Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Events in Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando isn’t just home to world-class theme parks—it's a hub for year-round seasonal events that transform every visit into something special. Whether you're coming in spring for Mardi Gras or are planning a holiday trip for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there's always something exciting happening across the parks.
And it’s not just the main theme parks that have year-round activities on offer. Some of the smaller attractions and even whole towns offer visitors experiences to remember that make your visit extra special.
Some of the events are incredibly popular, meaning you should secure your tickets in advance, while other seasonal festivities are included in the ticket price or even completely free! Either way, planning ahead is key to getting the most out of your visit.
Let’s break it all down by season and by park, so you can time your trip just right.
Spring Events in Orlando (March–May)
Top Spring Events in Orlando Theme Parks
Event Name | Park | Dates | Highlights | Price | Perfect for |
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival | EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida | March–June | Topiaries, concerts, outdoor kitchens | Entry is included in your Disney Ticket | Families, Friends |
Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT | Select nights | Lower wait times for attractions, ice cream & popcorn included | Separately ticketed event, find out more here | Families, Friends | |
Mardi Gras | Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando Resort | Feb–April | Parades, beads, live music | Entry is included in your Universal Ticket | Friends, Adults |
Seven Seas Food Festival | SeaWorld Orlando | Feb–May | Global cuisine, concerts, craft beer | Entry is included in your SeaWorld Ticket | Families, Friends |
Easter at Walt Disney World
From an Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt, to meeting Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny at Magic Kingdom Park, here are many unique ways to experience a magical spring in full bloom.
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort
Inspired by New Orleans’ Big Easy Bash, this is an event you won’t want to miss, featuring incredible food, spectacular parades, and live music, all included with your park admission to Universal Studios Florida!
Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando
More than 200 food and beverage options are available for you to explore, including over 50 food dishes and 65 craft beers!
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Included in your Disney ticket, this event offers topiaries, global gardens, outdoor kitchens, and the Garden Rocks concert line-up!
Spring Fiesta in Lake Eola Park
Discover art booths, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities in downtown Orlando’s scenic Lake Eola Park.
Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World
Keep the magic alive well into the night and experience 3 hours of exclusive after hours fun!
Summer Events in Orlando (June–August)
What’s Hot in Orlando This Summer
Event Name | Park | Dates | Highlights | Price | Perfect for |
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon | Select nights, June–Aug | Water park at night, DJ, shorter lines | Separately ticketed event | Families, Friends | |
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT | Select nights | Lower wait times for attractions, ice cream & popcorn included | Separately ticketed event | Families, Friends | |
Summer Tribute Store | Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando Resort | June–Aug | Seasonal merch, themed rooms | Entry is included in your Universal Ticket | Adults, Merch lovers |
SeaWorld Summer Spectacular | SeaWorld Orlando | June–Sep | Live shows, ‘Summer Eats’ outdoor kiosks | Entry is included in your SeaWorld Ticket | Families, Friends |
Red, White & Boom | LEGOLAND Florida | July 4th weekend | Fireworks, patriotic displays | Entry is included in your LEGOLAND Ticket | Families with young kids |
Flavours of Florida at Disney Springs
The annual Flavours of Florida celebration at Disney Springs features a dazzling showcase of menu items, all with a genuine taste of the Sunshine State.
Summer Spectacular at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando's Summer Spectacular offers guests extended hours, live events and a generally heightened sense of holiday fun.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Walt Disney World
On select summer nights you’ll be able to take part in the most glow-rious party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World
Keep the magic alive well into the night and experience 3 hours of exclusive after hours fun!
Autumn Events in Orlando (August–November)
Spooky & Festive: Autumnal Fun in the Parks
Event Name | Park | Dates | Highlights | Price | Perfect for |
Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida | Aug–Oct (select nights) | Trick-or-treating, parades, costumes | Separately ticketed event | Families | |
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival | EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort | Aug–Nov | International cuisines, Eat to the Beat concert series | Entry is included in your Disney Ticket, food must be purchased separately | Friends |
Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT | Select nights | Lower wait times for attractions, ice cream & popcorn included | Separately ticketed event | Families, Friends | |
Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando Resort | Sept–Oct | Haunted houses, scare zones, riding thrilling coasters in the dark | Separately ticketed event | Adults only, Horror fans | |
Howl-O-Scream SeaWorld Orlando + Busch Gardens | SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Sept–Nov | Haunted houses, scare zones, riding thrilling coasters in the dark | Separately ticketed event | Adults only, Horror fans |
Spooktacular | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Sept–Nov | Family-friendly Halloween with fun surprises, candy and costumes | Separately ticketed event | Families |
Taste of Space: Fall Bites! | Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex | Sept–Nov | Dishes with autumn flavours | Entry is included in your Kennedy Space Center Ticket, food must be purchased separately | Families, Friends |
Brick-or-Treat | LEGOLAND Florida | Weekends in October | Shows, delicious treats, and exclusive LEGO® characters | Entry is included in your LEGOLAND Ticket | Families with young kids |
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
This popular festival is tempting guests with a deluge of world-inspired treats, and the chance to experience a range of unique, mouth-watering dishes and drinks.
