Overview of New Year's Eve at Disney World in 2023
New Year's Eve events at Disney World are amazingly fun, but they also tend to draw crowds. Both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will have special nighttime spectaculars for the occasion. Here are the current park hours, some of which recently got extended (there can be additional changes once we get closer, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app or the Disney World website prior to your visit):
- Magic Kingdom Park: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- EPCOT: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Disney's Hollywood Studios: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Disney Springs: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
If you plan on hopping to Walt Disney World for New Year's Eve 2023, make your Park Pass reservation if you haven't already, and be aware that park hopping may reach capacity at certain parks.
While there may be some surprise festivities in store, we definitely expect special New Year's Eve food and possibly merchandise to be available at all of the parks. Holiday entertainment and hoppenings may still be going on at each of the parks, though the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays ends on Dec. 30. We also expect there to be some special New Year's Eve dinner menus at Disney Springs, which also offers lots of holiday merriment to enjoy, including the Christmas Tree Stroll.
If staying in at a Disney Resort, all resorts typically have a champagne package available to guests in their on-site retail stores, while supplies last! If you'd prefer to toast in advance in the parks, you can find a glass of bubbly (including champagne, sparkling wine or cider) at most locations around the theme parks and Disney Springs (including table-service restaurants at Magic Kingdom).
Here's a look at the festivities that generally hoppen all across Walt Disney World Resort to ring in the new year. We know we aren't the only froggies looking forward to 2024 — cheers!
New Year's Eve at EPCOT
EPCOT is by far the most exciting place to be on New Year’s Eve at Disney World, though with lots of activities come lots of people. As one of the largest parks, EPCOT is perhaps best suited for crowds. We think the crowds are worth managing for these fun-filled festivities! There’s no need to choose ... you can take part in all of these activities for a complete night of celebration.
New Year's Countdown Fireworks
The Countdown Fireworks show at EPCOT is the most popular way guests celebrate New Year's Eve at Disney World. A countdown to the new year is typically projected onto Spaceship Earth as fireworks light up the sky — we are hopful there will be some extra exciting projections. Enjoy a showing of the new nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us at 6:30 p.m., and then the countdown fireworks at 11:54 p.m.
EPCOT New Year's Eve Parties
Walk from Mexico to Canada (and from the old year to the new) at EPCOT’s New Year’s Eve parties. There may be live DJs hosting dance parties throughout the park. Dance the night away as you sip and savor some of your favorite flavors around World Showcase. These parties are a nice way to add some special fun to your holiday evening between your adventures on Test Track, Soarin’ and more. When it hits midnight in each country's respective pavilion, listen for a festive announcement and watch for a burst of colorful fireworks.
Live Music at American Gardens Theatre
American Gardens Theatre typically hosts a variety of performances throughout the night for the ultimate NYE entertainment.
To get an idea for this year's celebration at EPCOT, check out our video from last year featuring exciting dance parties and the special Countdown Fireworks:
New Year's Eve at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is the most popular park and has historically been the most crowded during New Year’s Eve at Disney World. If Magic Kingdom is your park of choice, we recommend you arrive early and stay all day since it is likely to reach capacity for some part of the day. Save your viewing spot for parades and stage shows at least an hour in advance.
To add to your festive spirit, there are additional holiday offerings at Magic Kingdom. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is scheduled for 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, as well as multiple showings of Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration stage show.
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks
The new year is sure to start with a bang — literally — thanks to Magic Kingdom’s Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. Our whole frog squad loves how wild and colorful this fireworks extravaganza is. Seeing the sky above Cinderella Castle glow with this booming presentation is a truly magical way to celebrate the new year. As a huge fan of fairytale magic and the sentiment of Magic Kingdom, this is my personal fave.
Magic Kingdom will show the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks Dec. 30 and 31 at both 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. We like having the extra night at Magic Kingdom as an option if you can't decide between this one and EPCOT's fireworks. We usually do Magic Kingdom on the 30th and then EPCOT on actual New Year's Eve for the best of both worlds!
