January 9, 2025
Must-See Events Coming To Walt Disney World In 2025

In Partnership With Vacation Central Florida

Magic awaits around every corner at Walt Disney World in 2025. The perfect Disney year unfolds with spectacular calendar events filling every month. Popular celebrations like the International Food & Wine Festival stand ready to welcome visitors alongside exciting new additions to the magical lineup. First-time guests and longtime Disney fans will discover endless ways to make memories throughout the year. Our handpicked collection of 10 must-experience events helps you plan the perfect Disney vacation with all the dates, pricing details, and insider wisdom you need for a truly enchanted 2025 adventure.

EPCOT Festival of the Arts (January-February 2025)

Colorful masterpieces and creative wonders await your family at EPCOT's most imaginative celebration! The International Festival of the Arts paints the park with endless possibilities from January 17 through February 24, 2025. Stroll through this artistic wonderland daily from 9 AM to 9 PM while tempting food studios welcome hungry art lovers starting at 11 AM.

Festival of the Arts Dates and Hours

Five spectacular weeks of visual delights, culinary masterpieces, and Broadway magic fill every corner of EPCOT. Regular park admission unlocks most festival experiences, though some unique offerings need an extra ticket. Grab your Festival Passport at the entrance - this handy guide ensures you won't miss a single artistic moment.

Festival of the Arts Entertainment Lineup

Broadway magic takes center stage in 2025! Visitors will love exploring CommuniCore Hall's special walkthrough exhibit, which showcases 30 years of Disney on Broadway treasures, including dazzling costumes and props from favorites like "The Lion King" and "Aladdin."

Families can enjoy these complimentary festival highlights:

  • Visual Art in Performance – Watch Disney characters come alive through speed painting
  • Animation Academy – Create your own Disney masterpiece
  • Art Defying Gravity – Gasp at amazing acrobatic artistry

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series lights up the America Gardens Theater three times daily at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Fresh faces join the lineup, including Jelani Remy from "The Lion King" and Rodney Ingram from "Aladdin."

Image ©Disney

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 2025)

Dreams come true with every stride at Walt Disney World's most enchanting running celebration. Royal adventures await as princesses of all ages gather for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, sparkling with magic from February 20-24, 2025.

Princess Half Marathon Event Schedule

Five spectacular days of fairy tale fitness unfold with something special for every royal runner:

  • Thursday (February 20): Start your story with Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga
  • Friday (February 21): Dance through the kingdom in the Mulan-themed 5K
  • Saturday (February 22): Journey with Jasmine in the Enchanted 10K
  • Sunday (February 23): Aurora's Half Marathon crowns the weekend
  • Special Challenge: Brave souls can claim the ultimate glory in the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge - 19.3 magical miles across two days

Fairy Tale Challenge champions earn three dazzling medals - a crown jewel collection celebrating your remarkable achievement.

Image ©Disney

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival (March-July 2025)

Springtime magic blossoms at EPCOT's most spectacular outdoor celebration! Garden dreams come to life during the International Flower & Garden Festival, blooming from March 5 through June 2, 2025. Families treasure this 90-day wonderland where favorite Disney characters emerge as stunning topiaries across the park.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

Sweet melodies fill the evening air at America Gardens Theater with a fantastic lineup:

  • March 7-8: Tommy DeCarlo (former Boston lead singer)
  • March 9-10: Air Supply - 50th Anniversary Celebration
  • March 14-15: Blue October
  • March 16-17: Rick Springfield
  • March 21-22: Herman's Hermits, starring Peter Noone
  • March 23-24: 38 Special
  • March 28-29: Jason Scheff (longtime Chicago singer)

Dance and sing along at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Families love the Garden Rocks dining packages - they're perfect for securing guaranteed concert seats while enjoying a delicious meal.

Outdoor Kitchen Menus and Pricing

Budget-friendly garden-fresh delights await at outdoor kitchens throughout the World Showcase. Most tasty treasures cost between $5.00 and $10.00, making it easy to sample multiple dishes without wilting your wallet.

Taste buds bloom at festival favorites:

  • EPCOT Farmers Feast - seasonal surprises that change with nature's rhythm
  • Hanami's beloved Frushi - a playful twist on fruit and sushi
  • The Honey Bee-stro - sweet treats buzzing with flavor
  • Northern Bloom - Canadian dishes that warm hearts

Culinary adventures begin daily at 11 AM. Smart families share plates to sample more garden-fresh goodies while keeping costs manageable.

Watch the Disney Parks Blog for fresh updates about entertainment and menu additions as the festival season approaches.

Image ©Disney

Springtime Surprise RunDisney Weekend (April 2025)

Heroes unite for an epic adventure at Walt Disney World Resort! Super-powered dreams come true during the RunDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, where mighty runners gather from April 3-6, 2025.

