Hey Disney Vacationers! Thinking about ringing in 2026 at the most place on earth? You’re in luck! Disney officially announced its 2025 Disney World New Year’s Eve schedule, packed with incredible fireworks, extended park hours, and special events across all four theme parks. Here’s your guide to ringing in the New Year at Disney World!
Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve
Double the Countdown Magic
Magic Kingdom is pulling out all the stops for New Year’s Eve with celebrations on both December 30th and December 31st. Yes, you read that right—two full nights of New Year’s Eve festivities, complete with fireworks and a countdown to midnight. Perfect for those who want to celebrate early or avoid the larger crowds on the 31st.
- December 30th Park Hours: 8am to 12am (Early Entry at 7:30am)
- December 30th Fireworks: 7:30pm and 11:50pm
- December 31st Park Hours: 8am to 1am (Early Entry at 7:30am)
- December 31st Fireworks: 7:30pm and 11:50pm
Grab a prime viewing spot early on either night to soak in the excitement and catch the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. Disney makes sure you start 2025 with an unforgettable view!
EPCOT New Year’s Eve
Dance Parties & Midnight Fireworks
EPCOT is where culture meets celebration, especially on New Year’s Eve! In addition to a midnight fireworks display, World Showcase pavilions will host dance parties starting at sunset. If you’re looking for a lively New Year’s Eve experience, EPCOT has you covered with music, lights, and festivities that last until the early hours.
- December 31st Park Hours: 9am to 1am (Early Entry at 8:30am)
- December 31st Fireworks | Luminous: 6:30 pm
- December 31st Fireworks | Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration: 11:54pm
Expect an epic finale over the World Showcase Lagoon as the clock strikes midnight. This is the place to be if you’re ready to groove your way into the new year!
EPCOT New Year’s Eve Dance Parties
- Character Dance Party | Imagination Pavilion
Walt Disney World will have a character dance party for EPCOT New Year’s Eve! This dance party will be found outside the Imagination Pavilion in World Celebration.
Step into a spirited scene at a high-energy dance party—where some Disney friends may join you on the dance floor.
- Silent DJ | Between the United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions: Grab some headphones and pick your soundtrack for a silent disco. Choose from 5 different genres of music!
- Japan Pavilion: Feel the rhythm of the world with a musical mix of urban beats, global pop and more.
- Italy Pavilion: Grab your glow sticks and let the magic move you to the energizing beats of electronic dance music
- China Pavilion: Step into the spotlight and dance to chart-topping hits under the glow of a majestic dragon that lights up the night.
EPCOT New Year’s Eve Live Music
- CommuniCore Plaza: Two unforgettable acts will trade melodies all evening. Enjoy lively Latin rhythms—then switch gears for a dueling piano showdown.
- United Kingdom Pavilion: Rock out to British tunes from the 1960s through the 1990s.
EPCOT New Year’s Eve Photo Opportunities
- Santa Goofy Meet & Greet | Odyssey Pavilion
From 11:30am to 5:10pm, celebrate the season with a jolly photo with Santa Goofy, dressed in his festive red suit and ready to spread holiday cheer. Capture a playful memory that’s as merry and magical as the holidays at EPCOT.
- 2026 Display | World Celebration
Pose for a dazzling photo with the 2026 display—a picture-perfect way to show you celebrated at EPCOT!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios New Year’s Eve
Extended Hours & Thrilling Rides
Hollywood Studios will bring back fireworks this year, and it still promises a great night for thrill-seekers. The fireworks display will kick off at 11:57, and they’re officially titled New Year Countdown Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Being the first year back since 2024, it is unknown how large a fireworks display we will see at the park.
The park stays open until midnight, giving you extra time to experience popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance. It’s a fantastic option for families and fans who want a full night of Disney magic.
- December 31st Park Hours: 9am to 12am (Early Entry at 8:30am)
- December 31st Fireworks | Fantasmic: 9:30pm
- December 31st Fireworks | New Year Countdown Fireworks: 11:57 pm
Hollywood Studios New Year’s Eve Live Music
- Champagne Garden | Courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel
5pm to midnight- Toast the New Year with specialty cocktails while you listen to live music.
- The Rundown | Grand Avenue
6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm- Come out for a high-energy Latin experience featuring incredible dancers and musicians.
- Hollygroove Swingin’ | Near Sunset Ranch Market
6:15pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm, 10:15pm, 11:15pm- Join in on a fun-loving vibe and dance along to the music of this dynamic brass ensemble!
Hollywood Studios New Year’s Eve Characters
- Meet Santa Goofy | Walt Disney Presents
10am to 5:30pm - Center Stage Dance Party | Center Stage in front of Chinese Theater
Begins at 6pm- Dance with Disney Characters leading up to the New Year Countdown Fireworks show.
- Pixar Dance Party | Pixar Plaza
6pm to 11:30pm- Not staying until midnight? Little ones can celebrate early with New Year’s Countdowns at 7:00 PM—and every hour after until 11:00 PM.
- Meet Star Wars Characters | Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Intermittently throughout the evening
Disney’s Animal Kingdom New Year’s Eve
Early Close for the Wildest Park
If you know someone who likes to head to bed early on New Year’s Eve, Animal Kingdom is the park for them. It’s keeping its usual hours, closing well before the midnight festivities elsewhere. Spend the day exploring Pandora and other Animal Kingdom gems, then wrap up early for a quieter New Year’s Eve.
- December 31st Park Hours: 8am to 7pm (Early Entry at 7:30am)
Disney Springs New Year’s Eve
Shopping, Dining & More
While Disney Springs won’t host fireworks or special events, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a festive dinner or do some last-minute shopping. Many restaurants and stores will be open late for those who want to start the night here before heading over to one of the parks.
- December 31st Hours: 10am to 11pm
Final Thoughts on Disney World New Year’s Eve Celebration
Whether you’re looking for midnight fireworks, dance parties, thrilling rides, or a laid-back family celebration, Walt Disney World’s New Year’s Eve lineup has something for everyone. It’s also good to get the operation hours a couple of days before New Year’s, just in case Disney makes any last-minute adjustments to the schedule. Make sure to plan early, as New Year’s Eve is one of Disney’s busiest days. And with this guide, you’ll know exactly where to go to ring in 2026 with all the Disney magic.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a fantastic 2026 at Walt Disney World!
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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