Walt Disney World Calendar of Events 2024

Visiting Walt Disney World in 2024 is a whole lot easier when you know what to expect. Therefore, we’re sharing this Walt Disney World Calendar of Events for 2024 to help you get prepared. From Disney festivals, to crowds to events to openings of new attractions, there are tons of things that could affect your Disney World Vacation in 2024. And since Planning a Disney Vacation is even more complicated, it’s important to choose the Best Time to Visit. So, we’ve pulled together this calendar of events, holidays, Epcot festivals, parties, runDisney marathons and everything we could think of that may or may not affect your upcoming Disney Vacation. 

Need the Disney World Event Calendar Schedule for 2024, so you can plan your vacation? Never fear! We’ve rounded up all the Disney special events. Including the Epcot Festivals in 2024, Magic Kingdom Parties in 2024, and 2024 runDisney Events to help you plan. From the Disney Festival Schedule 2024, to any other WDW events in 2024 you can think of, we’re tracking them all here. 

When Should You Visit Walt Disney World in 2024?

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 Disney festival, party, or holiday. Check out our Year of Festivals and 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. 

Sports Team Events at Walt Disney World 2024

As  part of the Disney World event calendar 2024 we do include championships, cheerleading competitions, and national events. As ESPN Wide World of Sports typically hosts these events each year, you can plan for them, or around them. And as a result you can often expect to find teams, groups, and families in many of the Disney Resorts throughout these events. While this may not affect your vacation personally, know that often these groups are large, and do add to the crowd levels. 

What is the BEST TIME to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024?

The months of January and September are the best times to visit Walt Disney World, but each has holidays you’ll want to avoid. These months offer lower resort prices and lower crowds alongside worthwhile experiences, like the Festival of the Arts and Halloween at Walt Disney World. Remember weekends and holidays are more crowded regardless of when you visit. Once you get a glimpse of the dates in this Walt Disney World 2024 Calendar, you’ll understand why we HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting during these times of the year at Walt Disney World.

Here are the LOWEST CROWD TIMES for 2024 and the events happening during those times. Here are the date ranges for historically low crowd times throughout the year at Walt Disney World. Note: AVOID Weekends, runDisney Marathons, Labor Day, and Veterans Day.  For a COMPLETE write-up, check out our Best Times to Visit Disney World post. In that post, we break down the best days, weeks, and months to visit. Based on overall crowds and prices. And which parks to visit on which days, no matter when your vacation is planned.

• January 3-12| Festival of the Arts, runDisney Marathon
• January 22- February 8 | Festival of the Arts
• May 1-10 | Flower and Garden Festival
• August 12-31 | MNSSHP, Food and Wine Festival
• September 1- 30 | MNSSHP, Food and Wine Festival
• November 1-15 | Food and Wine Festival, Veterans Day
• December 1-13 | Festival of Holidays

What is the WORST TIME to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024?

The months of March and April during Spring Break are some of the worst months to visit Walt Disney World. Overall, holidays are typically crowded and expensive.  Once you get a glimpse of the dates in this Walt Disney World 2024 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 2024 and the events happening during those times. Remember weekends, and holidays are more crowded regardless.

• January 1-2, 13-17 | New Year’s, Martin Luther King Weekend
• February 16-20 | President’s Day Weekend
• March | Spring Break/ Easter
• April | Spring Break/Easter
• May 25- 28 | Memorial Day Weekend
• July | Fourth of July, H20 Glow Nights
• October 11-15 | Columbus Day Weekend
• November 22-30 | Thanksgiving Week
• December 14-31 | Christmas Break and New Year’s Eve

Festivals at EPCOT 2024

You’ll note that throughout this Disney World Event Calendar 2024, we have included the Disney Festival Schedule 2024. Happening throughout the year, back to back, you will most likely be visiting during one of the Epcot Festivals in Disney World. As such, along with the Disney Special Events that happen throughout the year, like special Disney After Hours events, you’ll have even more options of things to do during your visit. The festivals in Disney World 2024 include the Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2024, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2024, Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival 2024, and the Festival of Holidays 2024. Be sure to check out our Disney Festival Schedule 2024 page for updated posts on all the Disney special events. 

• January 12  – February 19, 2024: Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot 
• February 28- May 27 2024:  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 
• August 29- November 23, 2024: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
• November 29- December 25, 2024:  TENTATIVE Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Disney Special Events 2024 Parties

While there are plenty of Disney festivals and Disney special events in 2024, the main ones are the parties at Magic Kingdom. Offered annually, these Magic Kingdom events ring in Halloween and Christmas. If you’re visiting during the fall or winter at Disney World,  you can check out these special ticketed events in 2024 at Disney World.  Dates are TENTATIVE. 

