2026 Disney World Events Calendar and Schedule

Thinking of a trip to Walt Disney World in 2026? With big plans ahead, and some construction on the way, never fear, there are still plenty of 2026 Disney World Events filling the year ahead. From a new Mandalorian storyline for the Millennium Falcon to Disney Film Anniversaries, annual festivals and parties, here is the list of everything happening  at Disney World in 2026.

If you’re traveling in 2025, check out the 2025 Disney Events Calendar instead. This 2026 Disney World events calendar includes a list of holidays, Disney events, special festivals, ride openings, and Disney parties and anniversaries. Offering you a quick look at what is happening each month this Disney World Events Calendar 2026 covers it all. Events are listed as TENTATIVE, until confirmed. Though date ranges are typically the same each year. 

Crowds at Disney World in 2026

Giving you a complete picture of all the things that may affect your Disney Vacation, this 2026 Disney Event Schedule ALSO includes school sports championship dates, and group vacations. This will help you determine which weeks may have more crowds, and maybe even choose a better Disney Resort. ( Remembering that it’s often the Disney All-Star Resorts that get the championship teams and their families.) 

While you can check any WDW event calendar 2026 for a list of historically busy, and non-busy weeks in the parks, our 2026 Disney Event Schedule breaks down the details by month, so that you can get a birds eye view of your entire trip. Besides, choosing the best time to visit Disney World may not be completely in your control. Work obligations, school schedules, vacation time, and time of year are all variables that you need to consider. Here are some more things that happening at Disney World in 2026 that may affect your trip. Check out our Disney Crowd Calendar for historical week by week details. 

Sports Team Events at Walt Disney World 2026

To clarify how championships, cheerleading competitions, and national events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports may affect your vacation, hear us out! Every year, huge amounts of sports teams from schools, colleges, and even the professional leagues descend on Disney World. While all the activities take place at the ESPN building, the mere presence of these teams, adds crowds, crowds and more crowds to resorts, restaurants, and the parks.

This means your resort atmosphere my be rowdy, Disney restaurant reservations may be hard to get, and ride lines are long. As a result, we always recommending avoiding times when large groups are scheduled to be at Disney World. Review the Disney Calendar of Events 2026 list in this post for all the things that may affect your vacation. And plan your trip following the Disney Vacation Timeline, which can help make sure that your restaurant reservations are placed. And prepare to buy Lightning Lane Multi-Passes if you’re visiting during crowded times

What is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World in 2026?

The best months to visit Disney World are January, August and September. As some of the cheapest times to visit Walt Disney World you’ll find fewer crowds, and lower costs. And while you can typically find a good week each month to visit, remember that weekends and holidays are more crowded regardless of when you visit. That said, this Walt Disney World 2026 Calendar breaks down the events, and holidays happening each week, so you can choose your best time to visit. 

What is the Worst Time to Visit Walt Disney World in 2026?

Typically, the worst time to visit Disney World falls during March and April, as well as anytime when the kid’s have off school. This includes holiday weekends, holidays, spring break and winter break. 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. 

Highest Crowd Times at Disney World

• January 1- 3, 2026: New Year’s Week
• January 17-19, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
• February 14-16, 2026: President’s Day Weekend
• March 8- 31, 2026: Spring Break
• April 4-6, 2026: Easter Week
• May 22- 25, 2026: Memorial Day Weekend
• July 3-5, 2026: Fourth of July Weekend
• October 10-12, 2026: Columbus Day Weekend
• November 22- 28, 2026: Thanksgiving Week
• December 21- 30, 2026: Christmas Break
• December 31, 2026: New Year’s Eve

What’s New at Disney World in 2026

If you’re headed to Walt Disney World in 2026, in addition to all the holidays, group visits, and events below, you may also be up against constructions, refurbishments and new attractions. Here are all the new Disney World Attractions, and potential construction projects in 2026 that may affect your vacation. 

