Walt Disney World Calendar of Events 2023

Walt Disney World Calendar of Events 2023

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. 

magic kingdom castle

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

Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland Rides

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

Disney castle 50th anniversary

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. 

Artist Booths at Festival of the Arts Walt Disney World

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 

Festival of the Arts 2022 at Walt Disney World

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 

Disney Flower and Garden Festival

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

Animal Kingdom 50th Anniversary Statues

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

Flower and Garden Festival Epcot

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

Flower and Garden Festival Epcot

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

Orange Bird Collection at Flower and Garden Festival

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 

food and wine

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 

Remy's scavenger Hunt at Disney Food and Wine

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

disney halloween costumes

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

disney thanksgiving 2021

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

Disney during 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. 

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.

Disney Calendar 2023 Walt Disney World Events, Holidays, Festivals and More #disney2023

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

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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