Orlando’s Best New Year’s Eve Hot-Spots

From fireworks in the Magic Kingdom to a masquerade ball in a swanky downtown hotel, there’s nowhere quite like Orlando when it comes to a good ol’ celebration, and they don’t come much bigger than New Year’s Eve in The City Beautiful.

Yes, there are some pretty amazing night-time events on a year-round basis, but they really hit the heights as the clock ticks around to midnight on December 31. But, whether it’s Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or one of the other local hot-spots like International Drive, they all aim to party like it’s 1999 all over again. And then some!

The only real problem will be in deciding where to go (and getting there in plenty of time, as you can be sure most headline locations will come with BIG crowds). If you have never been in Orlando to ring in the New Year before, prepare to be amazed at your range of choices for a firework-laced celebration. And, for those who will be returning in time to enjoy an exciting night out, here are your options for Party Central.

Walt Disney World

The fabulous House of Mouse goes all out for the occasion with fully three blockbuster opportunities. Both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT stay open until 1am, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios keeps going until just after midnight, with some special surprises throughout the day at all three and dazzling displays to close out 2025.

In fact, the Magic Kingdom is SO popular for this big set-piece fiesta, they actually do it TWICE, on December 30 as well as the 31st, so twice as many people get to see the star-spangled spectacular of Fantasy In The Sky. And, just to top that, they ALSO do it twice each evening, at 7.30pm and then again at 11.50 to count down to midnight in pyrotechnic style. And it isn’t just the sky over Cinderella Castle that gets lit up in eye-popping fashion – watch out for the islands on Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the park adding to the dramatic and expansive pyro-overview.

EPCOT has its usual 9pm evening event of Luminous The Symphony of Us to provide a NYE “appetiser” for those who enjoy the World Showcase vibe, and then it goes into overdrive at 11.54 with Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration with even more fireworks, lasers, fountains and other special effects over the central lagoon. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is a more party-style slant to the day, building to their main display of a brand NEW special midnight fireworks celebration designed to cap off the park’s DJ dance parties and extended evening festivities.

Just be aware this is the busiest night of the year at all three parks, and they may well reach capacity and close to newcomers in the afternoon, so be sure to get there early.

Universal and SeaWorld

The other parks are no slouches either, and there are also fireworks aplenty at Disney’s near neighbours. You can celebrate in classic New Year’s Eve style with extended park hours and more Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, which will both remain open through 1am. Several Universal resort hotels will also host New Year’s Eve party experiences, while the entertainment district of CityWalk offers another alternative for the evening, with DJs, live entertainment and a midnight countdown (just be sure to bring your photo ID for those 21 and over if you want to enjoy an alcoholic drink or two).

Over at SeaWorld, the park of Shamu and Co will welcome 2026 with extended hours and a typically glittering fireworks display at midnight. There will be all of the park’s signature Christmas Celebration events to enjoy during the day, alongside their award-winning seasonal shows, plus themed food and drink. Then, visitors will be invited to gather around the lake for a special New Year’s version of the Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale. Various up grades are also available, including reserved seating for the Winter Wonderland on Ice show and the midnight fireworks special. Or, join an all-inclusive VIP happy hour with waterfront fireworks viewing, speciality cocktails, a premium tapas-inspired menu, select beers and a midnight champagne toast. See all the details on this link.

International Drive

Finally, the other major resort area will have its own take on a NYE party, notably at the following array of nightlife spots and restaurants:

Live! at Pointe Orlando: Ring in 2026 with NYE Live!, a multi-venue bash complete with party favours, high-energy DJs, a champagne toast and a ball drop at midnight. Explore each of Palm Tree Club, Shark Bar, PBR Cowboy Bar and Still Lounge by Dre & Snoop, or upgrade your ticket to add all-inclusive drinks, gourmet food stations and more at Sports & Social.

Cuba Libre restaurant & Rum Bar: Also at Point Orlando, this tropical hot-spot will welcome 2026 with dinner, drinks, dancing and more. Join an á la carte Cuban feast, a late night afterparty, or enjoy the best of both worlds with the grand buffet dinner and celebration package. This sumptuous celebration includes a buffet dinner, a DJ dance party, champagne toast, party favours and reserved seating all night long.

ICEBAR Orlando: Discover one of the coolest parties in town at a literal ice bar featuring more than 70 tons of hand-carved ice. Thermal coats and gloves are included for the Ice Masquerade event, and, when you’re ready to warm up, the Fire Lounge will bring the heat with a dance floor, DJ sets and a full-service bar. Enjoy a champagne bar from 11.30pm-12.30am, a midnight celebration buffet, party favours, free digital photos and VIP upgrades, like a premium open bar and reserved party seating.

Howl at the Moon: This uber-popular I-Drive piano bar will host a NYE celebration in inimitable style, with a premium open bar, midnight champagne toast, complimentary party favours and non-stop hits beneath the disco ball. You can also upgrade with the Champagne Supernova ticket, which includes a gourmet buffet dinner and reserved seating in your choice of two locations.

*ICON Park: *Over at Tin Roof Orlando, the main event promises to bring double the fun, with the Pink Pony Club New Year’s Eve Bash. Think glitter, fringes, cowboy hats and disco vibes, with dancing, live music and reserved seating options that include welcome cocktails.

Mango’s Tropical Café: Of course, few people stage a party better than the Miami-influenced Mango’s, which brings the heat with dinner shows, dancing and nightlife all year long, but turns things up several notches on NYE. Join the fun with electrifying DJs, live entertainment, handcrafted drinks and a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival. You know you want to!

Where would you most like to spend New Year’s Eve?