Disney World in April: Crowds, Weather, Events, and What to Expect
Heading to Walt Disney World next April? It’s one of the best months to visit. The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, the weather is warm but not yet too rainy, and temperatures usually stay in the mid-80s. Depending on the week, you may run into spring break crowds or Easter celebrations. With this guide, you’ll be prepared for everything happening across the resort.
Busiest Dates in April 2025 – Walt Disney World
April is a peak month at Walt Disney World, with a mix of spring break travelers, Easter vacationers, and special events. Here's what to expect:
Spring Break:
Expect high crowd levels from March 29 through April 20, as schools across the country take their spring breaks at various times. Weekdays during this window are busy, and weekends are even more crowded.
Easter Weekend:
Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20, 2025, will see a major surge in guests due to the holiday weekend. Parks will be especially packed on Easter Sunday.
Cheer and Dance Competitions:
Walt Disney World will host national cheer and dance competitions throughout the month. Major events are scheduled from April 3–6 and again around April 26–27, adding more large groups to the parks.
Weekends:
Saturdays and Sundays are consistently the busiest days of the week throughout April. Expect longer waits, especially in the afternoon and evening.
How to Plan Around Crowds
To avoid getting caught off guard by crowd levels, use reputable crowd calendar tools like:
WDW Prep School Crowd Calendar
Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar
Thrill-Data Crowd Trends
These resources offer day-by-day predictions, historical wait time data, and insights based on school schedules and Disney-run events.
Tips for Busy Days
Have a flexible plan. If the wait for a ride is too long, shift to another attraction nearby. It helps to map out alternatives ahead of time.
Build in breaks. Use longer waits or high-traffic areas as an opportunity to rest, hydrate, reapply sunscreen, or grab a snack.
Explore seasonal offerings. Take advantage of springtime merchandise, pop-up photo ops, and limited-time treats available during April.
Use Lightning Lane
Seasonal Festivities and Holiday Activities in April
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is one of Walt Disney World's most popular seasonal events. Official 2026 dates will be released in the winter, but the festival typically runs from early March through early July.
This springtime celebration features:
Dozens of character-themed topiaries throughout the park
Specialty gardens, including a butterfly landing zone, pollinator gardens, and exhibits highlighting sustainable gardening and edible plants
Seasonal outdoor kitchens, which serve garden-inspired dishes and fresh beverages around World Showcase
Interactive scavenger hunts, such as Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration, which invites guests to locate Spike the Bee hidden among garden displays. Maps are available for purchase at select gift shops.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Nightly concerts are held at the America Gardens Theatre, located in the American Adventure Pavilion. Performers vary by date and include a mix of throwback bands and current touring acts. Past performers have included groups like Starship, Simple Plan, and Rick Springfield. Concerts are typically held three times per evening and are included with EPCOT park admission.
Same-day seating is available, but dining packages are offered at select EPCOT restaurants for reserved seating.
Butterfly Landing
Guests can walk through a seasonal butterfly house near the Imagination Pavilion. This walk-through exhibit features live butterflies, beautiful blooms, and educational displays about pollination and natural ecosystems.
Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt
This seasonal scavenger hunt takes place around World Showcase in EPCOT and features oversized, character-themed Easter eggs hidden throughout the pavilions.
Maps and stickers can be purchased at merchandise locations such as Port of Entry or Creations Shop
Once completed, return your map for a small prize
The event typically begins in late March and runs through mid-April
Easter Bunny Meet and Greet at Magic Kingdom
Guests visiting during Easter weekend can meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Magic Kingdom.
Character meet-and-greets are usually held near Liberty Square or Town Square near City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Appearances are generally available in the week leading up to Easter Sunday
Check the My Disney Experience app for exact times and locations closer to your visit
Weather in April
April in Orlando brings warm, mostly sunny weather with daytime highs in the mid to high 80s. Mornings can start cooler, with lows around 60 degrees, so it’s smart to pack a light jacket for early park hours or evening strolls.
What to Wear:
Short sleeves, shorts, or skirts are ideal for daytime
Lightweight layers for morning and night
Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and a handheld misting fan to stay cool
Rain Preparedness:
April can bring quick, unexpected showers. Come prepared with:
Rain jackets or ponchos
A towel for drying off
Extra clothes for young kids or long park days
Stroller Tip:
If you’re bringing a stroller, make sure you have a stroller fan that works while the rain cover is on. Rain covers can trap heat and turn the stroller into a hot box, especially during warm afternoons.
For more detailed packing tips that cover every season, check out my Ultimate Park Bag Blog, where I break down exactly what to bring year-round.
