Hiya Bub!
Thank you so much for sending your question over and welcome to planDisney! As a big fan of the holidays myself, I am always thinking about the next holiday season and what
fun activities I could do. A few years ago, I got to ring in the new year in the parks for the first time and I truly had so much fun! The joyous energy was unlike anything else I have ever experienced in the parks and it was such a special time to visit.
There are so many special things you can do to celebrate the New Year at the
Walt Disney World Resort! In the past, park hours were typically extended on the night of the 30th and the 31st so you could enjoy the special fireworks and count down to midnight under their colourful lights. These fireworks are an absolute must-do as not only are they different but also bigger than regular day fireworks. Second, Magic Kingdom usually had dance parties in different areas of the parks so you could dance your heart out in front of Cinderella Castle. There's nothing quite like doing the Cha Cha Slide in Frontierland! Third, special New Year's Eve merchandise and treats could be found around the parks and resorts to truly make this time of year extra magical. In 2021, for example, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort offered a "Stroke of Midnight" champagne cupcake with popping candy and a white chocolate clock. This treat along with many other exclusive items are sure to make your New Year's Eve celebrations special and delicious!
EPCOT also celebrated the New Year in very similar ways! Although only celebrating on the night of December 31st, EPCOT's special activities were unlike anything I had experienced at the parks before. With dance parties throughout the World Showcase and a silent dance party in World Celebration, the energy could be felt everywhere in the park. Counting down the seconds to midnight along with the different pavilions truly makes you realize It is a Small World After All!
I hope this was helpful, Bub, and that you will be able to welcome 2023 in the Most Magical Place on Earth! For any updates about how the Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate New Year's Eve in the future, I would recommend keeping an eye on
Disney Parks Blog as that is where you will find all announcements about new and returning offerings. I will always cherish the special memories I made when celebrating the New Year at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT and I hope that you get to make those magical memories as well. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out! We are all yEARS.
Have a magical day,
Ariane