Hi Diana!
Epcot is truly one of the most exciting places to celebrate
New Year’s Eve! Currently, shows are scheduled for 6:30 PM and 11:40 PM for New Year’s Eve 2019. Since Illuminations will be retiring this fall, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest nighttime spectacular:
Epcot Forever!At this time, there is not a way to book a dinner and guarantee a fireworks view at Epcot. But if you are able to book an
Advance Dining Reservation just before one of the scheduled shows, you may just end up with a lovely view! I would recommend 45 minutes to an hour before the show. Any later and you risk the possibility that the prior table may not be done in time and you may not be seated exactly when expected. These reservations are highly in demand however, and book quickly, right at the 180 day mark. There is always the possibility of a cancellation though, so it pays to check back frequently.
Keep in mind that a reservation at that time does not guarantee you a seat by the water, and in fact, you may end up in another area of the restaurant and not be able to see at all. If you do end up with one of these lucky Advance Dining Reservations, I would stop by the restaurant as soon as you arrive at the park and put in a request for a waterside table. Do know that almost everyone dining at that same time probably has that same request, but it is always a good idea to ask!
I might try to book dinner before the first show of the night. You’ll be more likely to find availability, and if you don't end up with a view, you’ll still be able to catch the second show by finding a spot around World Showcase Lagoon closer to midnight. One of the best things about Epcot is that there are so many lovely places to view the show in the evening as you can view the fireworks from almost everywhere around the lagoon.
Sending you pixie dust, Diana, for a magical Epcot New Year’s Eve celebration!
- Kate