From fireworks to dance parties to live music, there are tons of ways to celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World New Year’s Eve 2026
New Year’s Eve at Magic Kingdom
The New Year’s Eve-exclusive Fantasy in the Sky fireworks will be performed at 7:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on both December 30 and 31.
Though details haven’t been announced, DJs typically play music in front of Cinderella Castle and at the Galactic Gateway stage in Tomorrowland. Last year, Mickey and Friends appeared in their New Year’s best at the dance parties.
The Happy “Root Beer” Float is available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies through January 3.
New Year’s Eve at EPCOT
On December 31, Luminous: The Symphony of Us will be performed on the World Showcase Lagoon early at 6:30 p.m. Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration will then be performed at 11:54 p.m.
Throughout EPCOT, there will be dance parties, live music, and more. Note that the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will officially end after December 30 and festival offerings will not be available on New Year’s Eve.
Dance Parties
- Character Dance Party, Outside the Imagination! Pavilion: “Step into a spirited scene at a high-energy dance party—where some Disney friends may join you on the dance floor.”
- Silent DJ Dance Party, Between the United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions: “Grab some headphones and pick your soundtrack for a silent disco. Choose from 5 different genres of music!”
- Japan Pavilion: “Feel the rhythm of the world with a musical mix of urban beats, global pop and more.”
- Italy Pavilion: “Grab your glow sticks and let the magic move you to the energizing beats of electronic dance music.”
- China Pavilion: “Step into the spotlight and dance to chart-topping hits under the glow of a majestic dragon that lights up the night.”
Live Music
- CommuniCore Plaza: “Two unforgettable acts will trade melodies all evening. Enjoy lively Latin rhythms—then switch gears for a dueling piano showdown.”
- United Kingdom Pavilion: “Rock out to British tunes from the 1960s through the 1990s.”
Photo Ops
- Santa Goofy Meet and Greet, Odyssey Pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m.
- 2026 Display, World Celebration
New Year’s Eve at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, New Year’s Eve Countdowns will take place every hour from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. so little ones can celebrate early. The big countdown fireworks show will begin at 11:57 p.m.
Before entering the new year, however, guests can enjoy DJ dance parties and live music.
Dance Parties
- Center Stage Dance Party: a DJ will host this dance party beginning at 6 p.m.
- Pixar Dance Party: from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. in Pixar Plaza.
Live Music
- Champagne Garden, Courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel: “Toast the New Year with speciality cocktails while you listen to live music.” — 5 p.m. to midnight
- The Rundown, Grand Avenue: “Come out for a high-energy Latin experience featuring incredible dancers and musicians.” — 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m.
- Hollygroove Swingin’, Near Sunset Ranch Market: “Join in on a fun-loving vibe and dance along to the music of this dynamic brass ensemble.” — 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m.
Characters
Santa Goofy will meet from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Walt Disney Presents.
Star Wars characters will meet intermittently throughout the evening in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Fantasmic!
From December 27 through December 31, and on January 2 and 3, Fantasmic! is performing three times each evening at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. On January 1, it will perform at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Menus
Outdoor bars near Hyperion Theater and in the Tower of Terror courtyard will offer these menu items on New Year’s Eve:
- Truffle Trio: Salted caramel, raspberry, and praline
- Red Velvet Cake Pop dipped in milk chocolate and topped with sprinkles on New Year’s Eve
- Midnight Royale: Orange liqueur, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and Prosecco garnished with cranberries
- Dark Chocolate-Almond Bark: Dark chocolate with almonds and dried cherries topped with sprinkles
- Countdown Cider: Sparkling apple cider with strawberry syrup and SKITTLES POP’d Original Freeze-Dried Candy (non-alcoholic)
- Sparkling Mimosa: White cranberry juice, guava syrup, blue curaçao syrup, lime juice, and sparkling wine with a rosemary sprig
New Year’s Eve at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will not be open until midnight on New Year’s Eve. Disney has not announced any special entertainment for the day. The park will close at 7 p.m.
New Year’s Eve at Disney Springs & Resort Hotels
House of Blues at Disney Springs will host a New Year’s Eve party. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the party kicks off at 9 p.m. DJ Rincon will spin top 40 hits and fan favorites in the Courtyard of House of Blues. The event is exclusive to guests ages 21 and up.
Through January 1, Amorette’s Patisserie is offering the Countdown to Midnight Cake Bar. This treat is chocolate chiffon with chocolate mousse and mini chocolate chips.
On December 30 and 31, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is offering The Magic of New Year’s Eve, a dining and fireworks viewing event. It includes a prix-fixe four-course meal, a live band, photo ops with Mickey and Minnie, a complimentary champagne toast (for guests 21 and older), and viewing of Fantasy in the Sky.
Other resort hotels may host activities that have not been announced. Check with your hotel’s front desk to find out what offerings are available.
Are you celebrating the new year at Disney World? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
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