It’s time to make your New Year’s Eve plans! Whether you live here or are just visiting the Orlando area and want to celebrate, there are many places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you’ve set your mind to bring in the new year at an Orlando theme park, here are some Orlando Tourist Tips to consider when visiting a theme park on New Year’s Eve:
1) Arrive early in the morning at the park of your choice and be prepared to spend your entire day there. Theme parks often reach capacity, and when they do, no further admittance is allowed. Park hopping (Disney) on New Year’s Eve is not recommended.
2) Guests staying in a Disney Resort are only guaranteed admittance into a (one) park. It may not be the park of your choice, so choose the one park you want to visit. The “Magic Hour” can help gain entrance into other parks. These hours vary and can be in the morning or at night (as in 2 a.m. night), so be sure to do your research.
3) Having a dining reservation does not mean that you will be allowed in if that park has already reached capacity. Make it easy and stay in one park and make reservations to dine there as well. Early reservations to dine on New Year’s Eve are easier to get.
4) Rent a locker upon arrival. These too will go fast. Should the weather be an issue, you can stow your warm clothes or rain gear. Temperatures vary this time of year. Dress in layers.
5) Fastpasses will run out quickly, so if there’s an attraction on your “must-do” list, get yours as soon as possible. It’s not uncommon to see waits of 2+ hours at the most popular attractions.
6) Dance parties, special concerts and firework shows are sure to be a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration. The parks will have live entertainment throughout the day/evening in addition to special midnight fireworks. Be sure to grab a guide or schedule upon entering the park.
7) Special events are not necessarily included with a theme park ticket. Just because you have a ticket to a theme park and a special concert is being performed within the park, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a ticket to the concert. Special events are often held within theme parks and require a separate ticket. For example,“EVE” at Universal’s City Walk is a completely separate ticket event.
New Year’s Eve at an Orlando theme park is very fun. If you are okay with crowds and an all-day schedule, this is a great choice. Being prepared for the day will make it that much more enjoyable. Happy New Year everyone!
