DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Now that the week of Christmas is here, New Year’s Eve isn’t too far away. It’s in our sights with the end of 2022 just next Saturday. So, what are your plans for bringing in 2023? We may have the perfect suggestion if you’re looking for inspiration.
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New Year’s Eve
The Walt Disney World Resort is known to celebrate the New Year in style. Nighttime spectaculars welcome in the New Year in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom Park. Fantasy in the Sky is the Guest favorite that lights up the sky above Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. It’s such a popular show that it is shown on December 30, in addition to two shows on December 31. Guests can see Fantasy in the Sky at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on both evenings. In EPCOT, ‘Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration’ lights up the sky above World Showcase Lagoon from 11:54 p.m.
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Park Reservations are currently required for all Guests who wish to enter the Disney Parks with a valid ticket. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the only theme park with reservations available. Entry to the Disney Park earlier in the day will allow Guests to Park Hop from 2 p.m. onwards; however, entry into another Disney Park is not guaranteed, especially given the time of year. The good news is that Guests don’t have to enter the Disney Parks to enjoy the New Year’s Eve entertainment.
Guests visiting or staying in the Magic Kingdom Resort hotels can experience Fantasy in the Sky on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s beach area is open to the Resort’s Guests only, requiring a wristband to enter the area. However, all Guests can still enjoy the fireworks from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa marina and the lakeside path in front of Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. California Grill offers an outstanding view of Fantasy in the Sky. However, reservations are limited in the signature dining location in Disney’s Contemporary Resort on New Year’s Eve.
Disney Springs is another great location to welcome in the New Year. Guests have a wide choice of restaurants and bars to stop by and evening entertainment to enjoy. Fireworks do not feature at Disney Springs, but those from the Disney Parks can often be enjoyed from the water’s edge.
EPCOT Resorts
The Resorts that are located at the rear of EPCOT World Showcase, on the shores of Crescent Lake, are a great place to bring in the New Year. They offer great dining locations, cozy bars, and lounges that make for a perfect place to sit back, relax, and raise a glass to 2023. If you’re hoping to see some fireworks as midnight approaches, then the beach area in front of Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts offers a great viewing spot. The EPCOT fireworks are visible to the left, and the fireworks from Disney’s Hollywood Studios are in the distance over Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. Watch as the sky lights up and beautiful reflections appear in the waters below.
Yacht Club Resort (Credit: Disney)
Disney’s BoardWalk
If you’re looking for more of a party than a relaxing New Year’s Eve, then Disney’s BoardWalk is the place to be. This Disney hotspot is known to come alive during the evening, but this is especially true for December 31. The usual entertainment takes place along the BoardWalk throughout the evening. Guests can also pick up complimentary New Year hats and accessories to wear; be sure to look out for the table of accessories with Cast Members to assist.
The lawn in front of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn comes alive early in the evening. A DJ is set up, providing tunes to dance to for Guests of all ages to join in. The party continues until midnight, creating a great atmosphere at this part of the BoardWalk.
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The Disney BoardWalk is home to several restaurants and bars. The Disney Resort is a one-stop shop for great dining and a place to raise a glass before bringing the New Year out in the open air. Trattoria al Forno, Flying Fish, or Big River Grille & Brewing Works are all options if you are looking for somewhere to dine on New Year’s Eve. Flying Fish is available for reservations through 9:30 p.m., making it an ideal spot to eat earlier in the evening. Big River Grille & Brewing Works is open until 11 p.m., and Trattoria al Forno is available until 10 p.m. If you prefer quick-service food, you should stop by the BoardWalk Deli, previously known as the BoardWalk Bakery.
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After dinner, why not stop by AbracadaBar and order a magical cocktail to enjoy in the sophisticated social club? The Belle Vue Lounge inside Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is another perfect spot to sip on an alcoholic beverage while you’re waiting for midnight to arrive. If you’re hoping for entertainment, Jellyrolls is the destination to aim for. Arrive early on New Year’s Eve to secure a table, and you’ll be able to spend the evening enjoying the live piano playing from talented musicians. Grab a pen and write your request on a napkin before passing it forward to the piano players with your gratuity.
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Wherever you spend the earlier hours, head out onto the BoardWalk around 11:30 p.m. This gives you some time to secure your viewing spot for the EPCOT fireworks. The closer you are to the Atlantic Dance Hall, the better. Then prepare to countdown to midnight, and soak in the atmosphere. Enjoy celebrating with fellow Guests as 2023 arrives, wishing each other Happy New Year, and join in with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
However you decide to bring in the New Year, remember to make a wish as the clock strikes midnight, and take in the moment. The Walt Disney World Resort adds a little extra magic to New Year’s Eve, so if you plan on celebrating there, live in the moment and enjoy every second!
