New Year’s at Disney World
What’s a better way to start the new year than celebrating at Walt Disney World? Whether you prefer to celebrate in the parks or the resorts, there is something for everyone!
At the Parks
If you want fireworks and fanfare, the parks sure know how to kick off the year with a bang! The Magic Kingdom has DJs playing music throughout the theme park and shows its special New Year’s fireworks spectacular, Fantasy in the Sky, which ends with a countdown led by Mickey and friends. This spectacular is shown both on December 30 and 31, so you could watch it on December 30 and then spend New Year’s Eve in EPCOT to catch its New Year’s fireworks.
EPCOT is especially lively within the World Showcase where some of the pavilions (China, Italy, Japan, and the UK) host DJ dance parties.
Although Hollywood Studios doesn’t have a fireworks spectacular, it does host a dance party on the Center Stage near Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Animal Kingdom is the only theme park without a New Year’s celebration since it closes well before midnight.
At the Resorts
For a quieter (and less crowded) celebration, watch the fireworks from the resorts. You can catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, or Polynesian, or the EPCOT fireworks from the BoardWalk, Beach Club, or Riviera. The resorts often host activities, arts and crafts, and their own New Year’s parties and countdowns.
For a Major Splurge
If you’re looking for a much more extravagant celebration, California Grill at the Contemporary is offering Alice’s Whimsical World of Wonderland for $799 per person. During this special event, California Grill is transformed into Wonderland, complete with appearances from Alice, The Mad Hatter, The March Hare, Dinah the Hat Lady, and the Queen of Hearts.
Guests can look forward to a wide variety of food stations, including chilled appetizers, sushi, pizza, seafood, pork belly, beef, duck, and desserts all inspired by Wonderland plus craft cocktails and hand-picked wines. With the White Rabbit playing DJ, guests can dance the night away and then celebrate with a champagne toast at midnight.
You can still find great confirmed reservations for New Year’s on the DVC Rental Store website. Book your stay today, and ring in the new year in the most magical place on earth!
