Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle at dusk
  • On Nov 8, 2025
    Abby from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We arrive at Disney on NYE around lunchtime and afterwards we planned to spend the rest of the day at Magic Kingdom, but I’m reading that while we have park tickets we should expect that it might be at full capacity, what do we do in case we can not enter?

    Hey There, Hi There, Ho There, Abby!

    Welcome to planDisney! We are DELIGHTED you stopped by and are honored to help you plan your upcoming trip to Disney World! It looks like you are ready to par-TAY because New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting (and busiest!) days of the entire year, so you’re already stepping into the MAGIC at full sparkle mode. With that in mind, let's talk about how to ring in the New Year!

    If you arrive around lunchtime and Magic Kingdom has hit full capacity, don’t worry, because Mickey has come up with a great plan. On New Year's Eve specifically, Cast Members will form an organized line outside the entrance for guests who want to wait for the park to reopen. It’s totally optional, but if your heart is set on spending your afternoon and evening inside Magic Kingdom, this is the best way to be among the first allowed in once enough guests leave. Think of it like a backstage queue, as it’s Disney’s way of keeping things smooth, safe, and orderly during one of their wildest days of the year.

    If waiting in line on vacation doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, you can absolutely choose to explore the monorail resorts, take a boat to grab lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe inside Wilderness Lodge, or hop to another park while you wait for the crowds to settle down. Many families make a little adventure out of it and return later in the afternoon, when the park often reopens in waves. No matter which route you take, you’ll still have an incredible New Year’s Eve filled with MAGIC, fireworks, and Disney-level excitement!

    Now, if you do decide to pivot to another park, EPCOT is hands-down the best second choice on New Year’s Eve. The park can handle the massive holiday crowds more comfortably than anywhere else. Plus, EPCOT’s New Year's Eve celebration is legendary. Think live DJs, international party vibes, and festive moments happening in nearly every country around World Showcase. The nighttime atmosphere is electric, and the fireworks display is absolutely stunning. Some guests even prefer EPCOT for New Year’s Eve because it feels like you’re celebrating with the whole world in one night. It’s a completely different vibe than Magic Kingdom, but equally enchanting in its own spectacular way.

    If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We are here to help in any way!

    Have a MAGICAL day!

    Wes
thumbnail image for Wes

Meet the Panelist: Wes, Texas

Woo Hoo!  I am so excited to help plan your next Disney vacation! Since I have experienced Disney in all stages of family life (I have FIVE Tigger-ific kids), in all times of the year, and on a tight budget, I have learned to create Disney magic every trip! Learn More About Wes

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