• Mandalorian and Grogu at Millennium Falcon | Hollywood Studios – 2026
• Muppets Rock N Roller Coaster | Hollywood Studios – Under Construction 2026
• The World of Monsters Inc. | Hollywood Studios – Under Construction 2026
• Cars Land | Magic Kingdom – Under Construction 2026
• Tropical Americas Land | Animal Kingdom Park – Under Construction 2026
• Disney Villains Land | Magic Kingdom – Under Construction 2026

Festivals at EPCOT 2026

You’ll note that throughout this Disney World Event Calendar 2026, we have included the Disney Festival Schedule 2026 below. 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. 

• Festival of the Arts at Epcot: January 16- February 23, 2026 TENTATIVE
• Flower and Garden Festival: March 4- June 1, 2026 TENTATIVE
• Food and Wine Festival: August 27 – November 21, 2026 TENTATIVE
• Festival of the Holidays: November 27 – December 25, 2026 TENTATIVE

Parties at Magic Kingdom 2026

As part of the Disney World Events Calendar and by far some of the most popular events at Disney World, the holiday parties at Magic Kingdom cost extra as a special ticketed event. Parties for Halloween and Christmas includes special parades, fireworks, snacks, merchandise, and more! As such, be sure to read our guides linked below so you can get all the details on dates, costs, and more. 

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: August 7 – October 31, 2026 TENTATIVE
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November 4- December 18, 2026 TENTATIVE

Parties at Hollywood Studios 2026

The Christmas party at Hollywood Studios is becoming an annual thing! And with it you can put on your best outfit, for a little glitz and glamour in the park after hours. This is a specially ticketed event with event exclusive entertainment and snacks. 

• Jollywood Nights Christmas Party: November 8-December 20, 2026 TENTATIVE

runDisney Races 2026

Each year runDisney hosts several races and marathons at Walt Disney World Parks. Featuring highly popular race options, registration often takes place a year in advance.  Each with special themes, be sure to check out the runDisney Event Schedule for 2026, to see which races happen when. And if you’re not heading to the parks, you can still run a virtual race, with all the prizes, at home. Check out the runDisney Virtual Race Events as well. Here are the dates confirmed and tentative dates for runDisney Walt Disney World Races this year. 

• January 7-11, 2026: runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend CONFIRMED
• February 26- March 2, 2026: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend CONFIRMED
• April 16- 19, 2026: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend CONFIRMED
• October 22- 25, 2026: runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend TENTATIVE

Disney After Hours 2026

In addition to the regularly scheduled EPCOT festivals, and annual parties on the Disney World Events Calendar, you can also attend evening events in the parks. These Disney After Hours dates happening throughout the year, are offered for an extra cost, at select parks, on select nights only. These events require a special ticket, and take place after hours, with limited capacity. For the latest you can check out the Disney After Hours Events which includes all current event dates. 

Disney World Calendar of Events Schedule

We’ve broken down the 2026 Disney World 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 World Events Calendar for 2026.

Disney World Events in January 2026

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. If you’re considering visiting in January, check out everything happening at Disney World in the Winter and all the Disney events in January 2026.

January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day

January 7- 11, 2026: runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

January 16- February 23, 2026: Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot TENTATIVE

January 16- 18, 2026: College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships

January 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 30- February 1, 2026: National Dance Cheerleading Championship

Disney World Events in February 2026

Events at Disney World in February can sometimes see crowds, with championships and events throughout the month. Also on the Disney Event Calendar 2026 in February are the runDisney Princess Half-Marathon, and Holidays that features specialty snacks. 

Black History Month

January 16- February 23, 2026: Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot TENTATIVE

February 6- 8, 2026: National High School Dance Cheerleading Championship

February 14, 2026: Valentine’s Day

February 16, 2026: President’s Day

February 17, 2026: Mardi Gras Week 

February 26- March 2, 2026: runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 

February 27- March 1, 2026: Contest of Champions Nationals

Disney World Events in March 2026

Walt Disney World welcomes springtime with the Flower and Garden Festival, and Spring Break. As a result, 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. Take note of the activities and holidays happening at Disney World in the Spring and all the Disney Events in March 2026. 

