Magic Kingdom Resort Area Officially Imposes Strict Measures, Guests Will Be Turned Away

As 2025 approaches, Walt Disney World Resort is experiencing major crowd levels. The Christmas and New Year period is always especially busy at the Central Florida destination, and this year, the Magic Kingdom resort area has imposed restrictions on multiple locations on the property.

With close to 3 million people traveling through Central Florida’s Orlando International Airport (MCO)–as confirmed by the aviation authority themselves–Disney World is currently embracing huge crowds during its holiday festivities.

Following a busy Thanksgiving period, the Christmas and New Year celebrations have seen guests swarm the Disney theme parks, skyrocketing wait times and causing the divisive Lightning Lane Premier Pass–which goes up to $449 per guest per day for Magic Kingdom Park–to sell out on multiple occasions.

As December 31, AKA New Year’s Eve gets underway, Disney is seemingly combatting overcrowding and focusing more on the exclusive experiences it offers the higher-paying customers by restricting access to multiple locations in the Magic Kingdom resort area.

On December 30 and December 31, the Fantasy In The Sky New Year’s Eve firework spectacular will occur twice on both nights. Disney World guests can witness the nighttime show over Cinderella Castle at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. and ring in the New Year with a classic dose of Mickey Mouse magic.

While crowding in the hub in front of the castle icon or lining up down Main Street, U.S.A. are options for viewing Fantasy In The Sky or any other spectacular at Magic Kingdom, including the staple Happily Ever After (and guests will be doing this in droves), many others will be seeking out alternative viewing spots for the seasonal event.

Typically, guests at Disney World can view the fireworks spectaculars from other resort locations, such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or the hotels of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. While that is still the case for New Year’s Eve, restrictions are now in place at multiple locations.

As previously reported, the Polynesian will impose rules on viewing fireworks at the resort by only allowing those staying at the Polynesian Village, the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and the recently opened Island Tower to gather at the resort. Guests will need to pick up a wristband from the Great Cermonial House to be granted access.

In addition, two other Deluxe Disney Resorts are enforcing similar rules. At Disney’s Bay Lake Tower, nestled next to the Contemporary Resort, only Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members staying at the resort for New Year will be allowed access to the viewing area at The Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair and Terrace. Festivities at the exclusive location take place between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. on both December 30 and 31.

DVC members and their party must all be present at the time of check-in at the observation deck. Capacity for Bay Lake Tower is 300 and wristband collection is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Finally, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will also restrict access to viewing Fantasy In The Sky in the pool area. Like the other locations, a wristband system will be in effect and guests looking to enter the pool viewing area must be wearing one. There are no other restrictions in place for this Disney World resort.

More seasonal celebrations will be offered elsewhere at Disney World. At EPCOT, Luminous–The Symphony of Us will play above World Showcase Lagoon at 6:30 p.m. before Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration commences at 11:54 p.m. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a New Year’s fireworks show will take place above the Chinese Theater at 11:57 p.m. following two showings of Fantasmic! at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

As 2025 looms, Disney World is about to enter one of its most transformational periods yet. With a series of permanent, lengthy, and indefinite closures hitting the resort in January and large-scale overhauls underway in Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, guests won’t just be saying goodbye to 2024 this New Year’s Eve.

How do you feel about these new measures hitting Disney World’s Magic Kingdom area this New Year? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!