Walt Disney World has revealed its fireworks schedule for New Year’s Eve 2026, confirming special countdown celebrations at three of its four theme parks.
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will each offer nighttime entertainment as guests prepare to welcome 2027.
Magic Kingdom will also provide an additional opportunity to experience its New Year’s Eve fireworks on December 30.
The newly published schedules give visitors important information for planning one of the busiest evenings of the year at Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom Will Offer Two Nights of Fantasy in the Sky
Magic Kingdom will once again celebrate the new year with Fantasy in the Sky.
The special fireworks presentation is scheduled for December 30 and December 31.
On both evenings, Disney currently lists two performances.
The first is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by a second presentation at 11:50 p.m.
The later performance leads into the midnight countdown.
Offering the same fireworks celebration on December 30 gives guests another opportunity to experience the show without necessarily visiting Magic Kingdom on New Year’s Eve itself.
That can be particularly helpful for families who want to enjoy the fireworks but have other plans for December 31.
Fantasy in the Sky also carries considerable historical significance.
The original version debuted at Magic Kingdom in 1971 and served as the park’s primary nighttime fireworks spectacular for more than three decades.
Although the regular show was eventually replaced, Disney has continued using the Fantasy in the Sky name for special holiday celebrations.
EPCOT Will Celebrate With Cheers to the New Year
EPCOT will feature two different fireworks presentations on December 31.
The park’s regular nighttime spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Later in the evening, Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration will begin at 11:54 p.m.
The special presentation will lead into the midnight celebration around World Showcase Lagoon.
EPCOT has traditionally been one of Walt Disney World’s most popular destinations for New Year’s Eve.
Its large World Showcase promenade provides numerous viewing locations, while the international pavilions create a distinctive atmosphere for celebrating the arrival of another year.
The park has also featured dance parties and other entertainment during previous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Disney has not yet confirmed every additional entertainment offering for December 31, 2026.
Guests should therefore treat the published fireworks schedule as confirmed while waiting for further announcements about other activities.
Hollywood Studios Will Have Its Own Countdown Fireworks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also scheduled to participate in the celebration.
The park’s New Year Countdown Fireworks will begin at 11:57 p.m. on December 31.
The short presentation will take place near the Chinese Theater.
This provides another option for guests who would rather celebrate at Hollywood Studios than travel to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
The park’s New Year’s Eve entertainment has included music and countdown activities in previous years.
However, Disney has not yet released a complete schedule of additional entertainment for the 2026 celebration.
The currently confirmed offering is the late-night fireworks presentation.
No New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not scheduled to offer special New Year’s Eve fireworks.
That is consistent with the park’s longstanding approach to nighttime entertainment.
Animal Kingdom generally avoids large traditional fireworks displays because of considerations involving its live animal population.
Guests visiting the park on December 31 should therefore plan to celebrate the new year elsewhere if a midnight fireworks show is a priority.
Planning for One of Disney World’s Busiest Nights
New Year’s Eve is traditionally one of Walt Disney World’s highest-demand travel dates.
Visitors should expect substantial crowds, particularly around popular fireworks viewing areas.
Guests planning to watch the late-night presentations should also allow additional time for transportation after midnight.
The scheduled fireworks are part of the parks’ regular entertainment offerings rather than separate hard-ticket holiday parties.
However, valid theme park admission is required, and entry remains subject to Disney’s applicable admission policies and capacity restrictions.
Disney may also adjust operating hours or entertainment schedules as December approaches.
For now, the newly published schedule confirms that guests will have three different parks to choose from when welcoming 2027.