Is Disney Open on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day is a federal holiday in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and some European nations. However, when it comes to Disney theme parks, their operating schedule is a bit more complicated.
Holiday Hours: A State of Affairs
| State/Country | Disney Theme Parks’ Holiday Hours |
|---|---|
| United States | Most Disney parks are closed on New Year’s Day, except for: |
+ **Disneyland** in California ( closed from midnight to 8am on January 1st)
+ **Disney World** in Florida ( closed from midnight to 8am on January 1st, with select attractions open for a limited time)
+ **Typhoon Lagoon** and **Blizzard Beach** water parks in Florida ( closed, but some shops and restaurants remain open)- California Dreaming: While Disneyland is closed, Disney California Adventure Park is open from 8am to 6pm, and Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offer special New Year’s Eve festivities and events.
Canada and the UK
| Country | Disney Theme Parks’ Holiday Hours |
|---|---|
| Canada | Disneyland in California is closed on New Year’s Day, but Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are open (they take place in mid-January) |
| United Kingdom | Disneyland Paris is closed on New Year’s Day, but Marie Blanchard (near Paris) and PortSation (a free Disney-themed boat ride) are open |
Eras and Events
| Era | Event/Evening |
|---|---|
| 1983: The Big Adventure at Epcot (May 2nd, 1983) – a separate park event, not technically a New Year’s Day celebration | |
| 1989: Mickey’s Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland (December 20th, 1989) – a festive holiday event | |
| 1994: Mickey’s Best Christmas Ever at Disneyland (December 17th, 1994) – a holiday event with fireworks and parades | |
| 2003: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Disney World (December 24th, 2003) – a holiday event with parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets | |
| 2012: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World (July 7th-14th, 2012) – a special event for fans, featuring exclusive parties, parades, and character meet-and-greets |
Tips for Visitors
| Advice | Implications |
|---|---|
| Disney’s website: Check the official Disney website for updates on park hours, events, and availability of special activities and merchandise. | Some parks may offer special tickets or packages for New Year’s Day visits |
| Park admission: Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular parks like Disneyland or Disney World, to avoid long wait times. | Special New Year’s Eve festivities and events may require separate tickets or reservations |
| Security: Be aware of potential crowds and security protocols at all Disney parks, even on New Year’s Day. | Visitors may encounter crowds and lines, but most parks are generally well-organized |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Disney theme parks are closed on New Year’s Day, some parks offer special events and activities, such as Mickey’s Best Christmas Ever or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World. If you’re planning a New Year’s Day visit to Disney, it’s essential to check the official Disney website for updates on park hours, events, and availability of special activities and merchandise.