Annual Events at Disney Parks

Every Disney park goes all out in the celebration and decoration of the Christmastime holidays. Epcot features its “Holidays Around the World” with candlelight processionals and a telling of the Nativity story, while the one-of-a-kind “Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights” can be found at Disney"s Hollywood Studios. At the Magic Kingdom, it"s Mickey"s Very Merry Christmas Party featuring fireworks, parades and more, while on the California coast, the same can be found at Disney"s Yuletide Fantasy.

One of the most popular events for Disney is its Food & Wine Festival, which takes place among the international pavilions featured at Epcot. The festival begins in late September, running through mid-November and features food, wine, music and fall fun. The event has taken place for more than 20 years, with a Global Marketplace of more than 30 different international food types. Special dining and tasting menus are offered, as well as culinary demonstrations, celebrity chefs and beverage seminars.

During the spring months, Epcot"s gardens are transformed and visitors will find an array of events. In 2016, the show will be hosted from Mar. 2 through May 30. The event features themed flower and garden displays, topiaries in the shape of Disney characters, live music, designer presentations, and kid play areas.

Kids (and parents) can enjoy special tricks and treats at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland throughout the month of October, as Disney celebrates Halloween. At Disney World, Mickey"s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the party to attend, while in California, it"s Mickey"s Halloween Party.

Argh! Calling all pirates! The Magic Kingdom offers special pirate events where kids can join Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew for a swashbuckling good time. Kids will take part in scavenger hunts, march in a pirate parade and uncover surprises. The event takes place in the spring, summer and fall.

Disney"s Wide World of Sports complex hosts annual spring training for the Atlanta Braves. Baseball fans can take in games, meet players, and enjoy the complex, which includes dining and sports fields. In 2016, spring training will take place in March, with games against the Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins and the New York Yankees.

When Disney purchased the rights to Star Wars, it also meant the addition of Star Wars fun to its theme parks. Taking place at Disney"s Hollywood Studios on five select weekends beginning in May, the events include meet and greet experiences. Be sure to wear Star Wars costumes if you visit during one of these weekends!