Countdown to Midnight at Walt Disney World

If you’re headed to Walt Disney World for the Christmas holiday, consider sticking around for another round of festivities to ring in the New Year!

Walt Disney World gets plenty of attention surrounding holiday events like parties, festivals and seasonal décor… and we admittedly fall head-over-heels for snowy Christmas parades and plaid merchandise as far as the eye can see.

However, one of our favorite underrated times to be in the most magical place on Earth is actually New Year’s Eve. The parks are still abuzz with holiday spirit, gates are open later, and guests can ring in the New Year in some unexpectedly spirited ways.

We’re still waiting for Disney to confirm this year’s roster of New Year’s Eve events, but let’s have a look at some past festivities we’ve come to know and love about counting down to midnight in the parks.

The Magic Kingdom is, without surprise, the most popular park for families looking to ring in the New Year.

In addition to many holiday festivities that are still in full swing, the park often hosts dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland, featuring some cherished characters and high-energy DJs. All are welcome, but we can’t help but stop to watch little ones dancing along with the Incredibles or Country Bears while light shows twinkle in the background.

Even better? Celebratory NYE fireworks are shown not once, but twice to allow those of us with earlier bedtimes to participate in the excitement.

With so many faces trying to catch a peek, you’ll want to make sure someone is at the hub, ready to hold down the fort for a viewing spot, or consider a dessert party package for an excellent – and guaranteed – seat to the action.

World Showcase is the place to be for adults looking to party their way to the new year.

Several pavilions are outfitted with smoke and pyrotechnics to accompany DJs, who play varying styles of music ranging from pop to EDM. Specialty drinks are flowing, guests are dancing, and it all leads up to a countdown projection on Spaceship Earth before midnight fireworks kick off along the water.

One of our favorite reasons to spend the last night of the year in EPCOT are the international celebrations. Not only do the midnight fireworks pay tribute to the countries around World Showcase, but as the night progresses, you can hear and see different pavilions celebrating as the clock strikes midnight in their respective nations around the world. It’s a sweet experience to watch Cast Members in each pavilion celebrating together as their home country is entering the new year, and one we look forward to witnessing again this season.

While all are welcome at the park, we tend to recommend World Showcase’s festivities for those above 21 years of age. The pavilions are essentially transformed into outdoor clubs, so they may not be the best environment for young kiddos or those with sensitivities to loud music or pulsing lights.

Traditionally operating under longer hours as well, Hollywood Studios tends to see fewer crowds when it comes to New Year’s Eve. This park is a great option if you want to fit in some rides and celebratory fireworks without having to bob and weave through a sea of people.

As a bonus, New Year’s Eve may be your best bet to see both Fantasmic! and the fireworks spectacular in one night.

Animal Kingdom is traditionally not open into the late-night hours, and doesn’t set off fireworks out of interest for the wildlife on-site. In past years, the park has hosted New Year’s dance parties and offered themed menus to visitors, and may be a great option for guests with little ones or those looking for a lower-key way to round out the year.

Not to be outdone, Disney Resort Hotels often host special events for guests who want to celebrate just steps from their rooms.

Guests are welcome to join countdown dance parties, commemorative menu items or even a champagne toast. This might be one of our favorite options for celebrating with kiddos, as they are a part of the action, but never far from their beds.

No matter how you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World, you’ll have to get back to your room at the end of the night. We highly recommend staying on-property to take full advantage of extended park hours, as well as Disney transportation.

Trust us… you’ll thank yourself later for booking a New Year’s Eve resort within walking distance from park gates.

Even better? Consider booking your stay at a resort nearby your park of choice for New Year’s Eve festivities. The BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club and Beach Club are ideal locations for walking back after an evening at EPCOT, while any resorts on the monorail line could save you time and headaches after the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

Not sure what’s the best place to rest your head? Our agents have plenty of firsthand experience to help customize your New Year’s trip to Walt Disney World.

Be sure to stay tuned for more New Year’s Eve announcements recommendations as we grow closer to 2024!