Guide to News Year's Eve in Orlando: Parties, Events, and Things to Do

Start the party off with a scrumptious special dinner at one of Walt Disney World's many top dining spots. Then see the new year in with the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios sparkling under holiday lights. The park stays open until 2 a.m. if your kids are old enough for that special treat.

The Magic Kingdom offers a DJ dance party and early fireworks for younger kids. Swing over to Epcot for live music, fireworks, and the annual Around the World Showcase.

Universal'sCityWalk is where it's at for New Year's Eve for older kids, and parents. EVE, a one night event that takes place at CityWalk, is enjoyable for the whole family. Pre-teens and teenagers will love the party zones, clubs with live music and the city's biggest dance floor, food to feast on, and outdoor dancing. You'll get some adult-style fun, too. It's win-win.

EVE takes place on December 31 from 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve bash at SeaWorld Orlando, part of Sea World's annual holiday extravangaza. Live music and fireworks entertain guests ringing in the new year at the park. Although the celebration starts late, it's great family activity, if the young ones can stay up. 

Admission to the New Year's celebration is included with park ticket. 

If your kids are too young to stay up until midnight, the party at Legoland is just the ticket. The Lego Brick drop, groovin' dance party and fireworks all happen before the witching hour. The park also has special holiday activities throughout the entire week of the holidays. The best part is, if you can't make it to the park on New Year's, the celebration goes on before as well. Enjoy the Legoland New Year's Party fromDecember 26th- 31st. 

Step back time at the entrance to the Orlando Castle, where you'll get a celebration-worthy dinner and an up-close view of a battle of swords and horses, sure to thrill the lovers of knights, castles, and all things medieval in your family.  The New Year's eve special event at Medieval Times is wonderful family event and includes party favors, music and dancing, a four-course feast, Champagne toast, and midnight snack. 

Make reservations early. Admission is $79.95 for adults and $39.95 for kids. 

 Head down to Disney Springs for a family-friendly New Year's filled with live music, great food, and lots of fun shops to check out. For those traveling with smaller children, the party lasts till about 11 p.m. After that, shops, restaurants, and bars stay open till 2 a.m. for the adult crowd to enjoy. Stay in the Holiday spirit and enjoy the Christmas Tree Trail which is on display in Disney Springs November 8th - January 6th.  

 International Drive is a business district in downtown Orlando resort area fall of shopping, dining, and amazing family friendly activities. Many of the shops and attractions offer New Years' specials, parties, and fun events. Be sure to pop into Madame Tussauds during your New Years' visit to I-Drive, they are deck out the entire museum in holiday fun.