Best Day Ever at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Plan your BEST DAY EVER at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

As many of us head into 2023 and begin planning our magical vacations to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, we are often overwhelmed with all of the amazing and wonderful things the Disney Parks & Resorts have to offer. There is just so much. So how does a family decide to narrow down what will get included on the itinerary?

I’m here to help.

Welcome to my all-new blog series called “Best Day Ever”. This new series will help you plan for long and short-term adventures at the parks. Each article throughout the year will provide you with a 3-6 month outlook on what’s coming to the parks – both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. I’ll highlight some of the well known events such as the EPCOT Festivals and Holidays festivities, but also include one or two options found off the beaten path that may not be on your radar. Adding something new and unique to your plans each time you visit keeps things fresh and exciting! I may add a few posts throughout the year that highlight very specifically one of those events and share the do’s and don’ts, must do’s, tips and tricks.

Piggybacking from my friend Gina’s “Love of the Magic Inspiring Itineraries” articles so thoroughly and thoughtfully crafted for destinations worldwide, I will share something similar for our “happy place”.

Welcome to the first edition of Inspiring Itineraries – Disney style!

Let’s get started.

Walt Disney World

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in January, February or March 2023, be sure to include one or more of the following activities on your “must do” list.

January

Traveling in January

Prepare to wear layers! January temperatures can be completely unpredictable. I’ve worn shorts and I’ve worn a heavy winter coat. You just never know! Pack for all weather types!
Costs tend to be lower. Park prices, hotel prices, and airfare prices are typically lower in February. Disney is also known to offer discounts and incentives for January, so be on the lookout for these when planning your vacation!

Marathon Weekend – 30th Anniversary!

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World. Seems crazy, doesn’t it? 30 years! This is one of the biggest events in January and takes place from January 4-8, 2023. According to Disney, this year’s event will allow guests to “relive decades of healthy competition with a dose of 90’s retro vibes, iconic Characters, and a glimpse into the runDisney of years of past.”

You may already be signed up for one or more of the races and if not, this is a great weekend to cheer on other Disney runners! If traveling during this time, know that the parks will be extra crowded and filled with marathoners. Be prepared for longer lines and lots of extra people in the parks.

EPCOT Festival of the Arts

EPCOT will host the first of four festivals in 2023: The EPCOT Festival of the Arts. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts instantly became a hit in its inaugural year in 2016. Each year since, the festival continues to grow in popularity and Disney continues to broaden our mind and our palette with amazing new and returning experiences. The festival highlights art in all different forms – ink and paint, photography, culinary, and so much more!

Think of this festival as a scaled down version of the International Flower & Garden Festival (which is a scaled down version of the International Food & Wine Festival). It’s small enough to enjoy every bit of it, but it packs a mighty punch. Tour the World Showcase promenade visiting with local artists, while sampling some of the globe’s finest culinary cuisine. Test your artist skills by joining one of the many workshops & seminars held throughout the duration of the festival.

This year, get ready for the full DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returning in all its amazing glory, and just this past week, Disney shared the infamous foodie guide! It looks incredible. And even crazier, there are 50 new menu items this year! Check them all out here.

If you want a guaranteed seat at one of the scheduled DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series performances, your best bet is to reserve a Dining Package at one of EPCOT’s selected restaurants. Make your reservations here.

After Hours Events

Disney After Hours is a special ticketed event held on select nights at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios (sometimes they are also offered at Animal Kingdom, too!). Anyone can purchase tickets for an After Hours event, it is not restricted to only Walt Disney World Resort (on-property) Guests.

For those unfamiliar with Disney After Hours events, they debuted in 2016 as a very limited capacity, separate ticketed event taking place three hours after park closing, with access to select attractions — which automatically meant much shorter wait times (if any at all!) to all of your favorite rides! The event debuted in Magic Kingdom and was eventually offered in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

The events often sell out, but with limited tickets sold, you essentially feel like you have the entire park to yourself. Disney After Hours events often also include complimentary popcorn, ice cream treats and beverages.

The events will run on select dates in January, February and March!

February

Traveling in February

Prepare to wear layers! February temperatures tend to be a bit cooler. Typically, you will want to layer up as mornings and evenings are cooler and afternoons warm up a bit.
Costs tend to be lower. Park prices, hotel prices, and airfare prices are typically lower in February. Disney is also known to offer discounts and incentives for February, so be on the lookout for these when planning your vacation!
It’s a busy month! If you’re visiting in February to avoid the crowds, you may want to avoid President’s Day weekend as well as the final weekend of February due to the Disney Princess Half Marathon. These two weekends tend to bring in the crowds and were quite busy in 2022.

Princess Half Marathon

Disney Princess Half Marathon will take place February 23-26. “Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga” will take place in Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella’s Castle prior to the park opening. The weekend also features a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (10K and Half Marathon).

EPCOT Festival of the Arts

After Hours Events

The events will run on select dates in January, February and March!

March

Traveling in March

It’s a bit warmer, but layers (like a sweatshirt) may be needed. Mornings and evenings will still be a bit chilly, but afternoons will typically be warmer.
It’s one of the busiest months of the year. With Spring Break happening all across the country, the parks will be busy… especially during the last two weeks of the month.
March 2023 will be busy. Not only is it spring break season, but March 2023 is the final month of Disney’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

In late March, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival begins. Although the 2023 dates have not yet been announced, this festival usually runs from early March through early July. This is definitely one of the prettiest festivals and happens during one of the very best times of the year to visit Walt Disney World! It’s also the longest running festival at the park. It began in 1993!

During this festival, the crowds are a little bit lighter than you generally find during the Fall Food & Wine festival and you can’t beat the beautiful weather (mid-70s to mid-80s and lower humidity (typically)), topiaries, flowers, butterflies, food and the all important Garden Rocks Concert Series.

Spring is in the air as the bright colors of the flowers and plants adorn the World Showcase for all to enjoy. Grab a drink and a snack and walk the promenade taking in all the beauty. This is definitely one of the much more relaxed festivals. Although it’s busy, it’s still quieter compared to its sister festival, The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which kicks off just weeks after this one!

After Hours Events

The events will run on select dates in January, February and March!

Disneyland

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland in January, February or March 2023, be sure to include one or more of the following activities on your “must do” list.