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Full ~Frogtastic~ Schedule of Disney World Events in 2023

Festivals. Concerts. Food. (That's our personal fave!) Events are some of the biggest reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort. Many of the Disney World events have become so popular that people time their trips just to attend! Here is the full schedule of Disney World events in 2023 to help you plan your visit.

Separately ticketed events continue to remain popular, like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween PartyMickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and recently Disney After Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. We update this post throughout the year as new event details are released and dates are added.

For those of you who have already picked your dates, this post also serves as a guide for what will be hoppening while you're there. You'll find all of the Walt Disney World events in 2023 on our Crowd Calendar. You can also see crowd levels and park recommendations on the days that events are taking place. We've even got a whole post detailing some of the very best times to plan a Disney World trip in 2023. Be sure to bookmark this page if you've got a trip coming up to stay up-to-date on all of the exciting events to come!

Full Schedule of Events at Disney World in 2023 and Beyond

MAY - JULY

Disney After Hours — Jan. 4 to Aug. 24, 2023

Disney After Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney After Hours returned to Walt Disney World this year with select dates available at Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! These separately ticketed events allow guests to stick around after normal park hours with limited crowds. That means you’ll encounter little-to-no lines while you wait for rides, character meet-and-greets and other experiences at the parks. Plus, you'll get complimentary popcorn, ice cream and bottled beverages throughout the night! Check out our Disney After Hours guide for more details. While After Hours events at Magic Kingdom ended in March, additional dates for Hollywood Studios through the end of June and brand-new dates at EPCOT through August were announced.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival — March 1 to July 5, 2023

EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2023 — Mickey and Minnie topiary

 

As the second event in the lineup of the EPCOT festivals, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival blossoms each spring. This festival features tons of topiaries spread throughout the park. There is an abundance of food offerings at the outdoor kitchens scattered around World Showcase and Future World to enjoy while admiring the character topiaries.

Guests can also delight in the hundreds of butterfly species residing at the festival's screened butterfly house. Plus the Garden Rocks Concert Series was back at the America Gardens Theatre on select nights. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is included with regular admission to EPCOT. This is one of the most colorful and popular Disney World events!

Disney H2O Glow After Hours — May 20 to Sept. 2, 2023

Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park! The water park hosts the after-hours parties every Saturday night from May 20 to Sept. 2. This separately ticketed, tadpole-friendly evening event features DJ dance parties, specialty food and drink, and a chance to enjoy your favorite water attractions glowing at night. Check out our guide to H2O Glow After Hours for all the hoppin' details as we soak up the fun!

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival — July 27 to Nov. 18, 2023

The popular EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs every fall. If you're looking for Disney World events with plenty of food and drink, this is one of them! The festival features more than 25 international marketplace kiosks, which offer tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, as well as recommended wine and beer pairings.

The Eat to the Beat! Concert Series also returns in 2023, along with Mariachi Cobre, JAMMitors and Voices of Liberty. This is a major event, and we recommend using our EPCOT Food & Wine Festival guide to help you make the most of it! EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is included with regular theme park admission.

AUGUST – DECEMBER

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Aug. 11 to Nov. 1, 2023

Boo to you — Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back at Magic Kingdom Park! This separately ticketed event offers guests the opportunity to stay after normal park hours in their costumes to enjoy unique characters, attraction overlays, treat stops, photo opportunities and specialty food and drink. Enjoy exclusive entertainment like Mickey’s Boo-To-You parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks. Head over to our not-so-scary guide for all the details!

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend — Nov. 2 to 5, 2023

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend combines the magic of a runDisney race with the festivities of the Food & Wine Festival. Races usually include the Disney Fall Feast 5K, Kids Races and the Half Marathon. Half-marathoners and Disney Two-Course Challenge participants can celebrate at an exclusive post-race party at the Food and Wine Festival.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party — November to December

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Celebrate the holiday season with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, back at Magic Kingdom Park! This special event occurs after regular park hours and requires a separate party ticket to enjoy all its exclusive offerings. Running from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights, the party features rare characters, special entertainment, jolly-good treats, ride overlays and more! There is even “snowfall” on Main Street intermittently throughout the night. The 2022 parties ran from Nov. 8 to Dec. 22.

Enjoy big highlights such as Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters, some of whom are decked out in their holiday finest. Check out our festive party guide for all the exciting details!

While Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate event, there are still many festive holiday Disney World events. Each one brings merriment with the right touch of Disney. Let our complete guide to Disney World holiday events be your holiday planner! (Consider it our gift to you.)

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays — Late November through December

EPCOT Int’l Festival of the Holidays — Candlelight Processional

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates many holiday traditions. Storytellers from many of the countries, such as La Befana at the Italy pavilion, recount holiday customs from their respective countries. Santa Claus even makes special appearances too! There's also seasonal food from each country available for purchase. Buon appetite! Last year's festival occurred from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30.

The Candlelight Processional tells the story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. The Candlelight Processional is typically performed three times nightly. Much like other EPCOT festivals, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is included with regular admission to EPCOT. We have tips on all of these festivities (and yes, the food too) in our full guide!

Holiday Celebrations at Disney's Animal Kingdom — November and December

Holidays at Animal Kingdom — Merry Menagerie puppets

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park started celebrating the jolly season last year on Nov. 11. Guests could wave at favorite characters in their holiday best, as well as Santa, in Festive Flotillas along Discovery River, as well as meet characters in festive outfits in DinoLand U.S.A. The Merry Menagerie, life-size animal puppets of penguins, foxes, polar bears and more, create a winter wonderland at Discovery Island. At night, guests could check out the Tree of Life Awakenings — Holiday Edition, during which the tree shimmers and sparkles along to a musical score. There were also special seasonal decorations and food to enjoy around the park!

Holiday Celebrations at Disney's Hollywood Studios — November and December

Hollywood Studios Holidays - Sunset Seasons Greetings

The holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios began Nov. 11, 2022. Share a meal with Santa Goofy, Minnie Mouse and friends at Hollywood & Vine for a Christmas feast. Sunset Season's Greetings lights up Tinseltown as snow falls and dazzling projections light up the Hollywood Tower Hotel to tell special holiday tales from your favorite characters. Enjoy a special holiday finale to the Frozen Sing Along, featuring our favorite snowman, Olaf. Plus guests can catch Santa driving by in a special seasonal motorcade!

Holiday Celebrations at Disney Springs — November and December

The main highlight of the holidays at Disney Springs is the Disney Springs' Christmas Tree Stroll, with fun Disney-themed trees throughout. In the evening, guests visiting Town Center encounter a magical snowfall. Enjoy lots of festive food, including Jock Lindsay's Holiday Bar, returning again with holiday decor and a limited-time menu. Plus, you can spend one-on-one time with Santa!

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend — Jan. 3 to 7, 2024

Guide to runDisney 2023 — Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 5K Starting line

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend features Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, Dopey Challenge, runDisney Kids Races, Walt Disney World 5K & 10K, Walt Disney World Half Marathon and the headlining race, the Walt Disney World Marathon. The courses of the longer races take runners through all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

If you're planning a trip that overlaps with a race, you should know that Disney races are some of the Disney World events that will bring in heavy crowds. Crowd levels are usually affected by the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend since the event brings in thousands and thousands of runners and spectators each year. Traffic around the resort is also affected by the Walt Disney World Marathon. When visiting during this special event, expect travel time between the Disney parks to take longer. We have a separate post on what to expect at the Disney World Marathon if you want to start planning!

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts — mid-January to mid-February 2024

EPCOT Int'l Festival of the Arts - Broadway Concert Series; Adam and Arielle Jacobs

Grab a paintbrush, and let your imagination flow! Running each spring, this EPCOT festival celebrates visual, performing and culinary arts. The past festival ran from Jan. 13 to Feb. 20, 2023. There are gallery exhibits, living statues, artist appearances and much more that take place during the festival — including the popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is included with admission to the park, but there may be separately ticketed events within the festival itself if you are looking for additional experiences such as culinary classes or art workshops. Here is our full guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts to inspire you.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend — Feb. 22 to 25, 2024

Inspired by the Disney Princesses, this event celebrates strong, determined women. Weekend events include the Disney Princess 5K, Disney Princess Enchanted 10K, Disney Fairy Tale Challenge and the headlining event, the Disney Princess Half Marathon. The half marathon takes runners through Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Traffic around the parks is typically affected by this race every year.

MARCH AND APRIL

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend — April 18 to 21, 2024

Formerly the Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon, this all-new runDisney event offers up a new theme each year. The 2023 theme was Pixar themed with the Cars 5K, Monsters Inc. 10K and Toy Story 10 Miler.

