Disney World Events

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.


May

Expedition Everest Challenge - May 4, 2013

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.

 

 


Star Wars Weekends - Fridays, Saturday, & Sundays May 17 - June 9, 2013
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

 


Monstrous Summer All-Nighter - May 24 - 25, 2013

The Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will open at 6:00am on May 24th and close at 6:00am on May 25th.  Mike and Sulley will be on hand as official mascots of the all-nighter, acting as Grand Marshalls for the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade and visiting with guests in Tomorrowland. After dark, guests can mingle with Disney characters dressed in pajamas in Town Square and take part in late-night dance parties in the Castle courtyard.

 


Disney Gay Days 2013 - May 28 - June 3, 2013

 

JUNE

Disney Gay Days 2013 - May 28 - June 3, 2013


Car Masters Weekend - June 14-16, 2013

9:30 am - 7:00 pm

Downtown Disney

2013 details not out yet, but here is the info from the 2012 event:

The second annual Car Masters Weekend celebrates the hit film series "Cars."  Meet Lightning McQueen and Finn McMissile, play at the LEGO interactive zone and see Cars-themed topiaries.  Speak to automotive designer Chip Foose, who helped design Ramone, as well as the Cars section of the Art of Animation Resort.  The AMC movie theater will show both "Cars" and "Cars 2."  Test-drive RIDEMAKERZ cars and explore more than 100 classic, muscle and exotic cars on display from Hess and GM.  Keep your energy up with food truck favorites and live music from a DJ. 

High-Performance Karting from the Richard Petty Driving Experience will now be offered at Car Masters Weekend.  For $20, licensed drivers age 16 and up will be able to test their skills in this high-action race challenge, by trying to score the fastest lap time in your group.  Additional rides are available for $10.  Closed-toe shoes are required. The experience is offered June 2 and 3 from 9:30 am - 7:00 pm.


Star Wars Weekends - Fridays, Saturday, & Sundays May 17 - June 9, 2013
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.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series


 

The Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience with Master Chef Kevin Dundon - June 20, 2013

Raglan Road Irish Pub

6:30pm

Dress Code: Smart Casual

$95, plus tax and gratuity (Tables in Wonderland discount accepted)

For more info, call 407-938-0300 or click here.

Master Chef Kevin Dundon has created the five-course menu for this meal, celebrating the Summer Solstice with fresh, seasonal flavors. Wines have been chosen for each course.  Celebrating the Summer Solstice is a time-honored tradition and marks the official start to summer.

Appetizer

  • Platter of chicken filet terrine and duck liver pate with summer chutney, assorted crostini and picked vegetables
  • Rosenblum Rockpile Vineyard Zinfandel 2009

Soup

  • Duet of potato oup with a champagne splashed oyster
  • Steffina di Notte & Guinness Black Velvet

Fish Course

  • Crispy Dungarvan Pale Ale battered Atlantic monkfish with sea salted golden chips
  • Dungarvan Pale Ale

Main Course

  • Sage butter roasted poussin with lemon scented potato puree, braised cabbage and natural jus
  • Chorey-Les-Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2010

Dessert

  • Strawberry Fields Forever
  • Chandon Rose

JULY

4th of July at Walt Disney World


 

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.

 

August

Royal Caribbean DIS Group Cruise - August 24 - 31, 2013
Oasis of the Seas
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Sailing

Join members of the DIS and DISUnplugged Podcast Team for a special sailing on the
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas!!!  Click here for pricing and more information.

 


Dream Cars Weekend - August 30 - September 2, 2013

Coronado Springs Resort

The grounds of the resort will be filled with collector and custom cars, plus entertainment, gourmet foods, automotive exhibitors and custom professional car builders.  There will be themed nightly parties, including a vintage underground speakeasy with live rockabilly music, a poolside luau complete with steel drum band and a 1950s diner breakfast. Event is free for spectators, party event tickets sold separately.  The Grand National Show of the Mustang Club of America will also be held this weekend at the Walt Disney World Speedway.  For more information about the events, click here.

September

Night of Joy - September 6 - 7, 2013
List of Night of Joy performers and ticket information.

 


Halloween at Disney World -September 11, 2012 - November 2, 2012


Halloween at Disney World

 


Epcot's Food and Wine Festival - September 27 - November 10, 2013

October

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival - September 27 - November 10, 2013
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

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival

Halloween at Disney World - September 11, 2012 - November 2, 2012

Halloween at Disney World

 


The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend -

October 4 - 5, 2013

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.


Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

October 18 and 19, 2013

4:40-5:30 pm - Beverage seminars

5:30-9:00 pm - Tasting stations open

2013 will be the 4th 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. You can purchase a bracelet for $80 which allows you unlimited food and beverage samples on the causeway, or food and wine samplings can be purchased a la carte ($2 per ticket; items cost two to four tickets each).  The hotel's executive pastry chef and two-time World Pastry Champion, Laurent Branlard, will create the desserts.  Chef Todd English will be on hand, as well as other chefs from the hotels' restaurants.

Seminars will include Wine Blending, Riesling, Spanish Wines, Italian Wines, Base to Bubbles, Modern Mixology, All Things Sake, Beer, Please!.  New this year is the art of Pasta Making with Chef Robert Ciborowski, the Resort's Executive Chef and creator of the Food & Wine Classic.  In this seminar, you will assist in the preparation of 3 different specialty pastas, create pasta dough from scratch, and learn to make potato gnocchi. Seminars are $60 per person, or $45 per person when purchased as part of a room package.

