Credit: DisneyWith Christmas behind us, the massive crowds at the Walt Disney World Resort are now looking toward their New Year’s Eve celebration and eagerly awaiting an announcement about what the resort has planned to ring in the New Year. Disney finally helped them out by announcing its New Year’s Eve plans this morning via the MyDisneyExperience App.
Disney updated guests on the fireworks and parties that will take place at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. It appears that Hollywood Studios will be adding a new fireworks show to ring in the New Year.
Here are the announcements that Disney made this morning by park:
Magic Kingdom
At Magic Kingdom Park, get a jumpstart on your celebration on Dec. 30 with “Fantasy in the Sky” at 6:30 p.m., followed by a second showing at 11:50 p.m. Both fireworks spectaculars will also greet the new year at the same times on Dec. 31.
EPCOT
At EPCOT, celebrate the night away on Dec. 31 with DJ dance parties around World Showcase. Enjoy “Luminous The Symphony of Us” at 6:30 p.m. before “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” kicks off its countdown at 11:54 p.m.
Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, enjoy a variety of live entertainment and DJs all night long, including the Pixar Dance Party. Be on the lookout for special character experiences throughout the park, and don’t miss the New Year Countdown Fireworks.
Magic Kingdom will celebrate New Year’s Eve on two nights to accommodate the large number of people who want to spend their New Year’s Eve at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Unlike with special ticketed events, admission to the dance parties at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is included with park admission. However, if you decide to spend your New Year’s Eve at one of the Disney World parks, you must do some planning.
Magic Kingdom opens at 8 a.m. and will remain open until 1 a.m. Hollywood Studios opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at midnight. EPCOT begins at 9 a.m. and closes at 1 a.m.
All three parks will open 30 minutes early for Disney World Resort Hotel guests and select Disney World good neighbor hotels.
Plan on arriving early and staying until closing, as many of the Disney World parks will reach capacity on New Year’s Eve and will not let additional guests into the park. So, if you want to ring in the New Year at one of these parks, make a plan to find a spot and stay there for most of the day.
Neither Disney’s Animal Kingdom nor Disney Springs has planned a New Year’s Eve celebration. Animal Kingdom closes at 8 p.m., and Disney Springs closes at 11:30 p.m.
Disney Resort Hotels will have special New Year’s Eve dining packages and events. Check with your hotel to see what it has planned to ring in the New Year.
Happy New Year, Disney fans.