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Anytime is a good time to visit Walt Disney World, but each month brings different in-park celebrations, as well as fun things to in the surrounding Orlando area. How’s a Disney fan expected to keep track of it all? Not to worry, We’ve broken down all the best events happening in Walt Disney World over the next year—including the 18-month-long 50th anniversary celebration—plus what you can expect in terms of weather and crowd levels during your visit.
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October 2021
Epcot Festival Center Wine Shop
Festivities: Enjoy a day at EPCOT where the International Food and Wine Festival is in full swing, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is now open, and Harmonious, a new nighttime show, lights up World Showcase Lagoon.
Weather: Warm days with less humidity and cool nights.
Attendance: Heavy; October 1 is the official kickoff of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary and crowds are expected to be large.
Around town: Halloween festivities can be found around Orlando with events like Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at the Crayola Experience and a drive-thru Halloween experience at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures.
November 2021
Festivities: Disney hosts its annual Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend, and November brings a new holiday party to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Very Merriest After Hours.
Weather: Cool mornings give way to warmer afternoons, though nights can be downright cold.
Attendance: Crowds vary in November, with a lag in the middle of the month, but building back up towards the end when the holidays draw near.
Around town: Electric Daisy Carnival (Nov 12–14) celebrates its 25th year in Orlando.
December 2021
Festivities: All four parks get decorated for the holidays, and EPCOT plays host to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays where you can try traditional holiday treats from around the world.
Weather: Unpredictable. Days can be in the 80s one day, but the next day only reach only the mid-50s. Pack for all climate types.
Attendance: Expect high crowd levels thanks to school holidays and the various holiday celebrations around Walt Disney World.
Around town: See the night light up at Give Kids the World Village, where Night of a Million Lights draws in visitors and locals through January 2.
January 2022
Festivities: Disney will hold its Marathon Weekend January 5–9, where runners can choose to do race lengths from a 5K to a full marathon.
Weather: Cold mornings can bring sunny and warm afternoons; be sure to bring a backpack to throw your Mickey sweatshirts into.
Attendance: Busy at the beginning of the month and tapering off toward the end as kids head back to school.
Around Town: BBQ festivals are popping up in January in Orlando. Head to the Lake Firefighter Charity BBQ & Chili Competition January 28–29, or the Lakeland Pig Fest the same weekend.
February 2022
Festivities: The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts typically runs through the end of February, though exact 2022 dates have not yet been announced.
Weather: Cool mornings lead into warm afternoons and clear evenings.
Attendance: Lower, though high during Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb 24–27).
Around town: The annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities occurs each February.
March 2022
Festivities: March is the official start of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, where thousands of flowers are planted around the park and garden fresh foods are plentiful.
Weather: Mornings begin warming up, but evenings can still be chilly, with occasional rainy days.
Attendance: Spring break brings in big crowds.
Around town: The Florida Strawberry Festival (Mar 3–13) takes place in Plant City about an hour from Orlando, but worth the drive.
April 2022
Festivities: EPCOT hosts the Flower and Garden Festival, and runDisney will host its last race for the season, the new Springtime Surprise Weekend (Mar 31–Apr 3).
Weather: Mornings are still comfortable, but afternoons get hot.
Attendance: Spring break crowds are still at the parks in full force, so expect long lines for popular attractions.
Around town: Amway Center hosts Justin Bieber (April 11) in concert.
May 2022
Photo by Heather Maguire on Unsplash
Festivities: EPCOT continues to play host to the International Flower and Garden Festival.
Weather: The first half of the month is still comfortable, but end of May ushers in humid, sticky days.
Attendance: Crowds vary, but are typically lower in the first half of the month and build as school lets out in the local area and Memorial Day approaches.
Around town: The Orlando City Soccer Club begins its season. Fans don their purple and gold and make their way downtown to cheer on the team.
June 2022
Festivities: It’s the last month of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival and the Disney water parks are getting busier as the days warm up.
Weather: Hot and humid, with chances of afternoon showers increasing throughout the month.
Crowds: Summer at Walt Disney World brings big crowds, so pack your patience, sunscreen, and an umbrella.
Around town: The Orlando Jazz Festival takes over Festival Park (June 18–19).
July 2022
Festivities: July ushers in the start of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival; 2022 dates are tbd.
Weather: Typical summer days in Florida with warm mornings, hot afternoons featuring intermittent showers, and humid evenings.
Attendance: Crowds are much higher around Independence Day, but July is still generally very busy at the parks.
Around town: On Your Feet! (July 8–31) tells the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
August 2022
Festivities: August continues to showcase the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, one of Disney’s most beloved fall traditions.
Weather: Warm mornings and afternoons, but with less humidity.
Attendance: Crowds start to thin out as local kids head back to school at the beginning of the month.
Around town: The end of August is when Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month typically starts. Diners can try various restaurants in Orlando for a set price per meal.
September 2022
Festivities: Halloween is back at Walt Disney World with festivities at Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and some of the resort hotels.
Weather: Warm mornings and afternoons, but the humidity begins to break for cooler evenings later in the month.
Attendance: Busy around Labor Day, but crowds taper off towards the middle of the month as students head back to school.
Around town: Magical Dining Month is in full swing and people are enjoying trying new restaurants.
October 2022
Festivities: Magic Kingdom plays host to its annual family-friendly Halloween party.
Weather: Warm mornings and afternoons, but evenings can be chilly, especially later in the month.
Attendance: Fall crowds can be heavy, especially at Magic Kingdom where Halloween is on full display.
Around town: Halloween activities can be found around town, including other theme parks and local tourist attractions.
November 2022
Festivities: The start of Christmas parties at Magic Kingdom, the beginning of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and a runDisney event.
Weather: Cooler mornings break into warm afternoons.
Attendance: Heavy toward the end of the month due to holiday visitors.
Around Town: Turkey trot 5Ks take place around the city on Thanksgiving day.
December 2022
Toy soldiers parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom during “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” (Ryan Wendler, photographer)
Festivities: Holiday parties take place at Magic Kingdom and each resort gets decked out in its holiday best for guests to enjoy.
Weather: December can be challenging with some days on the cold side and other days leaning more warm. Pack a variety of clothes because the weather can shift almost overnight.
Attendance: Crowds are lighter at the beginning of the month, and get heavier as they lead up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Around town: Holiday celebrations take place throughout Orlando, including a tree lighting and drive-thru light displays.
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