New Year’s Eve is a great time to be in Central Florida. There is plenty to do, and the weather is usually perfect. Whether you want to ring in the New Year at our world-famous theme parks, prefer a laid-back evening with family and friends, or want to be part of a big crowd when the ball drops, there are plenty of options for your perfect celebration on Dec. 31.
Below is a short list of age appropriate options that are sure to be a great time ringing in the New Year.
Cress Restaurant DeLand
This is so good, you'll need to put it on the calendar for next year! It has been over a year that the great folks at Cress have changed from the traditional restaurant service model to event-based with tickets. For New Year's Eve, Chef Hari and team are having a Contemporary New Orleans themed menu. A three-course meal with a variety of options (that you may choose from at the table) is available for each course. Music will be provided by jazz musician and local worship pastor Carlos Martinez. This is one of the hottest tickets around, because it is already sold out. Be sure to put it on your calendar for next year!
Magic Kingdom®: The year-ending “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks can be viewed at 6:30 and 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. On both nights, Frontierland and Tomorrowland will also host New Year’s Dance Parties from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Epcot®: The World Showcase will feature DJs, live music, dancing and the flavors of the world, with each pavilion’s clock striking “midnight” at different times. Guests can also enjoy live music at American Gardens Theatre, and a countdown to midnight will be prefaced by Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at 11:40 p.m
Universal Studios Florida™: On Dec. 31, Universal Orlando Resort’s original theme park will say goodbye to the old and hello to the new with live music, party zones, character meet-and-greets and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration™. Guests can also look forward to pyrotechnic displays, confetti showers and lots of party favors.
Howl at the Moon: Whether you choose from the “Just Dance” package, which includes a premium open bar, a complimentary champagne toast and party favors, or the general-admission package, you’ll have a great time on New Year’s Eve at this dueling piano bar on International Drive. Pricing: $65 per guest for “Just Dance,” $20 for general admission, and seated packages are available.
B.B. King’s Blues Club: Located at Pointe Orlando, this restaurant and live-music venue will ring in 2019 with The B.B. King's Blues Club All-Star Band Featuring Kris Thomas and opening act Shaun Rounds. For tickets and information, call (407) 370-4550. Pricing: $20-$75 depending on package.
New Year’s Eve Block Party at Wall St. Plaza: Free access to all seven of this entertainment complex’s themed bars, along with lightshows, dance parties and a big countdown to 2019, make this downtown Orlando’s largest New Year’s Eve bash. Pricing: Free to attend.
New Year’s Eve Gala at The Alfond Inn: From 8 p.m. – 12:15 a.m., this stately hotel in Winter Park will provide guests with a premium open bar, a champagne toast, chef-attended stations and live entertainment, as well as streaming of the famous Times Square ball drop in New York. Reservations are required. Pricing: $150 per guest.
Cress Restaurant DeLand
This is so good, you'll need to put it on the calendar for next year! It has been over a year that the great folks at Cress have changed from the traditional restaurant service model to event-based with tickets. For New Year's Eve, Chef Hari and team are having a Contemporary New Orleans themed menu. A three-course meal with a variety of options (that you may choose from at the table) is available for each course. Music will be provided by jazz musician and local worship pastor Carlos Martinez. This is one of the hottest tickets around, because it is already sold out. Be sure to put it on your calendar for next year!
Magic Kingdom®: The year-ending “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks can be viewed at 6:30 and 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. On both nights, Frontierland and Tomorrowland will also host New Year’s Dance Parties from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Epcot®: The World Showcase will feature DJs, live music, dancing and the flavors of the world, with each pavilion’s clock striking “midnight” at different times. Guests can also enjoy live music at American Gardens Theatre, and a countdown to midnight will be prefaced by Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at 11:40 p.m
Universal Studios Florida™: On Dec. 31, Universal Orlando Resort’s original theme park will say goodbye to the old and hello to the new with live music, party zones, character meet-and-greets and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration™. Guests can also look forward to pyrotechnic displays, confetti showers and lots of party favors.
Howl at the Moon: Whether you choose from the “Just Dance” package, which includes a premium open bar, a complimentary champagne toast and party favors, or the general-admission package, you’ll have a great time on New Year’s Eve at this dueling piano bar on International Drive. Pricing: $65 per guest for “Just Dance,” $20 for general admission, and seated packages are available.
B.B. King’s Blues Club: Located at Pointe Orlando, this restaurant and live-music venue will ring in 2019 with The B.B. King's Blues Club All-Star Band Featuring Kris Thomas and opening act Shaun Rounds. For tickets and information, call (407) 370-4550. Pricing: $20-$75 depending on package.
New Year’s Eve Block Party at Wall St. Plaza: Free access to all seven of this entertainment complex’s themed bars, along with lightshows, dance parties and a big countdown to 2019, make this downtown Orlando’s largest New Year’s Eve bash. Pricing: Free to attend.
New Year’s Eve Gala at The Alfond Inn: From 8 p.m. – 12:15 a.m., this stately hotel in Winter Park will provide guests with a premium open bar, a champagne toast, chef-attended stations and live entertainment, as well as streaming of the famous Times Square ball drop in New York. Reservations are required. Pricing: $150 per guest.