Orlando’s New Year's Eve

If you thought Orlando turns on the style for the Christmas season, you’d be spot on. And, if you imagined this was also the place for New Year’s Eve, you would be just as accurate.

Yes, there is no place quite like the Theme Park Capital of the World for major celebrations, and you can be absolutely sure December 31 is right up there with the best of them.

In fact, here at Debbie’s Villas, we’d go as far as to say that nowhere on earth has the family-friendly variety and pizzazz that Orlando’s various attractions have at this time of year.

So, for anyone heading to this part of Central Florida for New Year, here’s everything you need to know about the places to go and options on offer for a totally memorable party:

Walt Disney World

The House of Mouse is going all out for New Year’s Eve with not one, not two, but three of its theme parks staying open until midnight. That’s right, each of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see in the New Year and make it a night to remember.

All three will build up to the midnight hour throughout the evening and then mark the occasion in a welter of fireworks and other pyrotechnics, with the Magic Kingdom serving up their Fantasy in the Sky display twice, at 6.30 and 11.50pm.

EPCOT will launch their firework extravaganza on the stroke of midnight, while the Studios park will do something similar. But, no matter where you go in Walt’s World, expect special surprises throughout the day and dazzling displays to close out 2023.

At Disney Springs, the fabulous showpiece of The Edison will host a chic New Year’s Eve celebration with an open dance floor, world-class dining and live entertainment, including stilt walkers, aerialists and cabaret. The excitement starts at 8.30pm and entry includes complimentary appetisers, while cash bars will be the order of the evening. When the clock strikes midnight, the party will conclude with a celebratory champagne toast to usher in the New Year (tickets $145-$175/person for guaranteed table seating, with entry at 8.30; $55/person general admission, entry at 9pm).

Universal Orlando

The picture at Universal is also one of late-night razzamatazz as both parks stay open until midnight. Universal Studios remains the livelier of the two, however, as it is better geared up for that all-important turn-of-the-year celebration.

The Music Plaza stage becomes party central, with live music and other hoopla, while the central lagoon marks midnight with a suitable pyrotechnic and light show. Both parks also have plenty of characters out in the various lands to add to the festivities.

Universal’s CityWalk is another option for that big night out, with a separately-ticketed party event through the main plaza area. Festivities include unlimited gourmet cuisine and a massive outdoor dance floor. Choose from six exciting fun-filled clubs to dance the night away, then mark midnight with a dazzling fireworks display and a midnight champagne toast.

You can also ring in 2024 at Hard Rock Live with Classic Albums Live: The Beatles’ Abbey Road. Several Universal hotels also have specially ticketed celebrations for guests and non-guests alike:

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: New Year’s Eve Party on the Piazza. • Hard Rock Hotel: Rock-In 2024! New Year’s Eve Party. • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Strong Water Tavern New Year’s Eve Celebration. • Universal’s Aventura Hotel: Aventura’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.

SeaWorld & LEGOLAND

Celebrate our connection to the sea, sea life and the world we share by ringing in the New Year, SeaWorld style. After an unforgettable evening filled with exciting shows, amazing animals and thrilling rides, enjoy a spectacular firework display from a variety of viewing areas around the central lake and give 2024 a suitably wondrous welcome.

As part of the ‘Holidays at LEGOLAND’ seasonal event, LEGOLAND Florida will welcome 2024 with their signature occasion, the Kids’ New Year’s Eve fireworks. Witness colourful bursts of LEGO bricks lighting the night sky over Lake Eloise (thanks to special free glasses!), and all at the kid-friendly hour of 8pm.

Just be aware that, with all the theme parks on December 31, it will be their busiest day of the year and you will need to arrive EARLY. If you leave it until the afternoon, they may already be full and won’t accept any new guests.

International Drive

The big tourist corridor between Disney and Universal also offers various parties and events, starting with ICEBAR Orlando, which invites guests to ring in the New Year in style at their ‘New Year’s Eve Around the World’ evening. Choose from general admission, ICE and VIP packages, all of which include ICEBAR entry through 11.30pm (12.30 am for VIPs), a champagne bar from 11.30-12.30, a midnight celebration buffet, party favours, raffle entry and free digital souvenir photos (from $75 per person).

Looking for that ultra-smart event? How about The Masquerade at Mango’s Tropical Cafe? Running from 9pm-2am, proper attire is required – which the hosts describe as “like front row at the Oscars” – and the evening will include live entertainment and party favours, with a champagne toast at midnight, more than 25 VIP sections, champagne for VIP guests and more (from $35/person).

Part of the Pointe Orlando entertainment and dining complex on I-Drive, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar will host ‘NYE 2024 in Havana’ with seatings at 9, 9.30 and 10pm. Guests will enjoy a DJ, dancing, party favours, free non-alcoholic beverages and a champagne toast at midnight. A grand buffet and other upgrades are also available (from $15/person).

More party-style fun is on offer at entertainment centre Dave & Busters, just north of Pointe Orlando. From 9pm-1am, their ‘Ring Ring Ring in the New Year’ includes a premium appetiser buffet, cinnamon sugar churros, a New Year’s toast for guests 21 and up, unlimited video game play for non-redemption games, a $20 power card with 100 chips for redemption games, party hats and noisemakers (while supplies last), plus unlimited soda, coffee and tea. VIP tickets also include two drink tickets for beer, wine or premium cocktails/mocktails for guests 21 and up (from $68/person).

Or how about I-Drive’s famous duelling piano bar? Howl at the Moon is celebrating New Year’s Eve with live entertainment, a premium open bar from 9pm-midnight, a midnight champagne toast and party favours (from $75/person).

The Rest of Orlando

Adjacent to Margaritaville Resort Orlando, near Walt Disney World, Promenade at Sunset Walk is hosting ‘Rocking New Year 2024.’ Kicking off at 8pm, it will feature live music throughout the evening and a fireworks spectacular at midnight ($49/adult; children free with paid adults).

Then there’s Old Town in the heart of Highway 192 in Kissimmee. The big entertainment and shopping centre is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration with midnight fireworks, a classic car show at 1pm and classic car cruise at 8.30 (free entry).

Finally, for another upscale occasion, head to the super-chic Lake Nona Wave Hotel in nearby Lake Nona, which is offering ‘Sip, Sparkle and Celebrate.’ Mix and match with three-course dinners at Haven or MICHELIN Guide Recommended Bacan, followed by a party at HAVEN Pool starting at 8pm, with a live band and fireworks ($59-$179/person).

What is YOUR New Year’s Eve tradition? Tell us about it on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages… and don’t forget to interact with us on Pinterest and now TikTok too!