Monthly Celebrations at Walt Disney World

Any day at Walt Disney World is special in most people's eyes. Everyday a holiday, each attraction an event, and every morning you wake up on Disney property is a reason to celebrate in a most festive fashion! There are, however, extra extra special times at Disney World. Days or weeks when you might find a holiday or event being the focus of a celebration. These can be some of the most exciting, and some of the most crowded, times to visit. So, for those of you that want to be part of the crowd, or those of you that want to completely avoid the crowd, we have tried to list what special events generally take place at consistent times of the year at the World. Please make sure to verify any information here with Walt Disney Reservations at 1-407-824-4321.

January:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend -- January 8-11, 2009
  This annual 26.2-mile race encompasses all four of Disney theme parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. It typically draws over 15,000 entrants. A half marathon, two-day health expo, a 5K run for children, hot air balloons, and lovable Disney characters are some items which mark this week-end event. Call 1-407-939-7810 for more information.

February:

• Atlanta Braves Spring Training -- February 26 thru March 30, 2009.
  Baseball fans can purchase tickets to preseason games held at Disney's Wide World of Sports or watch their favorite, or not-so-favorite, players work-out.

• ESPN the Weekend -- February 27 thru March 1, 2009
  This event is hosted at Disney's Hollywood Studios and features a lineup of ESPN and sports personalities.

March:

• ESPN the Weekend -- February 27 thru March 1, 2009
  This event is hosted at Disney's Hollywood Studios and features a lineup of ESPN and sports personalities.

• Saint Patrick's Day -- March 17, 2009
  Everyone is an Irishman in Disney on this day. Be sure to visit Epcot's United Kingdom, where you'll not only experience Irish dining and dancing, but perhaps you'll happen upon a lucky leprechaun or two.

• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival -- March 18 thru May 31, 2009
  This is an extremely vibrant and beautiful time to visit. Abask in more than 30 million colorful blooms Epcot truly comes alive in color! Magnificent gardens, elaborate topiary displays, gardening workshops, gardening activities for kids, and guest speakers are on hand to help you fine tune your green thumb.

• Atlanta Braves Spring Training -- February 26 thru March 30, 2009.
  Baseball fans can purchase tickets to preseason games held at Disney's Wide World of Sports or watch their favorite, or not-so-favorite, players work-out.

April:

• Easter -- April 12, 2009
  Festivities abound throughout the whole resort at this very busy time of year. Look for specifics on Easter egg hunts and the like. You will notice that the parks stay open extra late to accommodate the large number of people who descend on the World during this vacation period.

• Grad Nites -- April 17, 18, 24, 25, 2009
  This is an all-night exclusive party at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Florida High School seniors.

• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival -- March 18 thru May 31, 2009
  This is an extremely vibrant and beautiful time to visit. Abask in more than 30 million colorful blooms Epcot truly comes alive in color! Magnificent gardens, elaborate topiary displays, gardening workshops, gardening activities for kids, and guest speakers are on hand to help you fine tune your green thumb.

May:

• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival -- March 18 thru May 31, 2009
  This is an extremely vibrant and beautiful time to visit. Abask in more than 30 million colorful blooms Epcot truly comes alive in color! Magnificent gardens, elaborate topiary displays, gardening workshops, gardening activities for kids, and guest speakers are on hand to help you fine tune your green thumb.

• Star Wars Weekends -- May 22-24, 29-31, 2009
  May the force be with you, this galatic experience is not a separate ticketed event and is included in your theme park admission.

June:

• Star Wars Weekends -- June 5-7, 12-14, 2009
  May the force be with you, this galatic experience is not a separate ticketed event and is included in your theme park admission.

• Sounds Like Summer Concert Series -- June 15 thru August 9, 2009
  This annual live concert series is held at Epcot theme park. It brings together a talented collection of tribute bands to authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons.

July:

• Sounds Like Summer Concert Series -- June 15 thru August 9, 2009
  This annual live concert series is held at Epcot theme park. It brings together a talented collection of tribute bands to authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons.

• Independence Day -- July 4, 2009
  This is an extremely busy time/day to visit Walt Disney World. Special entertainment is featured all day long, and on the night of the 4th breathtaking fireworks can be viewed at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

August:

• Sounds Like Summer Concert Series -- June 15 thru August 9, 2009
  This annual live concert series is held at Epcot theme park. It brings together a talented collection of tribute bands to authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons.

September:

• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party -- September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 2009
  Besides themed decorations, face painting and appropriately attired characters, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place on special nights during the months of September and October.

• Night of Joy -- September 11-12, 2009
  Contemporary Christian music is the highlight of this special event which takes place two nights during September at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Call 407-827-7200 for more information.

• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival -- September 25 thru November 8, 2009
  World Showcase plays hosts to your tastebuds in this international celebration of food and spirits. Cooking seminars, tastings, and demonstrations from top chef's abound throughout the pavilions.

October:

• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party -- October: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 31, 2009
  October wouldn't be October without the celebration of Halloween throughout all of Walt Disney World. Besides themed decorations, face painting and appropriately attired characters, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place on special nights during the month.

• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival -- September 25 thru November 8, 2009
  World Showcase plays hosts to your tastebuds in this international celebration of food and spirits. Cooking seminars, tastings, and demonstrations from top chef's abound throughout the pavilions.

November:

• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival -- September 25 thru November 8, 2009
  World Showcase plays hosts to your tastebuds in this international celebration of food and spirits. Cooking seminars, tastings, and demonstrations from top chef's abound throughout the pavilions.

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party -- November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29, 2009
  This special event is held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom. The event is filled with a jolly holiday parade, fireworks and live entertainment. The party requires a separate ticket to attend.

• Festival of the Masters -- November 13-15, 2009
  This fine arts show takes place over 3 days in Downtown Disney. See the works of over 150 top artisans on display. You'll be sure to enjoy the work of such stunning artwork as chalk and folk. A jazz festival, culinary delights, and family activities are among other features of this event.

• Holidays Around the World -- November 27 thru December 30, 2009
  The World Showcasr at Epcot is transformed into a celebration of diverse holiday traditions with festive decorations and live entertainment. The Candlelight Processional, an inspiring musical retelling of the Christmas story, is a don't miss.

• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- November 30 thru January 3, 2010
  This massive seasonal display features millions of holiday lights perfectly synchronized to music on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

December:

• Disney's Magical Holidays -- December is a festive time around the world, and in the "World". The parks, resorts, characters, and restaurants are alive with the sparkle and colors of the season. Nightly tree lighting ceremonies, carolers, and visits by Santa highlight the month. Christmas at WDW is a time of year everyone should visit at least once. Among some of the highlights of the month include Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and Holidays Around the World.

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party -- December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 2009
  This special event is held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom. The event is filled with a jolly holiday parade, fireworks and live entertainment. The party requires a separate ticket to attend.

• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- November 30 thru January 3, 2010
  This massive seasonal display features millions of holiday lights perfectly synchronized to music on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

• Holidays Around the World -- November 27 thru December 30, 2009
  The World Showcase at Epcot is transformed into a celebration of diverse holiday traditions with festive decorations and live entertainment. The Candlelight Processional, an inspiring musical retelling of the Christmas story, is a don't miss.

Last Updated: May 9, 2009