The Ultimate Disney World Event Calendar Dates for 2025

From marathon weekends to magical holiday celebrations, Disney World's event calendar transforms the parks into different experiences throughout 2025. Whether you plan to see over 30 million blooms at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival or join hundreds of runners at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, timing your visit can make all the difference.

Planning ahead is essential since many special events, like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, require separate tickets. The Walt Disney World event calendar for 2025 features signature experiences across all four theme parks, with some festivals running for months while others happen on select nights only.

1. EPCOT Festival of the Arts (Jan 17-Feb 24)

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts brings a celebration of culinary, visual, and performing arts to Walt Disney World from January 17 through February 24, 2025.

Festival Entertainment and Shows

The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series headlines the festival's entertainment lineup with three nightly performances at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM in the America Gardens Theater. The Animation Academy offers guests opportunities to learn character drawing techniques at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM daily. Specifically, Visual Art in Performance showcases artists creating Disney character paintings in minutes at World Showcase Plaza from Thursday through Sunday.

Special Food and Beverage Offerings

The festival features almost 20 Food Studios throughout EPCOT. Accordingly, each studio presents artistically crafted dishes priced between USD 4.00 and USD 8.00. The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine invites guests to collect stamps after purchasing five designated items, earning a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie. Consequently, guests with dietary restrictions can access allergy-friendly menus for all Food Studios, accommodating various preferences, including gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free options.

Festival Impact on Park Operations

The festival operates daily, with Food Studios opening at 11:00 AM until the park closes. The Expression Section paint-by-number mural welcomes participants daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The festival introduces exceptional photo opportunities throughout the park, with PhotoPass photographers offering unique Festival of the Arts Magic Shots. For convenience, guests can purchase festival-themed Disney Gift Cards to use at food studios and merchandise locations.

2. Disney Princess Half Marathon (Feb 20-24)

Runners unite for the enchanted Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, which will be held from February 20 to 24, 2025. The weekend features five magical events.

Race Weekend Schedule

The weekend kicks off with the Disney Princess 5K on February 21, followed by the Disney Princess 10K on February 22, and culminates with the Disney Princess Half Marathon on February 23. Participants can embrace the Disney Fairytale Challenge by completing both the 10K and Half Marathon events. Following the races, Disney Princess Yoga offers a relaxing conclusion to the weekend of February 24.

Best Viewing Locations

Main Street, U.S.A., inside Magic Kingdom Park, stands out as a premier viewing spot. Entrance is permitted at 5:30 AM without requiring theme park admission. Similarly, the Transportation and Ticket Center provides excellent viewing opportunities. For resort guests, the Crescent Lake area near Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort and Disney's BoardWalk Resort offers convenient viewing locations. The EPCOT bus loop at mile 12 provides an ideal spot to cheer runners during their final stretch.

3. EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival (Mar 5-Jun 2)

Marking its 30th anniversary, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival paints the park with vibrant colors and enchanting experiences from March 5 to June 2, 2025.

Festival Highlights and Features

The celebration showcases more than 70 Disney character topiaries spread throughout the park. This horticultural masterpiece requires 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists working year-round to create 30 million blooms, 240 floating flower planters, and 700 gardens. The Butterfly Landing, presented by AdventHealth, offers an up-close encounter with multiple butterfly species in a kaleidoscope of colors near the Imagination pavilion.

Special Entertainment Schedule

The Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to America Gardens Theater with performances at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. It is essential to realize that the March lineup features notable performers such as Air Supply celebrating its 50th Anniversary (March 9-10), Rick Springfield (March 16-17), and 38 Special (March 23-24). As an illustration, local bands take center stage Tuesday through Thursday, while internationally recognized artists perform Friday through Monday.

4. Summer Events Launch (Late May)

Summer brings new experiences to the Walt Disney World event calendar, with multiple attractions and shows debuting across the parks.

New Attraction Openings

Test Track undergoes a complete reimagining and is scheduled to reopen in late summer 2025. The renovated attraction features six distinct exhibits showcasing technological advances. Primarily, the redesign celebrates innovation while exploring the human drive for progress, which was developed in collaboration with Chevrolet.

Special Summer Entertainment

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade illuminates Magic Kingdom with glowing floats featuring characters from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and Moana. Meanwhile, Disney's Hollywood Studios welcomes two groundbreaking shows. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After transforms the theater into the Magic Mirror's realm, starring Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent. The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure debuts with new sets, vibrant puppets, and live performances.

5. EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (Late Aug-Nov)

Culinary excellence takes center stage at EPCOT as the International Food & Wine Festival serves global flavors from late August through mid November..

