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Special Events at Walt Disney WorldLAST UPDATE: 8/31/10 - MOST RECENT ADDITIONS ARE IN REDThis page covers special and annual events at Walt Disney World, including the theme parks, resorts and Downtown Disney. Please note that this is an UNOFFICIAL listing, and while I make my best effort to keep it updated, complete and accurate, Disney changes things constantly. Be sure to call ahead before making any major plans based on the information below! Jump to: Spring Events
Summer Events
Fall Events
St. Patrick's DayPleasure Island turns green for St. Patrick's Day each year with "Sham Rock 'n' Roll" festivities. The Pleasure Island events are usually offered on the actual holiday (March 17) as well as the closest Friday and Saturday (if the holiday doesn't fall on a Friday or Saturday), from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. The celebration includes live music by Irish artists, leprechauns and green specialty beverages. The outdoor entertainment elements of the St. Patrick's Day celebration are free of charge. Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub usually offers a program of Irish music, song and dance across during St. Patrick's Day weekend. EasterDisney does not offer an Easter parade or decorations in the parks. There is usually a "meet and greet" with the Easter Bunny at Magic Kingdom during Easter Week. Some of the Disney hotels offer egg hunts, etc to their guests. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, inquire at the front desk when you arrive. There are special meals available at certain restaurants on Easter Sunday. An Easter Brunch is usually held each year at the Epcot World ShowPlace located between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions. Regular Epcot admission is required. You can reserve holiday meals up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) for the two weeks on either side of Easter. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Easter Sunday, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. Religious services are held on Easter Sunday only in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service is held at 9:00 am.You may not park at the Contemporary for these services, so to get there, you must do one of the following:
Epcot International Flower and Garden FestivalThe Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is an annual event. The 2011 festival will be March 2 - May 15. More than 70 topiaries, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of Disney gardeners, dot the park landscape. Sweeping floral beds and exhibits feature 30 million blooms. The art of bonsai “wows” guests at the Japan showcase, and a large “green” garden between France and Morocco pavilions reveals the many ways home gardeners can “go green” with their own landscapes. 2010 Festival highlights included:
More information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available at disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. 2010 Flower Power Concert Series
Cinco de MayoCinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a celebration of Mexican heritage and commemorates a Mexican victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. There is a relatively low-key Cinco de Mayo celebration centered on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, tied in with the International Flower & Garden Festival. It usually features some sort of special activity for families. In addition, there is a Pleasure Island Cinco de Mayo Party with live music. The outdoor entertainment elements of the Cinco de Mayo celebration are free of charge. Mother's DayA Mother's Day Brunch is usually held each year at the Epcot World ShowPlace located between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions. Regular Epcot admission is required. The brunch is normally offered on Mother's Day only, at World ShowPlace Pavilion in Epcot from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. To reserve, call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) starting 180 days in advance. Star Wars WeekendsEach year for several weekends in early summer, Star Wars actors and characters in costume appear in special motorcades and autograph sessions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Other fun events such as Star Wars trivia contests and special Star Wars parades are also held. The 2010 Star Wars Weekends were held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 21 - June 13. For more information about Star Wars Weekends, please click here. Gay DaysGay Days is usually held the first week of June. In 2011 the dates will be May 31 - June 6. While this is not a Disney-sponsored event, it is a very well-attended one. Gay Days originally began in 1991. At the time it was "Gay Day in the Magic Kingdom," a single day when the gay and gay supportive community was encouraged to "Wear Red and Be Seen" while visiting the world’s most popular theme park. Over the years it has grown to a week-long event. Visit GayDays.com for more info. Sounds Like SummerAll summer long you can dance to classic rock n' roll hits under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theater at Epcot. This summer concert series features a lineup of cover bands performing timeless tunes. Get the family together and groove to the songs you all know and love! The 2010 "Sounds Like Summer" concerts are offered June 12 - July 31. There are three shows nightly at 5:45 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm, included in park admission. 2010 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series (subject to change)
