Thinking about celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disney World this year? We’re breaking down the pros and cons, park hours, pricing, and all the limited-time offerings and shows to help you decide if a trip to the parks on December 31st is really worth it. Plus, we’re even revealing our best tips and tricks to ensure that you make the most of your (very crowded) park day. Let’s get to it!

Why Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney World

Celebrating at Disney World is truly a unique way to ring in the new year — that’s why thousands of people are doing it year after year! With the parks still decorated for the holidays, Disney sets its sights on the New Year’s countdown with specialty fireworks shows, events, merchandise, dining experiences, and more.

But, is a trip to the parks during one of the busiest times of the year really right for you and your family? Here are some things to consider:

You SHOULD go to Disney World on New Year’s Eve if:

• You want a fun and unique way to celebrate the New Year with your family
• You plan on staying in the parks until midnight to soak up all the specialty offerings
• You want to experience fireworks shows that you can only see once a year
• You’re more focused on being immersed in the Disney atmosphere rather than riding rides

You should AVOID Disney World on New Year’s Eve if:

• You don’t like crowds
• You’re on a tight budget
• You want to do as much as you can in the parks in one day
• You want to go to bed right after the clock strikes midnight

So, you’re weighing the pros and cons. Here are all the other things to know before you visit Disney World on December 31st!

New Year’s Eve Park Hours

Disney World typically extends park hours on New Year’s Eve to accommodate the festivities. In general, you can expect each park to open between 8-9AM and stay open until midnight or later. The only exception to this is Disney’s Animal Kingdom as they do not offer any special nighttime entertainment on New Year’s Eve due to all the animals that call this park home.

Keep in mind that Disney usually releases official park hours about two months in advance. So, you’ll have some time to make your plans in advance. It’s also wise to check the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app closer to your visit for the most up-to-date information.

Here’s a quick reference for typical New Year’s Eve hours:

• Magic Kingdom: 8AM – 1AM
• EPCOT: 9AM – 1AM
• Hollywood Studios: 8:30AM – 12AM
• Animal Kingdom: 8AM – 8PM

These extended hours give you plenty of time to enjoy the special New Year’s Eve entertainment and attractions at each park. Remember to plan your day accordingly, as the parks can get very crowded during this popular holiday, and parks can reach capacity limits early in the day.

New Year’s Eve Pricing

Celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disney World comes with premium pricing across park tickets, hotels, and dining. Expect higher costs for the chance to take part in all the special experiences to ring in the new year.

Here’s a look at New Year’s Day pricing to help you budget.

Park Tickets

Disney World ticket prices reach their peak during New Year’s Eve. Expect to pay about 20-30% more than regular peak season rates. Multi-day tickets offer better value, so you can save a bit of money by planning to visit for more than just the holiday. Additionally. Park Hopper tickets allow you to experience festivities at different parks but cost extra.

Here’s a look at Disney World theme park pricing on December 31st in 2024:

• Magic Kingdom 1 Park Per Day Ticket: $189 per person
• EPCOT 1 Park Per Day Ticket: $179 per person
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios 1 Park Per Day Ticket: $184 per person
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom 1 Park Per Day Ticket: $164 per person
• Park Hopper: $254 per person
• Park Hopper Plus: $275 per person

Also note that most Annual Passholders face blackout dates, requiring separate ticket purchases for New Year’s Eve access. Be sure to check the blockout dates calendar for your specific pass tier before you make your plans.

Hotels

Disney resort hotels charge their highest rates of the year for New Year’s Eve stays. In fact, Prices can be 50-100% higher than off-peak periods. We recommend booking your hotel stay early for the best selection and rates.

Deluxe resorts offer prime fireworks viewing locations but come at a premium. Value resorts provide more budget-friendly options but fill up quickly. And moderate resorts are somewhere in between.

Here’s a look at Disney hotel rates for December 31st in 2024:

• Value Resorts: $274-$355
• Moderate Resorts: $330-$470
• Deluxe Resorts: $805-$1,225+

Consider off-site hotels for potential savings. Just keep in mind that you may need to budget for parking or transportation if you don’t stay at a Disney hotel.

Dining

While dining in Disney World doesn’t necessarily become more expensive on New Year’s Eve, it’s pretty much just always pricey to eat in the parks. So, you need to budget appropriately!

Menus and pricing are available online for nearly all of Disney’s quick service and table service restaurants. This can help you plan ahead and decide whether you’d like to make any dining reservations.

Keep in mind that table service restaurants are very popular, especially on New Year’s Eve, so be ready to make your reservation when your booking window opens up 60 days in advance!

