Give your New Year a little theme park magic. Orlando’s theme parks are the most American place to spend your NYE, known for their spectacular fireworks, street parties, balloon drops, party favors, and over-the-top events. Orlando is home to over a dozen theme parks, including the iconic Walt Disney World, so you’ll have your choice of events during your stay.
After the big bash, return to one of our cozy vacation rentals in Kissimmee and Davenport for a quiet night of sleep, a short drive from the festivities. Grab a glass for a champagne toast; this is a round-up of the very best New Year’s Eve parties in Orlando, Florida.
2024 New Year’s Eve Events in Orlando
When eyeing the New Year’s Eve calendar for Orlando, Florida, you’ll notice the biggest and brightest celebrations happen within the city’s iconic theme parks.
Universal Studios, Disney World, EPCOT, and ICON Park all host a variety of incredible events that are a fit for the whole family. But you’ll also find a few “adult-friendly” Orlando celebrations outside the whimsical theme parks at the swanky hotels for those looking for a more sophisticated NYE ball drop.
Universal Studios
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
Offering multiple special events for New Year’s Eve, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Park will stay open until 1 AM with live music, DJs, and appearances from multiple Universal characters as the clock inches toward midnight.
Universal CityWalk
- Tuesday December 31st, 2024
- Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL
- Cost: Free
No park ticket required! This free event hosts live music on the Waterfront State and a free-spirited dance party on the Promenade. Be sure not to miss the confetti storm that strikes at midnight and then dance the night away at this neon-lit and festively decorated complex because this lively and colorful event doesn’t end until 2 AM!
Hard Rock Hotel
- Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 6 PM to midnight
- Location: Hard Rock Hotel Lobby, 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL
- $100 (ages 10+), $50 (ages 3-9)
Rock in the new year at the famous Hard Rock Hotel with a live concert by world-renowned artists at the ROCK-IN 2025! New Year’s Eve Lobby Party. Taste lip-smacking food, sip champagne, and enjoy the festive atmosphere, complete with a live-feed countdown from Times Square in New York City, while rocking the 2024-out!
Disney World
The many Kingdoms of the Disney World conglomerate all host their own festive Orlando New Year events. Here are the biggest NYE events to look forward to in all the Disney Parks.
The Edison NYE
- Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 8 PM-Midnight
- Location: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Cost: $145-$175 per person
This rip-roaring 20’s 20s-themed bar and restaurant throws a hip NYE party complete with stilt-walkers, aerialists, and cabaret shows. Expect a New Year’s countdown complete with a champagne toast. This is an excellent celebration for the adults in your crew.
Fantasy In the Sky Fireworks
Photo Credit: Donna R. Theimer AIFD
- Monday December 30th + Tuesday December 31st, 2024, 6:30 PM & 11:50 PM
- Location: Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake, FL
- Cost: Park Entrance
Thanks to the dual timings of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, you won’t have to burn the midnight oil and can start 2025 well-rested if you so choose. Or stick around for the midnight fireworks and get every last minute of magic out of 2024 inside the park.
Be sure to book your Magic Kingdom tickets in advance, as they are known to sell out on New Year’s Eve.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Photo Credit: Jeff Kern via Flickr CC 2.0
- Monday December 30th + Tuesday December 31st, 12 PM & 3 PM
- Location: Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake, FL
- Cost: Park Entrance
Party with Mickey and the gang at this holiday parade celebration and relish the festive holiday spirit one last time before 2025. This is an excellent option for families looking to enjoy some daytime festivities.
Fantasmic at the Chinese Theater
- Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 9:30 PM to midnight
- Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chinese Theater, Bay Lake, FL
- Cost: Park Entrance
Cut a rug and dance the night away at the Hollywood Studios outside the Chinese Theater. This high-energy dance party fueled by live DJs starts at 9:30 pm on December 31st, but the park itself is open from 9:00 am to 12:00 am.
Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration
- Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, just before midnight
- Location: Epcot, Bay Lake, FL
- Cost: General Admission
This is EPCOT’s premiere fireworks display. Renowned as one of the best fireworks shows around, get there early to secure a good place in the crowds.
Luminous the Symphony of Us
- Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 6:30 PM
- Location: Epcot, Bay Lake, FL
- Cost: General Admission
This one is for the early bird in us all! This fireworks show happens just after dusk and showcases the passage of life as well as celebrates numerous global cultures and customs.
LEGOLAND Kid’s New Year’s Eve Event
- December 26-31st, 2024
- Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL
- Cost: General Admission
Winter festivities go on all day around the park, including stage shows and dances around the LEGO tree. At night, there is a special kid-friendly countdown along with a ‘brick drop’ at 8 pm instead of at midnight. When the clock strikes 8, a fireworks display erupts over Lake Eloise, the likes of which you’ve never seen, including LEGO-shaped lights in the sky! Family fun also includes a Bricktastic DJ Dance Party with special appearances from popular LEGO characters.
Seaworld Orlando: Winter Wonderland on Ice
Photo Credit: Inside the Magic via Flickr CC 2.0
- Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 11:30 PM to midnight
- Location: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL
- Cost: $40 per person
In this magical Christmas-themed ice performance, spectators can enjoy a show on Central Florida’s only outdoor ice rink before being treated to a dazzling firework display at midnight. Seaworld has an array of events on offer, including a VIP Happy Hour with tapas and DJ Dance Party zones in their kid-friendly Sesame Street Land.
Midnight on Magnolia
Photo Credit: bbernard
- Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, 8:30 PM – 1 AM
- Location: CityArts, 39 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL
- Cost: $100 early bird tickets
The Midnight on Magnolia art walk is a free and interactive pre-celebration event in the Arts District, but the ticketed Midnight on Magnolia NYE celebration event is where the party really takes off. Offering courtyard & gallery access, snacks, a champagne toast, live entertainment, and two drink tickets per person.
Hotel Hosted New Year’s Eve Events in Orlando
Photo Credit: Marian Weyo
If theme parks aren’t your style, you can class up your celebrations at the surrounding high-end Universal hotels. Most of the major hotels surrounding the theme parks in Orlando put on some celebration or gathering for New Year’s Eve. There’s simply not room to cover them all here. But here are a few of our favorites worth checking out.
- JW Marriott
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Many of these events sell out beforehand, so be sure to plan ahead!
Packing for Your New Year Celebration in Orlando
December weather in Orlando is crisp and dry, perfect for long days at the theme parks! Expect temperatures in the 60s and low 70s throughout the day, with lows rarely dipping into the high 50s. The most important factor when considering what to pack for your Orlando trip is the kind of NYE event you plan to attend. Check the dress code and pack accordingly!
Check out our full Orlando theme park packing list as well!
Greet 2025 With Us in Orlando, Florida!
Spending the winter in Central Florida is the perfect escape from the frigid northern American weather. Our vacation houses located in Davenport and Kissimmee will set you up nice and close to the New Year’s festivities at Universal Orlando Resort, the Disney Parks, and all the swanky hotel brunches and evening bashes worth visiting this 2024 celebration season. Cruise up International Drive to find the best events in the area and have the New Year’s Eve Celebration of your dreams. See you in 2025!
