2012: The Year of More Magic
2012 will bring seasonal events, new attractions and special experiences to the Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney Area. Get descriptions, details and—most importantly—dates, so you can start planning today!
December 6, 2011
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From exciting seasonal events and brand-new attractions to immersive new experiences and a special surprise announcement on New Year's Eve…there's a lot more than just Leap Year to celebrate throughout Walt Disney World® Resort in 2012. And it all adds up to a wonderful world of ways to make memories that you'll hold on to forever. So take a sec to explore what's going on below, and we hope to see ya real soon.
Through the Theme Parks. And beyond!
EPCOT®
Spring into 2012 by marking your calendars for the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival, March 7 through May 20. Here, you'll watch the Park blossom to life with colorful flowers, lush gardens and over 75 Disney Character topiaries. Not to mention live Flower Power music, designer presentations and more. It's fun the whole family can enjoy.
And whether you crave tantalizing tapas and refreshing adult beverages or celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy just about every taste at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, September 28 through November 11.
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS®
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 through June 10, come feel the Force at Star Wars™ Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios®. Be on the lookout for over 50 Star Wars characters, including Darth Vader, Princess Leia and Chewbacca, plus catch celebrities posing for photos, signing autographs, riding in motorcades and beyond. Young Padawans can even learn to wield a lightsaber at the Jedi Training Academy! Of course, don't forget to hop aboard Star Tours®—The Adventures Continue for out-of-this-world 3-D excitement. And with over 50 different adventures to experience…you never know where the Force will take you.
DISNEY'S WATER PARKS
Okay, so they're not technically "Theme Parks," but we did say, "and beyond!" So if you want to add a big splash of magic to your vacation, come get drenched in it at the Disney Water Parks*. At both Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, you can take on thrill rides, chill rides, family-style raft rides, areas for the little squirts, tropical lounging for the grownups and more.
MAGIC KINGDOM® PARK
Over at the Magic Kingdom Park, you can experience New Fantasyland® as it continues to expand with more enchantment than ever before. See the new Storybook Circus area, where you can enjoy the whimsy of a classic circus and TWO Dumbo The Flying Elephant® attractions. Check out the Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini. And meet even more of your favorite Disney Characters.
In late 2012, be there for the arrival of Fantasyland Forest, where you can join Ariel and friends on the new Under the Sea: The Voyage of The Little Mermaid attraction; take part in an immersive experience with Belle; and dine in the Beast's Castle at the Be Our Guest restaurant.
Wondering what to do in September and October? How does trick-or-treating in the Park as part of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sound? On select nights, you can dress up in your favorite costume and come watch Mickey and pals in Mickey's "Boo-To-You" Halloween Parade; ride select Magic Kingdom attractions; watch the spectacular Happy HalloWishes fireworks; meet some Disney Characters, villains and beyond. It's far-from-frightening fun for the whole family. (Separate admission is required. See event details.)
And on select dates in November and December, get into the holiday spirit by spending an enchanting evening at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This festive Yuletide celebration is filled with live entertainment, falling "snow," spectacular fireworks, cookies, hot cocoa and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade. (Separate admission is required. See event details.)
DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM® THEME PARK
Join the ultimate animal adventure as you journey deep into Pangani Forest on a thrilling, privately guided expedition featuring close encounters with exotic wildlife. During a Wild Africa Trek experience, you'll get closer to Nile crocodiles and massive hippos than you ever dreamed possible before taking a VIP safari across an open savanna, teeming with native African creatures. (Reservations and separate fees required. See details.)
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® AREA
And finally, what's there to do when you're not in the Parks or it's way after dark? Plenty. At the Downtown Disney area, you'll find unique shopping, delicious dining, live music and even incredible, new nighttime entertainment. So fill your wish lists at the World of Disney® store; grab a bite at T-REX or Planet Hollywood®; experience five floors of games and fun at DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park; or be awed by the international cast of acrobats, athletes and performance artists featured in the Walt Disney World-exclusive Cirque du Soleil® show, La Nouba".
There's going to be so much to see and do throughout Walt Disney World Resort in 2012, it's a good thing there's an extra day in the year to play with! Click here to start planning today.
