Disney really knows how to celebrate. Nearly every holiday seems to have at least one event, and Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve spark extended festivities. Disney also is a master at battling periods of slow attendance with specially themed events throughout the year. Call Disney’s main information line at 407-824-4321 or visit their web site at http://www.disneyworld.com for more information.

January brings the sell-out Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 9–13, 2019), which includes the Family Fun Run and the Kids’ Festival (open to all ages), as well as Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge—call 407-939-7810 for information and sign-up. The Princess Half-Marathon is held February 22–25, 2018, with a focus on women’s fitness. The Star Wars Half Marathon is April 19–22, 2018. There’s also the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Nov. 1–4, 2018.The Atlanta Braves baseball spring training is in March and April (but note that they are relocating to a new location elsewhere in Florida following the spring 2019 season). There are also Disney High School and College Spring Training events in 2018, encompassing baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, and track & field. Many more sport opportunities are available at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex—for more details, visit http://www.disneyworldsports.com and http://www.rundisney.com.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns in 2019 (every day between Jan. 18 and Feb. 28, 2019) brings the visual, culinary, and performing arts to the World Showcase. The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March 6–June 3, 2019) fills the park with exhibits, seminars, tours, demonstrations, the Food Among the Flowers Brunch (see page 267), amazing character-shaped topiaries, and special entertainment at the America Gardens Theatre. The 23rd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, is August 30–November 12, 2018—it turns the World Showcase into an even greater gourmet delight (see page 241). Note that the Star Wars Weekend held its last event in 2015 and the last Grad Night was held in 2011.