July 4Theme Parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios all offer special fireworks shows in the evening on July 4. These festivities are included in regular park admission. Disney's Animal Kingdom does not offer fireworks since they would disturb the animals. If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on July 4 (particularly if it falls on a weekend), be aware that it is one of the most popular days of the year. The parks may reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any items you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island No fireworks in 2010. Taste of Africa Street PartyFrom July 9-24, 2010, the Taste of Africa Street Party will take place nightly at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Harambe Village. It will begin after the Jammin’ Jungle Parade and run through park closing each night. On nights when Extra Magic Hours are offered for resort guests, the event will continue through the Extra Magic Hours. Offerings at the Taste of Africa Street Party will include:
This is a trial run for this event. If it proves popular, it may be extended. Bastille DayOn July 14 the France Pavilion in Epcot celebrates Bastille Day, which commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution. This is a low-key event, but there are special activities for kids and adults. Last Tour to EndorLast Tour to Endor is a private after-hours party that will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios on August 14, 2010 from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am (with participants admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm). This Star Wars themed special event is not included in regular admission to Hollywood Studios. Advance purchase tickets cost $75 per person. The concept of this event is to give Star Wars fans a "last chance" to ride the original Star Tours attraction before it shuts down for a yearlong renovation, though the shutdown actually won't happen until September 8. The evening also includes themed party zones; "Symphony in the Stars," a Star Wars fireworks spectacular; and a Death Star Disco. Costumes may be worn during the party. For more information, visit the Last Tour to Endor website. Night of JoyContemporary Christian music acts perform at Disney World on two nights each September. This is an after-hours event that requires a separate ticket. In 2010, Night of Joy will be held at Magic Kingdom on September 10 and 11, from 7:00 pm - 12:30 am. 2010 Lineup (subject to change)
2010 ticket prices have not yet been announced. 2009 single-night tickets were $44.95 plus tax in advance. Two-night advance-purchase tickets were $75.95 plus tax. Tickets at the gate on the nights of the performances (if available) were priced at $49.95 plus tax. 2010 tickets go on sale on 5/1/10. Call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639) to order. Epcot International Food and Wine FestivalEach fall, Epcot hosts the International Food and Wine Festival, a several-weeks-long celebration that includes both "free" (i.e. included in Epcot admission) and separately ticketed events such as food and wine pairings, specialty dinners, Party for the Senses, culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars. The 2010 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will be offered October 1 - November 14. During the six-week, entertainment-packed event, park guests can taste fine cuisine and wines from the top “foodie” cities of the world. Festival guests can enjoy the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces dotting the World Showcase promenade. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3 to $8 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. Wondering what it's really like? Click here to read about our experiences at the 2005 Food & Wine Festival. Click here to read my husband Mike's review of our October 2006 visit to the Food & Wine Festival. Mike and I will be attending the first week of the 2010 Food and Wine Festival and will post our experiences shortly afterward. For 2010, guests will discover:
Other highlights include:
Authentic Taste seminars and Authors Without Borders programs with special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission. For additional information about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, click here.
