Mark Your Calendar: When to Schedule Your Theme Park Vacation

Whether you choose east or west coast, there’s always something special happening at your favorite Disney and Universal theme parks.

One of the first parts of any vacation is deciding when to go.

We get asked all the time when the best time is to visit Disney and Universal parks, and the truth is, there’s no one answer.

Crowds, weather and cost all factor into the plans, but at least one thing is for certain… there are special reasons to visit any of these parks peppered throughout the year.

One of the (many) wonderful parts about Walt Disney World is that there are events and celebrations nearly all year long.

Special ticketed events are among the most popular, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. By the evening, only partygoers are allowed in the park, which is transformed into a Halloween haven. Several attractions receive themed overlays, exclusive characters come out for photo ops, the castle is transformed with festive shows and fireworks, and Main Street, U.S.A. becomes home to the beloved Boo to You Parade.

Plus, guests are given a special party bag to trick-or-treat their way through candy stations around the park.

Select nights for this crowd-favorite event have already started selling out, so it’s wise to book early if you plan on a fall-time visit to Orlando.

A few weeks later, the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a holiday wonderland for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Just like it’s spooky predecessor, the Christmas party requires a separately-purchased ticket for guests to enjoy exclusive holiday celebrations throughout the night.

Jingle bells, tinsel and snowflakes make the whole park sparkle, and St. Nick himself sits atop the finale float of the Christmas parade. Instead of trick-or-treating, guests can taste their way around the park with cookies, eggnog, cocoa and more.

Hopping over to Hollywood Studios, classic holiday style and swanky entertainment hit the town for Jollywood Nights.

This exclusive ticketed event is new to Disney, and we’re excited to see how it continues to grow each season. Hollywood Studios gets dolled up in holiday baubles, inviting guests to do the same. The party includes seasonal stage shows, jazzy musicians and sparkling cocktails to bring festive holiday glamour to life.

Not looking to book an extra event? EPCOT Festivals punctuate the year with celebratory décor and performances, already included in your park ticket.

In January and February, the World Showcase becomes home to the Festival of the Arts, where colorful creations come to life in chalk, music, paint and live entertainment.

The Flower & Garden Festival welcomes guests from March through June, punctuated by marvelous topiaries in the forms of our favorite Disney characters.

Likely the most popular is the Food & Wine Festival from August to November, where foodies flock for small bites and sips from around the world.

Rounding out the year from November through December is the Festival of the Holidays. Guests are immersed in holiday music, performances, and the famous Holiday Cookie Stroll.

Specific dates for these festivals vary from year to year, but are a “must-do” at almost any time of year.

Just across the way, Universal Orlando is home to one of the most-celebrated Halloween events around… Halloween Horror Nights.

This special-ticketed event runs August through November, and is not for the faint of heart. The park becomes a Halloween-lover’s paradise, with creepy characters, scare zones, and the famously-spooky haunted houses. There’s even exclusive entertainment and food for when you need a break to bring down your heart rate.

Once the season turns from jump scares to snowflakes, the Holidays at Universal Orlando take over to celebrate with festive décor, parades, and sweet treats. We always make a point to check out the snow-capped roofs of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and “warm up” with a Butterbeer.

There’s even an exclusive breakfast event where you can meet the Grinch himself for a photo op and snarky retorts.

Fast-forward to February and Universal Orlando brings out the Mardi Gras flare.

Our agents have tasted the flavors of the Cajun kitchens, and even thrown beads from floats in the Mardi Gras parade. Purple, green and gold are everywhere you look, and live concerts bring life to the whole season.

Plus, Mardi Gras celebrations are included in the cost of your park ticket, so you can partake in what you like, when you like.

Heading to the west coast? Disneyland has a plethora of events waiting for guests year-round, as well.

Make your way to Anaheim in January and February for Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure park. The cultural celebration features a colorful water show, Lunar New Year procession, festive food and crafts, festive characters and a wishing wall.

Disney foodies can indulge in both spring and fall, thanks to Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, hosted from February to April.

Eat and drink around the festival marketplaces, which feature foods grown in California and chefs who call the state home. Grab a tasting pass, take in the festival entertainment and smile for some exclusive photo stops around the park.

Halloween Time at Disneyland is a nostalgic favorite for both locals and newcomers.

From late August through the end of October, Disneyland is transformed into a pumpkin-filled, spooky playground for guests to enjoy Halloween stage shows, fireworks, scavenger hunts, and attraction overlays.

Both parks even pay homage to Día de Los Muertos with cultural decorations, traditions, performances and tasty treats.
Plus, Disney California Adventure Park becomes a hotspot for Halloween lovers with the Oogie Boogie Bash, a special ticketed event with exclusive entertainment, treats, overlays, character meets and more.

Wrap up the year in style at Disney Festival of Holidays.

November through January, Disney California Adventure Park is the destination for holiday storytelling, live performances, character experiences and Santa himself.

No Disney event is complete without exclusive menu options, and this festival delivers seasonal treats to represent a spectrum of cultures and their holiday celebrations.

Each of these parks hosts additional annual events, from concerts and graduation bashes, to Fourth of July fireworks and IP-inspired parties. Be sure to ask your travel advisor about which events will be underway for your next trip, and how to make the most of your experience.