A World of Ways to Ring in 2011
A visit to Walt Disney World is always the best way to ring in the New Year, and this year it is certainly no different. The parks are pulling out all the stops as far as live entertainment, so even if you’re stuck in a giant crowd of people, you can fill your day with something other than long attraction wait times. Here’s the line-up:
Magic Kingdom
- “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:15 p.m.
- “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
- “Main Street Electrical Parade” at 7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
- “Holiday Wishes” fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
- “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m.
- Park Hours: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
While not listed by Disney, don’t miss the Celebrate the Season castle stage show, and the Club 626 Dance Party & Totally Tomorrowland Christmas in Tomorrowland.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- “Block Party Bash” parade at 3 p.m.
- “Fantasmic!” nighttime extravaganza at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.
- Live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears” at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat at 8, 9, 10 and 11 p.m.
- “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks starring “Mulch, Sweat and Shears” at 11:55 p.m.
- Park hours: 8 a.m.-12 a.m.
Epcot
- Special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at 7:30 & 11:40 p.m.
- Park hours: 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.
- Park Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon
- Electrical Water Pageant at 10:25 p.m.
At Downtown Disney and Disney’s BoardWalk
Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney
- 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. performances of La Nouba
- Special New Year’s Eve champagne toasts
- Guests will receive a limited-edition La Nouba pin created for the New Year’s Eve event
- More info: 407/939-7328 or cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba
DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney
- Ring in the New Year at DisneyQuest with favorite cyber attractions and games, a DJ Dance Party with a New Year’s Eve countdown, party favors and a coupon for a personal pizza and soda at FoodQuest
- Party Hours: 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
- $39 per person, advance/$45 per person, day of
- More info: 407/934-7639 or disneyworld.com/disneyquestparty. Tickets may be purchased online or at the DisneyQuest Box Office.
Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Dance into the New Year at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Party Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m., ages 21+
- $35 for access to the main floor of the Dance Hall, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight
- $75 for a VIP ticket that adds a private upstairs area with seating; limited viewing for Epcot fireworks with guaranteed seating and coffee, tea or hot chocolate with dessert bar and a premium bar
- More info: 407/WDW-DINE
There are also some very special dining opportunities available for New Year’s Eve:
La Hacienda de San Angel at Epcot
- La Hacienda de San Angel is offering a special six-course prix-fixe menu and live music starting at 9 p.m.
- $199 per person, or $225 with wine and spirits (plus tax and gratuity), $49.95 ages 3 to 9
- Epcot admission required
- More info: 407/842-1107 or e-mail lahaciendadesanangel@me.com
Bistro de Paris at Epcot
- Bistro de Paris is offering a special prix-fixe New Year’s Eve menu
- $150 per person, $225 with wine pairings with each course
- Epcot admission required
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
- California Grill will host a New Year’s Eve party featuring food stations, an open bar, a casino-style game room, DJ, dancing, Disney characters, live entertainment and a great viewing location for the Magic Kingdom fireworks
- $525 per person, all inclusive
- More info: 407/WDW-DINE