When it comes to deciding which Walt Disney World park to visit, not every day is created equal.
EPCOT
For example, while the Magic Kingdom is the resort’s — and the world’s — most visited theme park, there are a few days this year when guests should probably consider making their way to EPCOT instead.
May 13th
While the rest of our days are full of special events and Holidays, May 13th is just a random Wednesday. So, why is it wise to skip the Magic Kingdom for EPCOT that day? Two Words: Private Event.
Cinderella Castle
The Magic Kingdom will be closing to the general public at 5:30 PM that day for an event. Meaning that there’s no evening dining at the park, no Starlight Parade, and no Happily Ever After fireworks. In other words, if you plan on engaging in any of the after-dark activities, you’ll want to head over to EPCOT instead for a meal and some fireworks, specifically Luminous.
Starlight
August 7th
August 7th marks the first day of this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party! The annual event is a favorite of many, offering all the treats and trappings of spooky season. However, those who don’t have party tickets will need to be out of the Magic Kingdom by 6:00 PM that day, which creates similar issues to those above. So once again, EPCOT would be a better bet.
Magic Kingdom at night during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Honestly, the same could be said for every date of the Halloween Party — the aforementioned August 7th, as well as August 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th, 30th, September 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 27th, 29th, and October 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th, and 31st — as well as the as-yet-unannounced dates of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Luminous at EPCOT
November 27th
The day after Thanksgiving — AKA Black Friday — is always a busy day at Disney World’s theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. However, the date is usually a special one for the latter park, as it is traditionally the launch of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. What better way to kick off the Holiday Season than by embracing how it is celebrated around the world?
2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World during any of these dates this year, you may want to skip over the Magic Kingdom for EPCOT on these particular dates. Stay tuned to DFB for more 2026 Disney World tips!
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I agree on the first two, but no power on Earth could get me to step foot inside EPCOT on the first day of a festival.