With so many frogciting additions coming to the Orlando theme parks next year, including Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Studios Florida and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, we're hopping with excitement for 2023!
Now while you could count down to the new year at one of the awesome theme parks here, we know from experience that sometimes it can be a tad overwhelming.
While many parks do host spectacular celebrations leading up to midnight, for frogs who are crowd-averse (or for those who think it's just not worth the hassle), it might be best to seek options elsewhere. That's why we've put together this list of places that are just as fun but slightly more laid-back — and fairly affordable — to ring in the new year!
Low-Key Options for Spending New Year's Eve in Orlando
See a Spectacular Show
Cirque du Soleil — Drawn to Life debuted at Disney Springs just over a year ago. If you haven't seen it yet, now's the time! This show has all of the Cirque theatrics, athletics and storytelling, combined with Disney music, animation and magic. Get transported into the world of Disney's timeless stories in the way only Cirque du Soleil knows how this New Year's Eve by gathering your loved ones for an unfrogettable leap into this amazing new show.
On Dec. 31, Drawn to Life will be performed once at 5:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Tickets starting at $101 are available for both performances (but are going quickly so hop on it!) and we can promise you — there are no bad seats in the house!
Rock Your New Year's Eve
If you're seeing the 8:30 p.m. Cirque show (or even if you're not), House of Blues Orlando is keeping the party going right next to the theater with its very own New Year's Celebration for frogs of all ages. Head on over to the Courtyard at 10 p.m. where DJ Rincon will be spinning the best Top 40 hits all night long. The event is free but VIP packages are available, including reserved seating, champagne and more! There are still tables available for reservation inside the restaurant if you want to get some food. You can also arrive early and enjoy free live music starting at 12 p.m. OR grab a ticket to Club 90s Presents 2000s NYE Party. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are currently still available starting at $17!
Party Like It's 1921
Every year, The Edison at Disney Springs hosts a dazzling New Year's Eve gala filled with live entertainment, world-class dining and an open dance floor. Entry starts at 9 p.m. and includes passed appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, desserts, a champagne toast at midnight and access to the electrifying lineup of lavish entertainment. (Note: Tickets for this year's event have sold out.)
Come Together at Hard Rock Live
Ring in the new year with Classic Albums Live as they recreate The Beatles' "Abbey Road" note for note, cut for cut. The show goes from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Standing Room Only tickets are available for $35.50, but there are still plenty of seats available starting at $40.50. If you're planning on hopping around the theme parks all day, this is a perfect way to end the night if you're just going to Universal's Islands of Adventure. (Universal Studios Florida is hosting its own New Year's Eve celebration and closing at 1 a.m.)
Dine in Polynesian Paradise
If you're trying to avoid the theme parks, there are still plenty of other celebrations hoppening around Universal Orlando Resort before the clock strikes 12. Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is hosting a New Year's Eve Buffet from 6 to 10 p.m. The price is $90 per adult, $45 per child (ages 3 to 9) and complimentary for tadpoles under the age of 3. Frogs 21 and up can even indulge in all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more. Entertainment will include live music, hula dancers and a balloon artist. Reservations are still available so hop to it! Be sure to end your night in the Tahitian Room for a New Year's Eve Dessert Celebration. End 2022 in a toadally sweet way with this party that's hoppening from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and costs $40 for all frogs over 3 years old.
Save Some Green at Endless Summer
If you're looking for a special New Year's meal that isn't reflected in the price, hop on over to Universal's Endless Summer Resort. Beach Break Café at Surfside Inn and Suites and Pier 8 Market at Dockside Inn and Suites are both offering celebratory dinners, featuring herb-encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven-roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and a biscuit. The price for either meal is $18 for adults and $10 for tadpoles 3 to 9 years old and is available from 5 p.m. to close.
Make It a Retro New Year (for Cabana Bay Beach Resort Guests Only)
If you're staying at Cabana Bay, you're in luck! The hotel is hosting a New Year's Eve Party Spectacular at Bayliner Diner from 5 to 10 p.m. The celebration is complimentary to attend but a carving dining special will be available starting at 5 p.m. that's $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Entertainment will include a live DJ, balloon twisters, face painters, party favors and, of course, a midnight balloon drop! I don't know about you, but this sounds like a perfectly relaxing and stress-free way to end a day at Volcano Bay which is closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31.
"LEGO" of 2022 in Winter Haven
Just about an hour and a half southwest of Orlando is a New Year's celebration perfect for tadpoles with a bedtime! From Dec. 26 to 31, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be hosting a DJ Dance Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and presenting Kids' New Year's Eve fireworks at 8 p.m. Grab a pair of special viewing glasses and watch as sparks fly over Pirates' Cove. This offering is part of LEGOLAND Florida's Holiday celebration so if you want to spend the day here, you'll also get to enjoy festive shows, special character experiences, holiday activities and delicious seasonal treats! Save some green by purchasing your park tickets through Undercover Tourist.
Celebrate the New Year in 360°
Escape the hustle and bustle of New Year’s Eve by watching the party from 400 feet in the air. Hop aboard The Wheel at ICON Park, an observation wheel that offers unfrogettable views of Central Florida, and countdown to 2023 with a spectacular light show that will illuminate the huge Ferris wheel in bright colors. The Wheel stays open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve for those frogs who want to watch fireworks across the region from the comfort of its air-conditioned capsules. While you're at ICON Park, stop by Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando for a fun-filled day that's sure to keep the tadpoles entertained and dance the night as a live DJ drops some beats from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Do you have any other recommendations for chill ways to ring in 2023 in Orlando? Let us know in the comments below. Have a hoppin' new year, everybody!
Related: A Complete Guide to Walt Disney World New Year's Eve Events
Keep hopping!
