As 2017 comes to a close, Disneyland is ending its holiday season with a bang. If you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort on December 31, you’ll get an extra dose of Disney magic to ring in the new year. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve with Mickey.
LEVEL SET
This may seem obvious, but many people don’t seem to realize just how crowded Disneyland gets this time of year. It will be busy, you will have to wait in lots of lines, and you may feel overwhelmed. It doesn’t matter that it’s winter and you won’t avoid crowds if you get to the park in the morning. I don’t say this to be a buzzkill; I just think it’s important to go in with the right expectations. Go in with a plan of attack and lots of patience, and you can still have a great time.
FESTIVITIES
Aside from the usual attractions, character meet and greets, and shows, both parks have seasonal offerings running on New Year’s Eve.
Disneyland
- Christmas Fantasy Parade (1 pm and 3:30 pm)
- Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks (9 pm with east coast countdown and midnight with west coast countdown)
- Snowfall on Main Street (after each fireworks performance)
California Adventure
- Festival of the Holiday (opens gradually throughout the afternoon, runs until closing)
- World of Color – Season of Light (8:15 and 9:30)
PCH Grill and Napa Rose offer special NYE dinners. Most other restaurants have seasonal desserts, drinks, and menu items to try as well!
THE COUNTDOWN
Once the sun goes down, don’t forget to grab a party hat. Cast members hand them out at various locations throughout the park. If you don’t spot one, ask a nearby cast member and they’ll point you in the right direction.
When the clock starts ticking, you can join in the fun at a few “official” countdown locations:
Disneyland
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- It’s A Small World Plaza
California Adventure
- Paradise Pier
- Hollywood Land backlot
No matter where you are at midnight, you’ll be lucky enough to start 2018 in the happiest place on earth!
