A Guide to Ringing in the New Year at EPCOT



Spaceship Earth

Embrace the enchantment and celebration as you ring in the New Year with Disney magic at EPCOT! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to make the most of your New Year’s Eve in the world of imagination.

Dress The Part

Start your magical journey by embracing the spirit of the occasion. Consider dressing up in your favorite Disney-inspired attire or opting for a festive New Year’s Eve outfit. Ensure your outfit is not only magical but also comfortable, especially if you plan on staying at the park all day. Don’t forget to pair it with cute and comfortable shoes to keep you going throughout the day.

Festive Christmas Outfits
Get festive for New Years Eve!

Plan Ahead

To ensure a seamless experience, plan ahead by securing your tickets and park reservations in advance. New Year’s Eve tends to draw large crowds, so early planning is key. Take advantage of the early hours for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort guests, providing the perfect opportunity to make the most of your visit.

Cosmic Rewind
Try to get a Cosmic Rewind return time! Photo: Emily Murray

Arrive Early

Use the early hours to maximize your EPCOT experience. The park is transformed into a wonderland, and arriving ahead of the crowds allows you to soak in every magical moment. It also gives you a chance to get in line for any rides that have longer wait times in the afternoon.

EPCOT World Showcase
Early morning is a great time to explore EPCOT’s World Showcase! Photo: Emily Murray.

Dine in Style

Enhance your celebration by making reservations at one of EPCOT’s exceptional dining locations. These exquisite restaurants provide the perfect way to indulge in delicious food and celebrate the occasion. You can also choose to start your day with a breakfast reservation, preparing you for the exciting events of the day.

Epcot France
There are lots of snacks to try too!

Create Lasting Memories

There are always amazing photo pass moments at EPCOT and New Year’s Eve is no different. Check out the special photo pass locations for extra magic on your photos. Be sure to bring a charging brick so that you can continue to take pictures and videos long into the night.

Disney PhotoPass
Look for Disney PhotoPass throughout the park! Photo: Emily Murray

Explore World Showcase

Immerse yourself in the diverse celebrations around the World Showcase. Join DJ dance parties at various pavilions, including Italy, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom. These lively events continue until 1 am, ensuring you have ample time to revel in the magic of the night. Be sure not to miss Luminous: The Symphony of Us at 6:30 pm, setting the stage for the midnight countdown, “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration,” starting at 11:54 pm. EPCOT’s renowned fireworks displays are a highlight of any Disney trip. Secure a prime spot around World Showcase Lagoon to witness the breathtaking pyrotechnics that illuminate the night sky as the clock strikes midnight. Each pavilion also celebrates the new year in its unique style, adding an extra layer of magic to the festivities.

Disney Italy Pavilion
Head to the Italy Pavilion for one of the dance parties!

Celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disney’s EPCOT is a truly enchanting experience that seamlessly blends the joy of Disney with the festive spirit of the holiday season. By following this guide, you’re sure to create lasting memories as you welcome the New Year in the most magical way possible! So, dress up, plan ahead, arrive early, explore, enjoy the fireworks, savor a delectable meal, and make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable at EPCOT.

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.

Written by

Marissa Coffta


Marissa’s lifelong enchantment with Disney magic began in her childhood and has continued to flourish. She is a mom to 3, who frequently embarks on solo or family adventures to Disney World. Currently living out of state, she takes many modes of transportation to experience the wonder of Disney firsthand. Her fervent passion for writing fuels her with the hopes of bringing the world of Disney to life, making the magic a part of her world.

Got Something On Your Mind?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.