Hi Rifaela,
Welcome to planDisney! I totally understand wanting to visit Walt Disney World when crowds are lower. Disney Parks Blog recently posted an article
sharing all the best times to visit Walt Disney World, including the
best time for lower crowds. According to the Disney Parks Blog, summer, early September, and a few weeks before the holidays are among the best times.
Since you’re asking about athletic events specifically, I can share that the
ESPN Wide World of Sports website has a calendar of upcoming events. This calendar includes runDisney events and sporting events like various showcases, tournaments, and championships. These events can often take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports or convention spaces around Walt Disney World. If you’re visiting during a runDisney event, your transportation options may have some modifications due to road closures, but that should only affect part of your morning.
As far as other events, Walt Disney World doesn’t share a full yearly calendar in one place. There is an
Hours & Events Calendar, but this calendar is posted a few weeks in advance and includes parade, nighttime entertainment, and ticketed event information. Disney Parks Blog published details about
what is coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, including information about the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and After Hours events, and dates for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in the spring. They also confirmed that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Jollywood Nights, and EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays are all returning later in 2026! For more details about these festivals and event ticket information, keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog as they will share more next year!
I hope this helps with your planning, Rifaela! We’d love to help you with any other aspect of planning your Disney vacation, so please don’t hesitate to come back and see us again at
planDisney!
Kaitlin