New Years Eve in Walt Disney World is so much fun! There are lots of different places to ring in the new year and each one is a little different. From the parks to Disney Springs there are countdowns and parties all over the most Magical Place on Earth! We decided to do Disney Springs again this year because it is a little more low key but the parks have so many fun things to to do and see for New Years Eve so let’s dive in!
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is the place to be if you have little ones that want to ring in the new year. They do a special fireworks show called Fantasy in the Sky that you can see on the 30th and the 31st at 6:30pm and 11:30pm. There is a countdown on Cinderella Castle and a DJ on the castle stage! This is a “dry” park unless you have a table service reservation so you stand a much better chance of a tamer evening here in Magic Kingdom. So if that is the vibe you are looking for this is the place to be! Plus who doesn’t want to see a NYE countdown on Cinderella Castle?! We have not been in Magic Kingdom for NYE yet but I am hoping we will get to go one of these years!
EPCOT
If you want a wilder vibe with lots of libations to enjoy and a lot of energy this should be your NYE place! There are parties all over world showcase in different pavilions. A silent rave in the UK pavilion, a great DJ in the Italy pavilion and the China pavilion has a fire breathing dragon and a DJ!
It is so much fun! Very crowded, but really fun! I have to say that the countdown in EPCOT is amazing!! We got a great spot between the America and Italy pavilion near the stage and it was perfect. The countdown is really cool because not only do they do the traditional countdown at midnight but they also shoot fireworks off in each countries pavilion in the order in which that country rang in the new year! The fireworks are awesome, it’s quite a show. If you want to read more about NYE in EPCOT you can read all about our experience here.
Hollywood Studios
In Hollywood Studios you can find a DJ and some fun snoap in the hub with a pretty exciting party happening! They do a countdown on the Chinese Theater at midnight and it looked like so much fun! Between the lasers, music and snoap I definitely want to try this park out for NYE too. They really stepped it up here in Hollywood Studios this year adding in more dance parties and character interactions. I feel like this park would be a happy medium between Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Not as wild as Epcot but probably a little more lit, as the kids say, than Magic Kingdom. Still plenty for the kids here but a little more of an adult vibe than Magic Kingdom maybe.
Disney Springs
We decided to go to Disney Springs again this year because it is a little bit more low key. We started out at the outside bar at Splitsville for a drink and to listen to some good music. It was such a fun vibe with everyone singing along and dancing around. We had dinner reservations at Summerhouse on the Lake which is always so good! After that we just explored Disney Springs.
There are bands and DJ’s in all the usual spots but it seems like they are all turned up a little more on New Years Eve. We had to get the light up 2025 ears and necklace of course! The Waterside Stage has the main band and countdown so after we had dinner and partied at all the other stages we ended up there for the main event! Most of the retail locations close at 10pm but all of the entertainment, restaurants and bars are open until at least midnight. A lot of the restaurants have their own parties going on as well. I highly recommend Disney Springs for NYE if you don’t want to get a park ticket but happen to be here in Disney World and want to go out.
The Boardwalk
In addition to the parks and Disney Springs there are things happening on the Boardwalk too! Jelly Rolls and Atlantic Dance Hall both have New Years Eve events that you can get separate tickets for. I can imagine these are pretty fun, plus you could watch EPCOT’s fireworks from outside on the Boardwalk! We will absolutely try on of these out, I love the Boardwalk on a regular night so I am sure I would love it on NYE!
Conclusion
Since we moved here we have gone out for New Years Eve every year which is a big change from before we moved here! One thing about it, there is no shortage of things to do when you live this close to Disney World. It’s fun to have options and I can’t wait to try all the other parks and parties out in the years to come. Whether you want to have an adult night or bring the kiddos along, you have lots of choices! Thank you all for reading along and I hope you all have the most magical new year!