Credit: chris czlapka, FlickrWith Christmas celebrations in the past, Walt Disney World is firmly in the thick of the holiday rush, with massive crowds descending on the resort. Disney had announced its New Year’s Eve plans earlier this season, and now, as the big night approaches, the resort is preparing to execute its most elaborate holiday operations yet.
The holiday season at Disney is always a spectacle, but the surge in visitors this year has brought additional challenges—and some unique solutions. From fireworks displays to crowd management strategies, here’s everything you need to know.
Fireworks and Festivities by Park
Disney previously shared its New Year’s Eve plans via the MyDisneyExperience App, detailing special events across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios:
Magic Kingdom
- “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 6:30 p.m. and again at 11:50 p.m. on both December 30 and 31.
EPCOT
- DJ dance parties around World Showcase on December 31.
- “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” at 6:30 p.m.
- “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” at 11:54 p.m.
Hollywood Studios
- A new fireworks show at midnight.
- Live entertainment, DJs, and character appearances throughout the park.
Magic Kingdom’s decision to host its New Year’s Eve fireworks over two nights is aimed at accommodating the overwhelming demand, as guests traditionally flock to the park to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Tips for Navigating Crowds
With Magic Kingdom opening at 8 a.m. and staying open until 1 a.m., and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios extending their hours similarly, guests are encouraged to plan their day carefully. Disney Resort Hotel guests can take advantage of early entry 30 minutes before the parks open.
However, those arriving later may face capacity closures, a common occurrence on New Year’s Eve. For guests without park reservations, options like resort fireworks viewing or enjoying festivities at Disney Springs may offer alternative ways to celebrate.
Polynesian Resort Restrictions
In a first for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, access will be restricted on New Year’s Eve to those with hotel or dining reservations. This measure aims to control the typically large crowds that gather on the resort’s beach to view Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.
Cast members will monitor access points, including the walkways connecting the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). This new policy, combined with the resort’s expanded Island Tower, reflects Disney’s efforts to balance guest demand with safety and enjoyment.
Inside the Parks: A Cast Member’s Warning
As anticipation builds, one Magic Kingdom cast member took to Reddit to share a few tips and warnings for those braving the parks on New Year’s Eve:
“Bring your patience.
We’re expecting around 80,000 people in the park tonight. Even with everything transportationwise running at peak it will be tough to leave in anything remotely resembling a hurry.
All of the watercraft cease operations 45 minutes before the 11:50PM fireworks time, due to the fact they launch half the fireworks from the island across from the dock (as you might imagine they don’t want the boats catching on fire from falling fireworks debris). The walkway to the Grand Floridian also closes on both ends at this time as well (they don’t want walkers catching on fire, either).
They will be running buses to the TTC from bus stop 34 from around 6PM until the park clears (We close at 1AM, so park clear should be around 2:30 or so). If you are on an ECV or have a stroller you will HAVE to take the monorail or wait for the boats. They’re not allowing those on the buses to the TTC (those going to resorts and other parks operate just as they always do). And if you get out to the bus loop and find that out at that point, you will have to come back through Security screening to get back into the secure area (which you’ll have to do to get on the boats or the monorails).
Once the fireworks show is over, they will open the docks back up, but it may be between 15 and 30 minutes before they allow you to board the boats because they have to wait for the all clear from the patrols out on the lake before they can start operating again.
Disney will have extra buses running to everywhere, but even with everything running at full tilt, it will take a while for that many people to be evacuated from the park. So if you’ve ever wanted to just sit somewhere and chill in MK, tonight will be the night to do it, for sure.
The show is 11 minutes long and has no castle projections with it, so anywhere you can be in the park, out front, at the beam resorts, etc., will be a good place to watch.”
The cast member also advised waiting until after the fireworks to enjoy a quieter Magic Kingdom, noting that the final hour of the night could be a great time to relax and take in the park’s ambiance.
What About the Other Parks?
While Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios gear up for their respective celebrations, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs will offer quieter options. Animal Kingdom closes at 8 p.m., and Disney Springs wraps up its operations at 11:30 p.m.
Thousands of guests unable to secure park reservations are expected to flock to nearby resorts or explore off-site options. The surrounding areas, including hotels and local restaurants, are gearing up for increased foot traffic as guests search for ways to enjoy the evening.
The Ultimate Disney New Year
For those embracing the chaos, Disney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are nothing short of magical. Whether it’s watching the dazzling fireworks over Cinderella Castle or dancing the night away at EPCOT’s World Showcase, this year’s festivities promise unforgettable memories—if you’re ready to brave the crowds.
So pack your patience, plan ahead, and get ready to ring in 2025 in true Disney style.