Top 10 Ways to Spend New Year’s Eve in Orlando

Just about every theme park in Orlando will have some sort of fireworks display on New Year's Eve.

Orlando comes alive on New Year’s Eve, with the Orlando theme park attractions offering plenty of music and fireworks and the local area resorts helping visitors ring in the New Year. How do you want to remember the first day of the New Year? Here are at least 10 ways to party—without putting up with sub-zero temperatures.

1. Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom caps off every evening with a spectacular fireworks display, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. The park stays open until 2:00 am. And there will be two fireworks displays—one at 8:30 (for the little ones) and Fantasy in the Sky fireworks at 11:50 p.m.
2. Epcot: Like Magic Kingdom, the World Showcase area of Epcot is known for a specular light and sound show at the end of the evening. On New Year’s Eve, even the Future World area of the park stays open longer, and a special version of Illuninations will entrance and enthrall the guests.
3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios: In addition to three showings of Fantasmic (get a seat early; those bleacher fill up fast) Disney’s Hollywood Studios features “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks to ring in the New Year.
4. Downtown Disney:  DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park will be hosting a cyber-celebration with access to all DisneyQuest attractions and video games, food, plus  a DJ dance party with a countdown and a confetti drop at midnight.
5. Universal CityWalk: Every year, Universal brings in a major musical act to perform at CityWalk. Add to that the all-you-can-eat gourmet cuisine, admission to seven nightclubs with live entertainment, and midnight champagne with confetti, and you’ve got a memorable night out.
6. SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld celebrates the Christmas season with soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, all set to the tune of holiday music. With extended hours on New Year’s Eve the Fireworks and Fountain Finale is a perfect way to end the day and begin the New Year at SeaWorld.
7. Gaylord Palms: Book a package deal for the weekend and enjoy ICE! At the Gaylord Palms Resort, stroll through the atriums to admire the Christmas decorations, and then toast the New Year with champagne at one of the resort’s many restaurants
8. Waldorf Astoria Orlando/Hilton Bonnet Creek Orlando: Guests of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek can enjoy a private fireworks display on December 30, and on December 31 the resorts’ signature restaurant will be offering special menus. The kids can even stay in the Kids’ Club until just past midnight so Mom and Dad can enjoy a Parents’ Night Out!
9. Medieval Times: Celebrate Medieval Times’ New Year’s Eve Extravaganza with pre-show Hors D’oeuvres, a stroll through the Medieval Village, a two-hour jousting tournament, four-course feast, music, dancing, a champagne toast at midnight plus a continental breakfast.
10. Arabian Nights: Now more family-friendly than ever, you can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a pre-show appetizer buffet, live entertainment, roaming atmosphere entertainers, and drink specials all night. Exotic equestrian performances are the highlight of the evening, but don’t miss the countdown to the New Year with a balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight.