Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
Now through June 3
For the regular Joe Schmoe, the fact that the International Flower and Garden Festival is going on means that you can enjoy millions of blooms, Disney themed topiaries, and sculpted bonsais. To horticultural and gardening aficionados everywhere, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is noted for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and unique planting demonstrations and exhibits. Each evening there is a Flower Power concert with acts from the 70’s and 80’s.
Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden hosts hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a walk through enclosure. I’ve never been but I’ve heard that it’s one of the ‘can’t miss’ things to see in the park.
Minnie Marathon Weekend
May 4-6
Disney’s Minnie Marathon weekend has something for everyone with a 1 mile, 5 K and 15K walk. To register, visit DisneyWorldSports.com.
Mother’s Day Events
May 12 & 13
A Mother’s Day weekend brunch is usually held in the Epcot World Showcase, between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions. Regular Epcot admission is required. Tickets for the brunch are not yet on sale.
Star Wars Weekends
June 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24
If you have an older set that just loves Star Wars, you’ll be happy to know that each year for several weekends in early summer, Star Wars actors and characters in costume appear at Disney-MGM Studios at specially designated motorcades and autograph pavillions. Other fun events such as Star Wars trivia contests are also held. (I am sure that my husband would win one of those!)
The Return of the Pirate and Princess Party
8/11, 8/15, 8/18, 8/21, 8/24, 8/28, 8/31 and 9/3
Apparently the Pirate and Princess Party was so successful during its January through March run, that Disney is brining it back. The party is held after hours from 7:30pm to 12:30 am and requires separate tickets. (But you do not have to have Disney World admission since it’s completely separate from regular park hours.)
Families follow and adventure map in search of treasures throughout the Magic Kingdom park. Highlights include a swashbuckling pirate tutorial led by Captain Jack Sparrow, and under-the-sea dance party with a meet and greet with Ariel, as well as many other opportunities for fun with your favorite Disney princesses!
You can always check out the Disney website for the most updated information on Disney theme park events.