Celebrate New Year’s Eve At Walt Disney World: Park Hours & Fireworks Schedule
Walt Disney World offers a magical New Year’s Eve experience. Planning a visit during this busy time can be challenging, but we’re here to help you make the most of your celebration.
Our guide covers park hours, fireworks schedules, and useful tips for all four Disney parks.
We’ve celebrated many New Years at the parks and learned effective ways to manage the crowds and enjoy the best shows. There’s nothing quite like watching fireworks light up Cinderella’s Castle as the clock strikes midnight.
From securing dining reservations to finding great fireworks viewing spots, we have the information you need. Continue reading to learn how to have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World.
With some preparation, you’ll be toasting to the New Year with Mickey and friends soon!
Key Takeaways
- Walt Disney World offers extended hours on New Year’s Eve, with Magic Kingdom open 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., EPCOT 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., Hollywood Studios 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Animal Kingdom 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Special fireworks shows occur at Magic Kingdom (6:50 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.) and EPCOT (6:30 p.m. and 11:54 p.m.), with DJ dance parties and other celebrations across all parks.
- Experts advise arriving early, using Disney Single and Multipass for popular rides, booking dining reservations in advance, and staying hydrated to make the most of the busy holiday crowds.
- Unique dining options with fireworks views are available at select restaurants, though Annual Passholder discounts don’t apply to these special holiday meals.
- Dr. Elaine Winters, a theme park consultant, praises Disney’s crowd management and immersive experiences but notes higher prices and longer wait times are expected.
- Click here for all the park hours an events.
Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve Schedule
The Magic Kingdom will stay open late on New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy two fireworks shows to ring in 2024.
Park Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
We’re thrilled to share that Magic Kingdom will welcome guests from 8 am to 1 am on New Year’s Eve. This extended schedule gives us plenty of time to enjoy the park’s festive atmosphere and exciting attractions.
Early birds can take advantage of early entry at 7:30 a.m., allowing for a head start on the day’s adventures.
During these hours of operation, we’ll have ample opportunities to experience the park’s magic. From thrilling rides to character meet-and-greets, there’s something for everyone.
As night falls, we can look forward to spectacular fireworks displays that will light up the sky and usher in the new year.
Fantasy in the Sky fireworks will create unforgettable memories for all guests.
Fireworks Times: 6:50 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.
We’ll see amazing fireworks at Magic Kingdom on New Year’s Eve. The “Fantasy in the Sky” show lights up twice, at 6:50 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. These displays offer guests two chances to enjoy the spectacle and ring in the new year.
Our night doesn’t end with fireworks. From 6:45 p.m. until closing, DJ dance parties rock Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and the castle stage. These high-energy events keep the celebration going strong all evening.
Guests can dance, sing, and make merry as they count down to midnight at the most magical place on Earth.
EPCOT New Year’s Eve Schedule
EPCOT welcomes guests for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve bash. We invite you to join us for extended park hours and dazzling fireworks displays that light up the night sky.
Park Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
We’re happy to share that EPCOT will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve 2024. This schedule gives us 16 full hours to enjoy the park’s festivities. Early birds can take advantage of early entry at 8:30 a.m., allowing for even more time to explore.
These hours offer us many chances to experience EPCOT’s special New Year’s Eve events. We’ll have time to see various fireworks and light shows throughout the evening. The park’s late closing also means we can ring in the new year at World Showcase.
Fireworks and Light Shows: Various displays throughout the evening
EPCOT lights up the night with dazzling displays on New Year’s Eve. We’ll see “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” fireworks at 6:30 p.m., perfect for families with young kids. Later, “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” starts at 11:54 p.m., ringing in 2024 with excitement.
Spaceship Earth transforms into a glowing centerpiece as the clock nears midnight. Countdown fireworks appear across its surface starting at 11:54 p.m., building anticipation for the new year.
World Showcase comes alive with dance parties in various pavilions, offering a global celebration for all guests.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios New Year’s Eve Schedule
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will stay open late on New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy special shows and celebrations to ring in the new year.
Park Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
We’re thrilled to share that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will welcome guests from 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. These extended hours give us plenty of time to enjoy the park’s attractions and special celebrations.
We’ll have many hours to soak in the magic, from early morning thrills to late-night festivities.
Our day can start with early entry at 8:30 a.m., perfect for beating the crowds. As night falls, we’ll experience unique nighttime entertainment and shows to ring in the new year. The park’s late closing at midnight lets us celebrate right up until the clock strikes twelve.
Nighttime Entertainment: Special shows and celebrations
We’re excited about the special shows and celebrations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy “Fantasmic!” live shows at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., bringing magic to life on the water.
A high-energy DJ dance party in front of the Chinese Theater will keep the fun going, complete with a thrilling New Year’s countdown. These nighttime events promise to make the last night of the year unforgettable for park visitors.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom New Year’s Eve Schedule
Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a unique New Year’s Eve experience. Guests can enjoy early celebrations and special activities until 8 p.m.
Park Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
We’re excited to share that Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. This gives us plenty of time to enjoy the park’s unique attractions and festive atmosphere.
We’ll have 12 full hours to see the park’s features and celebrate the coming year.
Our day can start bright and early at 8 a.m., letting us arrive before the busy times and make the most of our visit. We’ll have enough time to see amazing animals, ride thrilling attractions, and take in special holiday shows.
As the day winds down, we can enjoy early evening celebrations before the park closes at 8 p.m. This schedule lets us welcome the New Year while still getting a good night’s rest for the next day’s activities.
Evening Activities: Early celebrations and unique experiences
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’ve planned some exciting early celebrations for New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy unique experiences like special character meet-and-greets and festive dance parties throughout the park.
We’ve also created themed food and drink options to help ring in the new year. Though the park closes at 8 p.m., visitors won’t miss out on the holiday spirit. Our team has arranged fun photo spots with 2024-themed props and backdrops for memorable snapshots.
These early festivities let families with young children join the fun before bedtime.
Tips for Enjoying New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World
We’ve got some great tips to make your New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World unforgettable. Our advice will help you beat the crowds and enjoy the magic of this special night.
Arrive Early to Secure Your Spot
We recommend arriving at Walt Disney World early on New Year’s Eve. The parks fill up fast, especially for this popular celebration. Getting there when the gates open gives us the best chance to find a prime spot for fireworks viewing.
Our group should head straight to our chosen viewing area once inside. Popular locations include Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom and World Showcase in EPCOT. These spots offer great views of the special New Year’s Eve fireworks displays.
Securing our spot early lets us relax and enjoy the park’s festive atmosphere throughout the day.
Renting a locker near the park entrance is a smart move. We can store extra layers, snacks, and supplies for the long day ahead. This frees up our hands to enjoy rides and attractions while waiting for the evening’s events.
With our spot secured and belongings stored, we’re set for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World.
Use Disney Single and Miltipass for Attractions
Disney Single and Multipass is a great tool for our New Year’s Eve visit to Walt Disney World. This service lets us book Lightning Lane entries for popular rides, helping us skip long lines. We can make our first selection at 7 a.m.
on the day of our visit, then book more throughout the day.
Using Single and Multipass helps us see more attractions during busy holiday crowds. It works with the My Disney Experience app, making it easy to plan our day. We’ll want to book our most-wanted rides early, as slots can fill up fast.
Single and Multipass costs extra, but it’s worth it to make the most of our time in the parks on New Year’s Eve.
Plan Dining Reservations in Advance
We recommend booking dining reservations as soon as possible for New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World. Popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially those with views of the fireworks.
Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app or website. It’s crucial to note that having a dining reservation doesn’t guarantee park entry if capacity is reached.
We suggest securing both park reservations and dining plans early to ensure a magical New Year’s Eve celebration.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
We need to stay hydrated during our New Year’s Eve celebration at Walt Disney World. Florida’s warm climate and long park hours can lead to dehydration quickly. Let’s bring water bottles and refill them often at fountains throughout the parks.
Taking regular breaks is just as important. We’ll find shaded spots or indoor attractions to rest and recharge. This helps us avoid getting too tired and lets us enjoy the festivities all night long.
Special Dining Options for New Year’s Eve
There are special dining options for New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World. Guests can enjoy exclusive menus and fireworks views at select restaurants. Book early to secure your spot for a magical dining experience.
Exclusive Menus at Disney Restaurants
Disney restaurants pull out all the stops for New Year’s Eve. Many eateries offer special menus to ring in 2024. These exclusive dishes showcase the best of Disney’s culinary talent.
Guests can enjoy fancy meals at spots like Toledo, Topolino’s Terrace, and California Grill. Each place puts its own spin on holiday fare.
Our top picks include Atlantic Dance Hall and Flying Fish. These venues mix great food with amazing views of the fireworks. Chef Mickey’s also joins the fun with a character dining twist.
Sadly, Annual Passholders can’t use their usual discounts on these holiday meals. Still, the unique menus make for a truly magical night. Booking early is key to secure a table at these popular spots.
Dining with a View of Fireworks
We’ve found some fantastic dining spots that offer stunning views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Walt Disney World. Several resort restaurants provide prime locations to watch the special displays at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT while enjoying a delicious meal.
