UPDATED August 7, 2026

There’s nothing like planning a trip to Disney World, only to get there and realize that you – and thousands of other people – have picked the wrong time to visit.

We’ve been there, staring down Main Street, U.S.A. while the hordes make their way to Cinderella Castle like something out of The Walking Dead, all because it’s a special holiday weekend, or there’s a runDisney event, or something else that’s brought people to the parks. Or maybe you just want to know when special events are happening in Disney World. Well, we’ve got you covered because we’re going to give you every single date you need to know for Disney World in 2026.

Before we get started, you should know that we have done the homework for you, and we’ve got a calendar of special events in Disney World you can download! Drop us your email and sign up at the link below!

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Before we dive into the events by month below, here is a look at ongoing events that are happening RIGHT NOW around Disney World.

May 26th – September 8th, 2026

For the second year in a row, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER has brought some really cool offerings to Disney World during the hottest months of the year in addition to several NEW experiences!

From May 26th through September 8th, 2026, guests can enjoy these additional experiences AND MORE:

• BOTH Disney World Water Parks — Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon — are OPEN!
• Disney World Resort hotel guests can visit either of the Water Parks FOR FREE on their arrival day!
• Soarin’ Across America debuted in EPCOT;
• A fresh version of “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” debuted at Hollywood Studios;
• The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard officially opened in Hollywood Studios;
• Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station opened at Animal Kingdom
• Disney Character experiences have EXPANDED across the Resort, including special appearances at select Resort hotels, the return of GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT, and Toy Story characters joining guests at Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe for Jessie’s Roundup, extra Disney pals in the parks for Early Entry, and MORE!

June 2nd – September 5th

H2O Glow After Hours is an extra-ticket event held at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for select dates during the summer! The event is back for select nights from June 2 – September 5, 2026. 

August 2026

Expect August to be hot in Disney World, too, although things are quiet at the beginning of the month.

August 7th – October 31st

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. The event is back on select nights from August 7th through October 31st, 2026. 

Once inside, guests enjoy plenty of ghoulish fun and entertainment only available at the Party! Tickets are on sale now. 

August 27th – November 21st, 2026

The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of global cuisine in Disney World! The 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival will run from August 27th through November 21st, 2026. 

This is one of the biggest festivals at EPCOT with a TON of food booths, the Eat to the Beat concert series, and so much more. Plan on spending a day or two just at EPCOT to enjoy the festival.

 

 

September 2026

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is still going strong in September, but crowds do tend to wind down a little bit once kids are back in school. The weather can still be hot, though, so plan ahead!

September 5th-7th

Labor Day weekend is the last big hurrah for summer, and a lot of folks like to spend it in Disney World. This means long lines and crowds.

September 9th

Typhoon Lagoon will close for its yearly refurbishment on September 9th. Guests will be able to enjoy Blizzard Beach during the closure, and it’s expected that when Typhoon Lagoon reopens in the following months, Blizzard Beach will then close for its refurbishment.

September 10th

EPCOT will have another Moonlight Magic event for DVC members on September 10th.

September 14th

As mentioned above, the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard opened in Hollywood Studios on May 26th.

But on September 14, 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation (which will be housed in the new Walt Disney Studios section of the park) will open, as well!

November 2026

The Disney World Holiday Season officially kicks off on November 13th, 2026 (though select events, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, begin earlier!) and many of the festivities run through the New Year.

The festivities span across all four Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs, and the Resort hotels. Click HERE to find some of our favorite holiday events, tips, and suggestions for making this year’s Disney World holiday trip your merriest one yet!

November 7th – January 5th

Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It will take place on select nights from from November 7th, 2026 to January 5th, 2027 (extending into the New Year for the first time!).

Tickets are on sale now. 

November 8th – 22nd

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. The Party will take place on select nights from November 8th through December 22nd, 2026.

Tickets are on sale now. 

November 26th-29th

Another super busy time of the year in Disney World is Thanksgiving weekend. This could be one of the most crowded days in the parks, so expect to deal with a lot of crowds and lines. If you’ll be spending Thanksgiving Day in Disney World, though, you’ll find plenty of restaurants with special Thanksgiving Day meals.

November 27th – December 30th

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a global celebration of the Season! The 2026 Festival of the Holidays starts Friday, November 27th (the day after Thanksgiving) and lasts through December 30th. 

During the Festival, guests can enjoy enhanced offerings around EPCOT’S World Showcase (and beyond) and experience holiday traditions from various cultures as expressed through decorations, stories, music, cuisine, and additional special events.

December 2026

The holiday season is in full swing come December (as you’ll see with the events mentioned above), and the temperatures are generally comfortable. The first of the month isn’t too bad, but as we get closer to Christmas, the crowds start making their way to the parks.

December 25th

Who doesn’t want to spend Christmas in Magic Kingdom?

Well, it turns out that EVERYONE wants that, so you’ll find Magic Kingdom OVERLOADED with folks who want to feel that magical holiday cheer. However, the other parks can be crowded on Christmas Day, too.

December 31st

Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will also be VERY crowded on New Year’s Eve. EPCOT hosts a variety of dance zones and parties across World Showcase, as well as a special nighttime show, while you can count down to the New Year with fireworks in Magic Kingdom. But you’ll be doing it with a LOT of other people.

Knowing when to go to Disney World is part of the planning process, so if you can, choose your dates carefully so you can have the BEST trip possible. And stay tuned to DFB for more.

We Found EVERY SINGLE 2026 Disney World Ticket Price Increase So You Don’t Have To

Will you be visiting Disney World in 2026? Have you thought about when you’ll visit? Let us know how you decide in the comments.