Park Watch: What’s Happening This Month
FEBRUARY 2024
There is no off-season in Disney World. February is definitely not the low-crowd sweet spot it used to be, but the Disney Parks are still in something of a post-holiday lull. Here’s a look at some of what’s happening in Disney Parks this month.
Disney World
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Continues
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts continues through February 19, celebrating visual, culinary, and performing arts. The Festival of the Arts is free with an EPCOT admission but there are some activities offered that are an additional cost like the Disney on Broadway concert series Concert Series Dining Package. Each package is prepaid with the price ranging from $50.00 to $99.00 per adult and $21.00 to $50.00 for children. The includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage or 1 full buffet depending on the restaurant selected, and one guaranteed seat per person to a Disney on Broadway concert held on the same day. You can setup a MouseWatcher alert to help find your preferred dining date and time.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend kicks on February 22 and runs through February 26 in Disney World. See what I did there? Similar to the runDisney Marathon weekend, this event will mostly impact parking and cause a few early morning lane closures. ESPN Wide World of Sports is also hosting several athletic events this month that may impact crowds on certain days.
After Hours Events Return
After pausing for the holiday events, Disney After Hours Events began returning to Disney World in January – starting with Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. EPCOT joins the lineup starting February 2.
These are 3-hour extra ticket events that give guests a chance to enjoy the parks late at night with low crowds and low wait times for select rides and activities. This is definitely one of the most unique ways to check out the parks and perfect for anyone who is a night owl. You can purchase tickets to attend on select nights between January 10 and April 10.
Magic Kingdom
10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Select dates January 11 – April 8
Hollywood Studios
9:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Select dates January 10 – April 10
EPCOT
10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Select dates February 2 – April 4
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
This festival is kicking off a little early this year on February 28 and will run through May 27, 2024. The annual Flower and Garden Festival highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts with Food Studios serving various art inspired food and drinks, interactive art opportunities and more.
There’s also the Garden Rocks Concert Series which is accompanied by the Garden Rocks Dining Packages. When you book a Garden Rocks Dining Package, you can choose from eight different restaurants offering a pre-paid dining experience and a guaranteed seat at one of the Garden Rocks performances that day. Dining Package prices range from $50.00 to $99.00 per adult and $21.00 to $50.00 for children. The includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage or 1 full buffet depending on the restaurant selected.
These are probably not all going to sell out but performances by more popular performers may book up fast. MouseWatcher is here to help find a seat if you need us.
Disneyland
Celebrate Soulfully
Disneyland celebrates Black History Month with a soulful celebration of Black heritage and culture. The celebration feature performances by award-winning gospel music stars and community choirs from across Southern California, special menu items throughout the parks.
Disneyland After Dark
Disneyland is also bringing back it’s own popular nighttime event – Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite. This is also an extra ticket event happening on select nights through February 16, 2023 at Disneyland Park.
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite
Disneyland celebrates the season of love with Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite. This is an extra ticket event happening on select nights through February 16, 2023 at Disneyland Park.
This event typically includes:
- A Royal Cavalcade ending in a Royal Ball
- Projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.
- A jazz ensemble aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat and more live entertainment
- Character meet and greets with your favorite Disney couples, including Cinderella and Prince Charming, Aladdin and Jasmine, and, of course, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
- Romantic photo-ops themed after scenes from iconic Disney films
- Valentine’s-inspired décor, food and beverage offerings
Lunar New Year Celebration
The Lunar New Year celebration continues through February 18, 2024. Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park ushers in a joyous tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures. During this limited time event, you’ll be able to partake in a joyous cultural celebration with a touch of Disney magic, featuring Asian-inspired food and drinks, vibrant décor and costumes, rare characters, and exciting entertainment.
This year the celebration rings in the Year of the Dragon with Asian-inspired food and beverages, vibrant décor and Mushu leading the way in “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.” You can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass which comes with six tabs to be exchanged for select food and nonalcoholic beverage items.
“Magic Happens” Parade Returns
As part of the Disney100 Years of Wonder celebration, Disneyland is bringing back guest favorite parade Magic Happens on February 24, 2023.
This means the popular “Magic Happens” Parade Dining Package at Plaza Inn will also be returning.
This dining package includes:
- Adult or child meal
- A voucher for reserved viewing access to the second “Magic Happens” Parade performance
Reserve a time between 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM to pick up your meal and dine at any available table at Plaza Inn Restaurant.
Dining packages are not available during Disneyland After Dark events and on March 31, May 10, May 11, May 12, May 27, June 15, June 16 and July 4, 2024.
For more information on this dining experience you can check out the official Plaza Inn Dining Packages page, and setup a MouseWatcher alert to snag one of these popular reservations.