for any special offers or discounts that were not available when you first made your reservation. If you're eligible for a lower rate, they'll have it applied. More Info | Get a Quote

JUNE

Disney Gay Days 2011 -May 29 - June 4, 2012

Star Wars Weekends - Fridays, Saturday, & Sundays May 18 - June 10, 2012
Special appearances from Star Wars characters, that roam the park greeting guests and taking photos with true Star Wars fans each weekend. Click here for Information

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series - June 10 - July 28, 2012

Throughout the summer, tributes to some of your favorite recording artists/groups are scheduled at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot's World Showcase.

Kids Cooking Classes at Downtown Disney - June 25, 2011

Children ages 6-12 are invited to be guest chefs at three of Downtown Disney's best restaurants. Chefs from Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Portobello Restaurant, and Fulton's Crab House walk through a full demonstration at each location. The class costs $30 for all three lessons or $12 for each individual lesson and each participant will receive a chef hat and apron. The event is from noon until 3pm. Call 407-828-8996 to register.

JULY

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series - June 10 - July 28, 2012

Throughout the summer, tributes to some of your favorite recording artists/groups are scheduled at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot's World Showcase.

4th of July at Walt Disney World

July 2, 2011

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
- BBQ Bash at Fantasia Gardens Pavilion (3:00 - 8:00 pm)
  Guests will enjoy playing classic carnival games and eating traditional BBQ foods while listening to a live band. Tickets will be available at event($45 for adults, $25 for children) or for details and information, call 888-828-8850

AUGUST

Star Wars Celebration VI - August 23-26, 2012

This fan favorite will once again be held at the Orange County Convention Center. This gathering features celebrity appearances, costume contests, and other fan events.

SEPTEMBER

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival - September 28 - November 11, 2012

Halloween at Disney World - September 13 - November 1, 2011

Night of Joy - September 7 - 8, 2012
List of Night of Joy performers and ticket information.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend - September 28-29, 2012

This popular race returns after a 3 year hiatus, this time as a 10-miler instead of 13K. Taking place at Hollywood Studios, participants will race through the set of the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show," past the Sorcerer's Hat and ending at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. This nighttime event will conclude with a party after hours at the park, giving racers and their family access to the park's most popular rides, music and Disney characters.

Other events for the weekend include a 5K race, kid's races and a Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

OCTOBER

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival - September 28 - November 11, 2012

Epcot's Food & Wine Festival is a not to be missed Disney event. Taking place around the World Showcase at Epcot, the Food & Wine Festival features more than 100 wineries, breweries and cuisines from around the world.
Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Halloween at Disney World - September 13 - November 1, 2011

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

2012 will be the 3rd year for this event that features wine and beer seminars, tasting stations and live music. Tickets are available as part of a hotel package or individually. In 2011, you could purchase a bracelet for $74 which allowed you unlimited food and beverage samples, or food and wine samplings can be purchased a la carte. Entertainment included The Groovemasters, Four Divo, The Current, and The Beu Sisters.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular
Kids can dress in their favorite costumes while trick-or-treating with sea creatures. This event is included in park admission.

Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival - October 20, 2012

Races to be held at Downtown Disney

NOVEMBER

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival - September 28 - November 11, 2012

Children's Miracle Golf Classic - November 8 - 11, 2012

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon - November 9 -10, 2012

The Wine and Dine Half Marathon features a 13.1 mile nighttime race through multiple Disney theme parks and exclusive after-hours party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Festival of the Masters - November 9-11, 2012
The works of award-winning artists will be featured. Downtown Disney celebrates the season with special entertainment and shops featuring unique holiday gifts.

Thanksgiving in Walt Disney World - November 24, 2011
If you're planning on being at Disney World for Thanksgiving, here is a list of restaurants planning on serving a Thanksgiving meal.

Christmas at Disney World - November 2011 - January 2012

(See December listing for details)

ICE at Gaylord Palms - November 16, 2011 - January 2, 2012
If you think that Florida means sun-drenched days and sultry nights, you’re in for a chilling surprise. During the Holidays, “Ice! at Gaylord Palms” will bring a frigid change to the traditional Florida Christmas fare. The resort also hosts special holiday events. Pictures from previous events

SNOW at Gaylord Palms - November 16, 2011 - January 2, 2012

Following the success of ICE, Gaylord Palms Resort is taking winter in Florida to a new level with SNOW! Visitors can play in 40 tons of real snow in this new "North Pole Carnival." Experience such activities as Elf Bowling and a Snow Tube Run (especially for kids) while enjoying winter-themed snacks.

DECEMBER

Christmas at Disney World - November 2011 - January 2012

Walt Disney World Theme Parks
(Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom)
Candlelight Processional
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - 11/08/11 - 12/18/11
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Expeditions
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
Holiday Sleigh Ride
The Hollywood Holly-Day Parade

New Year's Eve - December 31, 2011
Enjoy live music, entertainment and dancing to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

JANUARY

2012 Walt Disney World Marathon - January 5-8, 2012

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Today's Theme Park Hours Saturday 2/4/2012
Magic Kingdom: Epcot Future World: Epcot World Showcase: Hollywood Studios: Animal Kingdom: Typhoon Lagoon: Blizzard Beach:	9:00 - 12:00 9:00 - 9:00 11:00 - 9:00 9:00 - 7:00 9:00 - 6:00 - 10:00 - 5:00
Extra Magic Hours Morning: Hollywood Studios