Annual Events at Disney and Universal Studios

Any vacation is sure to be special, but your trip can be extra magical if you are visiting during one of Disney or Universal's annual event celebrations. My trip in mid/late September will overlap with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World, as well as the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. I had originally hoped to catch the Food & Wine Festival but never dreamed I would be able to plan for ALL of these spectacular events! So what else do the parks add for fun? I'll give you the lists and general schedules below. Please remember that the exact dates usually aren't announced until 6-8 months beforehand and may vary from year to year. For the purpose of this blog, I will only be focusing on events that extend beyond just one weekend.

Disney World

New Year's - Chinese New Year

• Dates: January-February
• China pavilion at Epcot celebrates Chinese New Year with acrobats and extra activities

Club Villain

• Dates: January - March
• New in 2016, extra ticket required for the event

Mardi Gras

• Dates: February or March

Atlanta Braves Spring Training

• Dates: Spring, varies each year
• Held at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

• Dates: March - May
• Focus on gardening, topiaries, and special food offerings

Star Wars Weekends

• Dates: May-June
• Note: Star Wars Weekends not being held in 2016 due to construction

Gay Days

• Date: Usually first week of June
• Visit GayDays.com for more info

Halloween - Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

• Dates: September-October
• Halloween decorations can usually be seen starting the end of August through early November
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is held on select nights and requires an extra ticket

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

• Dates: September-November
• Wine, beer, and culinary offerings in conjunction with classes and concerts

Christmas - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

• Dates: November-January
• Christmas decorations can be seen from early November to early January
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights and requires an extra ticket

Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras

• Dates: February-April
• Parade, beads, and concerts offered on select nights
• Admission is included with park admission

Halloween Horror Nights

• Dates: September-October
• NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN!
• Halloween Horror Nights are held on select nights and require an extra ticket

Christmas

• Dates: December-January
• Suess Landing celebrates "Grinchmas" at Universal's Islands of Adventure
• Macy's Holiday Parade and Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios
• All in-park activities are included with park admission

Disneyland

Diamond Celebration

• Dates: May 22, 2015 - September 5, 2016
• Disneyland turns 60! Special decorations, parades, fireworks, and World of Color offerings

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

• Dates: April-May
• Celebrity kitchens, beverage seminars, and culinary demonstrations

Halloween - Mickey's Halloween Party

• Dates: September-October
• Mickey's Halloween Party is held on select nights and requires an extra ticket

Holidays at Disneyland

• November-January
• Specialty decorations, parades, and attraction updates included with park admission

I've personally experienced Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, Diamond Celebration, and Holidays at Disneyland. I highly recommend these events because they add an extra bit of excitement to the trip and provide an opportunity for special souvenirs. 

Star Wars Christmas and Diamond Celebration pins from Disneyland

Customized Christmas Tree Ornament (can be purchased at both Disney World and Disneyland)

I'll be sure to report back after my trip in September to provide my experience at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. Until then, look for my next post where I will be discussing the Disney Rewards Visa cards and perks!