One of the most persistent myths about Walt Disney World is that it’s just for kids, but there are so many great attractions and activities that adults will enjoy. Throughout the year, Walt Disney World also offers amazing seasonal events, and many of these are geared specifically toward adults. Here are my top five recommendations for special events adults will love.
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (March – May): Each spring, Epcot transforms into a garden paradise with beautiful flower displays and fun Disney character topiaries throughout the park. The festival also includes presentations on interior design and gardening by HGTV stars. Recently, the festival also added Garden Marketplaces, which serve dishes with fresh ingredients and international flavors.
Visitor Tip: For tea enthusiasts, this is the only time of year that Epcot offers a guided tour of the English Tea Garden in the UK pavilion, and it’s free!
Star Wars Weekends (May – June): A must-see for any Star Wars fan, Star Wars Weekends takes over Hollywood Studios on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The event includes appearances by Star Wars celebrities (recent years have included Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams, among many others), a special parade and fireworks display, and Star Wars characters gather throughout the park.
Visitor Tip: If you want to meet popular characters like Darth Vader, Chewbacca, or Boba Fett, visit as early as you can; their lines will be very long.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival (September – November): Without a doubt Epcot’s most popular special event, this festival features market stalls throughout Epcot’s World Showcase with food and beverages from around the world. Booths include countries from Epcot’s World Showcase, as well as many others such as Scotland, Brazil, Australia and South Africa. The event also includes special meals, tastings and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs (for an additional cost).
Tip for visitors: this festival is very, very popular – try to visit on a weekday for shorter lines at the stalls.
Candlelight Processional (November – December): This show is a traditional retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator and a full choir, held at the America Gardens Theater several times a night beginning in late November. There is no additional cost to the performance beyond park admission, but the theater can fill up quickly, so arrive early.
Visitor Tip: If you want a guaranteed seat for the Candlelight Processional, consider a dining package, which includes guaranteed seating and lunch or dinner at select restaurants at Epcot.
Osborne Dancing Light Show (November – January): America’s streets at Hollywood studios are covered each holiday season in a dazzling display of millions upon millions of lights. Lights cover the buildings and moving screens shine overhead. Access to this exhibit is included in park admission.
Tip for visitors: There isn’t really a slow time for this exhibit, but you may find fewer crowds if you visit during a Fantasmic exhibit! or shortly before the park closes.
