Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Eve 2020 at Orlando’s theme parks

Still need plans for something to do on New Year’s Eve in Orlando? Don’t worry, we’ve got an Ultimate Guide prepared to help you get the party started!

new year's eve

Editor’s Note: Some of these offerings are reservation-based and may be sold out.

Walt Disney World

As with most seasonal offerings this year, the usual New Year’s Eve experience will be a bit different at Walt Disney World Resort. Since there aren’t traditional fireworks being performed at the present, Disney will instead host a virtual viewing of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks on Dec. 31 starting at 11:48 p.m. ET on the Disney Parks Blog.

If you’re staying on Disney property, select Disney Resort hotels will also get in on the festive celebrations with the following offerings:

  • Create your own in-room celebration with food, beverages and other celebratory items available for purchase
  • Disney Floral & Gifts holiday baskets are available for purchase, including champagne and room décor, along with hats and noisemakers
  • Select Resort merchandise locations will be open late on Dec. 31—until after midnight—and will sell champagne in full and individual-sized bottles, along with board games and other activities to enjoy in-room
  • Fireworks (previously recorded) streaming on in-room TV and the My Disney Experience app – including Minnie’s holiday fireworks, Candlelight Processional and New Year’s Eve Fireworks
  • Scavenger hunts and New Year’s Eve crafts, varying by Resort locations
  • Quick-service restaurants, pool bars and lounges at Disney Resort hotels will be open late—until after midnight—on Dec. 31

Keep in mind that these offerings for New Year’s Eve are subject to availability and subject to change, so check with your resort for their up-to-date offerings.

In addition, Disney Springs will be closing at 11 p.m., so guests are encouraged to celebrate a little earlier.

As part of the New Year’s celebrations at Disney Springs, Paddlefish is bringing back their New England Boil for one night only, which combines Maine lobster, chorizo, littleneck clams, red potatoes and sweet corn seasoned with Chef Richard’s secret blend of spices and served with cornbread for $80. In addition, Dec. 31 is National Champagne Day, and guests who order Paddlefish’s New Year’s Eve special will receive a free glass of bubbly!

At Terralina Crafted Italian, glasses of Prosecco will be $10 all day to celebrate National Champagne Day on Dec. 31.

On New Year’s Day, Terralina Crafted Italian will be offering a special Frutti di Mare entrée, featuring scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams and fresh fish in a rich saffron butter broth tossed with house-made bucatini for $45.

Universal Orlando Resort

universal orlando resort

Guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort can celebrate New Year’s Eve with exclusive menus at select Universal CityWalk restaurants and Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

From prix fixe menus that allow guests to create their own three-course meal for one price, to individually-priced items themed to their restaurant of choice and available only on Dec. 31, this year’s offerings have something for everyone.

Reservations are available by calling (407) 503-3463, with New Year’s offerings at the following restaurants:

  • Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Menu items include Tamale Fritters with Pork Belly, Achiote Marinated Top Sirloin and Seasonal Flan
  • Bigfire: Three-course, prix fixe dinner featuring traditional American fare and entrees such as Dry Aged Porterhouse, Bison Filet, Cedar Plank Lobster Tail and more
  • Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom: Caribbean-inspired cuisine including Ackee & Saltfish Wontons, Rum Braised Lamb Shank and Rum & Raisin Bread Pudding
  • The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar: Three-course, prix fixe dinner that features Asian-inspired entrees such as Shoyu Miso Salmon, Wagyu, Duck, Tofu and more
  • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: Tropical-inspired menu featuring items like Tequila-Spiked Shrimp Ceviche, Crab-Crusted Florida Snapper and Passion Fruit Mousse
  • NBC Sports Grill & Brew: Fun dishes for every sports fan to enjoy, including Lobster Corn Dogs, Surf & Turf Wagyu Burger and Praline Chocolate Crunch Cake
  • Pat O’Brien’s: This Bourbon Street-themed eatery will include options such as a Pork Belly Wedge Salad, Blackened Beef Filet “Oscar” and Butterscotch Pudding
  • The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen: Three-course, prix fixe dinner featuring entrees such as New York Strip Steak au Poivre, Pan Roasted Salmon, Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto and more
  • VIVO Italian Kitchen: Three-course, prix fixe dinner that’s perfect for any lover of Italian cuisine, with entrees such as Lobster Risotto, Piedmontese Beef Tenderloin, Pistachio Grouper and more
  • Hard Rock Hotel: The Kitchen will have a three-course, prix fixe dinner featuring entrees such as a Grilled Hoisin Glazed Pork Chop, Grilled Porcini Dusted Beef Tenderloin, Pan Seared Florida Red Snapper and more. Click here for the full menu.Plus, guests ringing in 2021 at Hard Rock Hotel can enjoy a family-style breakfast at The Kitchen on New Year’s Day.
  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Trattoria del Porto will have a buffet with nine displays including a carving station with Roasted Prime Rib and Salmon Wellington, and hot main selections including Citrus Glazed Ocean Bass, Braised Short Rib and Cauliflower, Root Vegetable Casserole and more. Click here for the full menu.
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Islands Dining Room will have a prix fixe dinner featuring foods from different regions around the world in its “Around the World Celebration.” Click here for the full menu.
  • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Bayliner Diner will have a New Year’s Eve Carving Special offering from noon to 11 p.m. that features Beef Striploin, Truffle Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Florets. Click here for the full menu.
  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites: Beach Break Cafe will feature carving stations that include Slow Roasted Beef Striploin and other mouthwatering items. Click here for the full menu.
  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and SuitesUniversal’s newest hotel will also feature carving stations that include Slow Roasted Beef Striploin and more at Pier 8 Market. Click here for the full menu.

SeaWorld Orlando

new year's eve

Guests of all ages can ring in the New Year with a grand spectacle of physically distanced fireworks at SeaWorld Orlando on Thursday, Dec. 31.

This New Year’s Eve offering will have limited capacity and enhanced safety procedures. SeaWorld has also identified additional viewing locations and added extra shows.

The midnight fireworks display and countdown to 2021 can be enjoyed from anywhere around the park’s central lake. In addition to the countdown, there will also be three additional performances of the Holiday Reflections fireworks at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

busch gardens tampa

You can ring in the New Year by day or by night with limited-capacity sessions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with open-air entertainment and two physically distanced fireworks displays

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can spend the day experiencing the rides, attractions, and animal encounters at Busch Gardens Tampa, as well as seasonal Christmas Town offerings.

From 6 p.m to 1 a.m., however, you can enjoy all the fun of Christmas Town before welcoming 2021 with two fireworks displays, choosing between reserved access to the Festival Field for the 8:30 p.m. or 11:30 p.m. show. Access to the field has an up-charge starting at $6.99 per person (ages 3 and up), and seating will be available.

The fireworks will also be visible from other locations around the park, and are included with regular park admission. Keep in mind that face masks, temperature checks, physical distancing, and date-and-time specific reservations are required.

Legoland Florida Resort

new year's eve

Legoland Florida Resort will tell 2020 to “brick off” and ring in 2021 with their annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Fireworks, happening at the kid-friendly time of 8 p.m. only on Dec. 31.

Fun Spot America

Looking for a fun way to celebrate the end of 2020? Fun Spot America is hosting their HUGE Fireworks display at all three parks for New Year’s Eve!

You can enjoy fireworks at 9 p.m. in Fayetteville, Ga. and at midnight in Orlando and Kissimmee, Fla. Guests are welcomed to watch the displays either from inside the park or in their cars in the parking lot.


It’s no secret that 2020 has been a challenging year for the theme park industry and Central Florida – but that doesn’t mean we can’t look forward with hope to 2021! How do you plan on saying goodbye to 2020? Let us know your plans in the comments!

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