Eat to the Beat ConcertsEnjoy musical evenings during the Food & Wine Festival with the "Eat to the Beat!" concerts scheduled daily at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 pm on the America Gardens Theatre stage. 2010 Eat to the Beat! Concert Lineup (subject to change)
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween PartyMickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is held on selected nights in October each year. It is offered from 7:00 pm to midnight, after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom, and requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) Guests with Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets are admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins. Admission to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party includes trick-or-treating for adults and kids, costume parades for little ones, character meet-and-greets, fortune tellers, Halloween riverboat ride, two performances of a unique holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Attendees can wear costumes (subject to a few rules based on safety and appropriateness). Plus, most of the major attractions are open. Is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party worth the money? Depends on how much you are "into" Halloween. Some of the experiences available during the party are not offered at any other time, so it allows you to enjoy Magic Kingdom in a unique way. Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and Halloween night, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. Don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The party is more about the parade, shows and Halloween "atmosphere." It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up quickly, so make reservations as early as possible (180 days in advance). Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2010 will be offered on September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31; and November 1 from 7:00 pm to midnight. October 29 and 31 are likely to sell out in advance. 2010 prices:
Haunted Carriage Rides at Fort WildernessDuring the month of October, Fort Wilderness offers 25-minute Haunted Carriage Rides featuring a recorded story based on the classic Washington Irving story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" with Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. 2010 Haunted Carriage Rides will be offered October 1 through November 1. They run every half-hour between 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm (7:00-10:30 beginning October 19), departing from Crockett's Tavern at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The cost is $60 per carriage. (Each carriage can accommodate up to 4 adults, or 2 adults plus up to 3 children 9 and under.) You can book up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529). HalloweenHalloween decorations start going up in the Magic Kingdom in late August (generally before Labor Day weekend) and are complete in time for the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. In addition to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Haunted Carriage Rides, there are special events at Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island for Halloween. Family-oriented events such as trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch and a dance party are usually offered at Downtown Disney from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Halloween. Trick-or-treat bags are distributed at selected stores. Kids can visit close to a dozen locations that distribute treats (most or all of the Disney-owned stores and carts participate). Pleasure Island offers Halloween-themed entertainment and dancing on Halloween (October 31) as well as the Friday and Saturday nights prior to Halloween (if the holiday doesn't fall on a Friday or Saturday). The outdoor entertainment elements of the Halloween celebration are free of charge. Children's Miracle Network ClassicThis golf tournament will be held at Disney's Palm and Magnolia golf courses November 11-14, 2010. 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the PGA TOUR golf in Central Florida. Beginning with a three-peat by Jack Nicklaus in 1971, 1972 and 1973, the event has continued to bring the best players in the world to Orlando each year. Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, Vijay Singh, Sam Snead, Payne Stewart, and Tiger Woods are just some of the great names that have walked the fairways at Disney’s Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses during the history of the event. For more information about the tournament, click here. In 2009, on Friday through Sunday of the tournament, a Wine & Dine Walk presented food, beer and wine stations. Each station was positioned on key holes of the back nine, near great viewing locations. The stations featured selected tastes from some of Walt Disney World's restaurants, including The Wave, Sanaa and The Turf Club Bar & Grill, with prices ranging from $3.25 to $7.50. Festival of the MastersAward-winning visual artists transform Downtown Disney into a vast outdoor gallery during the Festival of the Masters each November. The 2010 Festival of the Masters will be held November 12-14. To qualify for Festival of the Masters, artists must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Prospective exhibitors submit award verification and slides of their works to a jury of art experts, who then have the formidable task of reviewing the slides and selecting the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the Festival will be treated to one of the finest displays of art in the nation. Hence, Festival of the Masters has become one of the most sought-after shows among artists. Over 200 honorees from art festivals around the country showcase painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and digital art. Live entertainment and children's activities are also part of the weekend-long event. Festival guests can experience culinary offerings and dance to live music. Other highlights of past Festivals of the Masters have included:
This is a daytime event. Admission and parking are FREE. For more information, call (407) 824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com. Old Spice ClassicEach year ESPN cooks up a Thanksgiving weekend basketball feast so big that even if a match-up or two turns out to be a proverbial “turkey,” the event still will provide roundball junkies with a memorable holiday treat. For 2010, Boston College, California, Georgia, Manhattan, Notre Dame, Temple, Texas A&M and Wisconsin will vie for bragging rights in the fifth annual tournament to be held on Thanksgiving weekend at the FieldHouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. The event will feature 12 games through three days, November 25, 26 and 28, with each team competing in one game per day and advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated will face off in a championship match Sunday, November 28. For more information, visit oldspiceclassic.com. ThanksgivingDisney does not offer a Thanksgiving parade or decorations in the parks. (However, the Christmas decorations are normally in place by Thanksgiving weekend.) There are special meals available at most Disney World restaurants on Thanksgiving. Reservations for holiday meals can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) from the weekend prior to Thanksgiving through the weekend after Thanksgiving. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Thanksgiving Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. Christmas DecorationsChristmas decorations at the Walt Disney World Resort usually begin going up around the first of November. The decorations are gradually added at night and are substantially complete at Magic Kingdom by the time of the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (in 2010, that's November 8), with the resorts and other parks completed by the day after Thanksgiving. The decorations usually start coming down after January 3. The Disney resorts are all decorated for the holidays, as are the theme parks. Each theme park will have an enormous decorated Christmas tree and so will the Deluxe resort lobbies. Deluxe Resort Edible Holiday Displays Among the especially amazing decorations are the edible holiday displays whipped up by pastry chefs throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Gingerbread goodies are sold nearby. Most of the displays open on Thanksgiving weekend. Beach Club Resort usually has a fully detailed, life-sized gingerbread carousel in the lobby. The lobby of Yacht Club Resort offers a miniature New England-style train racing through a sugary rock mountain surrounded by a candy-coated model village. The lobby of BoardWalk Resort is home to Santa's Workshop as well as a customized BoardWalk train. A holiday toy shop made of sugar and chocolate, featuring Pinocchio himself, is the sweet spot for Disney's Contemporary Resort guests to purchase treats and toys on the 4th floor of the tower building. The biggest edible production is a gingerbread house at Grand Floridian Resort that is large enough that it doubles as a real bake shop. Featuring gingerbread using a classic Austrian recipe, the bake shop offers freshly baked items such as cookies, ornaments and miniature gingerbread houses. Other homemade items for sale may include Stollen Bread, chocolate peppermint bark, lollipops and special Grand Floridian logo boxes filled with truffles. Demonstrations of how to decorate a gingerbread house take place in front of the bake shop six days a week. Santa's Gingerbread Bake Shop at Liberty Inn in Epcot's American Adventure enchants guests of all ages. Guests peer inside the life-sized gingerbread house at goodies galore. The giant structure, made entirely of gingerbread, cookies and icing, features a bake shop selling Christmas cookies and hot and cold beverages, as well as souvenir gingerbread recipe cards. The bake shop usually opens in late November. Cinderella Castle Dream LightsSince 2007, Disney has decorated Cinderella Castle for the holiday season with a "Dream Lights" effect that makes the Castle seem to be covered in ice. Over 200,000 lights are draped over the turrets and roofs of the Castle to create this beautiful effect. A short Castle lighting ceremony is held each evening, featuring Disney characters. The lights change colors throughout the evening. For 2010, the Dream Lights will be turned on each evening from November 8 - January 3. Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing LightsThis elaborate holiday decoration display incorporating millions of Christmas lights, fake snow and various holiday vignettes was originally created by Jennings Osborne at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. After he was forced to remove the display due to complaints by his neighbors, Disney agreed to use parts of it at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where it has become an annual event. The spectacle has been enhanced to include choreographed “dancing” lights that swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400 dimmers. Every building façade, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic tunes among “Florida snow” flurries. For the 2010 holiday season, this display will be offered November 8-January 4. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is included in regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas PartyMickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) The event is held from 7:00 pm to midnight on selected nights, usually running from the weekend after Thanksgiving through approximately a week prior to Christmas. Guests with Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins. 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. Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the money? Depends on your plans. Be aware that the same parades, shows, "snow" experience and fireworks (but not the hot chocolate and cookies) are offered as part of regular admission if you visit Magic Kingdom starting the day after Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ends, through New Year's Eve. So if you will be visiting Magic Kingdom between December 20-31, there is very little reason to spend the extra money to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party earlier in the month. Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and the last couple of nights it's offered, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. It can be a lot of fun to attend if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in late November or early December, but don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The party is more about the parades and Christmas "atmosphere." It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up quickly, so make reservations as early as possible (180 days in advance). Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2010 will be offered on November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30; and December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 19 from 7:00 pm to midnight. December 7, 10, 12, 17, 19 are likely to sell out in advance. 2010 prices:
Epcot Holidays Around the WorldFor Holidays Around the World, Epcot's World Showcase transforms into a splendid display of international holiday traditions and storytelling. For 2010, the special holiday fun will take place daily from November 26 through December 30. Holidays Around the World is included with regular Epcot admission. Holiday icons who delight children around the globe -- such as France's Père Noël and Italy's La Befana -- make special appearances in their respective countries, while Santa Claus himself pays visits to the American Adventure showcase. Guests see holiday traditions and legends as they are observed around the world, with Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs on display as well. At 6:00 pm nightly, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a giant tree-lighting ceremony, complete with music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. The Epcot evening spectacular of lights, lasers and fireworks, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," completes the celebration with a magical holiday finale. Mickey's Jingle Jungle ParadeFor 2010, this holiday version of the Jammin' Jungle Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be offered from November 26 - January 3. Candlelight ProcessionalThe Candlelight Processional is an annual event at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot. It consists of a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a large choir and an orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols. The Processional is an explicitly Christian religious presentation with a "church service" feel to it. In 2010 it will be offered from November 26 through December 30. There are normally three performances each night, at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 pm. Each show runs about 40 minutes. You'll need to line up at LEAST 45 minutes prior to the show if you want to have any hope of getting in (or buy the Dining Package for guaranteed entry). There is no additional charge for the performance over and above your Epcot admission. 2010 Candlelight Processional Narrators (subject to change)
Candlelight Processional Dining Package You can purchase a special Candlelight Processional Dining Package. With this special package you pay a flat rate for a sit-down meal at an Epcot restaurant and you receive "preferred seating" for the Candlelight Processional, plus access to a preferred viewing area for IllumiNations that evening. Based on my experience, getting the package may be the only way you'll get a seat at all, particularly on weekend nights. Expect to wait in a significant line to enter the show, even if you have the package. You must schedule your Candlelight Processional Dining Package BEFORE the performance you will attend. There is a Lunch Package for those attending the 5:00 performance and a Dinner Package for those attending the 6:45 or 8:00 performances. You must eat during the following time periods with this package:
The participating restaurants are usually priced in three tiers. Package meals generally include appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. Admission to Epcot is NOT included in the package price. 2 credits from the Dining Plan can be used to pay for your meal.
Holiday Sleigh RidesDuring the month of December, Disney offers 25-minute "sleigh" rides through the woods from the Ft. Wilderness Campground. (The horse-drawn vehicle is wheeled but made to look like a red sleigh, complete with sleighbells!) 2010 sleigh rides are offered December 1-30, every half-hour between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm, departing from Crockett's Tavern at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The cost is $60 per sleigh. (Each sleigh can accommodate up to 4 adults, or 2 adults plus up to 3 children 9 and under.) You can book up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Festival of the Seasons & Santa Claus at Downtown DisneyDowntown Disney is decorated each year and Christmas music is played for "Festival of the Seasons." This runs approximately a week prior to Thanksgiving through December 24. During that time period, Santa appears in his chalet at Downtown Disney Marketplace. You can take pictures with your own camera or use PhotoPass. For 2010, Festival of the Seasons will run from November 19 through December 24. The exact Santa schedule has not yet been published, but the 2009 schedule (below) might give you a general idea. For 2009, Santa appeared on this schedule:
Santa Goofy then appeared at Santa's Chalet on this schedule:
Christmas Eve & Christmas DayYou can enjoy the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the special parades, shows and fireworks at Magic Kingdom. There are special meals available at certain restaurants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can reserve holiday meals up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) from mid-December through the first few days of January (holiday season). Other restaurants may charge a premium on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on Christmas Day, be aware that the parks usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Religious services are held on Christmas Day only in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service is held at 9:00 am. You may not park at the Contemporary for these services, so to get there, you must do one of the following:
