Hi Michele,
Thanks for coming to planDisney for some advice on how to spend a memorable New Year’s Eve at the Walt Disney World Resort. The clock is ticking with the new year swiftly approaching, but I found some fun things that I hope you can enjoy on this special night. The theme parks are not currently showing availability for reservations other than Animal Kingdom on December 31, 2023 so you’re smart to think of heading to Disney Springs which does not require a ticket for entry.
I always adore the vibe at Disney Springs, and I think New Year’s Eve will be particularly festive and full of energy! Retail locations will close at 10:00 P.M. but dining and
live entertainment will continue into the new year; please know that all Guests must arrive at Disney Springs by 11:30 P.M. on December 31, 2023. While there are no fireworks displays at Disney Springs itself, you are sure to see parts of many other fireworks in the night sky this special evening from surrounding areas.
Some restaurants are hosting special activities; if you have not yet secured a dining reservation, I encourage you to keep trying and to inquire in person when you arrive about walk-up availability. Irish-themed
Raglan Road is celebrating a new year countdown twice, first at 7:00 P.M. (in sync with midnight in Ireland) and again at 12:00 A.M. for the American celebration. You can sail into the new year by dancing at the
House of Blues Orlando courtyard with a DJ spinning favorite tunes in the popular style of “yacht rock”, beginning at 10:00 P.M.
The
Disney PhotoPass Studio will be open until 9:00 P.M. for some magical posed photographs to capture your last memories of 2023. I love this fun set up with many backgrounds and Magic Shots to choose from, it’s always a fun stop for my family when we’re at Disney Springs. Stop by
Disney’s Days of Christmas, a shop full of holiday cheer 365 days a year, to pick up an ornament to commemorate your visit before you pack away this year’s holiday decorations at home.
Check out the
Disney Foodie Guide for a checklist of holiday treats at Disney Springs – these tasty seasonal offerings turn into a pumpkin at midnight but are still available through December 31 for one final taste of the season. The iconic
Gideon’s Bakehouse is open until 11:30 P.M. if you’re able to grab some scrumptious cookies, cakes, and even lumps of coal to snack on in the new year (healthy resolutions can wait another day, right?).
New Year’s Eve is a popular holiday to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, but I think if you manage your expectations, try for a reservation or walk-up visit for a great dining experience, and just enjoy soaking in the energetic atmosphere you are destined for an amazing night! Our best Disney memories are about being with the ones we love, and celebrating this milestone into a new year full of hope and happiness is sure to become a core memory for you.
If you have any more questions in the new year, please know our
planDisney team also answers questions in Portuguese.
Wishing you a magical new year – cheers!
Amy