E. Special Events
Disney holds several special events throughout the year and if your travel dates coincide with an event, you may want to find a way to fit it in to your plans. Some of these events do require you to purchase tickets for the event, but some are included with admission to the parks. Here is a list of seasonal events that Disney holds every year and I have indicated which ones require you to purchase additional tickets ($):
- International Festival of the Arts – from mid-January till mid-February, celebrate the arts at Epcot. Visit exhibits, attend workshops/seminars, enjoy gourmet fare at their outdoor kitchens, and watch live performances. A great event for anyone with a strong appreciation for the arts.
- International Flower & Garden Festival – from the beginning of March till the end of May, enjoy beautiful flower/garden displays throughout all of Epcot. Take in their beautifully sculpted topiaries, enjoy their outdoors kitchens, and catch a live concert. A great way to celebrate the Spring season!
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ($) – a special ticket event that is held 3 times a week during the months of September and October at the Magic Kingdom. The party begins at 7 pm and guests are welcome to dress up in their Halloween costume. The party will give you the opportunity to trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom, watch a special themed fireworks show and parade. You will also get special character meet opportunities, entertained with a villains show and get to attend a Monsters dance party.
- International Food & Wine Festival – from the beginning of September till mid-November, this is THE event for any foodie. They have over 30 food booths spread throughout the World Showcase, giving you the opportunity to sample savory & sweet dishes, along with wine, beer and other fun beverages. They also have live entertainment every day at the America Gardens Theatre.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ($) – a special ticket event that is held 3 times per week during the months of November and December at the Magic Kingdom. The party starts at 7 pm and guests will get to enjoy a special fireworks display and parade. You will also get to enjoy complimentary holiday treats throughout the park. Meet characters in their holiday gear and also attend a fun dance party.
- International Festival of the Holidays – from mid-November till the end of December, enjoy Holidays around the world in Epcot’s World Showcase. Experience the holiday traditions from all the nations around the showcase and get a taste of some holiday treats at the kitchen kiosks.
- Flurry of Fun – from mid-November till end of December, every evening Hollywood Studios transforms to celebrate the holidays. Watch a light show on Sunset blvd. with a projection show on the Tower of Terror. Then enjoy a fireworks/projection show on the Chinese Theatre to finish off the evening.
- Candlelight Processional – The story of Christmas is told every night during the holiday season (end of November till end of December) by celebrity narrators accompanied by an orchestra and choir. This is held nightly in the World Showcase at the America Gardens Theatre.
Dessert Parties
Held regularly throughout the year, Disney hosts special dessert parties that coincide with their fireworks shows at several parks. The parties all include access to a buffet of delectable food/desserts and beverages, followed by a reserved viewing area for the fireworks. These must be reserved in advance and there is an additional charge on top of your park admission. Prices range from $19 – $47 per child and $39 – $79 per adult. Here are the dessert parties you will find at some of the parks:
- Fantasmic! Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
- Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom
- Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios