PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 1/1/2025 (New Years Eve, Mickey and Friends, and More)

Bryce B.

A large castle with blue spires and decorative details under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by people walking.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 1/1/2025 (New Years Eve, Mickey and Friends, and More)

Howdy! Happy 2025! I had tons of fun ringing in the New Year in Magic Kingdom, I found new merchandise and even explored a few Magic Kingdom resorts.

New Year’s Eve in Magic Kingdom

Fireworks light up the night sky above a brightly illuminated castle, with costumed performers on stage and a large crowd watching the New Year celebration.

On New Year’s Eve Eve, Nana and I partied the night away. This was the first time I have ever seen the characters out with the DJs in the park, which I think certainly made it more kiddo friendly. I don’t feel like I have to mention the fireworks, but Fantasy in the Sky was phenomenal.

Be sure to visit our website for all the details on the night’s festivities, but between Donald Duck and Pluto shaking their tails and Tinkerbell flying before the fireworks, I was thoroughly content.

Good Morning from 2025

Monorail on elevated tracks near a station entrance. A flag is flying at half-mast with a cloudy sky in the background.

A new year, and the same calm before the chaos at the Transportation and Ticket Center. I took the express monorail this morning into Magic Kingdom. The first day of the year usually means for a slower start for most guests, so it wasn’t too busy until later in the morning.

Like the rest of the country, Disney is recognizing the loss of President Jimmy Carter by flying the American flag at half mast across property.

Good Morning from Magic Kingdom

People walking towards a large castle with blue spires against a clear blue sky.

Cinderella Castle still stands tall post all the New Year’s Eve partying. There was a couple closer to the stage and I think I may have witnessed the first proposal of 2025 on Main Street U.S.A.

She said yes, thankfully. It is a small fear of mine to witness a “no” one day, because trust that everyone will stop when someone drops on their knee to propose on Main Street.

25th Anniversary of Pin Trading

Three Disney pins displayed: Donald Duck and Goofy with oranges, and a Florida pin reading "I Trade Pins" with an orange slice design.

This year, Disney Pin Trading celebrates 25 Years! There should be a few more pins like the Goofy and Donald seen above featuring Mickey, Minnie, and maybe even Stitch so stay tuned to the website for when we finally find those.

  • Donald Disney Pin Trading Anniversary Pin – $14.99 (yellow)
  • Goofy Disney Pin Trading Anniversary Pin – $14.99 (yellow)
  • License Plate Pin – $12.99 (silver)

Pirates of Caribbean

Entrance to a theme park attraction with a clock tower, palm trees, and a few people walking nearby. The sign reads "Pirates of the Caribbean.

Work continues as Disney constructs the new Pirate Tavern. I still remain pessimistic that this tavern will be like what we have seen out of the Disney Treasure themed bars. I fear that we may be getting another quick service spot similar to Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland.

Please visit our website for more details on how the walls beyond the walls are shaping up.

Liberty Belle

Paddleboat docked on a calm river, surrounded by greenery and rustic buildings, under a clear blue sky.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat was still circling an unchanged Tom Sawyer Island. I am not looking forward to the day when the first major change shifts in this area. Tom Sawyer Island always felt like an escape from Magic Kingdom within the park. I am excited to see what the area will look like when they are done with the new Cars themed area and eventually Villains Land.

Liberty Square Doll

A doll in a patterned dress stands behind a window with pale green shutters on a brick building.

This is not a drill. The Liberty Square Doll has moved. She was standing upright for so long, I’m happy to see that she is taking at least a small rest leaning against the windowpane.

Mickey and Friends Merchandise

Gray sweatshirt featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. Denim cap with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy. Both items displayed in a store setting.

In Big Top in Storybook Circus I found a Mickey and Friends sweater available for $59.99 and a Mickey and Friends hat available for $29.99. I also spotted the hat in Main Street Cinema.

The hat almost got me, but the last thing I need is another hat, but it’s super cute. Let me know what you think of the Mickey and Friends collection in the comments below.

My First Plush 2025 – $24.99 each

Two plush toys: a gray Mickey Mouse with "my first Mickey" and "2025" embroidered on its feet, and a gray Minnie Mouse with a red polka-dot bow with similar embroidery.

I found Mickey and Minnie in Big Top as well. Each plush is available for $24.99. These always make me smile thinking of a small human receiving their first Mickey or Minnie, and I love that Disney adds the year for the parents.

Magic Kingdom Boat Ride

A boat travels on open water under a clear sky; nearby, cranes are positioned at a construction site by the shoreline.

I took a boat to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and saw that they were driving one of the ferryboats back to the marina. I also noticed some small progress in the Lakeside Resort construction.

There has been some additions on the second floor that were recently reported. Likely, these pillars are to start on the next story being built.

Meadow Trading Post

Exterior of Meadow Trading Post decorated with garlands, and an interior view showing a pressed coin machine beside a rainbow-patterned suitcase.

The hunt for the 2025 Medallions has begun which is why I came to Campgrounds in the first place. Luckily, Meadow Trading Post has updated their medallions for the year.

Boat to the Grand Floridian

Covered dock area labeled "Resort Launches" with people waiting and a boat visible on the water under a clear blue sky.

I took a bus back to Magic Kingdom to transfer to a boat that would take me to the Grand Floridian. Disney transportation even when the wait may seem long remains incredibly convenient.

Grand Floridian Merchandise

A designer handbag, a colorful journal with stained glass art of a fairy tale scene, and a Grand Floridian pin with cartoon characters against a background featuring a castle.

When I arrived at the Grand Floridian, I was met with the smell of gingerbread, I will miss that soon. In Sandy Cove I finally found a matching set of fairytale books to show the size difference. I love the small storybooks Disney released.

In Curiouser Clothiers I found a new Grand Floridian tote available for $75.00 and a new pin featuring Mickey and Minnie looking very dapper at the Grand Floridian. The pin is available for $16.99.

Monorail Joy Ride

A green and white monorail at a station on the left; construction with scaffolding and orange cones near a modern building on the right.

I took the resort monorail to the TTC then transferred to the EPCOT monorail for a joyride before heading out for the day. Along the way I noticed that there was more scaffolding at the entrance of Test Track. I cannot wait for this ride to reopen, and I hope that it is more similar to what I grew up with rather than what has been there recently.

I hope you had a fantastic New Year’s Eve and have fun plans for 2025. I enjoyed spending the evening in Magic Kingdom and seeing the characters. In the comments below, let me know if you visited Disney World during New Year’s Eve and what your experience was like if you have.

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