Hey there, Katrina, and welcome back to planDisney. I am excited about your first visit to the "Most Magical Place on Earth" in December. The week between Christmas and New Year is a big one. The winter decorations, themed foods, and holiday cheer are enchanting but so are the crowd levels so it is awesome that you are preparing now. Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane Passes will be a huge assist to make your days smooth.
The good news is that you only need a standard theme park ticket to enjoy visits to the theme parks and the special events that only occur during this time. After spending several New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World Resort, in my opinion, the best places to be are either Magic Kingdom Park or EPCOT with EPCOT the clear winner to ring in the new year. Fantastic events and entertainment have occurred in years past and are subject to change. Here is what to anticipate on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Magic Kingdom Park New Year's Eve:
EPCOT New Year's Eve:
- Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration fireworks with a countdown on Spaceship Earth
- Dance parties around the theme park; the silent dance party was fun and hilarious
Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT New Year's Day:
- Standard theme park experience
My recommendation is to spend the evening of December 30, 2024, at Magic Kingdom Park to view Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks (usually offered at 6:30 PM and 11:50 PM) and then see Luminous The Symphony of Us at 6:30 PM and Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration fireworks (only shown once a year) closer to midnight. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app on these days for any changes or added events.
Katrina, get your party hats, silly 2025 glasses, champagne flutes, and dance shoes ready because you will wish happily ever after to 2024 and sing "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" to 2025. Please feel free to contact me directly or planDisney for any follow-up questions or Disney vacation planning advice.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason