Disney knows how to celebrate! If you’ve been to the parks for the holiday season, you know the decorations are over the top. New Year’s Eve celebrations are the same in a few places but not everywhere at Disney. Let’s go over what there is to do for New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024 as we ring in 2025.
Are there Disney New Year’s fireworks?
Yes, Disney World has New Year’s Eve fireworks in two parks: Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom do not have fireworks or special New Year’s Eve nighttime shows.
When are the Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve fireworks?
Magic Kingdom is pretty great about doubling up on special event fireworks. For Independence Day and New Year’s Eve, there are themed holiday firework shows. The Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve fireworks happen at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on both December 30 and December 31. That means you may have four opportunities to see these special, perimeter fireworks in the park. You might even choose to see them from two different locations. Perhaps once in the park and once at your resort or a restaurant like ‘Ohana.
When are the Epcot New Year’s Eve fireworks?
For a more grown up party atmosphere, Epcot celebrates the new year starting around the world. Expect dance parties throughout World Showcase. In countries like China, Italy and Japan you can dance to music with pyrotechnic displays, lasers, smoke or bubbles. In the past, the United Kingdom pavilion has had a silent disco where participants wore headphones. The Epcot New Year’s Eve fireworks, Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration, start at 11:54 p.m. This is a one night only offering and the new year countdown happens in the middle of the firework show.
Disney World New Years Eve Fireworks Times and Park Hours
| Disney World Theme Park | Date | Hours | New Year’s Eve Fireworks Time |
| Magic Kingdom | Monday December 30, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Early Theme Park Entry 8:30 a.m. | 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. |
| Magic Kingdom | Tuesday December 31, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Early Theme Park Entry 8:30 a.m. | 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. |
| Epcot | Tuesday December 31, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Early Theme Park Entry 8:30 a.m. | 11:54 p.m. |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Tuesday December 31, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Early Theme Park Entry 8:30 a.m. | None |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Tuesday December 31, 2024 | 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Early Theme Park Entry 7:30 a.m. | None |
| Disney Springs | Tuesday December 31, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. | None |
Disney World New Year’s Eve Traffic
If at all possible, stay in a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel on New Year’s Eve if you plan to party in the parks. Traffic can be really bad when the parks and surrounding attractions all let out after midnight. Using Disney transportation to get back to your resort is a dream when others are in gridlock.
There are quite a few Disney Vacation Club resorts near Epcot and Magic Kingdom. You’ll love taking a Disney Skyliner back to Riviera from Epcot at the end of the night. It’s just one stop away and the view is amazing. Guests staying at Beach Club and BoardWalk are just a short walk away from Epcot. You can also take the monorail to Epcot or Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Contemporary resorts. If you’re staying at any of these resorts, and a few others, you might have amazing firework views right from your hotel. You’ll love watching fireworks from the Grand Floridian where they play the music too.
How late is Disney open on New Year’s Eve?
Disney Parks close at different times on New Year’s Eve. You can expect a few to be open until at least midnight or shortly after. Animal Kingdom will always close early. Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot are open until midnight, possibly a little later, especially if you’re a resort guest. It can be different every year so check on your stay.
| Disney World Theme Parks | 2025 New Year’s Eve Hours |
| Magic Kingdom | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Early Theme Park Entry 8:30 a.m. |
| Epcot | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Early Theme Park Entry 8:30 a.m. |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Early Theme Park Entry 8:30 a.m. |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom | 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Early Theme Park Entry 7:30 a.m. |
Does Disney do anything special on New Year’s Eve?
In addition to the classic fireworks at the parks already mentioned, there might be special events at Disney World for New Year’s Eve. Every year California Grill has a themed party in its prime firework viewing location. The NYE California Grill event isn’t really advertised but still sells out. The theme changes annually and guests are encouraged to dress up. In 2023, the theme was Alice in Wonderland. There were characters to meet and food stations to enjoy. This premium event cost about $800 per person and it’s only available to book by phone.
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