It’s almost upon us — 2023 is coming FAST!

And you better believe that it’s going to be a BIG year for Disney World. We’ve got new attractions opening, new restaurants getting added, and hotel refurbishments underway. There’s so much to look forward to! But first, we’ve got to count down to the new year…and if you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Disney World, here’s your full guide!

Park Hours

Let’s start out with those park hours! Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have business as usual, open from 8AM to 8PM. Hollywood Studios will be open from 8:30AM-midnight, while EPCOT has operating hours from 9AM-1AM. Magic Kingdom will also be open from 9AM-1AM.

The parks that are open until midnight often have countdowns and special celebrations, but more on that in a minute!

Entertainment

On New Year’s Eve, most regular nighttime spectaculars will still happen in the parks, although their showtimes might be different than usual. Hollywood Studios will have Wonderful World of Animation at 9PM, as well as Fantasmic! at 8PM and 9:30PM.

At EPCOT, Harmonious will premiere at 6:30PM instead of the usual 9PM time slot. Magic Kingdom will not show Disney Enchantment on New Year’s Eve, but will have the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at both 6:30PM and 11:50PM, leading into a countdown for 2023.

Disney hasn’t announced entertainment specifics, but we’ve seen special countdowns at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in the past, sometimes with additional fireworks shows. In 2021, EPCOT even had dance parties with DJs stationed around World Showcase in the evening.

If we get more details closer to time, then we’ll make sure to update you!

Park Passes

Keep in mind that it’s still required to have a Disney Park Pass reservation to enter any Disney World theme park. Right now, park passes are completely booked for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, but there are still some available for Animal Kingdom. All parks are available for Annual Passholders, but that likely won’t last long!

You may be able to park hop at 2PM if you have a Park Hopper ticket. So if Animal Kingdom is your only option for a park pass, you’re welcome to jump from there to one of the later-open parks, so long as there’s Park Hopping availability on that day. If you would like to check availability for Park Hopping day-of, make sure to call the hotline at (407) 560-5000.

Merchandise

We’ve already started to see 2023 merchandise in Disney World, but we’ve also spotted same-day New Year’s Eve merchandise in the past. Sometimes Disney will hand out freebies like hats, and you can also often buy special glow souvenirs like light-up glasses.

We’ll be on the lookout for any new merch as well as any commemorative souvenirs that are handed out on December 31st.

Snacks

Finally, we’ve got to talk about the snacks! Typically, there are limited-time New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day treats around the parks and resorts. The list often includes a few special cupcakes!

A foodie guide for the holiday might be released a few days ahead of time, but if not, we’ll be on the lookout at quick service spots all around the parks and resorts. Can’t wait!

Special Events

La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT’S Mexico Pavilion is throwing a SPECIAL daytime event on New Year’s Eve that will include an agave tasting. The tasting, which costs $300, will start at 11:30AM on New Year’s Eve. Interested guests will need to make reservations because spots are limited. To make a reservation, send an email to [email protected].

And, over at the House of Blues in Disney Springs, DJ Rincon will be spinning some tracks starting at 10PM! The event is FREE but there are VIP Packages available. Get more details on the House of Blues website here!

You will also be able to have a New Year’s Brunch over a Jaleo!

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No matter what happens this year, we’ll make sure to keep you updated with the details as they’re announced! There are likely to be some BIG celebrations at the parks, and we’ll be there to share all of it.

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Click Here to See Which 2023 Dates Will Be POPULAR at Disney World!

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