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

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

A Disturbance on the Fourth - May 4, 2012

From 7:00 - 10:00 pm, Pop Gallery at Downtown Disney's West Side is hosting local artist Terribly Odd. He will be presenting at least 10 new art pieces based on the Star Wars film franchise.

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.

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

DIS Exclusive Viva Italia Italy Vacation!
May 24th - June 3rd 2012
Travel on an exclusive Adventures by Disney vacation with the DIS and members of the DIS Unplugged, including Pete Werner, Walter Echols, John Magi and Kevin Klose.

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

FREE DINING OFFER!
When you book a 5-night/6-day Walt Disney World vacation package,you will receive the Dining Plan for free! Valid for stays select nights 8/25/12 â€“ 9/29/12.
More Info | Get a Quote

JUNE

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

Car Masters Weekend - June 2-3, 2012

9:30 am - 7:00 pm

Downtown Disney

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 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 - June 23, 2012

Downtown Disney

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

$36 per child, open to ages 6-12

Levy Restaurants is hosting cooking classes for kids at Downtown Disney. Kids will visit three locations - Fulton's Crab House, Portobello Restaurant and Wolfgang Puck Cafe - and work with chefs to learn how to make Goin' Fishin' snack mix, ravioli gigante and dessert sushi. Call 407-828-8996 to register.

Podcast Cruise 3.0!!
June 24, 2012 - 5-Night Disney Dream Cruise (2 Stops at Castaway Cay)

Podcast Cruise 3.0 is fully booked!

Discuss this trip

Mid-Summer Feast

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

6:00 pm on June 20, 2012 - the Summer Solstice

$90 per person (tax and gratuity not included)

Tables in Wonderland discount accepted

For reservations, call 407-938-0300.

Celebrate the Midsummer with Master Chef Kevin Dundon's fresh, seasonal menu for a traditional Midsummer's Night Feast. This ancient festival is traditionally held as part of the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) and was when people blessed their fields to ensure a good harvest and came together to celebrate nature's bounty with an evening of music, food and storytelling.

First Course

Picnic Basket of Assorted Homemade Pates and Jams to feature:

Ham Hock Terrines, Potted Prawns, Brandied Chicken Liver Pate, Tomato Bavaroie, Smoked Salmon Mousse and Vegetable Consomme

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, St James Gate, Dublin

Second Course

Champagne Splashed Raspberry Sorbet

Third Course

Roast Stuffed Suckling Pig, Braised Vegetables, Raisin & Cider Glaze and Potato Roasties

Jai Alai India Pale Ale, Cigar City Brewery, Tampa, Florida

Dessert

Pimms Knickerbocker Glory

Bunratty Mead, County Clare, Ireland

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

DIS'ers Only Backstage Magic

July 29 - August 3, 2012

These are 'exclusive' departures, open only to our group so this is a great opportunity to meet up with other DIS visitors and Disney fans from around the world.

While we do all the same events and locations that are normally done with the ABD Backstage Magic tours, we always like to throw in something a little extra special on the DIS trips. You'll be traveling with members of the DIS Unplugged Podcast team on each of these trips as well.

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.

End of Summer Cruise Bash with the DIS!

August 25 - September 2, 2012

Join Pete, John, Walter, and Kevin on a special 8-night cruise out of New York on the Disney Magic! Exclusive events just for clients of Dreams Unlimited Travel include an onboard party hosted by Disney Cruise Line, special in-room gifts from Dreams Unlimited Travel, a day at the Magic Kingdom with the Podcast Team, and the option to tour The New Amsterdam Theatre and see a Broadway show!

Sample pricing*:

Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah - $4,362.26 ($250 shipboard credit from Dreams)

Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole - $3,978.26 ($150 shipboard credit from Dreams)

Standard Inside Stateroom - $3,754.26 ($150 shipboard credit from Dreams)

*Price based on double-occupancy with two adults. Includes all port fees and taxes but does not include trip insurance, air or transfers. Based on posted lowest stateroom category in stateroom type above and is based on tier pricing as of 5/1/2012. Pricing will vary and could be higher. Transfers available for $36/person each way.

SEPTEMBER

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

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

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 11, 2012 - November 2, 2012

Adventures by Disney England and France Vacation - with Disneyland Paris Add-on

Oct 8-17, 2012

Join members of the DIS Unplugged Podcast team for this exclusive trip through London, Paris and Disneyland Paris!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

October 12 and 13, 2012, 5:30-9:00 pm

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. 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. Seminars are $45 each. Entertainment last year 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

Halloween at Disney World - September 11 - November 2, 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 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 at Disney World - November 2012 - January 2013

(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 2012 - January 2013

Walt Disney World Theme Parks
(Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom)
Candlelight Processional
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - 11/09/12 - 12/21/12
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Expeditions
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
Holiday Sleigh Ride
The Hollywood Holly-Day Parade

Podcast Cruise 4.0!!
December 8, 2012 - 7-Night Disney Fantasy Cruise

This is the second of two Podcast cruises in 2012.

We have secured space and pricing on this cruise through Disney Cruise Line's groups department. A small deposit now will secure your space on this sailing ($250 per person regardless of category). We will send you a balance due reminder well before the balance due date and if you need to cancel for any reason you can do so without penalty if cancelled before the balance due date. Suites have a non-refundable deposit as per DCL policy. We will be limiting the number of passengers on this sailing the same as we did for PCC 3.0. The magic number seems to be 400 as that allows us access to all of the various venues on the ship without going over the maximum occupancy. This will provide us with different options when it comes to planning events for this cruise.

One of our special guests will be Walt Disney Archives founder and former chief archivist Dave Smith. It is too early to announce all of the cruise's events, but you know we will do our best to make it a special and memorable experience for everyone.

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

JANUARY

2013 Walt Disney World Marathon - January 10-13, 2013

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, 2013

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

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

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

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day early at Raglan Road! - March 15, 2012

Chef Kevin Dundon will host a culinary demo featuring a four-course lunch, followed by tastings and wine pairings. Dishes include a thick-cut hickory-smoked Irish salmon served on buttered leeks with mead cream reduction; espresso of roasted tomato and gin soup; loin of traditional Irish bacon with Irish Mist glaze on colcannon potato with parsley cream sauce; and a jam jar of rhubarb jelly panna cotta.

Cost for the event is $45 (tax and gratuity not included). For information, call 407-WDW-DINE or visit www.raglanroad.com

APRIL

Easter - April 8, 2012

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

Visit our DIScussion Forums
The Largest Disney community on the net!!

See AllDIS UPDATES

See AllDISNEY NEWS STORIES

Today's Theme Park Hours Friday 5/25/2012
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 8:00 - 10:00 9:00 - 7:00 9:00 - 5:00 9:00 - 5:00
Extra Magic Hour Evening: Epcot FW