How Orlando’s Parks Celebrate the New Year

Celebrating the new year on vacation lets you create fun memories you'll treasure for a lifetime -- especially when you spend the new year at one of Central Florida's theme parks. All the major theme parks in Orlando have unforgettable ways to celebrate the new year. (New Year's Eve is Tuesday, Dec. 31.) If you're thinking about a Central Florida vacation, here's what you can expect at the parks this new year.

The new year at Disney World includes spectacular plans to ring in 2020 across its entire resort.

In the Magic Kingdom, choose from two DJ dance parties -- one in Tomorrowland, and one in Frontierland. Then stay for the Happily Ever After fireworks show.

Go around the World Showcase in Epcot for live entertainment and themed events in each of the countries represented there. Then as each nation reaches midnight in the home country, watch for fireworks in Epcot to celebrate the new year. The World Showcase Pavilion will offer a New Year's Eve buffet; advance reservations are recommended. Then the Epcot Forever fireworks show will cap off the last night of the year.

At Animal Kingdom, dance to DJs in the Asia, Discovery Island, and DinoLand USA portions of the park. Disney will also have themed food and beverages for the holiday, and a midnight countdown at the Tree of Life.

Hollywood Studios also plans a countdown at midnight, along with other celebrations not yet revealed. Perhaps Star Wars characters from the new Galaxy's Edge area of the park that opened in August will be involved?

Most of the restaurants at Disney Springs are also preparing for New Year's Eve, although no fireworks are planned for this dining and shopping area.

Epcot and the Magic Kingdom will be open until 1 am, while Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will close at midnight.

Go to Universal Studios to celebrate New Year's Eve with family-friendly live entertainment and character appearances at Music Plaza Stage and at Central Park. There will also be party favors! At Cinematic Celebration, you'll be treated to a pyrotechnics show and confetti as the year winds down. Parks are open until 1 am.

Over at CityWalk, Universal Orlando's shopping and dining area, the theme park is preparing for EVE, a special-ticket New Year's Eve event for guests 21 and older. The night includes unlimited meals, a DJ playing tracks for everyone on the outdoor dance floor, entry to six clubs, a midnight champagne toast, and pyrotechnics when the clock strikes 12. The party goes on until 2 am.

You know about New York City's ball drop...how about a brick drop? That's what you'll find at Legoland on New Year's Eve, and you won't even have to wait until midnight. Kids will also enjoy dance parties, get a chance to participate in holiday Lego-building activities, and take in a themed fireworks show. The park will close at 8 pm.

Say goodbye to 2019 at SeaWorld with music and fireworks. The sea-centric park also plans special festive entertainment. Enjoy the festivities until midnight.

Aside from the major theme parks, Orlando's other tourist attractions are also planning to celebrate the new year. ICON Park -- home of the giant, brightly lit Ferris wheel -- will have countdowns for the world's time zones, complete with fireworks and a Wheel light show. Celebrate 2020 at Kings Dining and Entertainment with bowling, billiards, and a special New Year's Eve party.

Whichever theme parks you visit, the best way to vacation over the new year is to stay in one of our Central Florida luxury vacation rentals with every amenity and all the comforts of home. Reserve your perfect Orlando vacation rental here.