I’ve spent years visiting EPCOT on New Year’s Eve, and it’s my favorite place to be at Walt Disney World for the occasion. Here are some tips on how to best enjoy ringing in the new year from the one and only Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
- EPCOT is open from 9am to 1am on Tuesday, December 31st
- DJ dance parties happen around World Showcase in the Italy, Japan, China, and United Kingdom pavilions
- Luminous: The Symphony of Us happens at 6:30pm, before “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” kicks off its global countdown at 11:54pm
New Year’s Eve at EPCOT Tips
Excluding the acreage Kilimanjaro Safaris adds to Animal Kingdom, EPCOT is the largest park at Walt Disney World, making it well-suited for those big holiday crowds. That said, you will experience congestion. Even with Disney’s reservation system helping reduce crowds, it’s tough to maneuver. A lot of people tend to sit and wait around waiting for the fireworks, some are having meltdowns, while attraction standby waits, food and beverage kiosks, and restroom lines are extra long. Be prepared to wait. But to me (and hopefully for you) the festivities are worth it!
- Arrive early. You don’t need to exactly rope-drop, but arriving earlier in the day will help you enjoy the park before the busiest time.
- Try and book a table-service dining reservation to give you and your family a scheduled break and full meal. You’ll be grateful for the time off your feet and away from the masses, and substantial food without having to wait in a longer line.
- Now is the time, now is the best time, to book those Lightning Lanes. Have someone in your party set their 6:55am alarm to set up Lightning Lane access for the day (and enter the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!). Even if rides aren’t a priority for you on this particular day, having those breaks is key to everyone’s overall enjoyment between the big evening crowds and fireworks show start time.
- Take advantage of slow-moving rides and shows – Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and Impressions de France/Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along – to give you more time off your feet and away from the crowds.
Most Importantly… HAVE FUN!
The entire park turns into a New Year’s Eve party. Either Japan or the U.K. pavilion hosts a silent dance party, and a fog-breathing dragon plusses up the upbeat DJ in the China pavilion. These parties happen leading up to the countdown, and continue on after fireworks until EPCOT closes at 1am. That 1am closing time helps stagger exit crowds, I find it best to stay until the last possible moment to avoid gridlocked traffic or long monorail waits. Or what’s even better, stay at a nearby EPCOT resort that’s within walking distance!
Take advantage of the rare opportunity to dress up and party around World Showcase into the late night. For my 21+ readers, please make sure to get at least one glass of Prosecco in Italy (or Champagne in France… or both!).
Throughout the evening, Spaceship Earth acts as a countdown clock with lights and projections. The Big Bang of the fireworks countdown finale is quite the sight to see. Leading up to that moment are smaller fireworks displays above each of the World Showcase pavilions, in the order that country celebrated the New Year. It’s a special moment of unity and excitement only those who are present experience. If you aren’t planning on this New Years, plan for next year! We know most of what’s in store for Walt Disney World in 2025… who knows what’s next in 2026?!
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy 2025. Cheers!
