New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World is one of the busiest and most festive days of the year. Expect big crowds, extended hours, special shows and fireworks across the parks, themed celebrations, and exclusive dining events.

Magic Kingdom Park‍

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks

• When: December 30 & 31
• Showtimes: 7:30 PM and 11:50 PM
• These seasonal fireworks light up the skies with classic Disney music and dramatic bursts — the 11:50 PM show kicks off the New Year’s countdown.
• The early show is perfect for families with younger guests who may not make it to midnight.

Tips:

• Arrive early in the evening and pick a spot on Main Street, U.S.A. for the best castle views.
• Due to crowd levels — Magic Kingdom Park often reaches capacity before midnight — plan your exit strategy in advance.

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EPCOT

World Showcase Dance Parties

• Throughout the evening, lively DJ-hosted dance parties take place at pavilions around the World Showcase.
• Each pavilion brings its own music and vibe — from energetic beats in China to electronic music in Italy.

Cheers to the New Year — Fireworks

• Time: Shortly before midnight (approx. 11:54 PM)
• The show begins a few minutes before midnight and culminates right as the clock strikes 12 — a ringing in the new year accompanied by a spectacular pyrotechnic display over the lagoon.

Pro Tips:

• EPCOT tends to handle crowds better due to its wide walkways and multiple celebration zones.
• World Showcase is ideal if you want a festive party atmosphere with lots of variety.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Dance Parties & Entertainment

• Center Stage Dance Party starts around 6:00 PM.
• Pixar Dance Party rocks Pixar Plaza from around 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Live music, roaming entertainment, and character encounters are scattered across the park.

New Year Countdown Fireworks

• A special midnight fireworks moment begins at approx. 11:57 PM to welcome the New Year.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Daytime hours only: Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park typically closes earlier on December 31 (7 PM) and does not host a major midnight fireworks show — which helps protect the animals’ well-being.

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Special Dining & Celebrations

The Magic of New Year’s Eve at California Grill

• A high-end celebratory event atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort with:
  • A 4-course dinner
  • Live music
  • Exclusive views of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks
  • A champagne toast for guests 21+

Pricing (approximate, per person)

• Dec 30: ~$229
• Dec 31 Early Seating: ~$299
• Dec 31 Late Seating: ~$349

Learn more by clicking here.

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Disney Springs

• Disney Springs typically has festive dining and party atmosphere, but no official fireworks or park countdown. You might catch distant fireworks views depending on location.

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Park Hours Snapshot (Dec 31)

Magic Kingdom Park

• Hours: 8:00am - 1:00am
• Early Entry: 7:30am - 8:00am

EPCOT

• Hours: 9:00am - 1:00am
• Early Entry: 8:30am - 9:00am

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Hours: 9:00am - 12:00am
• Early Entry: 8:30am - 9:00am

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Hours: 8:00am - 7:0pm
• Early Entry: 7:30am - 8:00am

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

• Hours: Closed

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

• Hours: Closed

Disney Springs

• Hours: 10:00am - 11:30pm

Hours are subject to change — check the My Disney Experience app before your visit.

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Tips for a Smoother Celebration

Plan for Crowds

• NYE is one of the busiest days at Walt Disney World — parks can hit capacity early, especially Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.
• Arrive early, and if you want to attend fireworks, stake out your viewing spot well before showtime.

Strategy for Families

• Consider Magic Kingdom Park on December 30th for a quieter (yet still spectacular) fireworks experience.
• EPCOT is often recommended for those seeking a party vibe with music, dancing, and multiple celebration zones.

Exiting the Parks

• Plan your exit route — buses, monorail and Skyliner become very busy immediately after midnight fireworks.

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Whether you’re after the classic castle fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park, global party energy at EPCOT, dance vibes at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or an upscale dinner with skyline views, Walt Disney World delivers a multitude of magical ways to ring in the New Year. Be sure to plan, book special events early, and arrive ready for big crowds… because this is truly the most magical New Year’s Eve on earth.