Fall Bites! Food Festival at Kennedy Space Center
The Taste of Space: Fall Bites! Food Festival is offering guests the chance to try some exclusive dishes that are sure to take their taste buds on a journey to the moon and back!
Oktoberfest at Disney Springs
Raglan Road has long been our favourite Irish bar/restaurant in Orlando. Now they’re adding a great German festival too!
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens
The big Howl-O-Scream events at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are lining up a true scream-athon!
Gators, Ghosts and Goblins at Gatorland
Gatorland’s family-friendly Halloween event delights with costume contests, themed zones, and spooky swamp trails.
Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World
Keep the magic alive well into the night and experience 3 hours of exclusive after hours fun!
Winter Events in Orlando (December–February)
Holidays in Orlando: Christmas & New Year’s Magic
Event Name | Park | Dates | Highlights | Price | Perfect for |
EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida | Nov–Dec (select nights) | Christmas parade, decoration, fireworks | Entry is included in your Disney Ticket | Families | |
EPCOT Festival of the Holidays | EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida | Nov–Dec | Holiday kitchens, Candlelight Processional | Entry is included in your Disney Ticket | Families |
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts | EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida | Jan–Feb | Culinary, performing and visual arts | Entry is included in your Disney Ticket | Friends, Families |
Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT | Select nights | Lower wait times for attractions, ice cream & popcorn included | Separately ticketed event | Friends, Families | |
Grinchmas | Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando Resort | Nov–Jan | Live Grinch show, Seuss holiday fun | Entry is included in your Universal Ticket | Friends, Families |
Christmas Celebration | SeaWorld Orlando | Nov–Jan | Ice skating, lights, live shows | Entry is included in your SeaWorld Ticket | Friends, Families |
LEGOLAND Holidays | LEGOLAND Florida | Dec | Holiday builds, snow play area | Entry is included in your LEGOLAND Ticket | Families with young kids |
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
With vibrant artwork around every corner, food studios serving up food that tastes just as good as it looks, and plenty of exclusive merchandise, this vibrant festival shouldn’t be missed.
Orlando’s Top 10 Christmas Experiences
The City Beautiful is renowned for fab festive shows at its theme parks, but there is also a lot to enjoy outside the parks – and we’ll give you 10 reasons why.
ICE! presentation at the Gaylord Palms Resort
The annual spectacular of the ICE! presentation at the fabulous Gaylord Palms Resort is a sparkling tribute to the classic Christmas film starring Will Ferrell.
Christmas Dinner in Orlando
Where to go for a proper festive mealtime, with all the trimmings!
New Year’s Eve in Orlando
There’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando at any time of the year, but that astounding array of choice goes into overdrive during the Holiday season here in the Theme Park Capital of the World – and it’s definitely the case for New Year’s Eve.
Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando
At this winter wonderland with over three million sparkling lights guests will experience fantastic entertainment, delicious seasonal food and the chance to visit Santa himself
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
With festive entertainment, traditional dishes from around the world, and plenty of family fun, we can’t wait to get into the festive spirit.
Christmas at Kennedy Space Center
Get into the holiday spirit with space-themed decor, light shows, and Christmas activities, included in the cost of admission.
Christmas in Celebration
Guests can expect free nightly “snow” fall, ice skating and horse-drawn carriage rides ‒ all in a charming small-town setting.
Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World
Keep the magic alive well into the night and experience 3 hours of exclusive after hours fun!
Tips for Visiting During Special Events
Top tips for visiting Separately Ticketed Events
Buy Tickets Early
Popular events sell out, especially closer to holidays. Buying early also sometimes gives access to discounts or special offers.
Arrive Early (or Stay Late)
Many events allow early entry even before the official start time. Arriving early helps you beat crowds and see more.
Plan Must-See Attractions First
Seasonal events often include unique shows, food, or limited-time offerings. Prioritize these early before lines grow.
Check Event-Specific Rules
Some events (e.g. Halloween Horror Nights) are not suited for young children. Others allow costumes or have special restrictions, which you will find listed in the T&Cs on our ticket pages.
Stay Hydrated and Dress for the Weather
Orlando can be hot and humid even during fall or winter events. Bring a poncho if rain is likely.
Top tips for visiting Free Special Events
Arrive Early for Parking and Good Viewing Spots
Free events can draw bigger crowds and offer limited parking. Arriving 45–60 minutes early can make a big difference.
Pack Snacks or Know the Food Options
Many free events allow outside food, or have food trucks. Research beforehand to decide if you'll buy or bring your own.
Check Local Event Calendars for Updates
Some free events are weather-dependent or have schedule changes. Always verify before heading out.
Look for Free Parking or Shuttle Options
Some events offer remote lots with shuttles or validated parking. Know your options in advance to save money.
Bonus Tip: Combine Free & Paid Experiences
Spend the day enjoying free attractions (like Disney Springs or ICON Park) and then splurge on a ticketed nighttime event—this gives you a full day of experiences without overspending.