Special Events
Walt Disney World Special Events 2016
Come be a part of one of the many special events that Disney creates every year.
Whether you like flowers or wine, foods from around the world, or simply enjoy the spectacular Holiday decorations, Disney will create special moments for you and your family to enjoy and share
September - November 2016
Walt Disney World International Food and Wine Festival
Food and wine lover's paradise awaits you at Epcot® with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Fall 2016!
September 2016
Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Soak up the spirited sounds of a contemporary music festival, featuring performances by Christian superstars in rock, pop and gospel! Disney's Night of Joy 2016 will expand, with the concerts being held for the first time ever at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World® Resort.
This year's lineup includes:
- Sept. 9 - MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Crowder, Matthew West, Stars Go Dim, Zealand Worship
- Sept. 10 - newsboys, for King & Country, Young & Free, Switchfoot, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, Tim Timmons
Note: Artists subject to change without notice.
September - October 2016
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights each fall. The party’s biggest highlights are watching Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes Fireworks and the "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" Castle Stage Show along with trick-or-treating in the park and meeting the Disney characters and dressed in Halloween costumes. During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. The party is not included with regular admission to Magic Kingdom and requires a separate ticket. We recommended purchasing tickets in advance, since these parties do sometimes sell out. The tone of the event is, well, "Not-So-Scary", and is appropriate for children of all ages.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place in 2016 on the following dates:
- September - 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
- October - 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
November- December 2016
Mickey's Verry Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held on select nights each winter at Magic Kingdom. The big highlights from this event are Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade (watch the video), Holiday Wishes fireworks (watch the video), Celebrate the Season Castle stage show (watch the video), and a magical snowfall over Main Street, U.S.A. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters, some of whom are decked out in their holiday finest. Cookies and hot cocoa are included with admission to this separately ticketed event. It is recommended you purchase tickets in advance; it is common for nights to sell out.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will take place in 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on the following dates:
- November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27 and 29
- December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22

Celebrate the holiday season with the characters, legends and lore from around the globe. Delight in wondrous tales and customs while experiencing the traditions of Walt Disney World® Resort. The signature events include a breathtaking Candlelight Processional and a special holiday-themed finale to the dazzling IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Holidays Around The World – Candlelight Processional is included with regular admission to Epcot.
Guest Speakers for the 2016 Candlelight Procession
Nov. 25 - Nov. 27 |
Steven Curtis Chapman |
The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the American Gardens Theatre.
2016 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages - Now on Sale!
These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.
This year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite Epcot restaurants like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain's Grille at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney's BoardWalk.
Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at US $27 plus tax per person for adults and US $14 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at US $47 plus tax per person for adults and US $20 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
Book a Candlelight Processional dining package by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463), visit Disneyworld.com/dine OR contact your Destination Orlando Etc. travel agent!
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: A spectacular light and sound show every night at 9:30 p.m. at the World Showcase Lagoon featuring a very special holiday finale, which includes the classic song "Let There Be Peace On Earth" and the voice of Walter Cronkite offering a special holiday message.
Holiday Storytellers: Listen to legendary holiday folklore from around the world as told at the World Showcase by the legends themselves, including France's Père Noël, Italy's La Befana and America's Santa Claus.