Looking for all the events happening at Walt Disney World in 2023? We’ve collected up all the holidays, runDisney events, and tentative times of Walt Disney World’s Festivals and Parties. If you’re traveling to Disney World in 2023 you’ll have things to look forward to! The arrival of the new rollercoaster, TRON. Plus new restaurants like Woody’s Rodeo Roundup BBQ, and new meet and greet experiences too! See all the dates that may or may not affect your upcoming Disney Vacation with this Walt Disney World Calendar of Events for 2023.
When Should You Visit Walt Disney World in 2023?
Disney Events happen all year long. And there are pros and cons no matter when you visit Walt Disney World! While many people have a job and school schedules to consider, a crowded summer at Disney World may be your only option. Or maybe you’re just interested in visiting during a certain festival, party, or holiday. Check out our Year of Events at Walt Disney World for what’s happening each month in the parks. Know that some times are better to visit than others. And we’ll break it all down for you, so you can choose the best times to visit Walt Disney World this year. And if you’re traveling in 2024, check out our Walt Disney World Calendar of Events 2024, and everything coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 for details.
What is the BEST TIME to Visit Walt Disney World in 2023?
For a COMPLETE write-up, check out our Best Times to Visit Disney World post. In that post, we break down the best time to visit. Based on overall crowds and prices. And which parks to visit on which days, no matter when your vacation is planned.
Here are the LOWEST CROWD TIMES for 2023 and the events happening during those times. Remember weekends will generally be more crowded regardless. Here are the date ranges for historically low crowd times throughout the year at Walt Disney World.
- January 9-12 and 24-26 | Festival of the Arts
- February 1- 9 | Festival of the Arts
- May 2-11 | Flower and Garden Festival
- August 13-29 | MNSSHP, Food and Wine Festival
- September 1- 30 | MNSSHP, Food and Wine Festival
- November 13-15 | Food and Wine Festival, Holiday Resort Decorations
- December 1-10 | Festival of Holidays
What is the WORST TIME to Visit Walt Disney World in 2023?
Once you get a glimpse of the dates on our Walt Disney World 2023 Calendar, you’ll understand why we highly recommend AVOIDING these times of the year at Walt Disney World. If you can help it. The combination of weather, crowds, events, and holiday drama can compromise the best-planned Disney Vacation. Check the Disney 5-Day Calendar for everything that is happening throughout your vacation.
Here are the HIGHEST CROWD TIMES for 2023 and the events happening during those times. Remember weekends are more crowded regardless.
- January 1-3, 14-18 | New Year’s, Martin Luther King Weekend
- February 17-21 | President’s Day Weekend
- March | Spring Break/ Easter
- April | Spring Break/Easter
- May 27- 31 | Memorial Day Weekend
- July | Fourth of July, H20 Glow Nights
- October 7-10 | Columbus Day Weekend
- November 18-26 | Thanksgiving Week
- December 21-31 | Christmas Break and New Year’s Eve
WALT DISNEY WORLD 2023 CALENDAR
We’ve broken down the Disney Events for 2023 by month so that you can see which dates and events are happening. Which holidays fall into the mix and special events that may affect your vacation? Getting a handle on what will be happening while you’re on vacation, can help you plan better. Let’s dive in. Note: Events labeled TENTATIVE have not yet been formally announced. Date ranges are based on annual historical data. As soon as Official Dates from Walt Disney World are confirmed this post will be updated.
JANUARY 2023
January at Walt Disney World brings the runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon and the Festival of the Arts at EPCOT Park. Plus, you can look forward to special after-hours events and much better weather in Florida. While there are still some visiting events that happen, crowd-wise, January is one of the lowest crowd months at Walt Disney World.
