Disney Parks

10 Must-See Disney World Events That Make the Magic Even Greater

Walt Disney World is a dream destination any time of year. Some moments make the experience even more magical. Special events, seasonal festivals, and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations transform the parks into something even more dazzling.

Whether you’re visiting during the holidays, a food festival, or a thrilling race weekend, these occasions create memories that last a lifetime. If you’re planning a visit and want to experience Disney at its finest, here are ten of the best times to explore the magic of Walt Disney World.

1. During a Huge Family Trip

There’s nothing quite like experiencing the magic of Disney with your entire family. Extensive family trips to Walt Disney World create opportunities for bonding.

From sharing a meal at Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner to riding classic attractions together, there are countless ways to make memories. Watching children meet their favorite characters, experiencing iconic rides as a group, and reliving childhood nostalgia make family trips one of the most extraordinary ways to visit the parks.

Four people walking into Magic Kingdom, kickstarting their Disney vacations.
Credit: Disney

2. A Romantic Couples Getaway

Disney isn’t just for kids—couples can find romance everywhere. Sunset strolls through the World Showcase at EPCOT set the perfect mood.

An intimate dinner at Victoria & Albert’s, fireworks over Cinderella Castle, and leisurely afternoons at Disney Springs make for an ideal romantic escape. Enchanting resort stays add to the magic of a Disney couples’ getaway.

A man and woman dining at Chez Remy at Walt Disney Studios Park
Credit: Disney

3. Celebrating a Wedding, Engagement, or Honeymoon

Disney is a dream setting for those celebrating love. Whether you’re getting engaged, honeymooning, or having a Disney Fairytale Wedding, the parks offer endless ways to make your milestone even more magical.

Unique buttons, extra attention from cast members, and unique experiences like dining at Be Our Guest or taking a private fireworks cruise make celebrations even more memorable.

Sustainable DIsney Weddings
Credit: Disney

4. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Foodies flock to EPCOT every fall for the International Food & Wine Festival. This event transforms the park into a culinary paradise, featuring global food booths, wine tastings, and unique entertainment.

Guests can sample small plates worldwide, attend cooking demonstrations, and enjoy live music performances while savoring new flavors.

Disney food and wine festival 2023 dates
Credit: Disney

5. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Springtime at Walt Disney World means breathtaking floral displays and outdoor fun. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a feast for the senses.

Disney’s talented horticulturalists create stunning topiaries featuring beloved characters. Outdoor kitchens offer seasonal flavors, and live concerts, gardening workshops, and lovely gardens throughout the park make it a visually spectacular time to visit.

Encanto topiaries at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Credit: Disney

6. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which runs from August through October

Halloween at Magic Kingdom is a spooktacular experience with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This after-hours event features trick-or-treating, special character meet-and-greets, and an exclusive parade.

The fan-favorite fireworks show, rare character appearances, and festive treats add to the fun. Costumed guests can enjoy shorter wait times for attractions and exclusive snacks that are only available during this seasonal celebration.

A group of Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes stand in front of a brightly lit background. Mickey Mouse is at the center in a purple costume, with Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto wearing festive outfits around him.
Credit: Disney

7. runDisney Race Weekends

Disney fans who love running (or cheering from the sidelines) shouldn’t miss a runDisney race weekend. These events take runners through the theme parks before they open, offering stunning views and unique character encounters.

Whether tackling a 5K or the Dopey Challenge, participants earn coveted medals and enjoy an electric race-day atmosphere filled with camaraderie and Disney magic.

RunDisney EPCOT guests running during the weekend event at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

8. New Year’s Eve Celebrations, which are nearly a year away

There’s no better place to welcome a new year than at Walt Disney World. The parks pull out all the stops with dazzling fireworks, dance parties, and live entertainment.

EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are especially popular, offering unique countdown celebrations and festive atmospheres. These elements make New Year’s Eve at Disney an unforgettable experience.

A group of people watches a vibrant fireworks display at night, with one person wearing glowing mickey mouse ears. they are standing by a railing, illuminated by the colorful bursts in the sky.
Credit: Disney

9. The Holiday Season at Walt Disney World

Nothing compares to the festive magic of Walt Disney World during the holiday season. Every park and resort is decked out in twinkling lights, massive Christmas trees, and themed decorations.

Guests can experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, sip seasonal treats, and experience the Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT. The enchanting holiday ambiance makes this one of the best times of the year to visit.

10. Celebrating a Birthday or Special Occasion

Birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones are even more special when celebrated at Walt Disney World. Guests can wear celebration buttons for extra attention, enjoy personalized cakes at restaurants, and experience tailor-made surprises at select resorts.

Whether dining at a signature restaurant or experiencing a VIP tour, celebrating at Disney makes for a truly unforgettable day.

Each of these moments brings an added layer of magic to an already incredible vacation. No matter when you visit, Disney is always spectacular. Planning a trip around one of these events will make your experience even more unforgettable.

Mike Ramirez

Mike Ramirez is a theme park fan born and raised in Mexico City. From a young age he's loved to learn all there is to know about the history of the Disney parks and rides. Whether it’s riding The Haunted Mansion, geeking out over the MCU, or singing along to show tunes, he's all about celebrating the magic of storytelling and imagination.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles