Hi there, Vinnie,
Welcome to planDisney! How exciting to ring in the new year at
Walt Disney World Resort! Let’s get the countdown officially started!
I checked with Cast Members, and the
New Year's Eve calendar for
Disney Springs has not yet been set. In years past, while the mood is certainly celebratory all evening, Disney Springs closed at 11:30 p.m. on December 31. But not to worry; there are other options to consider to make your New Year’s Eve magical.
While exact details have not been announced for New Year’s Eve, you can count on lots of excitement in both
Magic Kingdom Park and
EPCOT. Both parks typically have extended park hours and
special fireworks celebrations, including spectacular countdowns. In the past, EPCOT World Showcase celebrated the New Year in each country in time with the country's time zone, so it was a party all day long! At Magic Kingdom, there have been festive dance parties with Characters and DJs spinning tunes.
Now, if you are planning to enjoy Disney Springs that evening and not planning to be in the theme parks, I have another option for you. I suggest that you depart Disney Springs and head to
Disney’s BoardWalk before the clock strikes midnight. This lively area features
restaurants, lounges and some great
21-and-over venues, so as the date gets closer, check their operating hours, too. Along the BoardWalk, you can view the EPCOT fireworks and hear the accompanying soundtrack. I highly recommend you allow at least 30 minutes and use complimentary
Disney Resort Transportation from Disney Springs to one of the EPCOT Disney Resort area hotels since parking is reserved for hotel Guests. I imagine that the Disney BoardWalk mood will be festive!
Vinnie, there is nothing like celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort! We should hear more details soon on the
Disney Parks Blog, so keep checking there. In the meantime, we are happy to answer other planning questions you may have here at planDisney!
Cheers to a magical new year,
Shannon