Festival Marketplace Details

More than 30 Global Marketplace booths showcase authentic cuisine and beverages from six continents. Initially, most dishes range from USD 5.00 to USD 13.00, with beer portions offering 6-oz and 12-oz options. Rather than carrying cash, guests can opt for the convenient festival gift card featuring a wrist strap for hands-free dining. The marketplaces primarily accept MagicBands, Disney gift cards, and Disney Dining Plan snack credits.

Entertainment Schedule

The Eat to Beat Concert Series headlines the festival's entertainment lineup with performances at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Undoubtedly, local Central Florida bands take the stage Tuesday through Thursday, while internationally recognized artists perform Friday through Monday. The America Gardens Theater hosts these performances, including regular park admission.

Special Dining Events

The festival introduces exclusive dining experiences, including the Parisian Breakfast at Les Chefs de France, featuring authentic pastries and mimosas. The Party for the Senses stands out with over 50 tasting stations. Culinary demonstrations, priced between USD 15.00 and USD 20.00, offer exceptional value with food samples and expert presentations. Eat to Beat Dining Packages combine a meal at select EPCOT restaurants with reserved show access for guaranteed concert seating.

6. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Aug-Oct)

Spooky celebrations return to Magic Kingdom as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party enchants guests on select nights from early August to late October.

Exclusive Entertainment

Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular lights up the night with Jack Skellington hosting a frightfully fun fireworks display. Furthermore, the Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, featuring the Headless Horseman, runs twice nightly at 8:15 PM and 11:15 PM. The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular brings the Sanderson Sisters to the Cinderella Castle stage alongside Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, and Maleficent.

Special Character Meets

The party introduces unique character encounters throughout the park. Mickey greets guests in his Halloween costume at Town Square Theater, while Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy meet at Pete's Silly Sideshow. Jack Skellington and Sally welcome visitors at Town Square Theater, consistently drawing significant crowds. The Evil Queen and Maleficent make special appearances on the Main Street Train Station platform, offering rare photo opportunities.

7. Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon (Oct 23-26)

The fall season at Walt Disney World welcomes runners for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, with registration opening February 4, 2025, for Club runDisney members and February 11, 2025, for the general public.

Race Weekend Activities

The weekend features multiple events from October 23-26, 2025. The schedule includes a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, with participants in the Two Course Challenge completing the 10K and half marathon events. Primarily, races begin at 5:00 AM, with runners gathering at designated staging areas in the EPCOT parking lot.

Post-Race Celebration

The weekend highlight includes an exclusive post-race party at EPCOT, starting at 5:00 PM. Half marathon and Two Course Challenge participants receive complimentary party admission. The celebration features:

• Access to Global Marketplaces across six continents
• Live entertainment and character meet-and-greets
• Select EPCOT attractions, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Exclusive party merchandise available at Creations Shop from 8:00 PM

8. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov-Dec)

Magic Kingdom sparkles with festive cheer as the holiday season arrives with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed celebration held on select nights from November through December 2025.

Party Schedule and Features

The event runs from 7:00 PM to midnight, with party ticket holders gaining park entry as early as 4:00 PM. The party transforms Magic Kingdom with holiday decorations, seasonal photo spots, and "snow" falling on Main Street, U.S.A., every 30 minutes. In particular, several attractions feature holiday overlays, including Space Mountain with festive music, Tomorrowland Speedway with thousands of lights, and the beloved Jingle Cruise.

Special Holiday Entertainment

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade headlines the entertainment lineup, featuring dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and Santa Claus himself. At 8:15 PM, the Frozen Holiday Surprise showcases Anna, Elsa, and Olaf transforming Cinderella Castle into a shimmering wonderland. Above all, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks illuminates the sky with a dazzling display choreographed to classic carols.

Exclusive Treats

The party offers unlimited complimentary cookies and festive beverages at designated locations throughout the park. Treat stations, marked by giant peppermint-striped markers, serve:

• Hot chocolate and cookies at Tortuga Tavern
• Apple cider at The Lunching Pad
• Snickerdoodles at Columbia Harbor House
• Gingerbread treats at Gaston's Tavern

Essentially, several quick-service locations, including Casey's Corner and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, remain open until 11:00 PM. At this point, table service dining reservations are available at select restaurants from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

9. Disney Jollywood Nights (Nov-Dec)

Hollywood Studios dazzles with vintage glamor as Disney Jollywood Nights returns on select evenings from the first week of November through mid December.

Event Highlights

This five-hour celebration transforms the park with festive décor and exclusive experiences. Primarily, ticket holders gain access to popular attractions with shorter wait times, including Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital downloads capture your red-carpet moments throughout the evening.

