The clock is ticking, and in just a few days, we’ll be ringing in a new decade! If you’re headed to Disneyland or California Adventure for the big countdown, you’ll be in for some special parties and events. Here’s what to expect on New Year’s Eve at the Disneyland Resort.
IMPORTANT: IT WIL BE CROWDED.
I’ve asked many cast members the same question: “what’s the craziest day of the year?”, and without fail they answer the same way: New Year’s Eve. The crowds are massive, rowdy, and often, very impatient. That’s not to say you can’t have a great time on December 31st; but be prepared for overwhelming wait times, packed restaurants, and the possibility of hitting capacity and turning guests away at the gate.
TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR DAY
- Plan ahead where you can. Dinner reservations, fast pass windows, etc. Any opportunity to avoid a standby situation, whether for an attraction or a meal, will be a huge help.
- Stick to faster-moving queues. You’ll have to stand in line no matter what you do on NYE, but at least some lines move faster than others.
- Try some Downtown Disney entertainment. When you’re completely overwhelmed by the parks, consider trying some fun in Downtown Disney. Visit the virtual reality experience, bowl, or if you don’t have little ones in your group, hang out at the bars.
WHERE TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR
The resort hosts two official countdowns if you’d like to celebrate with a big crowd. In Disneyland, head to Main Street, by the castle. And over in California Adventure, you’ll find the party in Paradise Gardens Park, down by the water. Both parties include music and projections, and the Disneyland version also includes fireworks at midnight! Make sure to find your spot by 11pm – otherwise, you’ll likely have to celebrate from the back of the massive crowd.
If you don’t care about attending an official countdown party, but do want to mark the new year somewhere fun, I have a few suggestions:
Disneyland
- The Small World plaza
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, by the Millennium Falcon
- Tomorrowland Terrace area
California Adventure
- Buena Vista Street central plaza
- Cars Land, on the main road or on the walkway by the mountains
- Pacific Wharf, on any of the terraces (Sonoma, Mendocino, or Alfresco)
Both parks also have special hours on the 31st. Disneyland stays open until 2 am, and California Adventure stays open until 1 am.
Cheers to 2020!
Happy New Year!