Frequently asked questions

October 22–25, 2026 at Walt Disney World® Resort:

• Thursday, Oct 22: Jashn-E-Magic Diwali Mela at EPCOT (private event)
• Friday, Oct 23: Grand Diwali Parade on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom Park, approximately 1pm–2pm (open to all park guests; be there by 12:30pm)
• Saturday, Oct 24: International Dance Showcase at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (private event)
• Sunday, Oct 25: Checkout, or stay & play

See the Festival Itinerary for times and details.

500+ performers from 25 dance studios, with dancers coming from four continents: our most diverse line-up ever. The full list of studios is on the homepage.

Yes! The Grand Diwali Parade is open to every Magic Kingdom park guest. The parade runs down Main Street USA on Friday, October 23 at approximately 1pm–2pm. Be there by 12:30pm to find a good spot. A Disney Park Pass for Magic Kingdom on October 23 is all you need, and allow at least 30 minutes to enter the park.

The Jashn-E-Magic Diwali Mela is a private event for performers and their registered guests, held at the World Showplace Pavilion inside EPCOT from 5:30–8:30 PM. Bring your Mela QR code and your Park Pass. A full dinner and cash bar are available. Dress in your favorite Indian festive attire!

Please download the My Disney Experience app to see all Disney related info, park hours, park maps, dining reservations, etc.

All Dancers must be 10 years old by Oct 8th, 2026 to take part in the Parade. This is a Walt Disney World® Resort policy, and unfortunately we are not able to make exceptions regardless of talent level. Dancers under 10yrs can participate in the Showcase.

While there will be some free time, the main focus of the weekend is the Diwali Dance Fest experience. Our advice to families is to extend their trip before or after to ensure they have plenty of time to enjoy their family vacation at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

• Parade: The safety of the performers is our number one concern. Disney will decide if the weather is unfavorable for the parade to take place but we will try our best to have it rescheduled at some point during the weekend. In the event of a cancellation, there are no refunds.
• Showcase: Our Showcase is located at an inside venue and will proceed as scheduled.

The Final Timeline will be released approximately 10-14 days prior to the event. All times and locations are subject to change leading up to the event.

Food will be served only at select DDF events.

Yes. Please visit https://www.travelinsured.com & input all Travel Info as rates differ for each state as well as final travel itinerary.

No, guests will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.

Private motor coaches will be provided for select Diwali Dance Fest events only. Most areas throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort including theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs® are accessible by complimentary bus transportation.

Yes, parking is free at all Disney hotels & theme parks!

Yes! The Parade costume will be provided by Jashn Productions. Shoes for the parade performance will be required for families to purchase. Studios will have to provide their own Showcase costume.

Directors will receive the Parade Choreography by June 1st, 2026. You can share the parade dance tutorial with your students, but please schedule practices with all participating dancers. You must submit a practice video to the Diwali Dance Fest team for review to make sure dancers are up to the Diwali Dance Fest/Disney standards by the date communicated! Late fees will apply for videos submitted late. Diwali Dance Fest reserves the right to remove participants from the parade who are not performing up to Disney standard.

Each dance will be allocated 5 minutes for their dance performance. You must submit your songs by the communicated date. You can choose any Indian dance form you would like to showcase, but you must bring your own costumes for the performance. Only hand-held props and minor costume changes are allowed! You will be required to share a list of props and costume changes prior to the event for approval.

No. The 2026 International Dance Showcase is sold out, and tickets will not be available at the venue.

A Park Pass for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and your Showcase ticket. The line starts at 6:00 PM and doors open at 6:15 PM at the Theater in the Wild.

Snacks/refreshments are allowed into the theater. Please pick up after yourselves.

Disney buses will not be running after the show is done. Private transportation will only be provided to DDF registered dancers & guests.

Dates, venue and studio applications for Diwali Dance Fest 2027 will be announced shortly after this year’s festival. Let us know you’re interested through our contact form and we’ll reach out when applications open.

We’d love to partner with you! Request the 2027 sponsorship packet on our sponsorship page and our Sponsorship Chair will be in touch.

Please email our PR team at press@neerjapr.com.