It’s spring, and Walt Disney World is abloom with fresh flowers, colorful Easter eggs, balmy(ish) temperatures and a veritable garden of seasonal offerings. Oh, and spoiler alert, some of the thickest crowds this side of Christmas.
Still, even with the spring break craziness, Disney World can be a downright delightful place to spend the Easter holiday, which falls on April 9th this year. So, follow us down the bunny trail as we go over the basketful of things you can enjoy during Easter at Disney World. (Updated March 23, 2023)
Celebrating Easter at Disney World
Thinking of spending Disney World at Easter? Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Is Disney World busy on Easter?
Disney magic is a power thing, but unfortunately, no amount of pixie dust can match the might of theme park crowds during the holidays. In fact, though not as packed as New Year’s Eve or Christmas, spring break is actually one of the busier times of year.
Throughout most of March and a good chunk of April, Walt Disney World is swarming with spring breakers. So, you can expect worse crowds on the weekends, but especially on Easter weekend.
It’s also important to note that when it comes to Disney, busier also means more expensive. As crowds swell, so, too, does the cost of admission or a night in one of the Disney World hotels.
How is the weather at Disney World during Easter?
When it comes to the weather, aside from the equally enjoyable autumn months, you’d be hard pressed to find a more pleasant time to visit Central Florida than spring. From March to May, temperatures tend to linger between the high 50s and high 80s.
However, as it can get quite cool, particularly in the evenings or after it rains, you’ll still want to be prepared with a light jacket or sweatshirt. On the bright side, spring does tend to be one of Florida’s drier seasons, with daily showers saved for the stickier summertime.
Does Disney World offer Easter Sunday church services?
Whether dietary restrictions or which floor you’d like your hotel room to be on, Disney does its best to accommodate guests whenever possible. The same goes for churchgoers on Easter Sunday.
Typically, Disney World offers Easter church services on Sunday morning, usually in the Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (The Fiesta Ballroom at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, where Christmas services were offered in previous years, is also a possibility.) In past years, Catholic Mass was held at both 8 AM and 10:30 AM, while a Protestant service was held at 9:15 AM.
As far as we can tell, these haven’t been confirmed yet for 2023. However, since some were offered in 2022, we’d be surprised if they didn’t. You can always ask a Contemporary Resort cast member for what’s going on while you’re there.
To attend religious services at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, keep in mind that you won’t be able to park at the hotel unless you have a valid hotel or dining reservation there. Instead, take either the monorail or bus. Park your car in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and hop on the resort monorail. Or, take the bus to Magic Kingdom from your Disney hotel, then walk across the street.
Does Disney World do anything special for Easter?
If there’s anything Disney loves, it’s an excuse to get dressed up, eat good food and put on a show. While it doesn’t match the festivities Halloween or Christmas, there’s still a fair bit of Easter fun to be had at Disney World.
You won’t find wreaths full of flowers and pastel ribbons bedecking Main Street, U.S.A. Rather, the only real decorations for the holiday are Disney-fied Easter eggs and a riot of flowers over at Epcot and the International Flower & Garden Festival, as well as more whimsical (chocolate!) eggs in a few of the Disney World hotels.
Having said that, Disney does usually offer a small slate of Easter-themed activities and entertainment over at Magic Kingdom, such as meet-and-greets with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, Disney World’s traditional Easter parade starring the Azalea Trail Maids and more.
Which Disney Park is the best for Easter?
If you’re only visiting for the day, it really depends on what you and your group are interested in. With appearances by the Easter Bunny, a short parade, special trolley show and some holiday-themed snacks, Easter at the Magic Kingdom is a great choice for first-time visitors or those with small children.
Alternatively, Epcot might be a better choice for adults and older kids, offering two different scavenger hunts, including the Disney World Easter egg hunt, playful character topiaries and enough seasonal dishes and sips to fill a farmers market at the International Flower & Garden Festival. (Who’s ready for some drinking around the world with a springtime twist?) Or, if you’re there for Easter weekend, spend one day at each.
Top Things to Do Around Walt Disney World at Easter
When it comes to seasonal offerings, much like Christmas and Thanksgiving, Disney World at Easter is a resort-wide affair. From limited-time entertainment and character sightings in the theme parks to special dining and festive displays in the hotels, Easter is a great time to visit Walt Disney World.