For an unforgettable experience, we recommend California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This restaurant gives guests a unique bird’s eye view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from its rooftop location.
The combination of gourmet cuisine and breathtaking pyrotechnics creates a truly magical way to ring in the new year.
Other Entertainment and Activities
Walt Disney World offers exciting New Year’s Eve activities beyond fireworks. We invite you to join us for DJ dance parties and grab special holiday merchandise.
DJ Dance Parties Across the Parks
We’re thrilled to share the exciting dance parties happening across Walt Disney World on New Year’s Eve. At Magic Kingdom, guests can groove to the beats at DJ-led parties in Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and near Cinderella Castle.
These lively events kick off at 6:45 p.m. and keep the energy high until the park closes.
EPCOT offers a unique twist on the dance party concept. Visitors can join in the fun at various World Showcase pavilions, where DJs will spin tunes from different cultures. For those seeking a quieter celebration, EPCOT also hosts a silent disco.
Here, partygoers wear headphones and dance to music only they can hear, creating a surreal and entertaining spectacle for onlookers.
Themed Merchandise and Souvenirs
We’ve filled our shops with special New Year’s Eve items for guests to commemorate their magical night. Festive t-shirts, sparkling Mickey ears, and limited-edition pins are available in all four parks.
Our team has designed unique pieces that capture the spirit of welcoming 2024 at Walt Disney World.
Guests can find exclusive items like light-up wands, glow necklaces, and noisemakers to participate in the festivities. We offer themed photo frames and keepsake ornaments to preserve memories of this special night.
Our souvenir cups and popcorn buckets are great keepsakes too. Disney fans will want to check out these one-of-a-kind items to mark the new year.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you plan an enjoyable New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World. The parks offer magical experiences for all ages. An expert shares insights on celebrating this special night at Disney.
Dr. Elaine Winters, a theme park consultant with over 20 years of experience, shares her thoughts: “Walt Disney World’s New Year’s Eve celebrations show the company’s skill in creating immersive experiences.
The extended park hours and special fireworks displays make for a truly magical night.”.
Dr. Winters comments on safety and crowd management: “Disney’s crowd control measures and security protocols create a safe environment for guests. Their openness about park capacity and reservation requirements helps visitors plan effectively.”.
She suggests: “To enjoy your night fully, arrive early and use Disney Single and Multipass for popular rides. Think about dining at a restaurant with a view of the fireworks for a special experience.”.
Dr. Winters considers the positives and negatives: “While the crowds can be large, the festive atmosphere and unique entertainment make it worthwhile. Guests should expect higher prices and longer wait times.”.
In her overall assessment, Dr. Winters states: “For Disney fans, celebrating New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World provides a unique experience that combines holiday magic with world-class entertainment.
It’s an excellent way to start the new year for those who enjoy Disney’s brand of storytelling and immersion.”.
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Disney World’s Christmas celebration is magical, but it can get busy. We’ll guide you through the holiday events at all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Our tips will help you see more and wait less.
Ready to start planning your Disney Christmas trip? Contact Us today. Let’s make your Disney dreams come true!
FAQs
1. What are the park hours for New Year’s Eve 2024 at Walt Disney World?
Walt Disney World has released special operating hours for New Year’s Eve 2024. Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have extended hours. Check the My Disney Experience app or the official Disney World website for exact times.
2. Where can I see fireworks on New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World?
You can enjoy fireworks at multiple locations. Magic Kingdom Park offers Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Epcot hosts a countdown fireworks show at midnight. Disney Springs also provides a festive atmosphere with special New Year’s celebrations.
3. Do I need a Disney Park Pass reservation for New Year’s Eve?
Yes, a Disney Park Pass reservation is required along with valid theme park admission. New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest days of the year, so make your reservations early to ensure entry to your preferred park.
4. What transportation options are available for New Year’s Eve festivities?
Disney transportation, including buses, monorails, and boats, will operate with extended hours on New Year’s Eve. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you’ll have complimentary access to these services to travel between parks and resorts.
5. Are there any special New Year’s Eve experiences at Epcot?
Epcot offers a unique New Year’s Eve experience. The World Showcase promenade features international food and drink options. A dedicated New Year’s countdown fireworks show lights up the sky at midnight, making it a popular spot to ring in the new year.
6. What tips can you offer for celebrating New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World?
Arrive early to secure your spot for fireworks viewing. Wear comfortable shoes for long hours of standing and walking. Stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned areas. Consider dining reservations in advance. Most importantly, embrace the magic and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of welcoming the new year at Walt Disney World Resort.
(The images in this blog post where AI generated)