Annual Events at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Marathon (January) -- This annual 26.2-mile adventure races through all four Disney theme parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. A half marathon, two-day health expo and 5K round out the weekend's agenda.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training (February-March) -- The Atlanta Braves return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for spring training.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March-June) -- Future World and World Showcase are blooming with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for kids and workshops with national gardening experts during this annual spring festival at Epcot.

Star Wars Weekends (May-June) -- For several weekends each summer, Disney-MGM Studios turns into a giant Star Wars fan-fest with up-close meet-and-greets for guests with their favorite characters and actors from the film series as well as interactive games, parades, music and fun for the whole family.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training (July-August) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers conduct their NFL training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Night of Joy (September) -- Top contemporary Christian music performers headline this annual celebration throughout Magic Kingdom. The long-running series has played to a combined audience in excess of 650,000.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (September-October) -- A family-friendly fright-fest in Magic Kingdom featuring a children's parade, trick-or-treating throughout the park, face painting and more.

Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart (November) -- Annual PGA tournament held at Disney's Magnolia and Palm golf courses features top players.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (October-November) -- Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This month-plus-long festival features live entertainment, guest chefs, culinary demonstrations, seminars and winemaker dinners.

ABC Super Soap Weekend (November) -- Favorite stars from the ABC Daytime lineup meet with fans during this popular weekend event at Disney-MGM Studios.

Festival of the Masters (November) -- More than 200 award-winning artists from across the country showcase their wares throughout Downtown Disney. The three-day festival features chalk artists, House of Blues folk artists, a jazz festival, culinary delights and family activities.

The Osborne Family's Spectacle of Dancing Lights (November-January) -- This holiday light display on the Disney-MGM Studios backlot features millions of sparkling holiday bulbs designed by Arkansas businessman and philanthropist Jennings Osborne as a gift to his daughter and the guests of Walt Disney World Resort.

Holiday Splendor (November-January) -- Walt Disney World Resort is all aglitter during the holiday season with dazzling lights, spirited song and even snow flurries. Here's what's in store: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom; Candlelight Processional at Epcot; plus caroling, tree lighting ceremonies and visits by Santa.


(July 30, 2007)