Several factors come into play as you’re considering when to plan your next magical trip. The most common include budget, weather, and crowd levels. Aside from personal availability, another factor to consider is the variety of special events at Disney World through the year.

Special events at Disney World help make each visit unique for guests almost year-round. Sometimes these help determine when you want to visit. For example, many guests dream of enjoying the festive magic of Christmas at Disney. If you’re torn between two times of year, special experiences might tip the scale one way or the other. Let’s break down the options.

January – February

Epcot International Festival of the Arts – This special event takes place from mid-January through February. A variety of art mediums, from culinary to performance to visual, are represented in creative ways at Epcot. Food and drink booths around the World Showcase offer culinary creativity. The festival also includes free concerts by popular artists at the American Gardens theater.

March – May

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – At this festival, guests enjoy character themed topiaries, beautiful flower beds across Epcot’s lawns, a butterfly garden, and more. Booths around the World Showcase are filled with fresh outdoor kitchen themed offerings, with a farm to table feel. The festival also includes free concerts by popular artists at the American Gardens theater.

Easter is celebrated in the Magic Kingdom with visits from the Easter bunny. Christian artists perform on Epcot’s American Gardens stage, church services are offered (usually at the Contemporary Resort), and special Easter Sunday brunches take place at select restaurants.

June

This is one month void of special experiences, but it’s still a great month to visit. Park hours are usually long in the summer and it’s a perfect time for water parks.

July

4th of July – A patriotic fireworks show takes place on both July 3rd & 4th in the Magic Kingdom (same show both nights), and on July 4th in Epcot.

August – November

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – This festival typically takes place from the end of August through early November (dates have varied each year). Guests indulge in culinary creations from around the world at the World Showcase booths. This festival also offers culinary and mixology classes, demonstrations from celebrity chefs, and special dining experiences. Most of these event extras require a separate reservation and admission fee but are worth it for culinary fans. The festival also includes free concerts by popular artists at the American Gardens theater.

August – October

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – This is a special ticketed event on select nights at the Magic Kingdom. Festivities include trick-or-treating around the park, character dance parties, characters in costume (so cute!), a special “Boo to You” parade (one of my top two Disney parades), and a Halloween fireworks projection show. It’s a blast!

Even if you don’t attend a Halloween party, you can still enjoy the fun fall decorations and treats showcased at the Magic Kingdom every day this time of year.

November – December

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – This is a special ticketed event on select nights at the Magic Kingdom. The merriment includes unlimited hot cocoa and cookies, snow on Main Street, special holiday entertainment, a Christmas parade, and a Christmas fireworks projection show.

These months are truly magical at Disney World (decorations transition from fall to Christmas in early November). Every park and resort receives festive decorations. Guests can stroll through a Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs. Restaurants offer holiday themed treats and Santa meets with guests at both Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. At the parks, Hollywood Studios enchants with a holiday projection show and a late night Jollywood Nights ticketed event on select dates. Animal Kingdom features unique light displays and character dance parties. Several Deluxe resorts showcase amazing gingerbread displays which fill the lobby with holiday aroma.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – At this festival, the World Showcase booths become Holiday Kitchens for scrumptious food and drink. Holiday Storytellers around the World Showcase share cultural holiday traditions in the form of short shows. The Candlelight Processional takes place at the American Gardens theater with a celebrity retelling of the Christmas Story, along with a full choir and orchestra.

New Year’s Eve – Ring in the new year with special fireworks and entertainment in every park (except Animal Kingdom). What a magical way to start a brand new year!

With the variety of magic throughout the year, it’s no wonder guests find an excuse to come back again and again!

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