January 1-3, 2023: Holiday Activities
January 1, 2023: New Year’s Day
January 1, 2023: 100th Anniversary of Walt Disney Company Kickoff Begins
January 4-8, 2023: runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 4 – June 28 2023: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights
January 9 – March 27, 2023: Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Select Nights
January 13 – February 20, 2023: Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot
January 13 – 15, 2023: College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships
January 14-18, 2023: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend ( January 16, 2023)
January 20-26, 2023: Yeshiva Break
FEBRUARY 2023
February at Walt Disney World can sometimes see crowds, with championships and events throughout the month. As such, we still recommend visiting the Festival of the Arts. and you can count on seeing loads of runners if you’re visiting during the last part of the month, which features the very popular runDisney Princess Half-Marathon.
January 4 – June 28, 2023: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights
January 9 – March 27, 2023: Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Select Nights
January 13 – February 20, 2023: Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot
February 2- February 7, 2023: NFL Pro Bowl Week (NFL Pro Bowl is February 5, 2023)
February 3-5, 2023 National Dance Team Championship
February 10-12, 2023 National High School Cheerleading Championship
February 12, 2023: Super Bowl Sunday
February 11-15, 2023: Valentine’s Day
February 17-21, 2023: President’s Day Weekend ( February 20, 2023)
February 17- 20, 2023: Twirlmania
February 18- February 24, 2023: Mardi Gras Week
February 21, 2023: Fat Tuesday
February 22, 2023: Ash Wednesday
February 23-26, 2023: runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
MARCH 2023
Walt Disney World welcomes springtime with the Flower and Garden Festival. March at Walt Disney World tends to get rather busy with a slew of visiting championship teams and activities all month. As always if you’re visiting this month, we recommend avoiding the holiday weekends. We even have recommendations on the Best Resort for Spring Break for Families, to help you stay away from the chaos. Take note of the activities and holidays happening in March.
January 4 – June 28 2023: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights
January 9 – March 27, 2023: Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Select Nights
March 1- July 5, 2023: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
March 3-5, 2023: Contest of Champions Nationals
March 11- 12, 2023: International All-Star Cheerleading Championship
March 13, 2023: Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt at EPCOT
March 17, 2023: St. Patrick’s Day
March 23- 26, 2023: Disney Dreamers Academy Annual Trip
March 5-27, 2023: Spring Break
APRIL 2023
Often the busiest month of the year at Walt Disney World, April brings high costs, high resort prices, and loads of crowds. A variety of activities, plus the Flower and Garden Festival, and a slew of visiting championship teams typically fill the month. Make the most of April at Walt Disney World by taking breaks when it gets too hot, and aiming for early weekdays to stay out of the crowds. And if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out our Flower and Garden Festival with Kids post for extra fun things this month!
Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt at EPCOT begins March 13, 2023
Easter Events at Walt Disney World
January 4 – June 28 2023: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights
March 1- July 5, 2023: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
April 2, 2023: Chip and Dale’s 80th Birthday
April 3, 2023: Happily Ever After Fireworks Show in Magic Kingdom Returns
April 3, 2023: Epcot Forever Nighttime Spectacular Returns
April 4, 2023: TRON Lightcylce/ Run OPENS in Magic Kingdom
April 7, 2023: Good Friday
April 8-11, 2023: Easter Weekend
April 9, 2023: Easter Sunday
April 13- April 16, 2023: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend To the Finish Line…and BEYOND
April 17-23, 2023: Earth Month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
April 19-21, 2023: ICU Cheerleading World Championship
April 22, 2023: Earth Day, Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary
April 22-24, 2023 US All-Star Federation Cheerleading and Dance Worlds
April 29-30, 2023: Dapper Day at Walt Disney World
April 27-30, 2023: The Summit-Varsity All-Stars Cheerleading and Dance Championship
MAY 2023
The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival still goes strong through May, and we often see the early part of the month emptier. With Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Mother’s Day, New Snacks at Walt Disney World arrive in fun themes for each. If visiting this month your best bet for a Disney Vacation on a Budget is to book early and then be on the lookout for discounts on the Disney Special Offers you can later add to your trip. This is an expensive month to visit.
