Walt Disney Events: Calendar of Major Events at Walt Disney World Resort
By Stephen Kubiak
There's always something special at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here are some of the major events happening this year.
Springtime in Florida means it's time for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
- Stephen Kubiak / VISIT FLORIDA
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival features topiaries of popular Disney characters around the park
- Stephen Kubiak / VISIT FLORIDA
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
March 1 - May 29, 2017
Discover an event bursting with fresh, farm-to-table flavors, brilliant blooms, interactive playgrounds and rocking entertainment. Stroll through a creative collection of gardens and gaze upon an incredible array of living sculptures shaped as beloved Disney Characters. Sample a wide array of fresh, farm-to-table flavors at 13 enticing Outdoor Kitchens sprinkled throughout the World Showcase. Gather with friends and family to rekindle your love of classic hits―all while taking in the waterfront view from a spacious outdoor venue during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
INSIDER TIP: Do you have young children who don't necessarily enjoy World Showcase? The popular Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt will have your kids searching the park for Easter eggs. If they find all the eggs, they get a surprise!
The Atlanta Braves call the Walt Disney World Resort home during spring training
- VISIT FLORIDA
Atlanta Braves Spring Training
February 25 - March 29, 2017
Play ball! Take a break from the parks and enjoy a little baseball. The Atlanta Braves return to Champion Stadium for their spring training season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
INSIDER TIP: Looking for cheap seats at the games? You can get 3rd Base Lawn and Pennant Berm general admission tickets for under $20 on select dates.
runDisney Events
Whether you're a diehard marathon runner or just a casual jogger, the Walt Disney World Resort has plenty of great races for all levels. Each of the four themed runDisney weekends in Florida has a signature race, along with other races like 10Ks, 5Ks and runs just for the kids.
Check out the complete list of runDisney events below:
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Nov. 2-5, 2017
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Jan. 3-7, 2018
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Feb. 22-25, 2018
Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side
April 19-22, 2018
Enjoy wine tastings, international cuisine and more at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
- Walt Disney World
Grilled lobster and a crisp chardonnay.
- Walt Disney World
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Aug. 31 - Nov. 13, 2017
Each fall, as the seasons transform, so does Epcot—where dozens of unique flavors and fun experiences unfold across the park during the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Discover delicious global cuisines, wines and beers. Enjoy tastings and demonstrations from world-famous chefs. And kick back with music from top-name artists during the Eat to the Beat concert series.
Minnie & Mickey at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Walt Disney World (Kent Phillips, photographer)
A look down Main Street, U.S.A. during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Walt Disney World (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Aug. 25 - Nov. 1, 2017
A special Halloween event at Magic Kingdom Park that's perfect for families with little ones, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has special parades, shows and firework spectaculars that you can only experience during the event. Kids can also dress up like their favorite characters to go trick-or-treating throughout the park.
INSIDER TIP: If you or someone in your party has a food allergy, Disney has a special, allergy-friendly trick-or-treat experience so that everyone can enjoy the evening.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Nov. 9 - Dec. 22, 2017
Join Mickey at this festive winter celebration for live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.
Holidays Around the World at Epcot
Nov. 24 - Dec. 30, 2017
Ring in the season as World Showcase comes alive with seasonal traditions from around the globe. Discover worldwide celebrations of this magical season, as you experience traditions from the 11 World Showcase nations.
INSIDER TIP: Don't miss the Candlelight Processional, where the sounds of the season come alive with a 50-piece orchestra and massive choir. Celebrity narrators complete the evening with a reading of the Christmas story. The event fills up quickly, so prepare to arrive early.
