With the holidays right around the corner and many families planning to spend some time in Orlando at one of the theme parks, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s Eve. There is so much to do in Orlando you can take your pick of fun and family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations at each of the theme parks.
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom: On both Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, witness the “Fantasy in the Sky” firework spectacular at 11:50 p.m. Go the night before for a special preview, or go on New Year’s Eve and receive party hats and noisemakers to make the party even better.
Epcot: Travel around the World Showcase with DJs, live music, dance stations and delicious food from all over the globe. You can even see two showings of the firework spectacular, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” at 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m., prior to the holiday fireworks at midnight.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Here, you’ll be able to watch a brilliant fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight. Stick around afterward for a special presentation of “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” with the party continuing until 1 a.m.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: This venue will host Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration. Bring the whole family and ring in the New Year with your favorite Disney-Pixar characters. Indulge in a buffet dinner, dance the night away, enjoy games for the kids and be mesmerized by the fantastic fireworks.
Adults Only at WDW
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort: Held in the Atlantic Dance Hall, this New Year’s Eve party invites you to don your best hat and blow your horn as you witness Epcot’s fireworks at midnight. A complimentary glass of champagne is included with admission.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: This venue will host two parties exclusively for adults.
- Disney Countdown to Midnight: This bash features delicious dishes, live DJs, ample dance room and a breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks display. The food and drinks come from some of Disney World’s best restaurants, including California Grill, Flying Fish, Cítricos and Narcoosee’s.
- Down in New Orleans: This jazz-infused, fine-dining experience will make you feel just like you’re in The Princess and the Frog. As the clock strikes midnight, enjoy a champagne toast and a gorgeous view of the park’s fireworks.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure: From 8 a.m. on Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, both parks will feature DJs and memorable character meet-and-greets. A majestic fireworks show will ring in 2018 at midnight.
Rock ‘Til The Drop New Year’s Eve Party: Held at the Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando at Universal CityWalk, this family-friendly event includes live music, an assortment of menu offerings and a champagne toast at midnight. Plus, each ticket includes unlimited soda, juice and water for the little ones.
Adults Only Universal Orlando
Universal CityWalk: The massive EVE at Universal CityWalk celebration gives you access to the entertainment destination’s best clubs, as well as the resort’s midnight fireworks display. You’ll also have the opportunity to dine on delicious food, such as prime rib and fresh seafood. Finally, the event will feature unique party zones, each offering a different signature cocktail.
SeaWorld Orlando
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando: Give 2018 an aquatic welcome while surrounded by your favorite underwater animals. The party will include interactive DJ stations, craft beers, delectable food, musical performances and a vibrant fireworks display at midnight.
Legoland Florida Resort
Kid’s New Year’s Party: If your little ones can’t make it to midnight, they can still ring in the New Year — albeit at the kid-friendlier hour of 7 p.m. That’s when a giant Lego brick will drop with Lego-inspired fireworks as a backdrop, capping off the giant dance party.
Orlando offers all sorts of ways to ring in the new year with your family!