EPCOT Makes Some Changes to Its New Year’s Eve Lineup To Help Manage the Massive Crowds Expected To Flood the Park To Ring in 2026

Last year’s New Year’s Eve celebration at EPCOT was marred by crushing crowds, which detracted from the experience for many guests who attended the party. This year, Disney has made some subtle changes to EPCOT’s New Year’s Eve lineup that will help to mitigate some of the crowds and move them from World Showcase to World Celebration to ring in 2026.

Among the changes Disney made include a Character Dance Party outside the Imagination Pavilion, moving the Silent DJ from the streets of the United Kingdom Pavilion to the World Showcase Pavilion between the U.K. and Canada, and live music at CommuniCore Plaza.

EPCOT’s festivities start at 7 p.m. and run until 1 a.m. Luminous: The Symphony of Us will have a 6:30 p.m. performance to end the regularly scheduled day at EPCOT. Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration will begin at 11:54 p.m. and run through midnight, marking the start of 2026 at EPCOT.

Here’s everything that will be available throughout the night at EPCOT.

Dance Parties

Besides the character dance party at the Imagination Pavilion and the Silent DJ between the United Kingdom and Canada, World Showcase offers three separate dance parties. The China Pavilion provides a New Year’s Eve dance party to the biggest hits of the year as the Chinese Dragon lights up the night.

Italy and Japan also host their own dance parties. Head over to Italy for the electronic beats, while Japan offers global pop and urban beats.

Live Music

CommuniCore Plaza offers some exciting new live music to ring in the New Year. Two acts will share the stage and switch back and forth throughout the night. The first will bring Latin music to the stage, and then dueling pianos will take over the musical entertainment. Since Jellyrolls’ closure at Disney’s Boardwalk, this could be your best opportunity to see the dueling pianos at Disney World.

The United Kingdom Pavilion will also have live music for the older crowd. The British Invasion is back with music from the 1960s through the 1990s—nothing like live covers of British tunes to ring in the New Year.

Photos Opportunities

Despite the holidays ending at EPCOT, Santa Goofy is still meeting guests at the Odyssey Pavilion. He will only be available until 5:30 p.m., so if you want one last chance to convince Santa Goofy you’re on the nice list, you’d better get to EPCOT early.

The 2026 Photo Display is available in World Celebration to take the first photo of the New Year.

That’s everything that EPCOT will have to ring in the New Year. Enjoy yourself and be safe.

What’s the best part of ringing in the New Year at Disney World? Let us know in the comments.