Hiya Andy,
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your New Year’s question! What an incredible way to ring in the new year. Celebrating at
Magic Kingdom with fireworks overhead, music filling the park, and a countdown to midnight sounds like a pretty magical way to start a brand-new year!
So Andy, let’s drop the ball and jump right into your question. While the official New Year’s Eve details haven't been announced yet, I can share what Guests have experienced in previous years. If you are planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Magic Kingdom, I highly recommend arriving early. The park can become extremely busy as everyone gets ready for the dance parties, fireworks, and of course, that big countdown to midnight. In the past, Magic Kingdom has even reached capacity on New Year’s Eve, so once you arrive, I would plan to stay and enjoy the festivities.
If attractions are also high on your list, I would consider purchasing
Lightning Lane access. It can be a huge help when the park is busy and can give you more time to enjoy the music, grab a snack, and soak in all of that New Year’s Eve magic instead of spending your evening waiting in line. Magic Kingdom has also stayed open later on New Year’s Eve in previous years, sometimes as late as 1:00 AM, so there can be plenty of time to keep the celebration going after the clock strikes midnight.
New Year’s Day can still be a very busy day in the parks, but with a little planning, you can start the year off on the right foot. I recommend making your
dining reservations as soon as your booking window opens and using Lightning Lanes if attractions are a priority for your family. That way, your first Disney day of the new year can feel a little smoother and a lot more magical. I highly recommend checking the
Disney Parks Blog for more information.
Andy, I hope this helps you start planning an unforgettable New Year’s celebration! If you have any additional questions, please come back and visit us again.
See you real soon,
Christina