New Year's Eve & New Year's DayTheme Parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios all stay open late on New Year's Eve and offer extra entertainment, usually including live performances, extra parades and fireworks. These festivities are included in regular park admission. Disney's Animal Kingdom closes at the regular time and does not offer New Year's Eve events since they would disturb the animals. Christmas decorations remain up throughout Walt Disney World through New Year, and generally several days past the first of the year. Special theme park events for New Year's Eve:
If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on New Year's Eve (December 31), be aware that the parks usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil presents special New Year's Eve performances of La Nouba. Guests are treated to a special show finale and various other goodies. Tickets for these New Year's Eve performances are more expensive than usual. Call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639) to order tickets. Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort includes champagne toast at midnight, snacks and dancing to tunes from the ‘80s through today. You must be 21 years of age or older (with ID) to enter Atlantic Dance Hall on New Year’s Eve. Special Meals There are special meals available at certain restaurants on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. You can reserve holiday meals up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) December 16, 2008-January 3, 2009. Other restaurants may charge a premium on New Year's Eve and/or New Year's Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. Walt Disney World Marathon and Half MarathonIn 2011, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will take place January 6-9. The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. Other highlights include Disney's Health and Fitness Expo at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Registration for the 2011 Marathon and Half Marathon opened online at disneyworldmarathon.com immediately after the 2010 race. Don't wait too late to register, as the races usually fill up by summer! Chinese New YearEach year the China Pavilion in Epcot has a Chinese New Year celebration. Usually there are Chinese acrobats and special activities for kids. The next Chinese New Year will be on February 14, 2010. Valentine's DayPleasure Island becomes Sweetheart Island, celebrating the romance of Valentine's Day each year. The Pleasure Island events are usually on the actual holiday (February 14) and the closest Friday and Saturday (if the holiday is not on a Friday or Saturday), from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. The festivities include live music and street performers. Guests may experience the outdoor entertainment elements of the Sweetheart Island celebration free of charge. Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney's Wide World of SportsThe Atlanta Braves hold their Spring Training season at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. 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. 2010 multi-game ticket packages for for the Braves’ home spring training season ranged from $78-$83 for a 3-game Mini Plan to $170 for a 6-game Mini Plan to $400 for a full Season Ticket. 2010 advance purchase individual game tickets cost between $15-$19 (for Lawn Seats) and $28-$39 (for Lower-Level Reserved Seats). Tickets were $3 more when purchased on the day of the game. For two of the Spring Training games (Houston Astros on March 7 and St. Louis Cardinals on March 21), Walt Disney World Annual Passholders could enjoy seats on the climate-controlled indoor suite level, a game program and a ballpark buffet. The cost was $80 per game for adults (age 10+) and $70 per game for kids (ages 3-9), including tax. More information on the Braves spring training season is available online at disneysports.com. Mardi GrasPleasure Island "Parti Gras" puts a Pleasure Island spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition each year. The Pleasure Island events are usually on the actual holiday and the Friday and Saturday prior, from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. Jester heads and giant beads feature in this colorful celebration, where the Krewe of Confusion and the World's Dinkiest Mardi Gras Parade are among the tongue-in-cheek acts seizing the night. There are a wide range of special entertainment offerings such as Mardi Gras stilt walkers, jugglers, a unicycle artist, a bead dancer, a yo-yo professional and a beaded person (a person literally covered with beads). Guests may experience the outdoor entertainment elements of the Parti Gras celebration free of charge. Port Orleans Resort A little-known event on Mardi Gras each year 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. If you will be at Port Orleans on Mardi Gras, be sure to ask at the front desk when this event will take place. ESPN The WeekendEach year ESPN and the Walt Disney World Resort offers fans the opportunity to see and hear ESPN personalities and athletes during "ESPN The Weekend," a special event at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The 2011 ESPN The Weekend will be February 24-28. Typically ESPN The Weekend features on-site ESPN telecasts including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, Cold Pizza and BassCenter; star motorcades and Q&A sessions featuring athletes and ESPN personalities; appearances by Disney characters; sports shows in the ESPN Theater with ESPN commentators and athletes; a visit from ESPN The Truck; live ESPN Radio broadcasts; ESPN Deportes SportsCenter telecasts and interactive sports activities. For more information, click here. Back to top MouseSavers.com® is not an official site of The Walt Disney Company or of Universal Studios. Content of MouseSavers.com is © MouseSavers, Inc. 2001-2010. 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