• August 9 – October 31, 2024: TENTATIVE Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom 
• November 6- December 20, 2024:  TENTATIVE  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

Events at Disney World in 2024

We’ve broken down the Disney World 2024 Events 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 officially 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. Here’s everything to look forward on the Disney Event Calendar 2024. 

JANUARY 2024

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. 

Disney World in the Winter

January 1-3, 2024: Holiday Activities

January 1, 2024: New Year’s Day

January 3-7, 2024: runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

January 9, 2024: Return of the Disney Dining Plan, ALL-DAY Park Hopping Returns, and Park Pass Reservations No Longer Required.

January 10 to April 10, 2024: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights 9:30 pm- 12:30 am

January 11 to April 8, 2024: Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Select Nights 10:00 pm- 1:00 am

January 12  – February 19, 2024: Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot 

January 12 – 14, 2024: College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships

January 13-17, 2024: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend ( January 15, 2024)

January 15, 2024: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 25, 2024: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at EPCOT

FEBRUARY 2024

February at Walt Disney World can sometimes see crowds, with championships and events throughout the month. As such, for your best months to visit on the Disney Event Calendar 2024, 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 12 – February 19, 2024: Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot 

January 10 to April 10, 2024: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights 9:30 pm- 12:30 am

January 11 to April 8, 2024: Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Select Nights 10:00 pm- 1:00 am

February 2 through April 4, 2024: Disney After Hours at EPCOT Select Nights 10:00 pm to 1:00 am

February 9- February 13, 2024: NFL Pro Bowl Week (NFL Pro Bowl is February 11, 2024)

February 2-4, 2024: National Dance Team Championship

February 9-12, 2024: National High School Cheerleading Championship

February 11, 2024: Super Bowl Sunday

February 11-15, 2024: Valentine’s Day ( February 14, 2024)

February 14, 2024: Valentine’s Day

February 16-20, 2024:  President’s Day Weekend ( February 19, 2024)

February 19, 2024: President’s Day

February 11-17, 2024: Mardi Gras Week 

February 13, 2024: Fat Tuesday

February 14, 2024: Ash Wednesday

February 22-25, 2024:  runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 

February 27, 2024: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom

February 27, 2024: Walt Disney World 2025 Vacation Resort stays and theme park tickets for 2025 are available to purchase

February 28- May 27 2024:  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 

MARCH 2024

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. 

Disney World in the Spring

Easter Events at Walt Disney World

New Ahsoka Adventures at Star Tours Hollywood Studios

January 10 to April 10, 2024: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights 9:30 pm- 12:30 am

January 11 to April 8, 2024: Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Select Nights 10:00 pm- 1:00 am

February 2 through April 4, 2024: Disney After Hours at EPCOT Select Nights 10:00 pm to 1:00 am

March 1, 2024: Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt at EPCOT

February 28- May 27 2024:  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 

March 1-April 6, 2024: Spring Break from most high schools and colleges

March 1-3, 2024:  Contest of Champions Nationals

March 8-10, 2024: International All-Star Cheerleading Championship

March 17, 2024: St. Patrick’s Day

March 21, 2024: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at EPCOT

March 29, 2024: Good Friday

March 31: Easter Sunday

APRIL 2024

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. Making this one of the busiest months on the Disney Event Calendar 2024. 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! 

Earth Month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom  

January 10 to April 10, 2024: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights 9:30 pm- 12:30 am

January 11 to April 8, 2024: Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Select Nights 10:00 pm- 1:00 am

February 2 through April 4, 2024: Disney After Hours at EPCOT Select Nights 10:00 pm to 1:00 am

February 28- May 27 2024:  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 

March 1-April 6, 2024: Spring Break from most high schools and colleges

April 4- 8, 2024: Disney Dreamers Academy at Disney World

April 16-22, 2024: Earth Week Activities at Animal Kingdom 

April 18- April 21, 2024:  runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend 

April 20- 21, 2024: Dapper Day Spring Outing

April 22, 2024: Earth Day

April 23, 2024: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom

April 25- 28, 2024:  TENTATIVE Halfway to Halloween

April 24- 26, 2024:  ICU Cheerleading World Championship

April 26-29, 2024: USASF The Cheerleading Worlds

MAY 2024

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.

February 28- May 27 2024:  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 

May 1, 2024: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary

May 1- June 26: Disney VIPassholder Days ( Check out the Perks for Disney Annual Passholders)

May 2-5, 2024: The Summit-Varsity All-Stars Cheerleading and Dance Championship

May 4, 2024: Star Wars Day. May the Fourth Be with You!

May 5, 2024: Cinco De Mayo

May 10-12, 2024: Twirlmania International Championships

May 12, 2024: Mother’s Day

May 24-28, 2024: Memorial Day Weekend ( May 27, 2024)

May 24- September 2, 2024: Dreams that Soar Drone Show at Disney Springs

May 25- August 31, 2024: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights

May 27, 2024: Memorial Day

JUNE 2024

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. 