If you’re planning to stay at one of the hotels at Disney World, namely a moderate or deluxe resort, there might even a few fun activities right there at your hotel. In the past, resorts have hosted Easter egg hunts, Candy Scrambles and even character meet-and-greets. Talk to a cast member to see what, if anything, is on the schedule.
Admire the Chocolate Easter Eggs at Disney World Hotels
While Walt Disney Imagineers may be known for their wizardry, Disney culinary teams make their own kind of magic. Around Easter, it’s time to shine for Disney World’s pastry artists as they create elaborate Easter eggs out of chocolate – like Fabergé with an edible, animated twist.
On display at Disney’s Beach Club, Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resort, the Disney World Easter eggs are intricately painted and molded sweets. Designed and created by the resorts’ pastry teams – with most themed after an iconic Disney film, attraction or character – they’re a sweet spotlight on some of Disney’s talented cast members and a great excuse for a little resort hopping.
However, if you can only choose one resort, make it Disney’s Grand Floridian. Along with the 25 confections, Easter fans can also enjoy seasonal treats from The Grand Cottage, an all-new snack stand in the lobby.
Enjoy a Springtime Tradition with the Egg-stravaganza Epcot Easter Egg Hunt
2023 marks the return of yet another Easter favorite at Walt Disney World (while supplies last): the Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt. Like the Disneyland version on a smaller scale, Egg-stravaganza sets guests out in search of Disney character-inspired eggs hidden around Epcot.
A great activity to do with kids while you explore World Showcase, this Epcot Easter egg hunt begins with a map. Snag yours for $9.99 plus tax from participating merchandise locations, then set out on your quest.
Use the stickers provided to mark the appropriate spots and once you’re finished, take the finished product to Disney Traders or World Travelers to claim your prize: a collectible Disney character egg. When you’re done, take some time to enjoy the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival.
Watch the Disney World Easter Parade & Spring Trolley Show at Magic Kingdom
Technically, you won’t find an actual Easter parade at Disney World. Instead, Magic Kingdom guests get to enjoy an Easter Procession before the actual Festival of Fantasy Parade, as well as the Spring Trolley Show.
With appearances by some iconic (and rare!) Disney rabbits and ducks – including Alice in Wonderland’s White Rabbit, Thumper & Ms. Bunny from Bambi, Winnie-the-Pooh’s pal Rabbit, and Daisy & Donald Duck – as well guest stars Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, Disney World’s Easter pre-parade is fun for kiddos and character spotters alike.
However, the belles of the ball are the Azalea Trail Maids, high school seniors from Mobile, Alabama who have been welcoming spring to the Magic Kingdom for more than 40 years. Dressed to the nines in poufy, candy-colored dresses, they almost look like a garden swirling and twirling their way down Main Street, U.S.A.
But, that’s not all! Earlier in the day, guests can also slow down from the morning rush to enjoy the Spring Trolley Show. A joyful display of nostalgia, complete with a horse-drawn trolley decked out with blooms and bows, the springtime version of the Main Street Trolley Show is a vision in pastels with a cheerful soundtrack to match. Sadly, the pre-parade has yet to be confirmed for this year, and the Main Street Trolley Show is temporarily unavailable.
Meet the Disney World Easter Bunnies on Main Street U.S.A.
Easter isn’t Easter without a visit from the rabbit of the hour – the Easter Bunny, of course! Usually holding court over in Bunny Lane Garden next to City Hall and looking spiffy in their candy-colored Sunday best, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny greet guests and pose for pictures near the front of the park. We love stopping by for a quick family picture on our way in or out of Magic Kingdom, especially since lines tend to be short.
Other Spring-y Things to Do on a Disney World Easter Trip
Looking for other fun, family-friendly things to enjoy during Easter at Walt Disney World? We have a couple of suggestions.
Hop by the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival and Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration
Though not strictly an Easter event, the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival certainly has all the essential components for any Easter celebration: tasty food, fragrant flowers and a scavenger hunt. Sample fresh some of the garden-fresh flavors from the Outdoor Kitchens during with all-day Easter feast, then tiptoe through the tulips on Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration.
