Hello Bailey!
Welcome to planDisney! Walt Disney World Resort is a lively place this time of year with all of the guests trying to capture as much magic before 2024 leaves us behind. I think kicking off the New Year with a countdown in front of Cinderella Castle sounds like perfection and I hope you get a chance to do that this year!
Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT tend to be the two Parks Guests want to be at during New Year's Eve so these two Parks get very crowded. There is a chance that they could reach capacity and prevent further Guests from entering or Park Hopping to them. I have had this happen on a trip and a notice was pushed through the My Disney Experience Mobile App that let me know "The Park Hopper option is temporarily unavailable at Magic Kingdom..." A number was provided to check for availability and I had to figure out alternative plans. Earlier this year, on April 4, around 1 pm this situation happened, and arriving guests were directed elsewhere. Sometimes, if a Guest has a dining reservation or is a Guest at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel they can be permitted to enter. However, that is not a guarantee. I do think that Park Hopping to Magic Kingdom Park at 5 pm is way too late. To be safe I would try to be safely ensconced in the magical walls of Magic Kingdom Park by noon latest. The earlier the better. Now, you stated that you already purchased a
Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park which means you have some attractions you want to enjoy there first. If you can time them to be as early as you can by modifying them that would be smart. Or, you can do the earliest attraction you have booked and once you check into that ride modify the other two and make a third one for Magic Kingdom Park. Hop on over to that Park and have some rides ready to go. If you start nice and early at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and enjoy as much as you can, eat lunch, and then head to Magic Kingdom Park you may be fine. I would keep an eye on the
My Disney Experience Mobile App which will have the news about capacity.
This will be a very long day Bailey as you will be starting early and ending very late. Be kind to yourself and take breaks. There will be crowds and longer wait times but I promise the magic is still there. Look to enjoy the less dynamic attractions that many overlook but are still so special! One of my favorite attractions is
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom Park. It showcases how technology has changed over the 20th century and was once a part of the 1964 New York World's Fair. It then moved to Disneyland Park in California and then to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It has traveled the country and legendary Disney Imagineers Bob Gurr and Walt Disney himself were part of its creation. The famous song that plays in it, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" was written by the famous Sherman brothers! They have said that this song could be Walt's theme song as it was so hopeful about tomorrow. It's also a great place to sit and relax.
I'm wrapping up my time here at planDisney this year and will be taking a break. I hope to one day return and help Guests like you find every magical moment in the Parks. Look to the second star on the right and head straight on till morning Bailey and you will find a place that will remind you of the magic of childhood.
Have a lovely and magical time!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy