You want to take a trip to Walt Disney World in 2024, but you haven’t made your plans yet. Don’t worry, time is not running out. For most people, the decision of when to go is usually made around when school is out or when you can schedule a vacation because of work. Considering all that, it’s a good idea to know what the Disney Calendar is normally like each year.
Festivals and special dates normally take place every year, which should help narrow down when to go.
Here’s a look:
Walt Disney World Calendar 2024
JANUARY
New Year’s Day – Jan. 1, 2024 – The start of the new year starts begins with the cleanup of the Christmas decorations. Normally if you come 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. 3-7, 2024 – 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. 10, 2024 –The popular separately ticketed events mean tons of Walt 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. 10 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Jan. 11 at Magic Kingdom Park and Feb. 2 at EPCOT.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts — Jan. 12 – Feb. 19, 2024 – 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.
Martin Luther King Day – Jan. 15, 2024 – This three-day holiday weekend usually means crowds are higher.
FEBRUARY
Black History Month – The resort celebrates throughout the entire month with special displays, storytellers, and artists at Disney Springs.
Super Bowl Parade – Feb. 12, 2024 – Normally the day after the Super Bowl the Super Bowl champs parade down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom. Now, since the Super Bowl is taking place in Las Vegas it is likely that the champs will head to Disneyland.
Mardi Gras – Feb. 13, 2024 – 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).
Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14, 2024 – The resort normally offers special meals usually a couple of special events.
President’s Weekend – Feb. 17-19, 2024 – The weekend normally has some larger crowds. This also usually brings longer park hours.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend — Feb. 22-26, 2024– Runners descend on the resort again for this weekend of races.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival — Feb. 28 to Early July – The festival features dozens of Disney character topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens and performances during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
MARCH
Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival – March 17, 2024 – Raglan Road at Disney Springs throws an annual celebration with live entertainment, dancing and face painting.
Spring Break 2024 – 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 18-22, which means local kids will be out of school and may be showing up more in the parks.
Easter Eggs on Display – End of March 2024 – Easter Day is March 31 and we should see special Easter egg displays at the Grand Floridian and the Beach and Yacht Clubs.
Easter Sunday – March 31, 2024 – 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
APRIL
Springtime Surprise Race – April 18-21, 2024 – The 2024 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will transport you to a world of “wow!” Fly off on a magical journey that starts with the Peter Pan and Tinker Bell-inspired Neverland 5K. Ascend to new heights with the Adventure Is Out There 10K, where you’ll meet beloved characters from Disney and Pixar’s Up. Run wild with the Hakuna Matata 10-Miler, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Lion King. Complete all 3 races for the Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge and earn a commemorative medal symbolizing unity.
Dapper Days: April 21 and 22, 2024 – 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.
Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Anniversary – April 22, 2024 – A variety of events take place at Animal Kingdom to celebrate Earth Day. Animal Kingdom will be celebrating its 26th anniversary.
MAY
May the 4th: May 4, 2024 – 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.
H20 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.
Memorial Day Weekend – May 25-27, 2024 – 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.
JUNE
Pride Month – June 1-30, 2024 – 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 – May 30-June 3, 2024 -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, 2024 – Walt Disney World celebrates the Fourth of July with special fireworks at the Magic Kingdom on July 3 and July4, and special shows at the various theme parks.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival — Mid-July – Mid-November, 2024– The food festival kicks off with dozens of food kiosks, food and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
AUGUST
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Select nights from mid-August to October 31, 2024 – 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. Aug. 31- Sept. 2, 2024 – 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, 2024 – During this month there are usually special character meet and greets, special foods and treats, and special events.
OCTOBER
Magic Kingdom, Epcot Anniversaries -October 1, 2024 – Magic Kingdom opened Oct. 1, 1971 and will EPCOT opened on Oct 1, 1982.
Halloween Month – October 2024 – Normally, for the month, special themed treats are announced for all the parks and resorts.
NOVEMBER
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend — Oct. 31 – Nov. 3, 2024 – The last of the marathon weekends for 2024 takes place.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Select nights from November to December 2024 – 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.
Holiday Celebrations at Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs – November to December 2024 – 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 2024 – 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. 28, 2024 – Special dinners and menus are available for Thanksgiving Day at the parks and the resorts.
DECEMBER
Christmas Day – Dec. 25, 2024 – 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, 2024 – 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, 2024 – Special fireworks at Magic Kingdom end the year. Normally the New Year’s fireworks are shown on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31.