Disney World in the Summer

May 1- June 26: Disney VIPassholder Days

May 24- September 2, 2024: Dreams that Soar Drone Show at Disney Springs

May 25- August 31, 2024: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights

May 30-June 3, 2024: Gay Days Orlando

May 30- June 3, 2024: One Magical Weekend at Walt Disney World

June 1, 2024- August 31, 2024: runDisney Virtual Series

June 1, 2024: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon 35th Anniversary

June 4, 2024: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at Typhoon Lagoon

June 9, 2024: Donald Duck’s 90th Birthday

June 10, 2024: Joy Inside Out Meet and Greet Debuts at Pixar Place, Hollywood Studios

June 10- September 6, 2024: The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration at Animal Kingdom

June 10- September 6, 2024: Encanto Sing-a-Along at EPCOT Communicore Plaza Stage

June 16, 2024: Father’s Day

June 21-30, 2024: Department of Defense Warrior Games at ESPN Wide world of Sports

JULY 2024

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. 

May 24- September 2, 2024: Dreams that Soar Drone Show at Disney Springs

May 25- August 31, 2024: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights

June 10- September 6, 2024: The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration at Animal Kingdom

June 10- September 6, 2024: Encanto Sing-a-Along at EPCOT Communicore Plaza Stage

July 3-9, 2024: Fourth of July Weekend ( July 4, 2024)

July 1- August 12, 2024: TENTATIVE Flavors of Florida Event at Disney Springs

July 4, 2024: Independence Day

July 11, 2024: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at Typhoon Lagoon

AUGUST 2024

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. 

Disney World in the Fall

May 24- September 2, 2024: Dreams that Soar Drone Show at Disney Springs

May 25- August 31, 2024: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights

June 10- September 6, 2024: The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration at Animal Kingdom

June 10- September 6, 2024: Encanto Sing-a-Along at EPCOT Communicore Plaza Stage

August 18-24, 2024: TENTATIVE World Princess Week

August 27, 2024: Disney Vacation Club DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios

August 29– November 23, 2024: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

August 9 – October 31, 2024: TENTATIVE Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom 

SEPTEMBER 2024

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!

August 29– November 23, 2024: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

August 9 – October 31, 2024: TENTATIVE Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom 

August 30- September 3, 2024:  Labor Day Weekend ( September 2, 2024)

September 2, 2024: Labor Day

OCTOBER 2024

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. 

August 29– November 23, 2024: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

August 9 – October 31, 2024: TENTATIVE Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom 

October 3, 2024: Rosh Hashanah

October 12, 2024: Yom Kippur

October 11-15, 2024:  Columbus Day Weekend ( October 14, 2024)

October 14, 2024: Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 31, 2024: Halloween

October 31- November 3, 2024: runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend 

NOVEMBER 2024

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. 

August 29– November 23, 2024: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

November 5, 2024: Election Day

Disney Holiday (Christmas) Activities Begin

November 6- December 20, 2024:  TENTATIVE  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

November 7-8, 2024: Jersey Week ( Heavy Crowds)

November 8-12, 2024: Veterans Day Weekend ( November 11, 2024)

November 11, 2024: Veterans Day

November 24-30, 2024: Thanksgiving Week ( November 28, 2024)

November 26, 27, 29, 2024: ESPN Events Invitational

November 28, 2024: Thanksgiving

November 29- December 25, 2024:  TENTATIVE Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

DECEMBER 2024

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. 

Disney World in the Winter

November 6- December 20, 2024:  TENTATIVE  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

November 29- December 25, 2024:  TENTATIVE Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

December 1- 31, 2024: runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas

December 7-14, 2024: Pop Warner Week

December 7-8, 2024: Dapper Day Holiday Outing at Disney World. 

December 18-31, 2024: Christmas Weeks

December 25, 2024: Christmas

December 31, 2024-January 1, 2025: New Year’s Celebrations

Walt Disney World Vacation Planning 2024

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 in 2024

If you’ve used this Disney Event Calendar 2024 to figure out your best time to visit Walt Disney World, you’re half way there! Now it’s time to pick where to stay at Disney World. Because, 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 World  Resort Tiers 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.

WALT DISNEY WORLD 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

From our point of view, you can never be too prepared for a Disney Vacation. This Walt Disney World 2024 Calendar is updated throughout the year to make sure you’re informed! From keeping track of the Disney festivals 2024 to all the Magic Kingdom Events in 2024, we’ll be sharing it here. No matter when you visit, hopefully, this Disney world calendar of events has given you an idea of what to expect during your vacation dates. Or maybe you’re already your planning your Disney Vacation for next year and need to know the Disney Events in 2025? Got questions? Let us know. Happy vacationing.