January 4 – June 28 2023: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights
March 1- July 5, 2023: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
May 4, 2023: Star Wars Day. May the Fourth Be with You!
May 5, 2023: Cinco De Mayo
May 14, 2023: Mother’s Day
May 27-31, 2023: Memorial Day Weekend ( May 29, 2023)
May 20 – September 2, 2023: Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Select Nights
JUNE 2023
Summer in Florida is typically unbearable. But, if you’re bent on Summer at Walt Disney World, go prepared with water bottles, ponchos, and loads of sunscreen. This month sees the ticketed event H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon, as well as select After Hours events. And as it’s Pride Month, you can expect all sorts of Pride Snacks, and new merchandise in the parks this month as well. Be sure to check out our Best Disney Resorts for Summer, for the best places to stay this time of year.
March 1- July 5, 2023: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
May 20 – September 2, 2023: Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Select Nights
May 31- June 5, 2023: Gay Days Orlando
June 1- August 24, 2023: EPCOT After Hours Select Nights
June 3-5, 2023: One Magical Weekend at Walt Disney World
June 18, 2023: Father’s Day
JULY 2023
July is HOT. So be ready to Take Breaks at Walt Disney World as needed, as you’ll need respite from the heat. July sees the end of the Flower and Garden Festival and the beginning of the Food and Wine Festival. July also sees an homage to all things Florida with loads of new Orange-focused menu items and snacks across the parks and Disney Springs.
March 1- July 5, 2023: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
May 20 – September 2, 2023: Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Select Nights
June 1- August 24, 2023: EPCOT After Hours Select Nights
July 1- August 13, 2023: Flavors of Florida Event at Disney Springs
July 1-5, 2023: Fourth of July Weekend
July 27 – November 18, 2023: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
AUGUST 2023
August brings the biggest time of year at Walt Disney World, Halloween! While it’s a bit early to celebrate Halloween at Walt Disney World, that doesn’t stop the parks from getting up the fall decorations typically the 2nd week of the month. Just in time for the early dates of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Disney’s Princess Week also happens in August. And typically, there are LOW crowds by the third week of this month.
July 27 – November 18, 2023: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
May 20 – September 2, 2023: Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Select Nights
June 1- August 24, 2023: EPCOT After Hours Select Nights
August 19-28, 2023: Department of Defense Warrior Games
August 20- 26, 2023: Disney Princess Week
August 11 – November 1, 2023: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
SEPTEMBER 2023
September is all about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, New Halloween Snacks, and the Food and Wine Festival. With so much to do, it’s important to know where to stay! And since September is one of the Cheapest Months to Visit Walt Disney World, you can often have your pick on the best resorts. Be sure to Check out our Best Disney World Resorts for Halloween, so you can be close to the action, no matter your plans!
May 20 – September 2, 2023: Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Select Nights
July 27 – November 18, 2023: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
August 11 – November 1, 2023: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
September 3-6, 2023: Labor Day Weekend ( September 4, 2023)
September 8-10, 2023: Destination D23 at Walt Disney World
September 10, 2023: Figment Meet and Greet OPENS at the Journey into Imagination, EPCOT
September 15, 2023: Mirabel Meet and Greet OPENS at Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom. Check out the Disney Characters at Disney World.
September 15-17, 2023: Rosh Hashanah
September 24-25, 2023: Yom Kippur
OCTOBER 2023
October sees loads of Halloween crowds. no doubt all at the park for the Boo to You Parade! But you can also find loads of fall decorations, Halloween decorations, and New Disney Halloween Snacks in the parks. As fall is our absolute favorite time to visit, there is no shortage of things to be done. Of the fall months though, know that October is the most expensive and most crowded. Check out our 5 Things to Do at Walt Disney World for Fall.
