It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over, but we’re already starting to look ahead to 2022. It will be here before you know it!
And as you can go ahead and book your 2022 trip to Disney World, you might want to know about some very important things that will happen next year — and what dates they’ll be occurring.
January
January 1st-December 31st
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration started on October 1, 2021, and lasts 18 months through 2022 and into 2023. The celebration has brought new character cavalcades, new nighttime shows, EARidescent decor, and more to the parks for the next year and a half.
January 1st
January 1, 2022, brings the end of Disney’s Magical Express transportation service. Starting that date, guests can book a shuttle through Mears Connect, use a taxi, book a towncar, or use a rideshare service to get to and from the Orlando International Airport and Disney World resort hotels. A train service between Orlando Airport and Disney World has been planned, but it may not be available until 2026 or later.
January 14 – February 21
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins January 14 and runs through February 21. EPCOT guests can expect to see a variety of food booths, activities, and entertainment themed around the visual, culinary, and performing arts.
January 4th-Mid April
Expedition Everest will go down for a lengthy refurbishment that is scheduled to last three or more months. Guests who visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom during this time will need to make note that this ride will be closed.
January 5th-9th
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will finally return as an in-person event to the resort. This will bring a lot of guests to the resort, and they will be running to bring home some pretty cool medals. Those visiting over this weekend and not running will want to note that crowd levels will be higher, and there could be some transportation delays.
January 10th-February 10th
For a month at the beginning of the year, Splash Mountain will be undergoing a brief refurbishment for routine maintenance. During this time, no major changes will be made to the ride (it’s not time for the Princess and the Frog overhaul just yet!). Disney World’s water rides tend to have routine maintenance on an annual basis.Â
January 23rd-28th
Another closure that will happen in January is a short refurbishment for the Disney Skyliner. For a few days at the end of the month, Skyliner service between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and EPCOT will be unavailable. During this time, alternate forms of transportation will be provided for guests wishing to travel that path.
Early January-Late February
Over at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the Flippin’ Fins Pool will close for refurbishment from early January through late February 2022. During that time, guests are encouraged to use one of the other resort pools. No official dates have been announced for the refurb at the time of publishing.
January-April
The Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be closed. The pool will be receiving a refurbishment during these months.
February
February 13th
Super Bowl Sunday happens on February 13th this year, the day before Valentine’s Day. We expect to see a lot of guests celebrating both big days at the parks, but the winner of the Super Bowl typically visits the theme parks the day after the big game.
February 14th-18th
For just a few days in the middle of the month, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed in Magic Kingdom for a refurbishment. The ride will receive “routine maintenance” during that time, so don’t expect any big changes.
February 24th-27th
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place during the last weekend in February. Again, this is when we expect to see more guests in the park, so if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to skip the parks that weekend.
February 25th
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” debuts on February 25th, on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage! It’s still the classic stage show we know and love — with a 50th Anniversary twist.
Late February-Mid April
After the Flippin’ Fins Pool completes its refurbishment, the Cozy Cone Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will close in its place and get some updates as well. No specific dates are listed for this refurbishment yet either, but the other two pools will remain open during the closure.
March
March 1st
On March 1st, we have one of the most highly-anticipated openings at Disney World for the past few years — the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. This new hotel offers a 2-night adventure, similar to a cruise, where guests can “live out their Star Wars story.”
Bookings are available for the new resort, but beware…there’s a pretty hefty price tag! We stayed here for its “maiden voyage” and created a comprehensive guide for you!
March 2nd-July 4th
On March 2nd (yes, the DAY after Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opens), the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off. This year’s festival is bringing back several outdoor kitchens, beautiful topiaries, and the Garden Rocks concert series.
March 9th
Festival of Fantasy parade returns to Magic Kingdom on March 9th! It’s definitely worth camping out in a prime spot for!
March 31st-April 3rd
The next runDisney event is the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. This is a brand new event that will replace the former Star Wars Rival Run Weekend.
April
April 17th
Easter is on April 17th and shortly before that, EPCOT usually hosts the Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt that tasks guests with finding hidden Disney-themed Easter Eggs through the EPCOT. Maps will be available for purchase throughout the park, and those who complete the hunt will win a prize.