Springtime Surprise Race Information

Disney magic meets superhero spirit in three amazing races:

  • Groot leads the way in the Guardians of the Galaxy 5K (April 4)
  • Go the distance in the Hercules-themed 10K (April 5)
  • Race to glory in The Incredibles 10-Miler (April 6)
  • Super families can tackle all three races for a spectacular Big Hero 6 medal

Start your heroic journey with Disney Heroes Yoga at Disney's Hollywood Studios on April 3. Victory awaits at the Springtime Surprise Splash in Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, where shorter lines and entertainment celebrate your achievements.

Race Weekend Entertainment Schedule

Mighty memories await as beloved Disney heroes cheer you on! Each adventure begins at 5:00 AM, packed with:

  • Surprise character encounters along the course
  • Digital race guide for modern heroes
  • Gleaming finisher medals
  • Power-up refreshment stations

Registration and Pricing Details

Assemble your team for these registration dates:

  • Club runDisney Gold/Platinum Members: August 20, 2024
  • General Registration: August 27, 2024 at 10 AM ET
Image ©Disney

Disney After Hours Events (January-September 2025)

Moonlit magic sparkles across three popular Disney Parks. Families treasure these exclusive evenings where favorite attractions shine under starlit skies, creating memories that glitter long after the night ends.

After-Hours Event Dates by Park

Magic Kingdom Park sparkles with enchantment from 10 PM to 1 AM, January through May. Your storybook evening begins January 6 and continues through May 19, 2025.

EPCOT lights up the night from February 27 through September 25, welcoming families from 10 PM to 1 AM. Disney's Hollywood Studios adds its own star power from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM on select nights between January 22 and September 3.

Sweet tip for families: Start your magical evening early—your After Hours ticket opens the park gates at 7 PM!

After Hours Special Entertainment

Each park wraps you in its unique nighttime charm. Little ones beam with joy riding TRON Lightcycle / Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park with barely a wait. Hollywood Studios unveils rare character friends, while EPCOT invites space rangers to zoom through Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind without the daytime crowds.

Your evening includes these magical extras:

  • Sweet treats galore - ice cream, popcorn, and refreshing beverages
  • Access to beloved attractions under starlit skies
  • Precious moments with favorite Disney friends
Image ©Disney

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (July-November 2025)

Flavors worldwide dance on taste buds during EPCOT's most delicious celebration. Families gather for this global feast from July 15 through November 20, 2025.

Food & Wine Festival Marketplace Guide

Delightful discoveries await as six continents share their tastiest treasures at Global Marketplaces. Little food explorers love discovering the new 'Flavors of the Mediterranean' with its fresh-caught seafood delights, while parents savor spicy surprises at 'Taste of the Caribbean'.

Taste buds tingle at festival favorites:

  • Succulent Lobster Roll at American Adventure
  • Comfort-filled Braised Beef Poutine in Canada
  • Refreshing Blood Orange Margarita from Mexico
  • Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake at the Chocolate Studio

Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule

Music fills hearts while flavors fill plates at America Gardens Theater! Toe-tapping tunes play three times nightly at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. Weekend warriors rock out to popular bands Friday through Monday, while midweek guests discover local musical gems Tuesday through Thursday.

Make memories with an Eat to the Beat Dining Package:

  • Mouthwatering three-course feast or bountiful buffet
  • Refreshing beverages for all ages
  • Perfect show seats guaranteed

Special Events and Demonstrations

Kitchen magic comes alive as renowned chefs share secret recipes and cooking wisdom. Budding chefs flourish at CommuniCore Hall's hands-on workshops while grown-ups sample fine wines with expert sommeliers.

For less crowds, visit on weekends between 11 AM and 5 PM. Grab your Festival Passport—this trusty guide will lead you through a world of flavors waiting to become cherished family memories.

Image ©Disney

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (August-October 2025)

Friendly ghosts and happy haunts fill Magic Kingdom Park with giggles and treats. Families discover a world of playful spooks and delightful surprises from August 9 through October 31, 2025.

Trick-or-Treat Locations and Characters

Fill treasure bags with sweet surprises at these happy haunts:

  • Main Street Welcome (until 8 PM)
  • Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland
  • Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square
  • Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland

Share hugs with Jack Skellington and Sally at Town Square Theater, groove with Elvis Stitch in Tomorrowland, and cuddle the Pooh pals in their adorable costumes near Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Image ©Disney

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (November-December 2025)

Holiday dreams sparkle to life as Magic Kingdom Park transforms into a winter wonderland! Families treasure this cherished tradition where Florida nights fill with dancing snowflakes and heartwarming memories on Main Street, U.S.A.