Closures, Refurbishments, and Openings
Closed January–April 2026: The Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed for scheduled maintenance, with a planned reopening at the end of April. All other pools at the resort will remain open, offering plenty of swimming space for guests. If you're traveling with young children and need splash time, this may be a great opportunity to explore pool options at other nearby resorts.
Closing in 2026: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios is being reimagined as a Muppets-themed attraction called Muppets & Electric Mayhem. The ride will feature a brand-new storyline centered on the Muppets’ iconic band. The transformation is underway now, with a reopening expected by the end of 2026.
Reopening in 2026: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom will reopen with refreshed ride vehicles, updated blasters, and improved targets. A new robot character named "Buddy" will also be introduced to help guests boost their scores during gameplay.
Reopening in 2026: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. The update includes a brand-new track and enhanced scenic elements. This classic Magic Kingdom attraction has been closed for an extended period, but the improvements are expected to significantly enhance the ride experience.
Closing in 2026: DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be replaced with a new Indiana Jones-themed ride. The updated attraction will take guests through an ancient Mayan temple on a high-stakes adventure. This change is part of a larger transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into a new land called Pueblo Esperanza, inspired by the tropical regions of the Americas.
Park After Hours, Extended Evening Hours, and Special Events Dates:
With a debut date of July 20th, 2025, the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade is the perfect way to end a spectacular night in the Magic Kingdom! Take a dreamy journey through Disney’s classics through bedazzled floats, character appearances, and dancing, and music. Dream the Night Away features dream-centered favorites, like the Blue Fairy from Pinnochio, the Family Madrigal from Encanto, royal families from classics like the Princess and the Frog and Cinderella, and a special appearance from Mickey and his gang!
After Hours: After Hour park events usually last from 10pm-1am on select nights for each park, with the exception of Hollywood Studios, which will operate After Hours from 9:30pm-12:30am. Guests can enter the park as early as 7:00 PM, before the event officially begins. After Hours is a separate-ticket special event. Monitor the main Disney site to make sure to get your tickets early!
Special April Events
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
From April 16–19, 2026, runners will take on a weekend of races across Walt Disney World Resort during the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. This event combines fitness, Disney-themed fun, and a charitable cause. In 2025, the race weekend supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The 2026 theme and race details will be announced closer to the event. Expect 5K, 10K, and challenge races, along with special entertainment and limited-edition medals.
Earth Day and Animal Kingdom’s Birthday – April 22
Each year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates Earth Day and its park anniversary on April 22. The park opened on Earth Day in 1998, and the day is now marked by unique in-park offerings. Guests can expect:
Themed food and beverage items available for a limited time
Exclusive merchandise tied to conservation and Animal Kingdom’s birthday
Wilderness experiences and educational exhibits focused on nature, animals, and sustainability
Special character appearances and photo opportunities
This is a great time to visit Animal Kingdom if you’re looking to enjoy the park’s conservation focus and celebrate its role as Disney’s most nature-centered theme park.
Fast Facts:
*Did you know that Disney offers free dining plans to kids ages 3-9? That’s right, in 2026, you can save a little extra money on dining! You can access this meal plan when you purchase a Walt Disney Travel Company package for your family. We know that Disney can get expensive. This plan is perfect for saving money for the rest of your trip!
**Extended Evening Hours are continuing! Specific April dates and times have not been released yet, but these are our expectations: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. As a reminder, extended evening hours benefits registered Guests of Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels!
Raise your hands and mouse ears if you are ready to make some memories! We’re excited to get the show on the road for another beautiful spring at Walt Disney World! Let us know which event is going to be at the top of your itinerary and make sure to follow Well Hello Magic for more magical tips and information!
Things You May Not Know
Free Dining Plan for Kids Ages 3–9
In 2026, Disney is offering a free dining plan for children ages 3 to 9 when you book a Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package. This can be a great way to save money, especially for families with multiple young children. The offer includes select meal plans and is valid for stays at participating Disney Resorts. Be sure to check eligibility and booking windows to take advantage of this offer.
Extended Evening Hours Are Continuing
Extended evening hours will continue in 2026 for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and other select hotels. While specific April dates and times have not yet been released, you can expect extended hours to run from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT on select nights. This benefit allows you to enjoy popular attractions with lower wait times after the regular park closing.
If you're planning a trip this spring, keep an eye out for these added perks and savings. Let us know which event you're most excited for, and be sure to follow Well Hello Magic for more Disney tips and planning advice!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family's favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
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