8 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World

If you are ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World, you won’t be disappointed. Whether you are looking forward to firework displays or dining experiences, celebrations are going on across property on this evening. Here are 8 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World!

1 – Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will be open from 8 am to 12 am on New Year’s Eve. Their fireworks spectacular “Fantasy in the Sky” will be shown at 11:50 pm.  Guests can also see these fireworks display the day before on 12/30/15 as well. Magic Kingdom will likely close to capacity on New Year’s Eve. It’s recommended that guests wishing to visit Magic Kingdom do so earlier in the day and stay in the park. You may not be able to re-enter if you leave the park.

2 – Epcot

Epcot will be open from 8 am to 1 am on New Year’s with a special ending to IllumiNations at 6 pm and 11:50 pm. Live DJs and entertainment will be throughout the park during the evening.  Epcot can be a viable option should Magic Kingdom close to capacity, as it can hold significantly more guests.

3 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open from 8 am to 12 am with Extra Magic Hours from 12 am to 2 am for resort guests. “Lights! Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show will begin at midnight. Fireworks are lit from behind the Chinese theater, with viewing areas located on Hollywood Boulevard. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has the potential to close due to capacity, so get there early if you want to spend the evening at this park.

4 – Cirque du Soleil

Editor’s Note: La Nuba has ended its long run at Disney Springs. That’s the bad news. The good news is Disney and Cirque are collaborating on a brand new show that will be coming to Disney Springs in the near future. As disappointed as we were to hear La Nouba as closing, we’re sure the new show will be equally spectacular. Stay tuned for updates as show details and dates are released.

Cirque du Soleil is the most fantastic show at Disney Springs! Depending on showtimes and days available, this could be a great start to your vacation. With unique and unbelievable talents, you’ll be amazed and somewhat speechless throughout this 1 hour, 30-minute show. All ages are welcome! While you are at Disney Springs, you might as well make a dinner reservation there or plan on visiting one of the many bars/lounges for a continued evening of fun!

5 – California Grill

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be hosting an elegant gala starting at 8 pm. Food stations will be set up throughout the restaurant with complimentary wine. Entertainment is included, featuring appearances by favorite characters such as Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. Guests will enjoy a breathtaking view of Magic Kingdom Fireworks. Formal attire is required, and the price is $625 per person, including tax and gratuity. This event can be booked online or by phone.

6 – Ragland Road

Ragland Road at Disney Springs is expected to host their Irish New Year’s Bash. Celebrate by ringing in the Irish New Year at 7 pm with a champagne toast, performances by the Ragland Road Irish Dancers, live Irish music and more. The fun starts all over again at midnight to welcome the new year to the U.S.A.  Advance dining reservations are suggested.

7 – Atlantic Dance Hall

Guests ages 21 and up are welcome to dance the night away at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk. This private event features a DJ on the main floor and beverages available for purchase. VIP admission includes the second-floor VIP area with seating, refreshments for purchase, complimentary desserts, and coffee and a viewing area for IllumiNations. Regular admission is $37 per person, and VIP admission is $80 per person. Reservations are required, and the dress code is formal or business casual.

8 – Epcot Prix-fixe Dining options

Guests can partake in several unique dining options at Epcot on New Year’s Eve.  Advance dining reservations are required for these events and can be booked by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

• La Hacienda de San Angel, located in the Mexico pavilion, offers authentic Mexican food with a beautiful view of IllumiNations over the water. Guests will enjoy live Mariachi entertainment and a 5-course dinner with expert alcohol pairing. This event is $280 for adults and $73 for children, which includes tax and gratuity. The event begins at 9:30 pm.
• In the Canada Pavilion, Le Cellier Steakhouse will have three dinner seatings, 4:30 pm, 6:45 pm and a premier dining event at 9:00 pm. Guests over 21 years of age will receive a champagne flute with the Le Cellier logo. The first two seatings are a 4-course meal with a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert and priced at $148 for adults and $47 for children.  The premier dining event is a 5-course meal with a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The cost is $211 for adults and $69 for children.
• Monsieur Paul, located in the France pavilion, will offer a lunch and dinner seatings with a 3-course prix-fixe meal for $85 per person. The premier dining event will feature a 4-course prix-fixe meal for $235 per person.
• If you are interested in any of the dining experiences, be sure to book early as a limited number of reservations are available. If you plan to visit a theme park on New Year’s Eve, be sure to check the times’ guide for hours and other entertainment offerings.  New Year’s Eve is typically extremely crowded; you should not expect to do much in terms of attractions on this day. Have you ever visited Walt Disney World on New Year’s Eve?