Christmas Party Entertainment Lineup

Four dazzling shows fill hearts with holiday joy:

  • Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration: Mickey and pals spread cheer at 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM, and 11:55 PM
  • Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: Twinkling lights and beloved friends parade at 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM
  • Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks: Stars dance above the castle at 10:00 PM
  • Frozen Holiday Surprise: Arendelle magic comes alive at 8:15 PM

Holiday Treats and Character Meets

Sweet surprises await at five festive locations:

  • Tortuga Tavern: Cozy red velvet cookies with apple cider
  • Columbia Harbor House: Warm pretzels and steamy cocoa
  • The Lunching Pad: Fresh-baked sugar cookies with cocoa
  • Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe: Tree-shaped cookie delights
  • Pinocchio Village Haus: Special holiday goodies

Meet 30 Disney friends dressed in holiday finest, from Sandy Claws Jack to merry Santa Goofy. Starting at 6:00 PM, Santa himself will bring extra magic.

Image ©Disney

EPCOT Festival of Holidays (November-December 2025)

Holiday traditions from around the world sparkle with magic at EPCOT. Families discover treasured celebrations from distant shores during the International Festival of Holidays, brightening winter days from November 29 through December 30, 2025.

Holiday Storytellers and Entertainment

Precious moments unfold as storytellers share cherished traditions throughout the World Showcase. Little ones listen wide-eyed as La Befana weaves tales of Italian gift-giving while the Lion Dancer brings Chinese New Year customs to vibrant life. Throughout each magical day, 15-minute stories include:

  • Mariachi Cobre's joyous Las Posadas in Mexico
  • Pere Noel's enchanting French holiday tales
  • Canadian Holiday Voyageurs' Musical Winter Adventures

Festival Food and Beverage Options

Festive flavors tempt taste buds at holiday kitchens across the park:

  • Yukon Holiday Kitchen: Cozy Canadian comfort foods
  • L'Chaim! Holiday Kitchen: Beloved deli traditions
  • Tuscany Holiday Kitchen: Sweet Italian treats like fresh panettone

Candlelight Processional Schedule

Hearts soar as a 50-piece orchestra and magnificent choir bring the Christmas story to life. Three nightly performances fill the air with wonder at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM.

"JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season" adds Gospel and R&B rhythms to the festivities. Grab a Festival Passport to guide your family through every magical moment of cultural celebration at EPCOT.

Image ©Disney

Disney Jollywood Nights (November-December 2025)

This holiday season, Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering a dazzling array of new experiences and festive cheer. This limited-capacity, five-hour event runs on select nights from November through December and invites guests to celebrate the season with immersive holiday décor, exclusive entertainment, delectable seasonal treats, and enchanting surprises throughout the park.

Jollywood Nights Entertainment Lineup

Disney Holidays in Hollywood

Behold a spirited holiday show with music, dancing and beloved Characters at Theater of the Stars.

Hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, this star-studded holiday extravaganza includes appearances from Characters such as Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse—accompanied by a talented cast of singers, dancers and jazz musicians.

What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along

Join Jack Skellington on a dreamlike adventure at Hyperion Theater.

Sing along with the Pumpkin King to songs from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas as you follow 2 friends on a larger-than-life journey. You’ll discover the peculiar magic of wonder in unlikely places, conquer the Oogie Boogie man himself and stay curious when things are not quite as they seem.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Be dazzled by a nighttime spectacular that will make spirits bright.

Watch in awe as heartwarming holiday moments from favorite Disney films are brought to life on the façade of the park’s iconic Chinese Theater. It’s a stunning display of fireworks, lasers, lights, projections and merry music—and it’s only available at Disney Jollywood Nights!

Jollywood Nights Food and Beverage Options

Though offerings are subject to change, here are some menu items that were available for purchase in 2024.

  • Agent P Croissant: Waffle croissant dipped in caramel-chocolate and topped with mint cream, a chocolate hat, and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies.
  • Jazzy Holiday Slider: Bison and pork, onion jam, dulce gorgonzola, bib lettuce, and a brioche roll.
  • Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with a pickled slaw served on a mini funnel cake.
Image ©Disney

Conclusion

Dreams take flight throughout 2025 at Walt Disney World. Each season, from artists painting live masterpieces to sugar plums dancing in winter skies, brings families fresh ways to create precious memories together. The secret to Disney's magic lies in thoughtful planning. Popular events like runDisney races fill quickly, while holiday parties often sell out months ahead. Start dreaming of your 2025 Disney story today, and visit Vacation Central Florida for top vacation rentals minutes from Disney theme parks. With various accommodations, family-friendly amenities, and personalized service, guests can enjoy a comfortable and convenient home base for their adventures.

Image ©Vacation Central Florida

Be sure to stick with Disney Park News Blog for all of the latest Disney Parks news & updates.

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