Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney!
Imagine ringing in the New Year at the most magical place on earth! What could be better? While it may be crowded, there are plenty of options for celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disney World!
A quick note: mentioned below are the events officially announced. Updates will occur as more options become available.
In Parks:
Both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have special fireworks shows. (If you want to enjoy the fireworks with fewer people, you can see Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show on December 30, which also gives you the option to try a different celebration on New Year’s Eve.)
Magic Kingdom Events
Magic Kingdom is extremely popular and may reach capacity on December 31, meaning it is likely that the park will be closed to incoming guests. If this is your preferred place to spend New Year’s Eve, make sure to show up early! There are two different fireworks shows on both Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. You may want to stay for both fireworks displays. In addition to the fireworks, Frontierland will be hosting a New Year’s Eve dance party beginning at 7:00 PM.
Epcot Events
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Epcot? Your options include special DJs and shows in Future World and World Showcase. Additional bar booths are found throughout the park. Illuminations is shown twice at Epcot, with different endings for each show. The first show ends with Peace on Earth, the second with the New Year’s Eve finale.
Hollywood Studios Events
Enjoy ringing in the New Year at Hollywood Studios with the booths set up selling specialty food and drinks for New Year’s Eve. A dance party in front of the Chinese theater begins at 7:00 PM. Shows at this park are Sunset Season’s Greetings and a special presentation of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.
Animal Kingdom Events
Animal Kingdom will be the quietest park at Disney, as it doesn’t have any special events and closes the earliest! This is a great park for those who would like to experience fewer crowds and get to bed (or back to the resort) early.
Important Info for Those Spending New Year’s Eve in the Parks:
Planning tip: Wherever you plan to watch fireworks, make sure to show up at least two hours in advance to get a good viewing spot.
- Fireworks shows can be intense. Earplugs or sunglasses may increase enjoyment of the shows.
- Magic Kingdom offers its dance party and both fireworks shows on December 30 and December 31. You may consider visiting on December 30 to enjoy the festivities in a less crowded environment, while also freeing yourself up for another experience on New Year’s Eve.
- Regular park admission is required for any experience in the parks.
- Many dining locations require two table service credits for meals on New Year’s Eve.
- Parks are very crowded, so allow plenty of extra time for transportation. If you’re going to be in Magic Kingdom, you may want to consider staying at the Contemporary Resort and using the walking path. Those visiting Epcot or Hollywood Studios may want to consider one of the resorts within walking distance to those parks.
- Park hopping on New Year’s Eve is not recommended, as some parks may reach capacity. A dining reservation does not guarantee admittance. Â
Related Post:Â Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?
At Resorts:
Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
The details: Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center, check in begins at 7:30 PM. The event runs from 8:00 PM (12/31/28) to 12:00 AM (1/1/19) and costs $190 per person, including tax and gratuity. Book online or call 407-939-3463.
Meet some of your favorite Pixar characters, including Toy Story’s Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Bullseye, Sadness from Inside Out, the Incredibles Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and more. Enjoy a delicious, family friendly Pixar buffet. The menu includes several salads, mahi-mahi, white cheddar baked mac and cheese, ratatouille and much more! Follow your meal with a dance party featuring Disney hits.
Kids will enjoy Pixar face painting, a balloon artist creating Pixar characters and Boot Camp with Sarge. To end the night, view Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve fireworks from the Porte Cochere.
Important Info:
- Alcoholic beverages are only available to those at least 21 years old. A valid form of ID is required throughout the event.
- Cancellations must be made more than 5 days in advance.
- Tables will be assigned, so if you would like to sit with another party you will need to include that information with your reservation. Requests are not guaranteed, though Disney will do their best to accommodate requests.
- Guests are encouraged to take Disney transportation as parking is limited. The added benefit of this is that you are able to partake in alcoholic beverages as you won’t be driving!
- All menu items and event experiences may change without notice.
Disney Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
The details: Located in the Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, check in begins at 7:00 PM. The event runs from 8:00 PM (12/31/28) to 12:15 AM (1/1/19) and costs $275 per person, including tax and gratuity. Book online or call 407-939-3463.
Have a lot of fun getting ready for this elegant event: there is a dress code! Men are asked to wear dress pants or slacks with a collared shirt and women should wear dresses, skirts, pants and blouses.
Start the evening off with a selection of beverages (including alcoholic beverages for those 21 and older). Then join the dance party, featuring music from the ‘60s to today. Capture final memories of 2018 with themed photo ops and backdrops.
Dinner will be a spectacular event as you watch chefs behind animated shadow boxes. Menu items will be included from restaurants such as California Grill, Flying Fish Cafe, Jiko – The Cooking Place and Narcoossee’s.
Entertainment will be provided by the New Year’s Eve Bash Band. As midnight gets closer, you will be invited to the Porte Cochere for champagne and Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Important Info:
- Tickets are limited, so purchase soon if this is an experience you must do!
- Alcoholic beverages are only available to those at least 21 years old. A valid form of ID is required throughout the event.
- Cancellations must be made more than 5 days in advance.
- Tables will be assigned, so if you would like to sit with another party you will need to include that information with your reservation. Requests are not guaranteed, though Disney will do their best to accommodate requests.
- Guests are encouraged to take Disney transportation as parking is limited. The added benefit of this is that you are able to partake in alcoholic beverages as you won’t be driving!
- All menu items and event experiences may change without notice.
At Disney Springs
Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney Springs? It will be a blast! There will be free live performances from live musicians. DJs will also be hosting dance parties.
Good food will abound as well, from food and beverage carts to quick service and table service meals. Some restaurants will even offer a special New Year’s Eve menu. Advance reservations are recommended.
Important Info:
- There are no fireworks available in Disney Springs.
- Higher than normal attendance may result in delays upon exit.
- Merchandise locations within Town Center and Marketplace as well as World of Disney will close at 10:00 PM. The Landing and West Side locations will maintain normal operating hours.
Celebrating any holiday at WDW is amazing. While New Year’s Eve at Disney World is crowded, it is also a very magical experience. There are so many options for ringing in the New Year that you are sure to find one that fits your style perfectly!
Check out all of the festive happenings at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/new-years-eve-at-disney-springs/
What is your favorite way to spend New Year’s Eve at Disney World?