New Year’s Eve Happenings at Disney World

Happy New Year! We would like to be the first to wish you all a happy 2025! Whether you are celebrating at home or at Disney World, we hope you have a fun and safe start to the new year.

Disney World hosts several celebrations at the parks and resorts for those who are spending the holiday at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Here is a rundown of all the fun you can experience.

New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World
Credit: Disney

Magic Kingdom: At Magic Kingdom Park, there are two chances to catch the “Fantasy in the Sky” New Year Celebration: 6:30PM and 11:50PM on December 31. This 10-minute show is the perfect way to ring in the new year! If you would like to see this show along Main Street, we recommend getting your spot early as this is a very popular fireworks display! A few other unique viewing points include behind Cinderella Castle in Fantasyland and along the Tomorrowland bridge. The park is open until 1:00AM, so you can ring in the new year AND have a little bit of fun after!

Epcot: A countdown fireworks display will take place around the World Showcase at EPCOT. The show begins at 11:54PM on December 31, and you can view this incredible display of fireworks anywhere around the World Showcase. DJ parties will also happen in various places around the park from 7:00PM to 1:00AM, and “Luminous The Symphony of Us” takes place at 6:30PM.  EPCOT will also remain open until 1:00AM

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Walt Disney World
Credit: Disney

 

  • CommuniCore Plaza  – family friendly with Latin flair
  • United Kingdom Pavilion – silent groove party with headphones
  • Japan Pavilion – international music and today’s popular hits
  • Italy Pavilion – electronic music
  • China Pavilion – today’s popular hits

 

Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Studios will host a fireworks countdown show for the first time! Start the evening with a DJ dance party beginning at 6:00PM near Center Stage. Then, at midnight, the festivities culminate with a dazzling fireworks display!

Be sure to ride all the attractions you want early in the evening because when the clock strikes midnight Hollywood Studios will close!

Animal Kingdom: If you are looking for a more quiet (and early!) way to ring in the new year, Animal Kingdom will be open until 8:00PM. While no events have been announced, enjoy a peaceful few hours with the animals before the new year begins.

New Year's Eve at California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Credit Disney

 

Resorts: Finally, ring in the new year at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This year’s theme is Princess and the Frog, and you’ll sample New Orleans-style dishes and enjoy live musicians. Then, you’ll watch the 11:50PM display of “Fantasy in the Sky” from the observation deck. Reservations are required, and Royal Carriage Vacations agents would love to book this unique experience for you! 

Several other restaurants on property may offer a small celebration, so it is worth looking into if you have a reservation for this evening!

Many other resorts on property will host fun activities and games, so if you are looking for a more chill New Year’s Eve experience, you could hang out at your resort (or another). Please keep in mind entry to other resorts (especially Magic Kingdom area resorts) is limited to guests staying at that hotel. Gift shops may also offer a special champagne package.

If you are planning to park hop today, please keep in mind that the parks may reach capacity. You can check the My Disney Experience app for any capacity-related closures and when they may reopen.

Disney's Polynesian Resort Night

For more on-site tips to make your Disney vacation the most magical it can be, please contact us at Royal Carriage Vacations about planning your magical Disney vacation!     

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