Special Events & Festivities at Walt Disney World make a vacation extra special. Unfortunately, during the reopening of Walt Disney World, there will be significant changes to events, tours, recreation, and other experiences. Some events have been modified, but a number have been postponed or canceled.
Big Canceled Events
Disney H2O Glow Nights will not take place this year. All tickets have been canceled and will be refunded.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled. We expected this for some time, but it is now official. No character meets, parades, or fireworks during the initial reopening of Walt Disney World meant this year’s event was always unlikely. At the moment, Universal is still planning to hold Halloween Horror Nights if you still wish to attend a less family-friendly spooky party.
Still to be decided
Disney will be providing an update later in the year on whether Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will take place.
A big new festival
Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will open in Epcot on the same day as park reopening. The festival will feature a limited selection of the usual International Food & Wine Festival festivities with aspects of the Flower & Garden Festival.
Read our guide to learn more about the Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
New ways of seeing characters
Walt Disney World wouldn’t be Walt Disney World without characters. Unfortunately, during the reopening period, there will be no official meets, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to see the famous Disney Stars. A number of new unscheduled mini parades will be getting held at all parks each day.
If you’re hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck! Just as you may have seen recently at Disney Springs, our characters will appear in new and different ways that bring a smile to your face while also being mindful of physical distancing. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland you might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as you traverse the Castillo del Morro on your way to Pirates of the Caribbean. You could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
Disney Parks Blog
Other Canceled Experiences
Walt Disney World Tours
The following unique tours are unavailable:
- Backstage Magic
- Behind the Seeds
- Disney Private VIP Tours
- Disney’s Family Magic Tour
- Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
- Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
- Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour
- The UnDISCOVERed Future World
- Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour
- Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour
- Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
- World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered
- Wild Africa Trek
- Wild Africa Trek (Morning)
Special Dining Events
The following dining events are unavailable:
- Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room
- Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie
- Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night
- Dine with an Animal Specialist
- Dining with an Imagineer – Cítricos
- Dining with an Imagineer – The Hollywood Brown Derby
- Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland
- Epcot Forever Dining Package
- Fantasmic! Dining Package
- Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package
- Highway in the Sky Dine Around
- Jiko Wine Tasting
- Rivers of Light Dining Package
- Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
- Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Signature Celebration at Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour
- Tiffins Talks
- Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table Dinner
- Wanyama Safari
- Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare
Dessert Parties
The following dessert parties are unavailable:
- Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience
- Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
- Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
- Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing
- Frozen Ever After Dessert Party
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
- Rivers of Light Dessert Party
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Nature Experiences
The following nature experiences are unavailable:
- A Path Less Traveled Tour
- Behind the Seeds
- Caring for Giants
- Dine with an Animal Specialist
- Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour
- Epcot Seas Adventures – DiveQuest
- Epcot Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth
- Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
- Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Wanyama Safari
- Wild Africa Trek
- Wild Africa Trek (Morning)
Other Experiences
The following experiences are unavailable:
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew
- Character Couture
- Perfectly Princess Tea Party
- Pirate Adventure Cruises
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
- Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare
However, it isn’t all bad news! Have a look at the list of attractions that will be reopening at Walt Disney World Parks.
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