July 27 – November 18, 2023: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
August 11 – November 1, 2023: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
October 7 – 11, 2023: Columbus Day Weekend ( October 9, 2023)
October 16, 2023: 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company
October 16, 2023: Journey of Water Inspired by Moana at EPCOT Opens
October 16, 2023: Moana Meet and Greet Opens at Journey of Water EPCOT
October 31, 2023: Halloween
NOVEMBER 2023
Late Fall at Walt Disney World usually sees the completion of projects., and the Food and Wine Festival wraps up. Plus Christmas Decorations begin to arrive by the third week in November. Right after Thanksgiving the EPCOT Festival of Holidays begins. This festival combines loads of holiday traditions and foods, along with the Candlelight Processional. November also marks the beginning of the Christmas Party, be sure to check out our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Guide for all the details.
New Asha Character Meet and Greet at EPCOT
Hatbox Ghost at Haunted Mansion Magic Kingdom | Late November
July 27 – November 18, 2023: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
November 7, 2023: Election Day
Disney Holiday (Christmas) Activities Begin
November 2-5, 2023: runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 6, 2023: Blizzard Beach Re-Opens
November 9- December 22, 2023: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
November 9-10, 2023: “Jersey Week”
November 11, 2023: Veterans Day
November 11-18, 2023: Disney Homeschool Days
November 18-26, 2023: Thanksgiving Week
November 18, 2023: Mickey and Minnie’s 95th Birthday
November 23- 26, 2023 ESPN Events Invitational Check out the College teams participating
November 23, 2023: Thanksgiving
November 24- December 30, 2023: Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
DECEMBER 2023
While Florida seems hot all the time, December and January can prove a little chilly. As such we recommend checking out our Disney Packing Tips for Winter post so you can go prepared. With magic in the air and loads of Christmas decorations, the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, there are lots of reasons to celebrate the season. Christmas at Walt Disney World also brings Gingerbread Displays, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and even Christmas at Animal Kingdom, complete with animal marionettes.
World Celebration EPCOT Opens
November 9- December 22, 2023: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
November 24- December 30, 2023: Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
December 2- 9, 2023: Pop Warner Week
December 5, 2023: Walt Disney Dreamers Point Statue arrives at EPCOT
December 5, 2023: Luminous The Symphony of Us OPENS EPCOT Nighttime Spectacular
December 13, 2023: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom
December 18-31, 2023: Christmas Weeks
December 25: Christmas
December 31, 2023-January 1, 2023: New Year’s Celebrations
Walt Disney World Vacation Planning
Planning a Disney Vacation can get complicated. Thankfully, we’ve done a round-up of all the information you need. If you’re ready to dive in, we have tips on how to plan a Disney Vacation and everything you need to know about Walt Disney World Parks. Grab our Disney Checklists so you know what to see, do, and eat in all four parks.
Walt Disney World Resorts
Where you stay during your Walt Disney World Vacation can make all the difference. From transportation options to crowds and quiet, to amenities. Here is a quick list of the Disney Resort Levels to consider when booking your vacation.
- Disney Value Resorts: Bus transportation. Pop Century and Art of Animation also have Skyliner transportation.
- Disney Moderate Resorts: Bus Transportation. Caribbean Beach Resort also has Skyliner transportation.
- Disney Deluxe Resorts. Bus transportation. Some offer monorail, ferry, and Skyliner transportation.
- Disney Boardwalk Resorts: Within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Disney Monorail Resorts: Within walking distance of Magic Kingdom.
- Disney Ferry Boat Resorts: Ferry boat resorts are located near EPCOT and Magic Kingdom
- Disney Skyliner Resorts: Includes Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Orlando Resorts Near Walt Disney World
And if you’re visiting Orlando to tackle more than just Walt Disney World you may want to stay off-property. As such, be sure to check out Disney World VRBO Vacation Rentals, Hotels.com, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor for the best Hotels near Disney World.
WALT DISNEY WORLD 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
From our point of view, you can never be too prepared for a Disney Vacation. This Walt Disney World Calendar 2023 is updated throughout the year to make sure you’re informed! No matter when you visit, hopefully, this calendar has given you an idea of what to expect during your vacation dates. Got questions? Let us know. Happy vacationing.
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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