In just two days, this long and crazy year finally comes to an end. And if you’re headed to Disneyland to welcome 2019, the resort has tons of special festivities in store! Here’s everything you need to know about the New Year’s Eve parties across both parks.
LEVEL SET
I mentioned this last year, but it’s worth saying again: it will be crowded. Expect long lines, busy restaurants, and lots of huge families blocking walkways. None of this means you can’t have an amazing time at the resort on December 31, but it’s important to go in with a plan, flexibility, and lots of patience.
THE PARTIES
As the clock ticks closer to midnight, both parks will launch dance parties to pump up the crowds. In Disneyland, look for DJs in Fantasyland and Frontierland. And in California Adventure, two lands will host new parties this year – in addition to the ongoing Festival of the Holidays. Here’s the description from Disney Parks Blog:
- Music and Dancing– Heat up the dance floor throughout the night to tunes spun by DJ Juan.
- Countdown to Midnight– A special event stage turns the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset into our very own Times Square, complete with a countdown clock ticking off the hours, minutes and seconds to the new year.
- Live Music– The incomparable Phat Cat Swinger performs live at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park at 8 p.m., 9:05 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.
- DJ Wendy– Join DJ Wendy Walker at the Palisades Stage, as she drops the hottest beats at 8:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Both parks also have special hours on the 31st. Disneyland stays open until 2 am, and California Adventure stays open until 1 am.
THE COUNTDOWN
Visitors at the resort have 3 opportunities to ring in the new year. First, California Adventure will host an east coast new year celebration in Paradise Gardens Park. Watch Disney World launch fireworks at midnight (9pm pacific), a great option if you have tired little ones.
For the west coast midnight countdown, Disneyland will host its countdown on Main Street, in front of the castle. In California Adventure, head to Paradise Gardens Park by the waterfront. Both spots will have celebratory music, fireworks, noisemakers, and lots and lots of celebrating!
For more information about the Disneyland Resort’s festivities, check out the official event page here.
It is neat that the California parks share Walt Disney World’s new year and show the fireworks from there. That is a nice way to connect the West and East coast parks. Also, folks who are not comfortable staying up very late can still see a new year celebration.
We are such babies when it comes to staying up late at our house. We never make it to midnight… however, someday I WILL celebrate at one of the Disney parks!