March 4- June 1, 2026: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival  TENTATIVE

March 14- 15, 2026: UCA All-Star National Cheerleading Championship

March 17, 2026: St. Patrick’s Day

Disney World Events in April 2026

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 2026. Make the most of Disney World Events in April 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!

Easter Events at Walt Disney World

Earth Month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom  

Dapper Day Spring Outing

Disney Dreamers Academy at Disney World

March 4- June 1, 2026: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival  TENTATIVE

April 16- 19, 2026: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

April 5, 2026: Easter

April 22, 2026: Earth Day

April 22- 24, 2026: ICU Cheerleading World Championship TENTATIVE

April 24- 27, 2026: USASF The Cheerleading Worlds TENTATIVE

Disney World Events in May 2026

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, so be sure to take advantage of the Disney Events in May 2026 to help make the cost worth it! 

Asian American Pacific Islander Month 

March 4- June 1, 2026: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival  TENTATIVE

April 30- May 3, 2026: The Summit-Varsity All-Stars Cheerleading and Dance Championship

May 4, 2026: Star Wars Day. May the Fourth Be with You!

May 5, 2026: Cinco de Mayo

May 4- 8, 2026: Halfway to Halloween TENTATIVE

May 10, 2026: Mother’s Day

May 22- 25, 2026: Twirlmania International Championships TENTATIVE

May 22- September 12, 2026: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights TENTATIVE

May 25, 2026: Memorial Day

Disney World Events in June 2026

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. Disney World events in June 2026 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. 

May 22- September 12, 2026: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights TENTATIVE

One Magical Weekend at Walt Disney World

June 1, 2026- August 31, 2026: runDisney Virtual Series

June 19, 2026: Juneteenth

June 21, 2026: Father’s Day

June 22- 28, 2026: Halfway to the Holidays TENTATIVE

Disney World Events in July 2026

By far the hottest month on the Disney World Event Calendar 2026 be ready for  sweaty! Plan to Take Breaks at Walt Disney World as needed, as you’ll need respite from the heat. July typically sees an homage to all things Florida with loads of new Orange-focused menu items and snacks across the parks and Disney Springs as part of the Flavors of  Florida events at Disney Springs. 

May 22- September 12, 2026: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights TENTATIVE

June 1, 2026- August 31, 2026: runDisney Virtual Series

July 9- August 9, 2026: Flavors of Florida Event at Disney Springs TENTATIVE 

July 4, 2026: Independence Day

Disney World Events in August 2026

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 for Disney World in the Fall. Disney events in August  2026 are some of the most crowded as people try to get in their last trips before school starts back up. 

May 22- September 12, 2026: H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours Select Nights TENTATIVE

August 7 – October 31, 2026: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom TENTATIVE

August 24- 28, 2026 World Princess Week TENTATIVE

August 27 – November 21, 2026: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival TENTATIVE

Disney World Events in September 2026

One of the most popular events on the Disney World Events Calendar, includes all things Halloween. September is all about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, New Halloween Snacks, and the Food and Wine Festival. Disney world events in September 2026 offer a lot to do. As such, 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 7 – October 31, 2026: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom TENTATIVE

August 27 – November 21, 2026: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival TENTATIVE

September 4- 7, 2026: Labor Day Weekend

September 15- October 15, 2026: Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month

September 12, 2026: Rosh Hashanah

September 21, 2026: Yom Kippur

Disney World Events in October 2026

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 too. 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.

August 7 – October 31, 2026: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party TENTATIVE

August 27 – November 21, 2026: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival TENTATIVE

October 9-12, 2026: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend

October 22- 25, 2026: runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

October 31, 2026: Halloween 

Disney World Events in November 2026

If you’re visiting the parks, then the Disney events in November 2026 are some of the best. Late Fall at Walt Disney World welcomes the holidays, with Christmas Decorations arriving by the third week in November. And, 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. 

