Quick answer: On Thursday, December 31, 2026, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios stay open until midnight and EPCOT stays open until 1:00 a.m. All three parks end the night with countdown fireworks. Animal Kingdom closes at 6:00 p.m., and Disney Springs closes at 11:00 p.m.
Walt Disney World just posted its New Year's Eve hours and show times. It's one of the dates families ask me about most, and one of the busiest nights of the year. Here's what Disney has planned and how I'd handle it with my kids.
These are the hours Disney currently lists for Thursday, December 31, 2026. Disney often adjusts holiday hours closer to the date, so check the park hours calendar again before you go:
| Park | Hours on Dec. 31 |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
| EPCOT | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. |
| Hollywood Studios | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
| Animal Kingdom | 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Disney Springs | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| Blizzard Beach | 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Early Theme Park Entry for resort guests starts at 8:30 a.m. at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and at 7:30 a.m. at Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom also stays open until midnight the night before, on Wednesday, December 30. EPCOT and Hollywood Studios close at 9:00 p.m. that night.
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
Show times are as currently scheduled and can change. The early 6:30 p.m. Fantasy in the Sky at Magic Kingdom is an hour earlier than last year. That's a big deal for families with little ones. You get the fireworks, and the kids can still be in bed before the ball drops. The same two Magic Kingdom shows also run on December 30, so you can pick the less crowded night for your castle fireworks.
Magic Kingdom is the classic choice, and that's why it's the most crowded. Magic Kingdom has hit capacity on past New Year's Eves, so if you want to be there, go early and don't leave and try to come back. If your heart is set on midnight fireworks over the castle, December 30 is often a calmer option.
EPCOT has the latest closing time and the most room to spread out. It's a great pick for families with teens. If you're there earlier in the season, don't miss the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT.
Hollywood Studios packs in the most shows: two Fantasmic! times, Wonderful World of Animation and countdown fireworks.
Animal Kingdom closes at 6:00 p.m., so it's a good daytime park on New Year's Eve if you want to rest before heading somewhere else at night. Make sure your tickets include Park Hopper if you plan to switch parks.
You can see what EPCOT looks like dressed up for the holidays in this short from my YouTube channel: Epcot Decorated for Christmas. You'll find more ride and resort videos on the Fun Park Go YouTube channel.
For more ways to save time in the parks, check out my Disney World tips and tricks and my Magic Kingdom guide.
Holiday-week rooms at Disney resorts sell out, so the earlier you book, the better. I'm a College of Disney Knowledge graduate and have been helping families plan Disney trips since 2010. My planning is free. I'll help you pick the right resort and park for New Year's Eve and keep an eye out for discounts. Fun Park Go doesn't book airfare, but we handle your hotel, tickets and package details.
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