A Guide to DisneyWorld's Yearly Events

Today I am going to be going over DisneyWorld's Events. There are too many smaller events to cover, but I will be going over the major events that happen every year in order:

Epcot's International Flowers and Gardens Festival (usually mid-May to the end of May):

The Flowers and Gardens Festival is included in the price of your ticket for Epcot. You can walk around the park and see topiarys that have been crafted into your favorite Disney characters, and they change every year, so there is always something new to see. They usually also have a schedule of concerts that they put on the "Flower Power" series. There are some groups that make return appearences every year. This year's included acts like Davy Jones, The Turtles and the like.

Hollywood Studio's Star Wars Weekends (Late May into June):

Star Wars Weekends is a great way to bring out the Geek in all of us! There is so much to see and do. There are meet and greets with the characters from the movies AND meet and greets with the faces behind the characters! (Note: if you decide you want to meet and greet with the actual actors and actresses behind the famed trilogy, ARRIVE EARLY! They give out fast passes for these and they go quickly!) There is also a special Star Wars parade and a lot of special edition merchandise available, for the collector.

Night of Joy (Mid September):

This is a Christian gathering that usually boasts a long list of popular Christian Bands. Word to the wise, though it is a Christian gathering, it is known to get VERY crazy. This is also an additional ticket event, which means you will have to purchase a ticket ON TOP of the ticket you've already purchased. It is usually held at the Magic Kingdom, but is being held at Hollywood Studio's this year.

Epcot's Internation Food and Wine Festival (Mid Sept to early November):

Epcot usually has 9 countries located around its World Showcase where you can experience food, entertainment and merchandise particular to those countries. During the Food and Wine Festival, there are several more booths added around the World Showcase that reflect even more countries where you can experience all sorts of wines and food. My favorite are the Canadian Chedder Cheese Soup and the Greek booth, respectively. But everyone can find something they will like during this event. Come prepared to fill your stomach and lighten your wallet! The food is NOT included in the price of the ticket, so each sampling comes with a price tag.

TIP: The amount they give you for the wine sampler has gotten much smaller over the years, but if you hike up to the main pavillion for the festival, they often sell bottles of the same wine and its usually pretty cheap. Check that out instead of getting a tiny glass.

Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (Late Sept-Oct 31st):

This party is fun for all ages! It is an extra ticket event and tickets will run you about $60 each, but if you can afford the price, it is well worth it! It's an event I never miss myself. Come dressed up in your favorite costume (please use some disgression, after all, it's still a park where a lot of kids are) and attend the Villians Mix and Mingle, Stitch's Dance Party, or just Trick or Treat around the park! There is also an event specific set of fireworks (Hallowishes) and the Boo to You Halloween Parade. Make sure to bring a camera since the picture opporunities are endless! You can also stand in line to get a free face painting, I suggest checking it out!

Downtown Disney's Festival of the Masters (Mid November):

If you are a fan of art and Disney then go and check this out! It's completely free (that's right, FREE) since it is at Downtown Disney. It is an open-air art festival featuring over 100 award winning artists. There is Chalk Art, music, pin trading, you can also meet and greet with the performers of La Nouba, a cirque de soleil show exclusive to DisneyWorld.

Celebrate Christmas with DisneyWorld!

The final events of the year are also some of the most fun! Disney does everything big, but Christmas is HUGE! Every park is decorated differently, and each park celebrates in a different way:

Epcot's Holidays Around the World:

Epcot celebrates every country's Christmas (or otherwise) heritage with a representation of each country's "Santa Claus". There are also lots of decorations and lights to see. Also don't miss the "Candlelight Processional" which is a very popular choral event that includes a several different celebrity narrators each night and the story of Christ's birth.

Magic Kingdom's Very Merry Christmas Party:

This is another extra ticket event that is hosted throughout December at the Magic Kingdom. Like the Not So Scary party, it boasts a special fireworks show as well as a different Christmas parade. Enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate and see snow in Florida! Along Main Street U.S.A. faux snow falls, creating a magical Christmasy feel. Character Meet and Greets are a given.

Hollywood Studios The Osbourne Family Spectacle of DANCING Lights:

People often confuse this family with another set of Osbournes, but it is based from a Arkansas family whos patriarch Jennings Osbourne was trying to complete the wish of his daughter, who asked to have the whole house covered in lights. It became over the years, so large and fantastic that he purchased the homes on either side of him to put lights on those too. He was eventually unable to display the lights, and Disney stepped in and offered to display them on the Streets of America in Hollywood Studios. Now, it is a mind-blowing display of Christmas lights, covering every inch of the Streets of America. You can grab some hot cocoa and enjoy faux snow and Christmas music to get you in the Holiday mood. In recent years, the the festival has begun boasting DANCING lights. During certain Christmas tunes, the lights will dance along. It is a very fun atmosphere and great for all ages. It is included with the price of admission.