6 Tips for Ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World

There’s nothing like starting a brand-new year with a spectacular countdown in the Most Magical Place on Earth.  

While fireworks bursting over the iconic Cinderella Castle is undoubtedly magical, there’s more to a Disney New Year’s Eve celebration than you might anticipate. 

The magic is real, but the crowds are intense.  

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest days of the year at Magic Kingdom, known to hit its capacity with nearly 100,000 guests in attendance at once.  

Long lines, extensive wait times, and crowded streets are all unavoidable on New Year’s Eve.  

However, if a Disney NYE celebration is on your bucket list, embrace the crowds! There are plenty of ways to navigate the celebrations with patience and planning.  

Here are our 6 Tips for Ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World this year.  

Consider a Disney Park Other than Magic Kingdom

While there’s something truly magical about watching New Year’s Eve fireworks bursting over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Disney-style at the other theme parks, too.  

If your heart is set on midnight fireworks, consider spending the evening at EPCOT. In the past, there have been DJs and dance parties held throughout the World Showcase, perfect for enjoying your favorite drinks and snacks from each country.  

Plus, when it hits midnight in each country’s pavilion, you’ll get a preview of fireworks accompanied by a festive announcement.  

At EPCOT, the Countdown Fireworks Show is an exciting way to build anticipation as the clock nears midnight. In past years, a countdown to the new year is projected onto Spaceship Earth. 

Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are the only two parks that are open for firework celebrations. Hollywood Studios has an epic dance party with a countdown and closes promptly thereafter.  

Though Animal Kingdom may have NYE-themed details throughout the day, there aren’t any countdowns or special productions planned, as the park still closes at 8 p.m.  

Plan to Stick it Out  

Theme park crowds on New Year’s Day are some of the biggest you’ll see all year. In the past, Magic Kingdom has reached capacity and late-arriving guests were turned away at the gate.  

While there haven’t been capacity closures for the last few years, it’s always a possibility. Like any other day of the year, it’s a good idea to beat the biggest crowds and arrive early – but with the headlining event happening at midnight, that can make for a very long day. 

You can always head back to your hotel midday for a quick nap and a refresh, but you do risk long entry lines coming back as everyone rushes to get into the park or being turned away if Magic Kingdom has already reached its capacity.  

That said, plan for a long day. Don’t overdo it too early, and pace yourself when it comes to lines, thrills, and food. Don’t forget must-haves like your sunscreen, water bottle, and portable charging bank for when your phone battery starts to dwindle. 

Make a Dinner Reservation  

When the crowds are reaching their peak around dinnertime, seize the opportunity to sit down in an air-conditioned restaurant and enjoy a good meal.  

While a lot of people may be waiting in line for their favorite rides and attractions, it’s a great time for you to refuel for the rest of the night’s activities and rest your feet. 

Just be sure to make your reservation well ahead of time; Magic Kingdom restaurants can book up quickly on a slower day, let alone one of the busiest days of the year.  

Splurge on a Lightning Lane Pass 

If there’s any day to splurge on a lightning pass, it’s this one.  

Even lines for the bathroom can exceed half an hour throughout the park.  

A Lightning Lane pass lets you skip the standby line and make it to your favorite attractions with a much shorter wait.  

There are two kinds of Lightning Lane passes. A Lightning Lane single pass is good for one of Magic Kingdom’s two biggest rides: TRON Lightcycle/Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you choose up to three multi pass experiences for select attractions.  

Prices vary depending on date and your selected attraction, and Lightning Lane passes can only be purchased up to three days in advance of your park visit.  

You can be sure there will be a lot of guests trying to do the same, so buy your Lightning Passes early.  

Bring Snacks and Games for While You Wait  

The fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is the main event of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.  

Even on a non-holiday evening, securing a good spot for the fireworks can be tricky, but on New Year’s Eve, it’s bananas.  

If you’ve made a point to stick around for the fireworks show at the end of the night, it’s worth your time to find a spot for the fireworks nice and early in the evening. Plan to be sitting (or standing) for a few hours and to make the most of your time.  

Be sure to pack snacks and drinks to keep you hydrated and full while you’re waiting or pick up some special Disney treats on your way to the Castle to make your wait time a little extra special.  

Bringing card games, a pad of paper, and other items for passing the time is a great idea, too. Download a few fun apps on your phone to keep entertained with your party.  

All this to say, if you know you’re going to be waiting for long periods throughout the day, plan ahead and make the most of it! 

Stay Late to Avoid the Crowds 

It’s been a long day. You’ve been at the park since it opened and made it all the way through the most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show you’ve ever seen.  

While the crowds for the fireworks were intense, wait until you see everyone turn and head toward the exits.  

Luckily, the park is open until 1 a.m., so there’s still time to head to your favorite attractions and get in one last ride (or the first ride of the new year, depending on how you look at it!).  

While everyone else is charging for the gates, you’ll be reveling in one last hour of Disney magic – and there’s no better way to start the new year than that.  

Spend the First Night of the New Year at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista  

Start 2025 with a good night's sleep in a comfortable room a short ride from the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.  

Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor hotel, meaning you can trust that your stay will be up to Disney standards.  

After a long day in the parks, whether it’s New Year’s Eve or any other day of the year, let us make your stay a little more magical.