We hope you found this list of Disney World events hopful as you plan your visit. By now you've realized that the parties, festivals and events are some of the best reasons to visit! If you're looking for more tips, check out the When to Visit Orlando page on our Orlando Planning Timeline

Related: Complete Guide to Disney World Holiday Events

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
View Comments
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51–68 of 68 comments
Nov 20, 2015 at 3:48 a.m. Heidi Simpson Says...

We are planning a trip to Orlando Dec 26-Jan3. Can you please let me know what activities are going on at Disney during this time. Thanks!

Reply
Nov 20, 2015 at 11:18 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Heidi,

There are a ton of holiday happenings during this time. Check our Guide to Disney World during the Holidays!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 29, 2015 at 5:39 p.m. TicTacToe Says...

I am planning to go in 5-7 Nov. Any advice or should I wait a couple more weeks? I am more interested in parades and celebrations.

Reply
Oct 30, 2015 at 9:36 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

Your dates are good as far as parades and celebrations are concerned, but you would need to adjust the dates if you wanted to visit Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Keep in mind that that weekend is fairly busy because of the Wine and Dine Half-Marathon.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 27, 2015 at 8:03 a.m. Kayla Says...

Hi, just realized we will be in Disney during marathon weekend. We don't hve any ADR's for Saturday or Sunday morning, but should we avoid certain parks those days? Our plans were to do Epcot Saturday AM around 10am, and magic kingdom at night. We planned to spend all day Sunday at Hollywood studios, also getting there around 10am.

Reply
Nov 2, 2015 at 7:09 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kayla,

Our crowd calendar provides recommended parks each day that can help you with these questions. After you decide, definitely go ahead and book your ADRs!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 11, 2015 at 11:27 p.m. Bri Says...

Can we buy tickets for only the light show? Do not want to go during the day etc but only to see the lights. We don't want to pay for a whole day if so what are some options and prices

Reply
Oct 14, 2015 at 12:17 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bri,

Unfortunately, no, you would need regular park admission to see the lights.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 7, 2015 at 8:13 a.m. Ilene Says...

I have a timing and logistics question. We want to see Osborne lights, but also want to see Fantasmic. I made reservations for dinner at Brown Derby for 540p, without thinking about Osborne. I'm thinking it will be impossible to have a leisurely dinner, then see Osborne, then check in to Fantasmic by 8p. What do you think? we don't want to be sprinting from one place to another with a 4 year old and an old lady (me, sort of) in tow! IF I can change my dinner reservations (it's not available at the moment), how much time should I REALLY allow?

Reply
Oct 14, 2015 at 10:02 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ilene,

This depends on which date you will be in the park. If it is an Extra Magic Hour night, you can visit the Osborne lights after Fantasmic! The Osborne lights begin at dusk and usually continue until about an hour after park close. I would allow at the very least 20-30 minutes to walk through the Streets of America to see the lights dance, navigate the crowds, and take some photos.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 7, 2015 at 1:04 a.m. Dallas Says...

We will be visiting Magic Kingdom on Nov 13 and just realized that this is one of the dates for the very merry Christmas. Will we be able to stay until park closing without the extra ticket? This is a first visit for one of the girls and we had planned to see the fireworks. Thanks

Reply
Oct 7, 2015 at 9:35 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dallas,

You would need to leave when the park closes for the party at 7 p.m.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 4, 2015 at 1:14 p.m. Disney addict Says...

Hello, do you know if Disney Springs will do anything special such as trick or treating for the kids on Oct 31, 2015? Thank you!

Reply
Oct 14, 2015 at 9:49 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

We haven't heard yet whether there will be trick-or-treating at Disney Springs. We hope so!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 2, 2015 at 4:11 p.m. Darlene Says...

Do you guys have tickets available to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party? I need to buy my Disney tickets for our vacation starting November 20th, and would prefer to get all of the tickets through Undercover Tourist!

Reply
Oct 2, 2015 at 2:32 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Awww, Darlene, we'd love for you to buy all of your tickets through us too. Unfortunately, we will not be getting party tickets this year :( You'll have to go through Disney directly for that one.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 14, 2015 at 3:40 p.m. Jennifer leingang Says...

How will the new Star Wars Half Marathon event affect crowd levels at the parks over that weekend??

Reply
Sep 15, 2015 at 8:37 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jennifer,

Races always impact crowd levels, bringing more people to the parks and making the hotels more crowded.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 3, 2015 at 1:38 p.m. Candice Sable Says...

