Grab your calendar and mark some critical Walt Disney World dates for 2023. If you are traveling to Walt Disney World Resort in 2023 or just enjoying from a distance, there are some vital dates throughout the year you will want to be aware of ahead of time.
Walt Disney World is constantly updating, changing, and growing, so knowing these crucial dates can help you plan the best vacation possible for your family.
Although we are still waiting on important dates, such as when Tron will be opening at Magic Kingdom, Disney has shared a few dates to help us plan our 2023 vacations. We want to share these dates with you, so you are ready for a magical time in 2023.
After-Hours Events Are Back
Before the shutdown, Guests can enjoy a special evening at select Disney Parks. These After-Hours Events are separately ticketed events where Guests can stay in Disney Park for three extra hours after closing.
Not only does this give Guests exclusive access to rides, but some special treats and drinks are also included throughout the evening. With a limited number of tickets sold, some major attractions have much shorter wait times.
Disney announced that these fantastic events will return at the beginning of 2023. Starting on January 4th, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be the After Hours Party with Magic Kingdom, followed by a party on January 9th.
If you are traveling with a group that can stay up late, these after-hour parties are fantastic ways to enjoy the Parks.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2023
Another major event at the beginning of the year is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. This year the marathon will take place from January 4th to January 8th, 2023.
Knowing about this fantastic event is essential if you aren’t a runner. Transportation and traffic can be impacted on Saturday and Sunday of the race weekend. Plan so you can get to your Disney destination on time.
Also, runners love to eat. Make sure that you are ready to make reservations at the 60-day mark if dining is essential to your traveling party.
Celebrate with the runners if you happen to be there during the race weekend. Offer congratulations or even take time to be a part of the cheer squad. It is genuinely unique watching the accomplishments of so many.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The first festival that will arrive in 2023 at EPCOT is the Festival of the Arts. This year the festival will run from January 13th through February 20th. This is a shorter festival, so if it is one that you want to experience, you will need to plan.
This has quickly become a favorite for many Guests at Walt Disney World. The fantastic visual, performing, and culinary arts that come together during this festival are outstanding. We look forward to seeing what new experiences will be coming this year to the festival.
50th Celebration Wrap-Up
Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration has been happening since October 1st, 2021. Disney has announced that the party will wrap up at the end of March. If you still want to experience all that the 50th-anniversary celebration has to offer, you will need to head down in early 2023. After March 31st, the 50th-anniversary celebration will be wrapped up.
We look forward to seeing what we will celebrate next- because we know there is always something to celebrate at Disney.
EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
One of the most beautiful times of the year is during the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. Although we don’t have specific dates for the festival, it typically runs from the beginning of March through June.
This is the festival where you can enjoy the fantastic floral topiaries, artwork, springtime drinks, and food at the different booths. We also enjoy the Garden Rocks Concert series and look forward to seeing what bands will perform in 2023.
MIckey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
It seems strange to be thinking ahead to Halloween 2023 as it just wrapped up, but if you want to experience the holiday season in Disney, now is the time to get planning.
In 2022, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party started mid-August and ran through October 31st. We anticipate similar dates for 2023. If this is a party on your bucket list, start considering booking the Disney Resort today.
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
The Food and Wine Festival is the largest in EPCOT. This is a foodie’s dream, as cuisine is the focus. The 2022 festival is still going on, currently running through November 19th. 2023 dates will be announced later by Disney, but this festival typically runs from mid-summer through November.
Holiday Season
Even as we enter the 2022 season, it is time to start thinking about the holidays for 2023. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a huge draw during the holiday season. Like the Halloween party, this special ticketed event runs from November 8th to December 22nd, 2022. We anticipate similar dates in 2023. It is a great time to see the holiday parade and fireworks, enjoy the snow on Main Street, U.S.A., and much more. It is extremely popular, so now is the time to start planning.
Over in EPCOT, Guests can enjoy the Festival of the Holidays. This is where Guests can experience the traditions from around the world. The highlight is the Candlelight Processional which includes a celebrity narrator that retells the Christmas story with the help of an orchestra and choir. A truly moving experience.
2023 will be filled with magic and excitement. As you plan your Disney vacations, keep these dates in mind.
