Dates to consider when booking your Disney World 2026 vacation
If you’re eyeing a Disney World getaway for 2026, now is the time to sync your personal calendar with everything scheduled to happen at Disney World. While vacationers typically plan around school breaks and work windows, 2026 introduces high-stakes timing for fans, headlined by the permanent closure of DINOSAUR on Feb. 2 and a major summer “rebrand” of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster featuring The Muppets.
The 2026 season officially marks a pivot toward new technology and national celebrations, with the launch of Soarin’ Across America by Memorial Day. From the return of annual staples like the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival to the summer arrival of Bluey at Animal Kingdom, understanding this year’s specific “open” and “closed” dates is the key to ensuring your long-awaited trip isn’t met with construction walls.
These festivals and special dates usually occur annually, which should help narrow down when to plan your Disney World 2026 vacation.
Walt Disney World Calendar 2026
JANUARY
New Year’s Day – Jan. 1, 2026 – The start of the new year starts begins with the cleanup of the Christmas decorations. Generally, if you come for the first few days of the year, you will still be able to see the holiday decorations up, which are phenomenal.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend — Jan. 7-11, 2026 – Runners from around the globe descend on Disney World. The parks are a bit more crowded this time of year, but it’s a great vibe.
Disney After Hours Event – Starting Jan. 12, 2026 –The popular, separately ticketed events mean tons of Disney World theme park fun. You’ll get three hours – after hours – to ride your favorite attractions, see beloved characters, and refuel on unlimited, complimentary snacks. The late-night events start Jan. 12 at Magic Kingdom, Jan. 14 at Hollywood Studios, and Jan. 22 at EPCOT. For the complete schedule, go here.
Disney Skyliner Refurbishment – Jan. 25–31, 2026 – Closed for annual refurbishment.
Disney Wilderness Lodge Boat Dock – Jan. 12 – 30, 2026 – Boat dock is closed, meaning no water transportation to Magic Kingdom during those weeks.
Martin Luther King Day – Jan. 19, 2026 – This three-day holiday weekend usually means higher crowds.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts — Jan. 16 – Feb. 23, 2025 – This festival offers the opportunity to meet Disney artists, eat special foods and has the Disney on Broadway concert series. And yes, there are special food booths.
Frozen Ever After – Jan. 26 – February 2026 – The attraction at EPCOT is closed as the animatronics are refurbished.
FEBRUARY
Black History Month – The resort celebrates throughout the entire month with special displays, storytellers, and artists at Disney Springs.
DINOSAUR – Feb. 2, 2026 – The longtime attraction at Animal Kingdom closes to make way for a new Tropical Americas land featuring Indiana Jones and Encanto. The last day of operation is Feb. 1, 2026.
Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14, 2026 – The resort normally offers special meals, usually a couple of special events.
President’s Weekend – Feb. 14-16, 2026 – The weekend normally has some larger crowds. This also usually brings longer park hours.
Mardi Gras – Feb. 17, 2026– Restaurants at Disney Springs normally offer some special menus and there is a mini-float parade at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (on Fat Tuesday).
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend — Feb. 26- March 2, 2026 – Runners descend on the resort again for this weekend of races.
MARCH
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival — March 4 to June 1, 2026 – The festival features dozens of Disney character topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens and performances during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival – March 17, 2026 – Raglan Road at Disney Springs throws an annual celebration with live entertainment, dancing and face painting.
Spring Break 2025 – Mid-March through April – During this crowded time of the year, Disney employs several strategies to disperse crowds, including offering additional entertainment at alternative parks other than the Magic Kingdom and opening or offering seasonal restaurants or dining options. Be aware Florida schools are out March 15-18, which means local kids will be out of school and may be showing up more in the parks.
Easter Eggs on Display – Late March through Early April – Easter is on April 5 and we should see special Easter egg displays at the Grand Floridian and the Beach and Yacht Clubs.
APRIL
Easter Sunday – April 5, 2026 – There will be a number of special dinners and food offered. Epcot will have its annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Grand Floridian normally has a display of specially designed Easter Eggs.
Springtime Surprise Race – April 16-20, 2026 – Choose from an adventurous 5K, 10K or 10-Miler, or participate in a Challenge that combines all three races for a total of 19.3 miles. But no matter which you choose, you’ll be immersed in everything from meet-and-greets with rarely seen Characters to inspiring movie clips and more.
Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Anniversary – April 22, 2026 – A variety of events take place at Animal Kingdom to celebrate Earth Day. Animal Kingdom will be celebrating its 28th anniversary.
MAY
Dapper Days: May 2-3, 2026 – An unofficial weekend in which participants are encouraged to “step out in style,” a retro look, at Disney World. Information can be found at dapperday.com.
May the 4th: May 4, 2026 – May the 4th has been known across Star Wars Fandom as Star Wars Day and was chosen due to the pun “May The Fourth be with You.” Disney’s Hollywood Studios usually has some special merchandise and a few events.
H2O Glow Nights – Late May-Late August – The Typhoon Lagoon water park parties at night with this specially-ticketed event. There is dancing on the beach, party games, special food and of course, all of the water activities. It started on May 25 in 2024.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Mission: – May 22, 2026 – A new thrilling storyline centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu will debut.
Soarin’ Across America – Around Memorial Day – Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this all-new American adventure will debut aboard the beloved attraction at EPCOT.
Memorial Day Weekend – May 23-25, 2026 – Disney normally uses this time to open new rides and introduce new attractions for the summer season. In the past, Disney has had summer themes and also introduced limited-time events and shows.
Banana Ball Debuts – May 29-30 – The wild, entertaining sport is headed to ESPN Wide World of Sports for the first time.
JUNE
Pride Month – June 1-30, 2026 – There are normally a lot of celebrations happening in the parks. In addition to Gay Days, there will be Pride Month snacks, merchandise, entertainment, and more.
Gay Days – June 4-7, 2025 -This is an unofficial gathering of LGBTQ+ people from around the world. It normally brings an increase in crowds at the park. Information can be found at gaydays.com
JULY
Independence Day – July 4, 2026 – Walt Disney World celebrates the Fourth of July with special fireworks at the Magic Kingdom on July 3 and July 4, and special shows at the various theme parks.
AUGUST
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival — Late August– Mid-November, 2026– The food festival kicks off with dozens of food kiosks, food and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Select nights from mid-August to October 31, 2026 – Halloween comes early to the Magic Kingdom. The special ticketed event takes place on select nights and includes a special parade, special shows, foods and special merchandise.
SEPTEMBER
Labor Day Weekend – Sept. 5- 7, 2026 – The last big weekend as school restarts in most of the U.S. The weekend is usually busy, bringing some crowd relief to the parks during the first few weeks of the month.
National Hispanic Heritage Month – Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2026 – During this month there are usually special character meet and greets, special foods and treats, and special events.
OCTOBER
Magic Kingdom and Epcot Anniversaries -October 1, 2026 – Magic Kingdom opened on Oct. 1, 1971, and EPCOT opened on Oct 1, 1982.
Halloween Month – October 2026 – Normally, special-themed treats are announced for all the parks and resorts.
NOVEMBER
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend — This is a tentative date, an offical date will be announced mid- January, Oct. 22 – 25, 2026 – The last of the marathon weekends for 2026 takes place.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Select nights from November to December 2026 – The special ticketed event has special has special fireworks, stage show and “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” as well as snow falling on Main Street.
Jollywood Nights – Select nights from November to December 2026 – The special ticketed event has special has special shows and food at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. .
Holiday Celebrations at Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs – November to December 2026 – Disney rolls out special events, shows and projections and decorations at Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays — November to December 2026 – Yuletide traditions from across the globe are at the heart of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. The theme is immersed in a vast world of holiday decorations and entertainment, themed merchandise, festive cuisine and costumed storytellers in many of the 11 World Showcase nations. The Candlelight Processional features the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator backed by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir.
Thanksgiving – Nov. 27, 2025 – Special dinners and menus are available for Thanksgiving Day at the parks and the resorts.
DECEMBER
Christmas Day – Dec. 25, 2025 – This has previously been the busiest day of the year at Magic Kingdom. Many people come Christmas week to spend it with their families in the park. On Christmas Day, Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade is normally broadcast.
Christmas Parade – Dec. 26-31, 2025 – Normally, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade is only seen at the special Mickey’s Very Special Christmas Party, but the last few days of the year the parade takes the spot of the normal afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom.
New Year’s Eve – Dec. 31, 2025 – Special fireworks at Magic Kingdom end the year. Normally the New Year’s fireworks are shown on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31.
