There’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando at any time of the year, but that astounding array of choice goes into overdrive during the Holiday season here in the Theme Park Capital of the World – and it’s definitely the case for New Year’s Eve.
For anyone looking for a great party or unique experience, this part of Central Florida is absolutely stacked with different ways to ring in the New Year, and you can’t go wrong with any of these options for December 31.
It’s the reason Orlando has been voted the No.2 place in the USA to say Hello to 2025,
behind only New York City. One thing is certain; you won’t want to miss a second of it. So, let’s take you through all the options for YOUR New Year’s Eve experience in Party Central:
The Theme Parks
Orlando’s theme parks will welcome the New Year with a series of special events, including plenty of fireworks and wondrous light shows. Just be aware the parks will often reach full capacity and close to new arrivals in the afternoon, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time and be prepared for crowds just about everywhere.
Walt Disney World is going all out for New Year’s Eve with not one, not two, but three theme parks staying open until midnight. They are the Magic Kingdom Park (with the stunning Fantasy in the Sky fireworks extravaganza at 6.30 and 11.50pm), EPCOT (with dance parties around World Showcase and the spectacular highlight of the Cheers to the New Year pyrotechnic show starting at 11.54pm) and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (with live entertainment throughout the evening, closing at 12.30am), while even the Animal Kingdom will have extended hours from 8am to 6pm.
At SeaWorld, you can enjoy a full evening of holiday cheer, delicious dining, spectacular animal encounters, thrilling rides and dazzling shows. The night culminates in a breathtaking special performance of the park’s signature Ignite fireworks display, viewable from multiple areas around the park. The day’s hours are 8am-1am, with the pyrotechnics timed to mark the New Year at midnight.
Universal Orlando offers SIX ways to enjoy a NYE party, with festive surprises at the Universal Studios park and Islands of Adventure, both of which will be open from 9am to 1am. Universal’s CityWalk will host its own special countdown to midnight that will culminate with tons of confetti to ring in the New Year. Guests will also encounter additional festive entertainment – including music by a live band and DJ – as they make their way around the electrifying entertainment complex. Three Universal hotels will also have ticketed celebrations for guests and non-guests alike, notably the Portofino Bay, Hard Rock and Sapphire Falls resorts.
LEGOLAND Florida will welcome 2025 with its signature Kids’ New Year’s Eve event. Witness colourful bursts of LEGO brick-bursting fireworks lighting up the night sky over Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, groove at the DJ Dance Party and explore festive activities, all culminating at the kid-friendly hour of 8pm. Additionally, guests can experience the exclusive “Brick-drop” countdown!
Throughout Orlando
No matter where you’ll be in the Orlando area, memorable year-end celebrations won’t be far away, notably for a variety of celebrations in the city’s Main Street Districts, neighbourhoods and nearby cities.
Midnight on Magnolia: A Party in the Arts District: Running from 8-11.30pm, this free event is an inclusive and dynamic experience showcasing Orlando’s creative spirit. It’s the perfect warm-up to midnight fireworks at the nearby Lake Eola Park, where much of the city gathers for the midnight occasion. The Arts District is part of the Thornton Park Main Street District in downtown Orlando.
New Year’s Eve at Boxi Park: From 9pm-1am, Boxi Park in Lake Nona (close to Orlando International Airport) will host its annual party, which includes live music, a DJ, digital ball drop and champagne toast at midnight, plus party favours, photo ops and more. And, from 4-8pm, families can get the festivities started early with an all-ages party, countdown and ball drop.
Sip, Sparkle and Celebrate! at Lake Nona Wave Hotel: Ring in 2025 with this stylish event at the HAVEN Lounge, inside the super-chic Wave Hotel, also in Lake Nona. Starting at 9pm, dance the night away to beats by live celebrity DJ headliner, Bonnie x Clyde and enjoy a sparkling celebration and display at midnight. Food and beverages will be available throughout the evening for an additional charge ($100 per person).
Thornton Park New Year’s Eve Street Party: Celebrate the New Year with the locals at this fun and affordable NYE bash. Hosted by popular local bars and cafes, the Street Party features deejays spinning all night long, plus cocktails, food vendors, dancing and a special countdown at midnight ($25 per person).
The Masquerade Revelry at Bösendorfer Lounge: Ready for an air of mystery and a touch of luxury? Then head for the exclusive Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando’s City District. From 9pm to 1am, enjoy an enchanting evening filled with drinks from a select open bar, decadent hors d’oeuvres and lively ambience ($200 per person).
New Year’s Eve Gala at Mission Resort + Club: Dance the night away at the wonderfully distinctive Mission Resort in Howey-in-the-Hillas, west of Orlando. Their NYE Gala will begin at 7.30pm and continue through to 12.30am. It will feature a grand opening reception, offering select hors d’oeuvres, followed by a five-course dinner and dancing in their Grand Ballroom. Mission Resort is in Howey-in-the-Hills, about 40 minutes north-west of the city. Reservations are required ($199 per person).
As a final New Year’s Eve thought, even if you don’t try any of the events listed above, wherever you are in this great resort city, be prepared for a HUGE firework outburst at midnight, as the locals just LOVE to celebrate in their own style!
For more info, see: www.visitorlando.com/blog/post/new-years-orlando.
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