Special Events and Entertainment

Now for the main reason you’re probably considering celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disney World — the entertainment! From dance parties to fireworks shows and more, there’s so much to do when you visit for the New Year.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom pulls out all the stops for New Year’s Eve. The park extends its hours, staying open until 1AM to ring in the new year.

The highlight of the night is the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show. This spectacular display begins shortly before midnight and includes an exciting countdown to the new year, capping off with a fireworks display that expands the entire perimeter of the park.

Additionally, you’ll find special dance parties all over the park throughout the evening featuring live DJs and Disney characters. Check the My Disney Experience App for details on each one.

Be aware that some rides may close early on New Year’s Eve, though. Select attractions often have a period of time when they are closed due to where the fireworks are shot off from. Additionally, the area near the park’s perimeter usually closes for safety during the late-night pyrotechnics which may impact you if you’re staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and utilizing the walking path to get to Magic Kingdom.

EPCOT

EPCOT offers a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration with a mix of regular and special events. You can enjoy the usual Luminous: The Symphony of Us fireworks show, though it may start a bit earlier than normal. But, the highlight of the evening is “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” Fireworks Show. It begins just before midnight and includes a countdown across all of the countries in World Showcase to welcome the new year.

And, before the clock strikes midnight. You’ll find lively dance parties in select countries around World Showcase where you can dance your way into the early hours of January 1st. In the past there has been a silent disco in World Celebration and then dance parties with specific musical genre focuses in the China Pavilion, The American Adventure Pavilion, the U.K. Pavilion, and more. Check the My Disney Experience App for a full list and times!

For tequila enthusiasts, EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion also hosts a unique daytime event at La Cava del Tequila. You can participate in an agave tasting, adding a flavorful twist to your New Year’s Eve experience.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers extended hours on New Year’s Eve, staying open until midnight. Fantasmic! typically runs at 8PM and 9:30PM and The Wonderful World of Animation projection show usually lights up the Chinese Theater at 9PM. These are both of the park’s daily nighttime offerings.

While not confirmed for every year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has featured a special New Year’s countdown show. To get the most up-to-date information on entertainment offerings check the official Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. You can also ask a Cast Member when you arrive at the park

This park tends to be less crowded than other Disney locations on New Year’s Eve making it a good choice if you want to experience holiday festivities with potentially shorter wait times for attractions.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes a different approach to New Year’s Eve celebrations. The park typically closes earlier than other Disney World parks on December 31st.

You’ll find the usual daytime attractions and shows operating as normal. This includes popular experiences like Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Festival of the Lion King.

While special New Year’s Eve entertainment isn’t offered, you can still enjoy the park’s regular nighttime offerings including the Tree of Life Awakenings light show. Some New Year’s Eve-themed food and drink options may also be available throughout the park.

Animal Kingdom provides a more relaxed setting for families wanting to celebrate earlier in the day. It’s an ideal choice if you prefer avoiding late-night crowds at other parks.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers festive New Year’s Eve celebrations for guests of all ages and you don’t even need a park ticket to experience it all!

The shops and restaurants stay open late, typically until 11:30 PM on December 31st. And, you can enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the area. Street performers and musicians add to the lively atmosphere as you browse the stores or grab a bite to eat.

The House of Blues usually hosts a New Year’s Eve party with a live DJ starting around 10PM. This event is free to attend, but VIP packages are available for an additional cost.

For a unique way to ring in the New Year, consider booking a special brunch at Jaleo. This Spanish restaurant often offers a New Year’s Day meal featuring traditional dishes and festive drinks.

While Disney Springs doesn’t have its own fireworks display, you can still catch glimpses of the spectacular shows from nearby parks. The waterfront areas provide nice views of distant fireworks.

Disney Resorts

While most of the New Year’s Eve happenings take place in the theme parks, Disney’s Contemporary Resort hosts a bougie (and pricey) New Year’s Eve party at California Grill. You can enjoy a luxurious rooftop dining experience while capitalizing on some of the best views of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.

The party features live music, dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are required and tend to fill up quickly, so book early if you’re interested.

Other Disney resort restaurants often offer special New Year’s Eve menus as well. These typically include festive dishes and celebratory touches to mark the occasion.

Some resorts also organize family-friendly activities throughout the evening. You might find dance parties, character meet-and-greets, or themed crafts for kids.

Disney’s BoardWalk often comes alive with street performers and live entertainment on New Year’s Eve as well making it a great spot to enjoy a festive atmosphere without entering a park.

