Hi Margaret! Thank you for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
I have spent several New Year's Eves with my family at Walt Disney World Resort. It is an extremely popular place to ring in the New Year, so expect the parks to be very busy - but also very festive! I'll give you my thoughts park by park so you can make the best decision for you and your daughter.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is currently scheduled to close at 8 pm on December 31, so if you are hoping to countdown to midnight in the parks this is probably not the best choice. To the best of my knowledge, Disney's Animal Kingdom has never stayed open until midnight on New Year's Eve.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is currently scheduled to close at 9 pm, with
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! and
Fantasmic! for nighttime spectaculars. In the past, Disney's Hollywood Studios has been open until midnight, with
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular ringing in the new year. I would keep an eye on the
park hours to see if there are any schedule changes and announcements for New Year's Eve entertainment.
Epcot will be celebrating the New Year with two showings of
Epcot Forever. Since Epcot Forever is new this fall, we don't yet know if a special New Year's Eve version will be shown. Epcot will tend to have more of an adult environment, with DJs and dance parties set up, as well as bars with New Year's Eve libations.
My pick would be
Magic Kingdom Park. Here you'll find the most family-friendly environment, as well as the amazing Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. Dec 31 is also the last day the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will be shown this holiday season. I definitely recommend catching it if you can!
No matter which Theme Park you choose, I'm sure you'll have a memorable New Year's Eve. If you have other questions or would like additional tips for celebrating
New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World Resort, please write us again - we are always happy to help.
Anne Marie