Room packages (may only be booked by calling 888-828-8850):

Package 1 - includes room, plus two causeway wristbands for one night

  • Rates at the Swan start at $320 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Rates at the Dolphin start at $300 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Use code DRFWC1 for these rates.

Package 2 - includes room, plus two causeway wristbands for two nights

  • Rates at the Swan start at $625 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Rates at the Dolphin start at $586 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Use code DRFWC2 for these rates.

Package 3 - includes room, two seminars, plus two causeway wristbands for one night

  • Rates at the Swan start at $399 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Rates at the Dolphin start at $377 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Use code DRFSEM1 for these rates.

Package 4 - includes room, two seminars, plus two causeway wristbands for two nights

  • Rates at the Swan start at $780 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Rates at the Dolphin start at $740 per night, plus taxes and mandatory resort service package.
  • Use code DRFSEM2 for these rates.

Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival - October 20, 2012

Races to be held at Downtown Disney


SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular - October 6-7, 13-14, 19-21, and 26-28, 2012, 12:00-8:00 pm
Kids can dress in their favorite costumes while trick-or-treating with sea creatures. This event is included in park admission.

November

Halloween at Disney World - September 11 - November 2, 2012

 


Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon - November 8 -9, 2013

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.

 


Epcot's Food and Wine Festival - September 27 - November 10, 2013


Children's Miracle Golf Classic - November 14 - 17, 2013


Festival of the Masters - November 8-10, 2013
The works of award-winning artists will be featured. Downtown Disney celebrates the season with special entertainment and shops featuring unique holiday gifts.

 


Christmas at Disney World - November 2012 - January 2013

(See December listing for details)


ICE at Gaylord Palms - November 10, 2012 - January 1, 2013
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

ICE at Gaylord Palms


Thanksgiving in Walt Disney World - November 22, 2012
If you're planning on being at Disney World for Thanksgiving, here is a list of restaurants planning on serving a Thanksgiving meal.


Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa

Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (6:00-11:00 pm) November 30 - December 23, 2012

This nighttime holiday wonderland will feature all-new attractions, entertainment, live music, snacks, holiday shopping and a light display.  A train will take guests all around the park, while they enjoy singing along with Christmas carols. 

Tickets are $39.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids (ages 3-9).  Save $5 by purchasing online ahead of time.  Passholders will receive an additional discount.

 

DECEMBER

Christmas at Disney World - November 2012 - January 2013

Christmas at Disney World


Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa

Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (6:00-11:00 pm) November 30 - December 23, 2012

This nighttime holiday wonderland will feature all-new attractions, entertainment, live music, snacks, holiday shopping and a light display.  A train will take guests all around the park, while they enjoy singing along with Christmas carols. 

Tickets are $39.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids (ages 3-9).  Save $5 by purchasing online ahead of time.  Passholders will receive an additional discount.

 


New Year's Eve - December 31, 2012
Enjoy live music, entertainment and dancing to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

 

JANUARY

2014 Walt Disney World Marathon - January 9-12, 2014

February

Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando - February 9 – April 20, 2013

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, 2014

 


Yo-Yo Demonstrations - February 15-17, 2013

Professionals from Duncan Yo-Yo will perform tricks at Once Upon A Toy at Downtown Disney's Marketplace.


Disney's Princess 1/2 Marathon Weekend - February 22 - 24, 2013

 


Atlanta Braves Spring Training - February 22 - March 28, 2013


MARCH

Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando - February 9 – April 20, 2013  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 - February 22 - March 28, 2013

 


Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival - March 6 - May 19, 2013

 

Disney Dreamer's Academy  - March 7-10 , 2013

 


St. Patrick's Day Celebration - March 8-10 and 13-17, 2013

Dowtown Disney

Live entertainment plus authentic Irish food and drinkwill be featured both weekends at Downtown Disney!  Enjoy the music of The Willis Clan, 3 Dollar Band, Creel, Wyndbreakers, Girsa, Johnny & Justin, Celtic Wave, Nova Celtic, The Farrell Bros, Elevation, Roots To Riverdance and Albannach


Easter - March 31, 2013

APRIL

 

Universal Grad Bash - April 12, 19, 26, 27, May 3, 4, 2013

 


Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando - February 9 – April 20, 2013
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 6 - May 19, 2013

 


Artist Showcase with Disney Design Group - April 27-28, 2013

Meet Disney artists and have your pieces signed at the Art of Disney, Downtown Marketplace.  Costa Alavezos, Brian Blackmore, Natalie Kennedy, Randy Noble, Mark Seppala and Darren Wilson will be appearing.  Limited 2 items signed per guest and no personal items may be signed.  A valid receipt may be required.

Schedule:

Costa, Brian Natalie

  • Saturday, April 27 - 2:00pm-5:00pm
  • Sunday, April 28 - 3:00pm-6:00pm

Mark, Randy, Darren

  • Saturday, April 27 - 6:00pm-9:00pm
  • Sunday, April 28 - 11:00am-2:00pm


MAY

Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival - March 6 - May 19, 2013

 

 


 

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DISNEY PARK HOURS
Today's Theme Park Hours
Tuesday 5/21/2013
Magic Kingdom:
Epcot Future World:
Epcot World Showcase:
Hollywood Studios:
Animal Kingdom:
Typhoon Lagoon:
Blizzard Beach:
9:00 - 11:00
9:00 - 9:00
11:00 - 9:00
9:00 - 9:00
9:00 - 8:00
10:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00

Extra Magic Hours Morning: Epcot FW