10 Special Events at Disney World

As seasoned WDW fans are well aware of, Disney World offers plenty of fun and endless entertainment possibilities throughout the year...

The four theme parks at Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom - are the main focus of attention drawing in visitors during the year, but what not everybody knows is that practically all year round there are also special events taking place at the Disney World Resort in Orlando - and these special events are not always in the parks! In today's post, we summarize 10 unique experiences that you should not miss should they coincide with your next trip to WDW.

10. Mardi Gras

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. 

9. Disney World Marathon

In January each year, the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Disney World Resort. Other highlights include Goofy’s Race-and-a-Half Challenge, Family Fun Run 5K and Kids’ Races. There are other races throughout the year: The Princess Half Marathon in February, the Expedition Everest Challenge in May, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Ten-miler in October.

8. Atlanta Braves Spring Training

The Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team hold their Spring Training season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex starting in February. After a period of workouts, the Braves play a series of games against major rivals at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

7. Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

All throughout Epcot you will find more than 100 topiaries as well as special actives (for kids and adults!) and gardening workshops. Don’t forget to stay after dark for the Illuminated Gardens.

6. Easterat Disney World

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Bunny at the Magic Kingdom and hunt eggs in Epcot. Many hotels offer Easter activities and Grand Floridian Resort pastry chefs usually display elaborate edible Easter Eggs in the lobby.

5. Star Wars Weekends at WDW

This is a summer (usually in May and June) special event at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park that celebrates George Lucas' classic sci-fi movie series.

4. Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

I love this event because you can sample the regional cuisine of 6 continents all in one place. This six-week event starts at the end of September and runs through the beginning of November. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3 to $8 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk.

3. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at WDW

The party is held on selected nights in September and October each year. It is offered from 7:00 pm to midnight, after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom, and requires separate admission. Everyone is welcome to dress up and trick-or-treat. There is a special parade and fireworks.

2. WDW Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Just like the Halloween party, this party is held after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate admission. Admission to the event includes complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, “snow” on Main Street, holiday stage shows, carolers, two performances of the holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Plus, most of the major attractions will be open.

1. Christmas at Disney World

Besides the party, there are so many special events happening at Disney World. In Epcot, World Showcase transforms into a splendid display of international holiday traditions and storytelling.

Also in Epcot is the Candlelight Processional, a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a large choir and an orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols. 

At the Magic Kindgom, Cinderella Castle is decorated for the holiday season with a “Dream Lights” effect that makes the Castle seem to be covered in ice. And don’t forget the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This elaborate holiday decoration display incorporating millions of Christmas lights, fake snow and various holiday vignettes.

What are your favorite special events at Disney World? Feel free to share them with us on Twitter.