Hi Kris!
Celebrating the
holidays and New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World is an unforgettable experience! Each park offers unique ways to ring in the New Year, with
EPCOT standing out as an especially vibrant option in my opinion. Historically, EPCOT has hosted lively dance parties in several World Showcase pavilions, featuring international music, DJs, and cultural celebrations. Spaces like the American Adventure, Japan, and the Italy Pavilion often transform into outdoor dance floors, creating a global festival vibe that’s truly magical. And, of course, the night culminates with Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration, a stunning fireworks display that light up the World Showcase Lagoon.
This week at the Walt Disney World Resort tends to be one of the busiest of the entire year. That means often large crowd sizes, so pack your patience! Sometimes, a Theme Park may reach capacity and if that happens, guests may not be permitted to enter a park until others clear out.
At this time,
valid park admission and even a booked Lightning Lane pass does not guarantee entry if a park is to reach capacity. Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. To ensure you can enjoy your chosen celebration, I recommend arriving early and planning to stay in that park for the entire day.
Here are a few helpful tips:
Arrive Early: Capacity limits can be reached, so getting to the park as early as possible gives you the best chance of entry.
Make Dining Reservations: If you’d like to enjoy a special meal, consider booking a dining reservation as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Plan for the Weather: December evenings in Florida can be chilly, so bring layers to stay comfortable.
Fuel Up: Grab snacks and water to stay energized while enjoying the festivities.
Keep the Celebration Going: EPCOT’s World Showcase is known for its extended celebrations, sometimes lasting past midnight. Check the day’s schedule for event details. If the park stays open later than midnight (which looks like it’s scheduled to be open until 1:00 AM) and you’re planning to use
Resort Transportation, I recommend hanging around and taking a leisurely stroll out of the park to cut down on your wait time at the transportation station.
Have a fantastic time, and cheers to an incredible start to the year ahead!
~Heather