Disney World Extra Magic Disneyland Planning

Best Day Ever at WDW and Disneyland: Part 2

April 11, 2023

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

As we continue to plan 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 the continued 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 second edition of Inspiring Itineraries – Disney style!

Let’s get started.

Best Day Ever at Walt Disney World

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in April, May or June 2023, be sure to include one or more of the following activities on your “must do” list and create your BEST DAY EVER.

April

Traveling in April

The weather is GREAT! The weather in April is superb. The temperatures are rising, and while you may get a super hot weekend, the temperatures usually hold steady in the low 80s. It’s a great time of year to visit.
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 first two weeks of the month.
Crowds tend to be lower at the END of the month. If you can avoid the Spring Break crowds and visit after, you will miss the long lines and heavy crowds. Late April is a prime time to visit the parks.

Best Day Ever Overview of Events

Animal Kingdom Turns 25!

This is such a wonderful year to visit Animal Kingdom! Turning 25 on Earth Day, April 22, 2023, the park will be filled with fun activities and extra treats to celebrate the special day. As conservation initiatives are at the heart of Animal Kingdom’s mission, take some time to learn and understand all that we can do to help our earth and animals. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the big days. In the meantime, check out this great article on the magic of Animal Kingdom and all it has to offer!

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

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!

May

Traveling in May

PERFECT weather! The weather in May is absolute perfection! The skies are deep blue, the sun is shining, the temps hover in the mid 80s, the humidity is often lower. It’s hot, but usually not stifling.
Crowds are average. Crowd levels tend to be lower at the beginning of May and increase slowly by Memorial Day Weekend. This is probably the last time you will have lower crowds before the Summer rush comes in and hangs around until September.
Costs are average. Costs around this time are pretty average also. You will see various promotions from Disney on hotel room discounts to encourage families to visit before the Summer rush.

Best Day Ever Overview of Events

January 4 – June 28 2023: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights
March 1- July 5, 2023: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
May 4, 2023: Star Wars Day. May the Fourth Be with You!
May 20 – September 2, 2023: Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Select Nights

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

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!

June

Traveling in June

It’s getting hot! I won’t lie. June is a challenging month weather-wise. It’s hot and it’s VERY humid. It also rains a lot. Often the rain storms last 5 minutes, but it’s enough to make everything wet, even more humid, and you want to be prepared or you will be soaked.
Crowds are building. Schools across the country are ending for the year, so families are vacationing. You will see the crowds increasing throughout the month.

Best Day Ever Overview of Events

January 4 – June 28 2023: Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Select Nights
March 1- July 5, 2023: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
June 1- August 24, 2023: EPCOT After Hours Select Nights

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

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!

Best Day Ever at Disneyland

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland in April, May or June 2023, be sure to include one or more of the following activities on your “must do” list and create your BEST DAY EVER.