The first handful of times one visits a Disney theme park, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by it all. There’s so much elaborate theming and so many things to do that simply getting the lay of the land can take a trip or two. But, even once you’ve gotten the hang of touring Disney’s beautiful parks, there are ways to come and experience them anew yet again.
Each year, Disney’s parks are filled with annual events that turn what is already a magical place into something even more special. Whether you’re a sports fan, a passionate foodie, an athlete, or just someone who enjoys a good party, there are countless events spread throughout the Disney Parks calendar for you to enjoy. And, if you’re a particularly passionate Disney fan, it’s guaranteed that you’ll have a good time at any of them.
There are so many events happening each year, it’d be impossible for someone to see all of them. Here are a handful that are particularly special, and which Disney fans of all kinds would be remiss not to see at least one time.
1. Epcot Food and Wine Festival (Sept. 25 – Nov. 16)
While it may be a crowded time to visit Walt Disney World’s second park, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is something that has to be seen to be believed. With numerous classes, seminars, and lectures about all kinds of culinary delights, as well as wine tasting classes and appreciation events, the Festival can be an overwhelming experience for any visiting gourmet.
World Showcase is a destination for foodies at any time of the year, but during the Festival, it is transformed to showcase cuisines from all around the World, including such far-flung places as Patagonia and even New Zealand. Although it’s not Disney’s most particularly child-friendly event (fancy, adventurous food and flowing wine aren’t really for the kids), the wondrous spirit of Epcot remains intact. And, in fact, it’s partly elevated: the international flavor of the event combines with the festival atmosphere to transform into something of the permanent World’s Fair it was designed to be.
Combined with the neighboring Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic (October 30-31), the Epcot area is a foodie’s paradise during the fall.
2. Harambe Nights
It’s unclear if Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Nights event is returning to Walt Disney World for 2015, but all signs are pointing to the affirmative. And, if it does, it’s not to be missed for fans of the Animal Kingdom.
Harambe Nights is, essentially, a nighttime street party held in the African village of Harambe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There’s live music, there’s food and dancing, there’s collectible merchandise and, perhaps most importantly, there’s the village of Harambe, beautifully lit and vibrant in the evening hours – something that is rare to see at the early-closing Animal Kingdom park.
In 2014, the centerpiece show was a retelling of the Lion King, featuring a live orchestra, a narrator, and dancers. Should the event occur again in 2015, there would likely be a different stage show, but the evening’s structure would be the same.
Of course, that is the caveat: there is no certainty that 2015 will see a return of Harambe Nights, but judging by the success of the 2014 version and Disney’s push to include more nighttime events at Animal Kingdom, it seems like a sure bet.
3. D23 Expo (Aug. 14-16)
Image: Disney
Held every other year in Southern California, the D23 Expo is, essentially, Disney’s answer to Comic Con. A three-day event held at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Expo brings together Disney fans from around the country to share in their love of Disney. The company often previews their newest films at the Expo, including having panels with the cast and crew of the films. Additionally, the Theme Parks and Imagineering wings of the Walt Disney Company bring along presentations including their plans for Disney’s properties around the world.
But, beyond all of that, being around like-minded Disney fans is a unique experience. It’s always a great feeling to share your love of something with others who understand and who love it just as much as you do.
4. Viva Navidad
Image: Disney
Because Walt Disney World is a vacation destination for people from all kinds of different cultures, and because of the international flair of Epcot, WDW can sometimes be looked at as the more multicultural of Disney’s North American parks. After all, it’s easier to hold an event like the Food and Wine Festival somewhere like Epcot, that is already themed to include various different cultures than it is at, say, a theme park designed to celebrate California.
But, sensing that restraint, Disney began a holiday celebration at Disney’s California Adventure that has become quite special. The Viva Navidad celebration was designed to recognize and honor Latino traditions and representations of the winter holidays, and in that regard, it was a smashing success.
The festival includes Mariachi bands, dancers, traditional storytelling and folklore, and arts and crafts. There’s a street party (starring the Three Caballeros) the occurs each day, and brings the festive atmosphere to Disney’s California Adventure in a unique way. That Disneyland is committed to multicultural holiday representations is wonderful, and this tradition has become something truly to look forward to each year.
5. The Walt Disney World Marathon
Image: Disney
Running a marathon requires two things: the first is plenty of preparation and exercise to prepare one’s body for the grueling journey. The second is the mental strength to achieve something so difficult, and to persevere through the pain and discomfort that comes from running such a great distance.
Owing to that strength, both physical and mental, runners tend to be a peaceful and joyous breed, and when Walt Disney World is inundated with runners from all over the world during the annual Marathon, that peaceful and joyous attitude pervades every square inch of the resort.
Watching someone finish a marathon is a powerful experience, and it’s great to be there to see it happen. But just as powerful is seeing the racers wear their medals around the resort following the race, and to see how special a moment it is when someone gives them a high five or a congratulatory hand shake. While the Marathon lacks the glamor and flair of the Food and Wine Festival, its celebration of the power of humanity gives it a specialness that cannot be overlooked. If you admire athleticism and what it takes to achieve such a difficult goal as running a marathon, the Walt Disney World Marathon is a must-see event.
6. The 24-Hour Event
Image: Disney
There is, of course, another kind of marathon one can perform at the Disney parks. This marathon, however, is not quite the same show of mental and physical determination, but rather, a pure unadulterated love of Disney.
In a new tradition, Disney’s Magic Kingdom has, once a year, opened its doors for a continuous 24 hours. And, naturally, some people try to stay the entire time. Godspeed to those individuals.
For most, however, the 24-Hour Event feels much more like the world’s greatest slumber party. Guests come decked out in their finest pajamas, people find places to spread out and relax throughout the day, and you haven’t lived until you’ve ridden the Haunted Mansion in the wee hours of the morning with a few hundred of your newest friends.
There’s no rule that says you have to stay in the park continuously for 24 hours – that would be absurd. But, there’s no reason you can’t try, at least. That excitement electrifies the park, making it an experience you’ve got to try.
In 2014, Disneyland joined the party and had their own 24-Hour Event alongside the one at WDW.
7. Dapper Day (Feb. 28-Mar. 1)
Disneyland has been open since 1955. Most people who are alive today have never known a world without Disneyland. It is an institution in Southern California, and has influenced a generation of artists and creative minds.
Part of what makes Disneyland so special is this history, and determined to honor that history, a group of Disneyland fans started what has become a remarkable annual tradition: Dapper Day. The concept is simple: on a special day or two each year, guests are encouraged to dress up in fancy vintage garb and enjoy the parks as they may. The resulting collage of classic fashion transforms Disneyland into the timeless park of old.
Something just feels right about seeing Jet Age fashions strolling along through Tomorrowland or Fantasyland. It looks like a still photograph come to life, or a piece of Disney concept art made real. It’s the final bit of theming that makes the park feel truly vibrant.
Disneyland is iconic, and to see the park as others might have seen it in the 50s and 60s is a special experience, and something a Disney fan of any kind would feel lucky to see. At any moment, it feels like Walt himself might duck out from around a corner and say hello. But hey, it’s Disney magic. You never know: he just might.
