- Mar 13, 2024
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New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are right around the corner, and these are two of the BUSIEST days of the entire year in the Disney World parks.
Magic Kingdom Crowds on New Year’s Day 2024
Not only does that mean you may be shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people you don’t know (and will likely never see again), but it’s possible on BOTH of these days that the parks will reach capacity (especially Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios since they all have their own special New Year’s Eve shows, and some even have special snacks). Even if you have a ticket or park pass reservation, you may not be able to enter a park if it’s at capacity. You don’t need to wait to find out at the gate, though — there’s one number you can call to see if the parks are full BEFORE you arrive!
If you’re concerned a park may be at capacity, before heading that way, you can call Disney at (407) 560-5000 to inquire about the status of park capacity. The best part? This isn’t only for the holidays — you can call anytime! Yes, this means you can also call on busy summer days, other holidays, during runDisney events, or any day that you’d like to make sure the parks aren’t at capacity. This is the number to call.
EPCOT New Year’s Eve crowds (2024)
It’s also important to note that even with a park pass or ticket for a Disney World park, if it does reach capacity, there’s a bit of a hierarchy for who will be let into the park as other people exit. For Annual Passholders, phased closures still will apply, so if you have a reservation and want to leave and then come back to the park later, the only way you’ll know what phase the park is in is if you visit Guest Relations and ask before park hopping. It won’t show anywhere online to track, so be where you intend to be early. For example, if you’re in EPCOT but want to hop to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can either call the number above or ask a Cast Member at Guest Relations what the capacity is for the other park. Then, when you want to hop back to EPCOT (where your original reservation is for), you’ll need to ask a Cast Member at Guest Relations or call the number above.
New Year’s Eve crowds 2024 in EPCOT
However, for Disney Resort guests and regular ticket holders, you should be accounted for in the original capacity and are okay to park hop. The exception here is if the park reaches completely full capacity and no one else is being let in, no ifs, ands, or buts. This can happen, so if you want to ensure you’re in a specific park for New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day and would be devastated if you can’t, we’d recommend avoiding park hopping.
Skyliner crowds on New Year’s Eve
When it comes to extremely crowded days in the parks, it’s important to remember to be patient and that everyone is in the same boat — everyone wants to have a magical day, and each and every one of you is dealing with the crowds around you! Expect long lines for rides, food, transportation, and everywhere in between. Mentally preparing ahead of time can help you feel more prepared when you see it happening in real time.
If you need quiet places to reset, we recommend heading to one of our favorite spots listed below:
Tomorrowland Terrace
Morocco Pavilion
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Walt Disney Presents
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Looking for more recent New Year’s Eve news? Check out our posts below!
We’ll be sure to keep you updated about all the latest news in Disney World happening around New Year’s, so stay tuned to Magical Guides!
Are you planning to be in Disney World for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? Tell us in the comments!
Magic Kingdom Crowds on New Year’s Day 2024
Not only does that mean you may be shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people you don’t know (and will likely never see again), but it’s possible on BOTH of these days that the parks will reach capacity (especially Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios since they all have their own special New Year’s Eve shows, and some even have special snacks). Even if you have a ticket or park pass reservation, you may not be able to enter a park if it’s at capacity. You don’t need to wait to find out at the gate, though — there’s one number you can call to see if the parks are full BEFORE you arrive!
If you’re concerned a park may be at capacity, before heading that way, you can call Disney at (407) 560-5000 to inquire about the status of park capacity. The best part? This isn’t only for the holidays — you can call anytime! Yes, this means you can also call on busy summer days, other holidays, during runDisney events, or any day that you’d like to make sure the parks aren’t at capacity. This is the number to call.
EPCOT New Year’s Eve crowds (2024)
It’s also important to note that even with a park pass or ticket for a Disney World park, if it does reach capacity, there’s a bit of a hierarchy for who will be let into the park as other people exit. For Annual Passholders, phased closures still will apply, so if you have a reservation and want to leave and then come back to the park later, the only way you’ll know what phase the park is in is if you visit Guest Relations and ask before park hopping. It won’t show anywhere online to track, so be where you intend to be early. For example, if you’re in EPCOT but want to hop to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can either call the number above or ask a Cast Member at Guest Relations what the capacity is for the other park. Then, when you want to hop back to EPCOT (where your original reservation is for), you’ll need to ask a Cast Member at Guest Relations or call the number above.
New Year’s Eve crowds 2024 in EPCOT
However, for Disney Resort guests and regular ticket holders, you should be accounted for in the original capacity and are okay to park hop. The exception here is if the park reaches completely full capacity and no one else is being let in, no ifs, ands, or buts. This can happen, so if you want to ensure you’re in a specific park for New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day and would be devastated if you can’t, we’d recommend avoiding park hopping.
Skyliner crowds on New Year’s Eve
When it comes to extremely crowded days in the parks, it’s important to remember to be patient and that everyone is in the same boat — everyone wants to have a magical day, and each and every one of you is dealing with the crowds around you! Expect long lines for rides, food, transportation, and everywhere in between. Mentally preparing ahead of time can help you feel more prepared when you see it happening in real time.
If you need quiet places to reset, we recommend heading to one of our favorite spots listed below:
- The back of Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom
- Relaxed attractions like Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tiki Room, and Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Square Ticket Office in Magic Kingdom
- Tomorrowland Terrace in Magic Kingdom (prior to when they need to begin setting up for the fireworks party around 3 PM)
Tomorrowland Terrace
- Project Tomorrow in EPCOT
- The back of the Canada Pavilion (near the waterfall) in EPCOT
- Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT
Morocco Pavilion
- Inside the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT
- Inside the China Pavilion in EPCOT
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in EPCOT
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Exit of Vacation Fun in Hollywood Studios
- Back of Pixar Place in Hollywood Studios
- Walt Disney Presents in Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney Presents
- Tree of Life pathways in Animal Kingdom
- Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Looking for more recent New Year’s Eve news? Check out our posts below!
More Recent New Year's Eve News!
- Everything That Happens When Disney World Parks Hit Capacity
- The ONE Phone Number You Need at Disney World on Crowded Days
- The STRANGE Way We Know Orlando is About to Get COLD
- Disney World Reveals 8 New Snacks (And One Special Meal!) for New Year’s Eve
- 3 RARE Fireworks Shows Return To Disney World This Month
We’ll be sure to keep you updated about all the latest news in Disney World happening around New Year’s, so stay tuned to Magical Guides!
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Are you planning to be in Disney World for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? Tell us in the comments!