What impact do you expect the new Star Wars half marathon to have on the parks? My husband would love to run but I'm hesitant about the crowds. Thanks!

Reply
Sep 3, 2015 at 11:15 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Candice,

The marathons always bring in more people, and they do sell out. I think it would be tremendous fun even with the extra people. May the force be with you!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 1, 2015 at 10:50 a.m. Jason Worgull Says...

One more question. Does the "snow" always fall during the light show or just during the ceremony? Thanks so much!

Reply
Sep 1, 2015 at 10:36 a.m. Jason Worgull Says...

Hello. Will Disney Studios be extremely crowded Nov 6 on the opening night of the Osborne Lights? Have been thinking of staying another night to check it out, but still kind of iffy being the first day and on a Friday...

Reply
Sep 1, 2015 at 9:12 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jason,

That weekend is also the Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon, so I would expect it to be fairly busy. You can check out your dates on our Crowd Calendar.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
May 24, 2015 at 2:39 a.m. Dan Says...

We are going to Disney World June 5 to July 11. Do you know of any special event going on besides the concert series?

Reply
May 26, 2015 at 11:49 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dan,

During the summer months, there are fewer events at Disney World, but it's possible something will crop up!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 9, 2015 at 9:38 p.m. Cindi G Says...

We are planning a girls trip to Disney over Hallowen. Are we allowed to wear costumes in the Disney park on Halloween? I read somewhere that adults were not allowed. Do you know if this is true or not ?

Reply
May 10, 2015 at 8:35 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cindi,

You can wear costumes to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. There is more information about the dress code in the parks here. Generally, Disney does not want guests to confuse you with a princess or other character.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 25, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Steve D Says...

Can I purchase special events tickets from undercover tourist. If so, how?

Reply
May 8, 2015 at 8:03 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steve,

Most of the special events are included with regular park admission, so yes, we offer tickets! We also expect to offer tickets for select dates on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party later this year.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 6, 2015 at 2:30 a.m. ria328 Says...

Has Osbourne Family lights been officially confirmed fir 2015?? I had heard that it was possible it wouldn't be happening this year???

Reply
Apr 7, 2015 at 10:43 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

That rumor has been around for several years now. The 2015 dates have not yet been confirmed.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 24, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. sue Says...

How do I find out about the entertainment at Epcot EAT TO THE BEAT 2015?

Reply
Mar 24, 2015 at 9:40 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sue,

The lineup has not yet been announced. Stay tuned!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 6, 2015 at 5:50 a.m. Brittany Davis Says...

We are visiting Disney World the week of Oct 11-17 during the Epcot food and wine festival. We aren't really planning on participating in the festival much, but will Epcot be insanely crowded because of it? Is there any way around it or a best day to go? I'm just wondering how much the festival affects regular park-goers during that time. Thanks in advance!

Reply
Mar 6, 2018 at 10:17 p.m. Sharon Says...

Planning a trip for Sept./Oct. Do you know when the dates of the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will be available. Need to make reservations.

Reply
Mar 7, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sharon!

Keep an eye out on our Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party blog for dates. They should be announced later this month!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
May 4, 2016 at 6:12 p.m. Shannon Says...

WE went 2 years ago around that time, and took FULL advantage of the festival! SUCH AMAZING FOODS TO TRY! And cheaper since they are "sample" portions. Definitely check it out. And it was busy- not horribly busy- but busy. At any park we still had hour wait times for the bigger rides, but during the normal Lunch Dinner rush the parks would be empty. So not Summer horrible, but not Early Spring empty.

Reply
Apr 5, 2016 at 5:35 p.m. Debby Sainsbury Says...

The Epcot food festival is great fun and when we went didn't make the place crowded at all. I believe October is fairly lite in the parks.

Reply
May 17, 2016 at 2:38 p.m. shelly Says...

I went the past 2 years. I'm not sure if you are referring to the same event, but the Eat to the Beat is at that time and it is insanely crowded. I would avoid the park at that time

Reply
Apr 6, 2016 at 2:57 p.m. Dorris Says...

I like food! Food is fun...like Epcot!

Reply
Jan 12, 2016 at 8:40 p.m. Debbie Says...

No, it is not, we go every year, the pace at epcot is alot slower....People enjoying food and drink. Have fun

Reply
Mar 6, 2015 at 1:26 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brittany,

Expect the weekends to be pretty crowded. If you go during the week and head to Epcot in the morning, it will be less busy. The festival is a ton of fun and a great way to sample different flavors from around the world!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
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