Disney Announces New and Returning Events to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World (2024-2025)
Disney has announced several ways that guests can celebrate the New Year at Walt Disney World, including a bit of a surprise announcement with Disney’s Hollywood Studios joining this year’s lineup. Typically, New Year’s Eve festivities are only offered at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.
Here are the ways you can celebrate New Year’s Eve as we leave 2024 behind. These items are listed in a pop-up announcement when you open the My Disney Experience app.
EPCOT
At EPCOT, celebrate the night away on December 31st with DJ dance parties around World Showcase. Enjoy “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” at 6:30 p.m. before “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” kicks off its countdown at 11:54 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios (New This YEAR)
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, enjoy a variety of live entertainment and DJs all night long, including the Pixar Dance Party. Be on the lookout for special character experiences throughout the park and don’t miss the New Year Countdown Fireworks.
At Magic Kingdom Park, get a jumpstart on your celebration on December 30th with “Fantasy in the Sky” at 6:30 p.m. followed by a second showing at 11:50 p.m. Both fireworks spectaculars will also greet the new year at the same times on Dec. 31st.
Disney also notes the following in their annoucement: To enter a Theme Park, both a valid admission and Theme Park reservation where applicable for the same Park and same date are required. Parks and park reservations are limited, subject to capacity and availability, and specific dates or Parks are not guaranteed. Entertainment is subject to change without notice.
If you want to see both special fireworks celebrations for Magic Kingdom and Epcot, you can visit Magic Kingdom on the 30th, and then Epcot on New Year’s Eve. This is similar to how fireworks are celebrated on Independence Day. Or you can do something new this year and visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios if you like. That Pixar Dance Party doesn’t sound too bad!
You’ll also want to remember that many of the resort viewing locations are limited to resort guests on holidays. You would not want to visit a resort like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for dinner with hopes to see the fireworks later. Usually, resort guests are given a wristband that allows them access to the beach area. Non-resort guests are turned away, which is understandable given the considerable amount of money guests pay to stay there.
Whatever you decide, we hope you all have a happy (safe + healthy) New Year’s Eve!
Whether you’re new to the world of Disney or are a seasoned pro in search of a new adventure, their goal is to give you an experience like you’ve never had before. Check with our travel partner, Firefly Travels, to begin planning.