April 20th
Salt & Straw officially opens on April 20th! We’ve already seen this location in Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort, and we’re finally getting our own in Disney Springs! You’ll definitely want to stop by this spot — it’s full of unique, wild flavors.
April 22nd
April is Earth Month, and Animal Kingdom usually celebrates by offering up unique snacks, activities, entertainment, and more for a limited time during that month. Earth Day officially takes place on Friday, April 22nd.
April 30th-May 1st
The Spring Dapper Day event is also held at Disney World in April. This is an unofficial event that usually happens on different days in two separate parks where guests dress up in their best vintage fashion. It’s always a lot of fun to attend Dapper Day and seeing all the wonderful and creative outfits guests have put together.
May
May 4th
May the 4th is Star Wars Day, and Disney usually does a little bit to celebrate with special snacks, events, activities, and more. Expect to see loads of Star Wars fans flocking to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on that day to celebrate at Galaxy’s Edge.Â
May 27th
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens on May 27th in EPCOT! We’ve gotten to take a ride (or 20), so check out our spoiler-free review.Â
June
June 2nd-6th
Gay Days takes place at Magic Kingdom in June and while it’s not an official event from Disney, many guests will flock to the parks to celebrate during that time. In the month of June, you may also notice special pride merchandise and snacks.
June 11th
The reimagined show, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond, will open on June 13th!
July
July 5th-July 15th
“A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” will be closed during this period of time. It will be making way for the return of “Festival of the Lion King.”
July 10th
A ton of familiar faces return to Disney World on July 10th! Peter Pan, Snow White, Jasmine, Aladdin, and more characters will be returning around the parks! Check your My Disney Experience app when you visit to see who is available during your trip.
July 16th
After the closure of “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King,” the show will return to its full form — “Festival of the Lion King.”
July 17th
On July 17th, guests can meet Chewbacca, BB-8. and Darth Vader over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! You’ll be able to find them at Star Wars Launch Bay.
July-November
EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival is one of the biggest events of the year, as well as the one that runs the longest. It generally starts a little later in the year, but in 2020 and 2021, the event started in mid-July and ended in late November. This is a great time for foodies to visit Disney World because guests have an opportunity to sample some of the most delicious and unique cuisines from all over the world.
August
August-October
Halloween season officially kicks off at Disney World in August, which means that the parks get decorated for the season, Halloween snacks start showing up, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins.
September
September 20th
The Crystal Palace: A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends is coming back to the Magic Kingdom on September 20th! In the past we’ve seen Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet, so we’re hoping they’ll all return to this dining experience.
September 27th
The ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch will officially return on September 27th. Guests can expect to dine while Lilo and Stitch walk around to say hi!
October
October 4th
Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort will resume character dining on October 4th. That means guests can dine at Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast!
November
November-December
The holiday season begins shortly after the Halloween season ends. The parks get decorated for Christmas, and guests can buy a ticket to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Guests will want to keep an eye on the dates of these parties, as they do mean that Magic Kingdom will close early to regular guests on those days.
This is also the time that EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays begins, which includes holiday-themed food booths from around the world, special activities, events like the Candlelight Processional, and more.
TBA
There are a few things that are happening at Disney World in 2022 that have not been assigned specific opening dates yet. Here’s the full list:
Those are all the official dates that we have right now, but we’ll keep you updated as more are announced! Stay tuned to AllEars!
Click Here to Learn How Disney World Will Change in 2022!
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We are headed to Disney early December 2022
Yes December 2022
Hi! Love getting all my Disney News from you guys! I will be taking my kids to WDW in December 2022! Day after Christmas! I have never been to disney during the Holiday season. It will be epic!!!
We’ll be headed to Disney in early December 2022
We are heading to WDW in May of 2022. Super excited since it’s been about 20 years since I was last there. I’m a former Disneyland Cast Member, so, it will be really fun to see how much has changed and any similarities to DLand.
We had to postpone our trip from Christmas week to the first week of January 2022. Now we are hearing that WDW is taking down Christmas Decor at the parks and the hotels on January 1st, 2022. Is that correct? I thought it was supposed to be up until January 9th, 2022. If anyone can confirm when the holiday decor comes down, please let me know. I will have to cancel the January trip if the holiday decor is gone. Thanks!
September 18-28 to celebrate our sons graduation and our 20th anniversary
we are headed to disney for thanksgiving 2022!