Walt Disney World is not only the most visited theme park complex in the world, with nearly 70,000,000 guests annually—it’s also twice the size of Manhattan and home to major annual events that take place almost every month, attracting huge crowds over just a few days.
That’s why knowing the type and timing of these events is key to anticipating crowd peaks.
You’ll find attendance forecasts inside my guide.
This article contains the first part of the list; you’ll find the second part on Aperitivo a Main Street U.S.A., hosted by the amazing Valentina!
Marathon Weekend (January)
The first weekend of each year at Walt Disney World features the Marathon Weekend, divided into multiple events:
- 5K
- 10K
- Half Marathon
- Full Marathon
- Goofy’s Race (Half + Full)
- (5K, 10K, Half, Full – Dopey Challenge)
The registration fee, ranging from $98 to $200 for individual races and up to $600 for challenges, includes:
- Medals
- T-shirt
- Race bibs
- Finisher certificate
- Official playlist
- Snacks during and after the race
These races are incredibly popular and usually sell out within hours.
The chance to run inside Disney parks is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Since 2021, all competitions are also available in virtual format. If registered from the U.S., medals are shipped directly to your home.
Full info for this and other weekends can be found at rundisney.com
EPCOT International FESTIVAL of the ARTS (January – February)
Started in 2017, every year from mid-January to mid-February, the EPCOT International FESTIVAL of the ARTS is becoming EPCOT’s most important festival.
I was lucky to attend the very first edition—and I was instantly captivated.
As always at an EPCOT festival, you’ll find food, entertainment, and exclusive activities—but the focus at the FESTIVAL of the ARTS is visual art.
You’ll see artist booths selling Disney-themed works, giant chalk drawings on the ground, and a community mural where everyone can paint the artwork of the day.
At night, the stage in the U.S.A. Pavilion hosts live concerts with renowned international artists performing Disney-themed songs.
Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February)
Similar in format to Marathon Weekend, but with a few key differences.
In addition to the usual distances:
- 5K
- 10K
- Half Marathon
- Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (10K + Half Marathon)
The real gem of this event: sunrise yoga classes inside Magic Kingdom.
This event is also available in virtual format.
Since the distances are shorter, many participants dress in sporty but Disney-inspired outfits—adding to the fun!
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March – July)
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival was the first EPCOT festival I ever experienced in 2015—and seeing those floral sculptures live is surreal.
But there’s much more. At the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you’ll find:
- A park-wide scavenger hunt
- A giant butterfly house
- Food booths inspired by flowers and the Earth
- Evening entertainment at the U.S.A. Pavilion
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (March)
Another runDisney event, this surprise weekend changes its races and themes every year.
This year, for example, a Tower of Terror–themed 10-miler was announced. You’ll run near the tower, cheered on by Disney characters, and encounter a few unexpected surprises along the way.
Another race this year is the Expedition Everest 5K, which is not just a run—but also a scavenger hunt inside Animal Kingdom.
Earth Day – Animal Kingdom’s Birthday (April 22)
Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998—which also happens to be Earth Day.
Earth Day has been celebrated annually since 1970 to raise awareness about environmental issues and species conservation, and it’s recognized in more than 193 countries worldwide.
Since conservation is central to Animal Kingdom’s theme—and it’s also the park’s birthday—Disney organizes 4–5 days of activities around April 22 each year, all centered on nature and sustainability.
In previous years, the park has featured rare character meet-and-greets, educational sessions for kids with experts, themed scavenger hunts, as well as special snacks and exclusive merchandise.
This year’s schedule of events hasn’t been released yet—but it’s coming soon.
Dapper Day (May 1)
Dapper Day is described as a “celebration of refined style—past and present.”
Started by an artist and designer from Los Angeles, the idea was to visit the parks once a year dressed in vintage-inspired outfits—pleated skirts, bright colors, 1950s and 60s silhouettes.
It all began in 2011, when the founder and a couple of friends dressed up more elegantly than the usual park visitors and received lots of positive feedback.
From those three friends, Dapper Day became a full-blown phenomenon. In 2013, over 10,000 people attended Dapper Day at Disneyland California, all dressed in vintage fashion.
The event has grown so much that, since 2015, Dapper Day is no longer just a meet-up—it includes weekend packages with an Expo, hotel stays, and events for attendees.
Over time, Dapper Day has expanded to Walt Disney World and even to Disneyland Paris, which will host the event this year on May 14.
The organizers are clear: this is not cosplay or a costume party—it’s about dressing stylishly, in your own way, inspired by your favorite fashion era.
You can find all the details to join on the official Dapper Day website.
To be continued…
You can find the rest of the events on the podcast Aperitivo a Main Street U.S.A. hosted by the amazing Valentina!
Which of these events would you love to attend?