New Year's Celebration Dance Parties
DJ dance parties are held at Frontierland, Tomorrowland and the castle stage. Typically available from 7 p.m. to midnight, these are a memorable, family-fun way to celebrate an awesome year of fun.
Other Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve at Disney World
While EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are the main attractions for New Year's Eve, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the new year throughout the resort!
Disney's Hollywood Studios typically offers regular nighttime entertainment, though sometimes a countdown is included. It's generally more low-key than the other parks. Enjoy the Wonderful World of Animation projections at 8:30 p.m. and Fantasmic! at 9:30 p.m.
At Disney's Animal Kingdom, you'll typically find special New Year's Eve-themed food and drinks. In previous years, DJs have kept the party hoppin' in Asia, Discovery Island and DinoLand U.S.A. With Animal Kingdom currently scheduled to close at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, it's a more peaceful and early way to celebrate the end of 2023 (just in time for the tadpoles' bedtime!).
While there won't be a nighttime spectacular, Disney Springs' special dining and shopping options never disappoint! Though the Christmas Tree Trail officially ends Dec. 30, the trees will likely still be up for you to enjoy.
Not wanting to brave the night crowds? Consider a relaxing night in at your hotel! Many of the resorts will offer special activities and select resorts even offer a view of the fireworks, such as Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Over at Fort Wilderness, our kids colored, danced along with a live DJ, got to see Chip and Dale in their tuxedos (yes, really!) and even did some trivia.
Dining During New Year's Eve at Disney World
In addition to in-park celebrations, there are often special options available at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Whether it's a NYE menu, a dance party, a champagne toast or a combination of all three, there's something fun for every froggy. In the past, these have included:
- Toledo at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
- Mezzanotte at Topolino's: An Italian Masquerade at Disney's Riviera Resort
- Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's BoardWalk
- New Year's Eve Dinner at the World Showplace Pavilion
- California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Flying Fish at Disney's Boardwalk Inn
- Garden Grove at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- II Mulino at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Monsieur Paul within France Pavilion at Epcot
- Narcoossee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Shula's Steak House at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Todd English's bluezoo Lounge at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Victoria & Albert's Chef's Table at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Tips for New Year's Eve at Disney World
Here are our tips for making the best of New Year's Eve at Disney World!
- While the usual cancellation policy now requires only a two-hour notice at Walt Disney World restaurants, some of these special-occasion meals may require more of a cancellation notice. Review the fine print and know your options.
- If you’re set on a certain experience in particular, call 407-939-3463 as soon as you’re able to purchase your tickets or book your dining reservations. Advance dining reservations are required for all special holiday meals.
- If you’re attending the fireworks at either EPCOT or Magic Kingdom, bring earplugs for little ones, or maybe even yourself. (Heck, sunglasses might not hurt either.) These shows are beautiful but can be intense.
- Note that at the parks, regular admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation are both required to access these special events — even if you have a dining reservation.
- Annual Passholder and Tables in Wonderland discounts will not be honored for special holiday meals.
- Avoid park hopping and arrive at your park of choice early because there's a good chance that the parks, especially Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, will reach capacity.
- If you are trying to park hop, we suggest that you arrive right at 2 p.m. — or even prior to 2 p.m. You may need to wait in line at the park entrance, but the earlier, the better (otherwise, you risk the park reaching capacity).
- Allow plenty of extra time for transportation, as parks are extra, extra busy on this day.
- Most of you know the drill of getting your spots for fireworks early on a typical night, but be sure to post up extra early for the New Year’s spectaculars. Not only will there be more people for the special shows, but there are extremely high-volume crowds to begin with.
- As attraction lines will be tremendously long during this peak season, we find waiting on a prime fireworks spot to be the most effective use of time. Of course, we always recommend having a family member grab snacks and drinks to enjoy during the wait!
There are so many hoppin’ activities to choose from to leap into the new year at Walt Disney World. When we’re at Disney World for a holiday, we really like to take advantage and celebrate in a special, unique way. What do you have planned? Tell us in the comments.
Related: Top 10 Tips for Disney World During the Holidays
Hoppy planning!