Additionally, many resort bars and lounges extend their hours on December 31st. So, you can toast the new year with specialty cocktails in these unique settings.

Remember that transportation options may be limited late at night. Plan ahead if you’re staying at a different resort than where you’re celebrating.

New Year’s Eve Snacks and Merchandise

From limited-edition merchandise to special food and beverage options, you’ll find plenty of ways to commemorate the occasion.

Exclusive New Year’s Eve Merchandise

You’ll find a variety of New Year’s Eve-themed items available for purchase throughout Disney World. Special glow souvenirs, like light-up glasses, add a fun touch to your evening. Plus, Disney often releases a dedicated New Year’s merchandise collection, featuring clothing, accessories, and collectibles with year-specific designs.

Look for these items in shops across the parks and resorts.

Limited Time Food and Beverage

Disney’s culinary team creates an array of special treats to ring in the New Year as well. You’ll find themed snacks and desserts at various locations around the parks and resorts. Keep an eye out for the Disney Foodie Guide a few weeks before the holiday. This typically lists all the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day offerings.

Many table-service restaurants also offer special New Year’s Eve menus. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, as these tend to fill up quickly.

New Year’s Eve Crowds at Disney World

New Year’s Eve at Disney World is notorious for massive crowds. You’ll find the parks are busiest in the evening hours, with crowds only growing larger as the night progresses. However, during the day, crowd levels are more manageable. While still busy, mornings and early afternoons offer a better opportunity to enjoy attractions with shorter wait times.

Around 3PM, you’ll notice a significant uptick in crowd levels. As night falls, the parks become increasingly packed. It’s not unusual for Disney World parks to reach capacity on New Year’s Eve. Once this happens, entry is restricted to prevent overcrowding so you need to ensure that you’re in the park before this happens.

In the evening, expect:

• Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds
• Cast Members directing foot traffic
• Guided pathways to keep guests moving

To navigate the crowds:

• Follow Cast Member instructions
• Be patient and respectful of others
• Stay with your group to avoid separation
• Consider securing spots for fireworks hours before midnight

Remember to plan ahead and be prepared for long waits at attractions, restaurants, and transportation. Bringing snacks and water can help you avoid lengthy food lines in a pinch.

Tips and Tricks For Tackling New Year’s Eve at Disney World

So, you’re ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney World! Here are a few tips to help you survive the crowds and get the most out of your park day.

Stay at a Disney World Hotel

While prices are higher over the holiday, staying at a Disney World hotel can give you a huge advantage when it comes to getting to and from the parks on New Year’s Eve. Traffic around Disney is much heavier than normal and it can take hours to get back to your hotel, even if it’s close by. This is one of the cases where the splurge is totally worth it because you’ll have access to Disney’s complimentary transportation system which really comes in handy when you’re trying to get back at midnight after a full park day.

Get To The Parks Early

Arrive when the parks open and prepare for a full day of festivities. Parks can reach capacity early, so being there first ensures that you get in. This will also give you a better chance at getting to ride at least a few attractions with lower wait times.

Budget For Extra Costs

Budget carefully for the extra costs associated with New Year’s Eve at Disney World. Prices for tickets, hotels, food, merchandise, and any other special events you choose to book are higher than usual.

Consider Purchasing Disney’s Lightning Lane Services

If you want to guarantee yourself short wait times for at least a few popular attractions, add Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Lightning Lane Single Pass to your park day. These paid skip-the-line services can help you make the most of your day amidst the crowds. Just keep in mind that they can sell out and day-of Lightning Lane selections may be limited. We suggest purchasing when your pre-booking window opens 3-7 days in advance.

Watch Fireworks From a Nearby Resort

If you don’t mind watching the fireworks from outside of the park, consider finding a spot with a view from a nearby resort like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Crowds tend to be lighter at these locations and the view is still great. Plus, if you’re staying at these resorts, you’re only a quick walk back to your room!

Your Park Bag Essentials Can Make All The Difference

With parks open extra early and extra late for the holiday, it’s a long park day. Be prepared and pack essentials like water bottles, snacks, and portable chargers. These can make a huge difference in your energy levels and ability to take on the crowds without going crazy. And, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers if it’s going to be cooler. You’ll be on your feet for hours, and temperatures can vary throughout the day and night.

Plan Ahead For Fireworks

If you want the best view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks shows, we recommend securing your spot up to 3 hours in advance. Popular spots fill up quickly, so be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed. And, be sure to have a backup plan for viewing areas if you end up being unable to get the exact spot you want.

Comments

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