Park Watch: What’s Happening This Month
APRIL 2024
Spring has sprung but spring break season is finally ending, so park crowds should be a bit more manageable before summer vacation season starts.
Disney World
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
April 18 is the start of runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. As with most runDisney events there will probably be some parking lot and lane closures during race times but shouldn’t have a major impact on park guests.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Show
March EPCOT International Flower & Garden Show continues as does 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.
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.
Dapper Days
Dapper Days are privately organized and are not official Disney Parks & Resorts events but are very popular with guests. Dapper Days events celebrate the tradition of “stepping out in style” and participating guests will typically dress as a vintage era inspired version of a Disney character. I haven’t been able to attend one yet, but it’s definitely on my Disney bucket list.
Dapper Days Spring Outing is scheduled April 20 – 21. More info here.
Disneyland
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival kicked off on March 3 and continues until April 22. Much like the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival in Florida, this event features special festival food booths, cooking demonstrations, celebrity chefs, live music and the return of Soarin’ Over California.
Season of the Force
Disneyland will be celebrating the Season of the Force for the first time in nearly a decade. The galactic celebration kicks off April 5th and runs through June 2. That means Season of the Force will overlap both Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite AND the observance of May 4th celebrations. That’ll be some crazy days to be in the park!
The celebration includes special entertainment, overlays on favorite attractions like Hyperspace Mountain, Star Wars themed foods and merchandise, and more. Notable new additions this year include Galaxy’s Edge viewing of Disneyland Fireworks on select nights, and the debut of Ahsoka themed adventures on the Star Tours attraction.
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
This extra ticket event invites guests to don their best galactic cosplay and have the ultimate Disneyland experience for any Star Wars fan. This event includes the March of the First Order Featuring Captain Phasma, lightsaber instructional, special galactic themed snacks, photo ops and more! Don’t forget to bring your lightsaber and be part of the Gathering of the Resistance with Rey by the Millennium Falcon.
This separately ticketed event will be held on April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 and May 2, 7, 9. General admission tickets start at $159 per Guest (Ages 3+) and availability is limited.
Pixar Fest
Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort from April 26 through August 4. During this celebration of all things Pixar, Disneyland parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District will have a Pixar twist including an all-new daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” and a new nighttime spectacular, “Together Forever.”
Dapper Days Expo & Outing
Dapper Days are privately organized and are not official Disney Parks & Resorts events but are very popular with guests. Dapper Days events celebrate the tradition of “stepping out in style” and participating guests will typically dress as a vintage era inspired version o f a Disney character.
The Spring 2024 Dapper Day Expo at Disneyland Hotel is scheduled for April 6-7 with a Spring Outing to Disneyland on April 7.