Disney Holiday (Christmas) Activities Begin

August 27 – November 21, 2026: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival TENTATIVE

November 4- December 18, 2026: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party TENTATIVE

November 8-December 20, 2026: Jollywood Nights Christmas Party TENTATIVE

November 11, 2026: Veterans Day

November 18, 2026: Mickey and Minnie’s Birthday

November 26, 2026: Thanksgiving Week

November 27 – December 25, 2026: Epcot International Festival of the Holidays TENTATIVE

Disney World Events in December 2026

While Florida seems hot all the time, December and January can prove a little chilly. But don’t let that deter you. Disney events in December 2026 are as magical as they are merry. 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. By far the busiest and most expensive times to visit on the entire Disney World Events Calendar, the holidays are definitely magical enough to at least try once. 

November 4- December 18, 2026: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom TENTATIVE

November 8-December 20, 2026: Jollywood Nights Christmas Party TENTATIVE

November 27 – December 25, 2026: Epcot International Festival of the Holidays TENTATIVE

December 1- 31, 2026: runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas

Dapper Day Holiday Outing at Disney World

Pop Warner Week

December 5, 2026: Hanukkah begins

December 21- 27, 2026: December Christmas Weeks

December 28, 2026- January 1, 2027: New Year’s Celebrations

Holidays at Walt Disney World 2026

Believe it or not, lots of people spend their holidays at Disney World. Whether it’s the time off of work, or that the kids are out of school, crowds at Disney World are the highest during holiday weeks.

Even the most unassuming holidays get ridiculously crowded in the parks. Martin Luther King Day and Presidents Day are always crazy busy. Similarly, popular holidays like Halloween, and July 4th are also very busy. If you’re limited to holiday travel, be sure to check out all our Disney planning guides and tips for the visiting, so you can make the most your vacation. We share the 2026 holiday dates within each month so you know what’s happening during your Disney trip dates. We’ve found this helps to not only get a handle of things to do, but also what to plan around.  

Disney Anniversaries in 2026

Another thing that could affect your Disney trip are Disney anniversaries of all kinds. These anniversary celebration dates include film, ride and park anniversaries, as well as Character birthdays that may warrant special events. Typically anniversaries include new snacks, new merch, and perhaps a new Dooney and Bourke Disney bag. So, if you’re in the parks during a special anniversary, keep an eye out of limited time events, merch, and snacks to celebrate. 

• March 4, 2026: Zootopia 10th Anniversary
• April 12, 2026: James and the Giant Peach 30th Anniversary
• June 9, 2026: Cars 20th Anniversary
• June 21, 2026: Hunchback of Notre Dame 30th Anniversary
• July 2, 2026: The Great Mouse Detective 40th Anniversary
• October 1, 2026: Magic Kingdom’s 55th Anniversary
• September 28, 2026: Epcot Food and Wine Festival 30th Anniversary
• November 23, 2026: Moana 10th Anniversary

Walt Disney World Vacation Planning in 2026

Planning a Disney World Vacation in 2026 can get complicated. We’ve rounded up our best Disney Vacation Planning Tips to help make things easier! Everything from which resort to choose, to which restaurants to book, and transportation you’ll need along the way. We’ve broken it all down on this blog so that you can create the perfect Disney Vacation.  Grab our Disney Checklists so you know what to see, do, and eat in all four parks.

Walt Disney World Resorts in 2026

Disney World has over 25 resorts on property, and a slew of Good Neighbor Hotels in the Orlando Area as well. We’ve shared reviews for all the Disney Resorts we’ve stayed at so far on our Disney World Resorts page. There you can learn which resorts are closest to each park, how much they cost, and  transportation options at each. 

Disney World Calendar of Events 2026

Let’s be honest, you can never be too prepared for a vacation at Disney World. While the 2026 Disney events calendar may not include loads of new rides at the parks, the Disney World Calendar 2026 still includes crowds. No matter when you visit give yourself the best chance of lower crowds, by taking the advice in this post. Hopefully, this Disney world calendar of events has given you an idea of what to expect during your vacation dates. Got questions? Let us know. Happy vacationing.