Hey Thrill Seekers,
One of the most exciting nights of the year is just around the corner, and if you’ll be in Orlando on December 31st, I’ve got exactly what you need! Universal Orlando Resort have got you covered with family friendly parties, midnight countdowns, rooftop events, DJs, Character appearances and much much more! The excitement will take over the entire destination, with extended park hours and festivities happening throughout Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe, plus celebrations at Universal CityWalk and the Universal Orlando hotels.
Epic Universe
For the first time ever guests will be able to celebrate inside Universals newest park! Along with the park’s innovative, award-winning attractions, guests can enjoy live music and a DJ at the Hemisphere Stage in Celestial Park, plus a midnight countdown celebration featuring a spectacular fountain show that stretches across the park’s expansive waterways.
Universal Studios
With celebrations kicking off as early as 6.15pm you’ll have loads of time to fit in everything there is to offer: Party all night with the live DJ who will be situated at the Music Plaza Stage, wave to the roaming stilt walkers and snap lots of pics with select floats from Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. You can also watch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at 10pm which will be followed by a electrifying midnight countdown (near the Music Plaza stage)
Islands of Adventure
You can also start celebrating at 6.15pm in Islands of Adventure with a live DJ set in the Port of Entry. The evening continues with more music, entertainment, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters around the park. To welcome the New Year, guests can wrap up the night with a midnight countdown celebration, featuring dedicated viewing areas in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and Toon Lagoon.
So if you’re planning to ring in the New Year at the theme parks why not continue to soak up the last days of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration, running daily through January 4. Enjoy the holiday magic with seasonal favorites like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Savor festive food and drinks, and browse for holiday goodies at the Holidays Tribute Store.
CityWalk and Universal hotels
At Universal CityWalk, you will be able to soak up live music and DJ sets all night long at the Waterfront Stage and the Green and Red Coconut Club, complete with festive décor, holiday cocktails, and lively entertainment. Stilt walkers and other performers roam the area, adding to the fun, and the night wraps up with a thrilling midnight countdown to welcome 2026 across the entire complex.
Don’t fancy a park on the 31st? Then why not ring in the New Year at one of Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels, each offering its own unique celebration. Helios Grand Hotel will host its first-ever New Year’s Eve Party at the Palace for adults 21 and over, featuring an elegant evening with dinner, drinks, a DJ, and stunning views of Universal Epic Universe from Bar Helios. Families can head to the lively Party on the Piazza at Portofino Bay, complete with food stations, desserts, beer, wine, music, and dancing. At Aventura, adults 21+ can enjoy a rooftop bash with Korean- and Latin-inspired food stations, specialty cocktails, and panoramic views of Orlando. Guests can also indulge in special New Year’s Eve buffets at The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel, the refreshed Islands Dining Room at Royal Pacific Resort, and Amatista Cookhouse at Sapphire Falls Resort. Plus, seasonal menu items will be served at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Endless Summer Resort, Stella Nova Resort, Terra Luna Resort, and more.
Smiles included,
Abby
