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How Central Florida theme parks are ringing in the New Year

Celebrations included in park admission

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ORLANDO, Fla. – New York’s Times Square or Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom?

For some, there are certain places they want to be when the clock strikes midnight as they ring in the New Year.

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Here is a rundown of New Year’s Eve events at Central Florida theme parks.

Walt Disney World

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No one does fireworks like Disney and that’s why Magic Kingdom can easily reach capacity on New Year’s Eve.

It’s common to see guests pick out a fireworks-viewing spot and camp right after rope drop.

Magic Kingdom will show the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks Dec. 30 and 31 at both 6:50 p.m. and 11:50 p.m., with it and EPCOT staying open until 1 a.m.

Elsewhere, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have their regular lineup of evening entertainment. Hollywood Studios is open until midnight on Dec. 31 and Animal Kingdom closes at 8 p.m.

Universal Orlando Resort

FILE - Guests cool off under a water mist by the globe at Universal Studios City Walk at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Universal Orlando Resort guests can ring in the New Year across the destination.

There will be live entertainment hype squads full of music and characters at Universal Islands of Adventure, a midnight countdown at both theme parks and Universal CityWalk, and access to select venues after midnight to continue the festivities.

Universal Orlando Resort hotels will also offer special menus for New Year’s Eve.

SeaWorld Orlando

Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast: What goes great with your morning eggs? How about meeting Count von Count, Elmo, and their Sesame Street friends? Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast combines a delicious meal with exciting (but physically distanced) character appearances. With protective food service barriers, widely spaced single-party tables, sanitization between meals and more, you can “count” on a safe, fun time for the whole family! (SeaWorld Orlando)

SeaWorld Orlando has had a jam-packed holiday calendar since November and the party is going strong into the New Year.

On Dec. 31, the park’s New Year’s Eve Celebration will include midnight fireworks and lively dance parties plus animal encounters and spectacular shows.

There’s also a special countdown in Sesame Street Land led by Count von Count.

Legoland Florida

(Legoland Florida Resort)

Why have a ball drop when you can brick drop?

Legoland Florida guests can end the year with a bang during the Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration, happening nightly Dec. 26 - 31.

The fun lineup includes a DJ dance party and a 3D LEGO brick-bursting fireworks show nightly.

Then on Dec. 31, help countdown to the New Year with the signature “brick drop” near Lake Eloise and special finale at a kid-friendly time!

Fun Spot Orlando

Gather your family and friends to watch the night sky light up in a spectacular display of color and celebration, starting around midnight.

Fun Spot will host a New Year’s Eve fireworks show at both its Orlando and Kissimmee locations.

Gatorland Orlando

The Alligator Capital of the World does not have any special New Year’s Eve events planned, but will be open during regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center does not have any New Year’s-related activities posted on its calendar. KSC is hosting its Holidays in Space celebration through Dec. 30.


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