While you won’t be searching for Easter eggs, you will join Spike the Bee as he pollinates his way around the Epcot gardens. As with the Epcot egg hunt, Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is $9.99 plus tax, with maps available from select merchandise locations.
Spend Some Time in Disney World’s Great Outdoors
Spring is all about fresh starts, new beginnings and the resiliency of Mother Nature. So, don’t just spend your vacation waiting around in ride queues. Get out and soak up some sun in the Great Outdoors.
Not only is it a chance to get out of the parks and avoid the spring break hordes, but there’s also no better way to take advantage of the mild(ish) weather before the sticky summer heat kicks in. Best of all, for these suggestions, you don’t even need a park ticket, making them great picks for locals and budget travelers.
Test your skill and challenge your loved ones to a little friendly competition with a round of golf, FootGolf or Disney putt-putt. Feeling adventurous? Wrangle up your gang and head over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for trail rides and wagons.
Or, for a more elegant excursion, go to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for a horse-drawn carriage ride. Looking for something with a little more horsepower? Whether slowing it down with a ride on a water taxi or speeding things up with a Disney World boat rental, one of the best ways to see The Most Magical Place on Earth is from the out on the water.
Too much adventure? For the perfect mix of nostalgia and sunshine, stop by Disney’s BoardWalk. A pedal-powered trip around Crescent Lake makes for an easy addition to egg-watching at the Beach Club Resort or a day a Epcot. Reward yourself for your effort with an Easter Moon Pie from the BoardWalk Bakery.
Where to Eat on Easter at Disney World
It wouldn’t be Easter without a decadent brunch or basketful of sweets. Luckily, all of it is on offer at Walt Disney World. Although the seasonal treat selection around Disney World at Easter is a bit slim compared to Halloween or Christmas, what is available is delicious and well worth indulging.
Disney World Easter Brunch
Can’t decide between an Easter breakfast or dinner? Never fear, brunch is here to save the day! Typically, a handful of Disney World resort restaurants offer Easter brunch each year, dishing up the best of both meals from around 7:30 AM to 2 PM on Easter Sunday.
So far, the only restaurant confirmed for Easter brunch at Disney World this year is Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort. Just like the restaurant, expect the menu to be an ode to the classics, such as Walt’s Prime Rib Hash, Floridian Eggs Benedict with a Crab Cake or Maple-lacquered Pork Belly “Bacon” & Eggs with Smoked Cheese Grits.
Or, for a more lunch-friendly pick, try the French Onion Soup. If you can’t make it to brunch, we also like Steakhouse 71 for an unofficial Easter dinner at Disney World, thanks to Easter-ready dishes like prime rib, mashed or au gratin potatoes and asparagus. For a sweet ending, try the Ambrosia, a tropical treat made from coconut chiffon cake, mandarin orange curd and compressed pineapple.
Though they haven’t been announced yet, some other Disney World restaurants which have served an Easter brunch in the past include:
- Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Upscale bar food with a focus on surf-and-turf and a dash of southern comfort; past Easter brunch dishes include Blueberry-Bacon Pancakes, Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits, Maine Lobster Roll and more
- Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort: All-American favorites with an island twist; past Easter brunch dishes include Crab Cake-Eggs Benedict, Shrimp & Grits, Banana Bread French Toast, Chicken & Waffles and more
- Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Palate-pleasing BBQ meets kid-friendly shenanigans; main Easter brunch offering in the past is the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Brunch Skillet with Pulled Pork, Mickey Waffles, pastries and more
Limited-Time Disney World Easter Treats
Ask any kid and they’ll tell you that the best part of Easter is all the yummy candy. Now, while the eggs used in Disney World’s Easter egg hunt aren’t filled with treats, you can still snag some sweet stuff throughout the resort. Available in the weeks leading up to and following Easter, these limited-time offerings are available at several locations around Walt Disney World, including each of the theme parks, the resort hotels and Disney Springs. Getting egg-cited? Check out our Easter foodie guide for all the delicious details.
Well, folks, that’s the end of our guide to Easter at Disney World. Have you done the Epcot Easter egg hunt or seen the chocolate Disney World Easter eggs at the hotels? Let us know in the comments!
Hope you have time to celebrate Easter and still do some rides? Hack your vacation with our 1-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Wish you had more cash for your Easter festivities? Save some cash with our discount Disney World tickets.