Special Entertainment

Glisten!, a stunning skating spectacular on Hollywood Boulevard, features international champion skaters performing throughout the night. Simultaneously, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy host "Disney Holidays in Hollywood" at Theater of the Stars, joined by beloved characters like Tiana, Belle, and Mickey Mouse. Evidently, the night culminates with "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" at 10:00 PM, bringing holiday moments to life in the Chinese Theater.

Exclusive Offerings

The Twilight Soirée at The Tip Top Club invites guests to experience vintage Hollywood charm in The Hollywood Tower Hotel courtyard. Markedly, the Hollywood Brown Derby transforms into Jazzy Holidays, offering craft cocktails and seasonal bites in a sophisticated setting. The event introduces unique character encounters, including The Mandalorian in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Bo Peep in Toy Story Land. Upon exit, guests receive six champagne-flavored Wondermade marshmallows in a Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy-themed box.

10. EPCOT Festival of Holidays (Nov-Dec)

The cherished EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth, welcomes guests from the end of November through December 30, 2025, bringing global traditions to life.

Festival Entertainment

Holiday Storytellers share cultural celebrations throughout the World Showcase, with daily performances starting at 10:00 AM. Primarily, JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season brings gospel, R&B, and holiday songs to CommuniCore Plaza with four daily shows. The Chinese Lion Dancer performs hourly from noon to 4:00 PM, while La Befana shares Italian holiday tales seven times daily.

Holiday Kitchens

Over 15 Holiday Kitchens serve seasonal specialties across the park. The festival introduces these distinctive offerings:

• Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow featuring gingerbread treats
• Favorites of Festivals Past with Reuben Croquettes
• Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen offers Mexican holiday dishes
• Holiday Cookie Stroll with a complimentary treat upon collecting five stamps

Candlelight Processional Details

This beloved show features a 50-piece orchestra, mass choir, and celebrity narrators at America Gardens Theater. Performances run at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM nightly. Dining packages guarantee seating and include meals at select EPCOT restaurants. Especially notable, the 2025 narrator lineup includes Sterling K. Brown, Gloria Estefan, and Neil Patrick Harris.

11. Disney After Hours Events (Various Dates)

Late-night magic awaits as Disney After Hours events extend enchantment across three theme parks in 2025.

Park-Specific Event Schedules

Magic Kingdom hosts events from January through May from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM on select nights. Primarily, Hollywood Studios welcomes guests from January through September, with most events scheduled from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Furthermore, EPCOT joins the nighttime festivities from February through September, operating from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Special Access Benefits

Ticket holders gain park entry as early as 7:00 PM without requiring additional admission or park reservations. Notably, complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select bottled beverages await at designated locations throughout the evening. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members save USD 30.00 per ticket at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Entertainment Offerings

Magic Kingdom exclusively presents Disney Enchantment fireworks during these events. At Hollywood Studios, guests, including Pinocchio, Duffy, and White Rabbit, encounter rare character appearances. EPCOT features an energetic DJ spinning tunes while Chip 'n' Dale hosts dance parties. Ordinarily, popular attractions maintain shorter wait times, with more than 20 experiences available at Magic Kingdom alone.

12. New Attraction Openings (Throughout 2025)

Exciting new attractions and experiences will reshape the Walt Disney World event calendar throughout 2025, bringing fresh entertainment options to all four theme parks.

Confirmed Opening Dates

Test Track returns with a complete reimagining in late summer 2025, featuring six distinct exhibits celebrating innovation. Ordinarily, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Debuts in the Tree of Life Theater during the winter of 2025, replacing It's Tough to Be a Bug. Fundamentally, Hollywood Studios welcomes two new stage productions: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After in the summer of 2025. The Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern will make its grand entrance in Adventureland by late 2025.

Preview Opportunities

Annual Passholders typically receive first access to new attractions through exclusive preview events. The reimagined Test Track offers early testing opportunities in spring 2025, allowing guests to witness vehicles on the track before the official opening. Primarily, Disney Vacation Club members gain unique preview windows for the Pirates-themed tavern in fall 2025.

Conclusion

Walt Disney World's 2025 calendar presents an exciting mix of seasonal traditions and fresh experiences across all four theme parks. Marathon weekends kick off the year, followed by EPCOT's signature festivals celebrating arts, gardens, food, and global holidays. Special ticketed events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Disney Jollywood Nights offer unique entertainment opportunities with shorter wait times and exclusive shows. Above all, scheduling your visit around these events helps maximize your Disney experience, whether running through the parks at dawn or savoring international cuisine at EPCOT's festivals.

Your perfect Disney trip awaits - pick your dates, plan your must-do events, and prepare for an unforgettable celebration at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Book your stay near Disney's themed parks with Vacation Central Florida and make every moment of your trip truly magical. Visit our website to explore our prime locations and plan your dream Disney vacation today.