Hi Camryn!
I’m so excited to hear you’ll be ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World!
While many guests head to Magic Kingdom Park on New Year’s Eve, I’m here to tell you that
EPCOT is my favorite place to celebrate! World Showcase comes alive with festivities, where each pavilion offers unique celebrations reflecting their country’s traditions. You can enjoy music, dancing, and special food and drink offerings from around the globe. Some pavilions even host their own midnight countdowns, letting you ring in the New Year multiple times throughout the night. Last year, we got a chance to celebrate with the Cast Members in the France Pavilion - we were boarding
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure when the clock struck midnight in France. It was SO fun! We spent most of the night in the China Pavilion, where they had a DJ, a dance floor, and a giant fire-breathing dragon. I cannot explain how AWESOME it was. The grand finale of the EPCOT celebration is the fireworks display, complete with an amazing New Year’s countdown!
With your EPCOT
park reservation, you’re guaranteed entry into the park, even on busy days like New Year's Eve. However, it’s important to note that while having a reservation secures your spot when you first enter the park, re-entry after leaving for a midday break isn’t 100% guaranteed if the park reaches capacity later in the day.
That said, as an
Annual Passholder with a valid reservation, you typically have a good chance of getting back in, but during high-demand times, Disney reserves the right to limit entry to manage crowd levels. If possible, consider making your break earlier in the day when crowds are lighter, or just plan to stay in the park if you want to ensure you don't miss any of the evening festivities. Last year, I had to leave the park for a bit and was planning to come back and meet my daughters for the countdown to midnight. I wasn’t able to come back to EPCOT until about 10 pm, and I was worried I might get turned away. I was thrilled when I arrived and was able to head right into the celebration!
Be sure to check the
official Walt Disney World website, the
My Disney Experience app, and follow the
Disney Parks Blog for updates and special event announcements as your trip approaches.
“Adventure is out there!”- so enjoy every moment at EPCOT as you welcome the New Year! Wishing you a magical start to 2025, filled with fireworks and fairy tales!
Diane W.