The Three MOST Surprising Things About New Year's Eve at Disney World This Year

Holidays are looking PRETTY different in Disney World this year!

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks

We’ve seen how the global health crisis has affected Halloween and Christmas in Disney World, but how might it affect New Year’s Eve? Here are the most surprising things about the last day of 2020 at Disney World!

It might be the least crowded New Year’s Eve in the parks EVER.

Even though Park Passes are filling up for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, we’re still not likely to see crowds ANYTHING like past years in the parks this year. Even if Disney Park Passes are unavailable, keep in mind that capacity is DRASTICALLY reduced right now.

Heavy Fireworks Crowds – 2019

According to Bob Chapek, the parks are operating at 25% capacity. Even if this capacity is expanded by New Year’s Eve (which it may not be), it will be a big difference from the New Year’s Eves that have sometimes reached MAX capacity.

Crowded Magic Kingdom

So a big change is that day OR night, you won’t see typical crowds in the parks this year. It might feel pretty weird to have some elbow room while strolling around Magic Kingdom on the last day of the year!

Click here to learn more about Disney Park Passes on New Year’s Eve!

You CAN’T stay until midnight.

Probably the MOST typical activity for any New Year’s Eve is the countdown to midnight, and that’s been an option in many of the Disney parks for years. This year, however, ALL of the parks are set to close WAY earlier than 12AM unless we see an hour change.

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom is set to close at 7PM, EPCOT will close at 8PM, Hollywood Studios will close at 7PM, and Animal Kingdom will close at 5PM.

New Years Ears

So, it looks like your countdown might have to take place back at your resort hotel this year. Of course, New Year’s Eve hours are subject to change so keep an eye on DFB to make sure you’re in the loop on all the changes. You can read about more potential options here.

Click here to see HOW BUSY New Year’s Eve has been in the past.

There might not be fireworks…but that could change.

Obviously, fireworks are a pretty big part of many New Year celebrations. As of right now, fireworks remain suspended in Disney World and we’re not sure when they’ll return. That could mean a pyrotechnics-free New Year’s Eve.

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks

In fact, New Year’s Eve fireworks are being canceled around the world, so at this time, we expect that fireworks will NOT be a part of this year’s New Year’s Eve in Disney World.

Magic Kingdom fireworks

Of course, Disney has specifically canceled some holiday-time events including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional. These were canceled to help minimize crowds, a similar reason for the canceled fireworks. So, if that reasoning stands fireworks will likely be a no-go.

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom

Still, all is not lost. We DO know that Cinderella Castle will come to life with special projections. And Disney has announced the return of some familiar and new holiday entertainment offerings. Perhaps something like this will extend to New Year’s Eve!

Click here to learn more about suspended fireworks in Disney World.

Of course, all of this is subject to change. It’s entirely possible that a major change in the global health crisis will bring raised capacities, lengthened park hours, and fireworks. But at this time, it seems that New Year’s Eve will feel closer to a plain old Thursday in Magic Kingdom.

New Years Glasses

Keep an eye on DFB as we get closer to New Year’s to make sure that you know EVERYTHING you can expect for the holiday — whether it’s a change of plans or totally new announcements. Stay tuned!

For more of what to expect this New Year’s Eve, click here!

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Are you headed to Disney World for New Year’s Eve? Tell us in the comments!