Walt Disney World's New Year's Eve Lineup - LaughingPlace.com: Disney World, Disneyland and More

Walt Disney World's New Year's Eve Lineup

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New Year’s Eve '99 Marked With Gala Countdown Parties, Theme Park Fun at Walt Disney World Resort

On Dec. 31, 1999 the Vacation Kingdom turns the page on a new era with spectacular entertainment, waterfront parties, fireworks scraping the heavens and enough Disney magic worthy of a new era. Gala celebrations are even planned aboard -- and above -- Disney Magic and the new Disney Wonder of Disney Cruise Line.

All four Disney theme parks and other venues will usher in 2000 with special events, from classic themes at the Magic Kingdom to party through the decades at Disney-MGM Studios.

Come Early, Stay Late
Guests are encouraged to get to the theme parks early on Dec. 31. The parks are open to Disney resort guests and non-resort guests alike. There will be no increase in theme park ticket prices for New Year's Eve 1999. Holders of Disney annual park passes are guaranteed admission to one of the four theme parks.

For this special celebration, hours will be extended until 2 a.m. at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios and until midnight at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Theme Parks

  • At the Magic Kingdom, an alcohol-free celebration for and about families features two performances of the "Main Street Electrical Parade" and DJs in all the major "lands." Families with little ones not able to last until midnight can enjoy "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks bursting above Cinderella Castle at 8:30 p.m. At midnight, an all-new edition of "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks heralds the new era.
  • At Epcot, of course, the millennium spirit prevails every day and every night right through Jan. 1, 2001. New Year's Eve guests can enjoy such wonderments as "Tapestry of Nations," a moving spectacle ringing World Showcase Lagoon and, just before midnight, a dazzling, enhanced edition of "IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth," the new nighttime spectacular. There's also the cultural celebration of Millennium Village, the all-new Innoventions and Leave a Legacy, enabling guests to mark the milestone with their own image preserved on granite monoliths (separate purchase required).
  • "Party Through the Decades" offers something for everyone at Disney-MGM Studios. At parties around the park, guests can swing to the '40s sound, rock 'n' roll to '50s and '60s platters, disco to a '70s beat or cozy up to show stages for live entertainment including Cheap Trick, Youngstown and Orlando-based L.F.O.
  • To haunting African rhythms, the new century roars in at Disney's Animal Kingdom with DJ parties and other surprises.

Around the "World"
Theme parks aren't the only places where Walt Disney World Resort guests will party down. With over-the-top entertainment, gala dining and special surprises, the Big Night is an even bigger Disney celebration thanks to three very special countdown parties (separate admission required):

  • It's a street party extraordinaire as Downtown Disney Pleasure Island rocks with live performances by Hootie & the Blowfish, The B-52s and STYX. Party favors and trinkets will be handed out, New Orleans-style, and tables will overflow with a bountiful buffet of more than 70 items including baked salmon and shrimp. The year 2000 is welcomed in with a confetti storm, champagne toast and a special performance of "P.I. 2000" fireworks that will boom into the new year. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $250 per person, plus tax; open to guests ages 21 and older.
  • For a world-class night what could be more fitting than the world-class entertainment of Cirque du Soleil? A sold-out package, at $210 per person (plus tax), includes a 7:30 p.m. jazz party with buffet dinner and refreshments, followed by a special 9:30 p.m. performance of La Nouba at the Cirque du Soleil theater (Downtown Disney West Side) followed by a gala champagne-and-desserts party with the Cirque du Soleil performers and a perfect view across the water to Pleasure Island fireworks.
  • Atlantic Dance, a gleaming art deco showplace at Disney's BoardWalk in the heart of the Vacation Kingdom, will be the scene of a spectacular, sold-out 1940s-themed evening with big band music, a gourmet dinner, refreshments galore and midnight fireworks blasting off above Crescent Lake.

Meantime, Disney Cruise Line gets in the millennium spirit with a sold-out party at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island featured in 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises of Disney Magic and the new Disney Wonder.

New Year's Eve will co-star both ships in a rare joint appearance offshore from Castaway Cay. While onboard parties fill the decks, midnight fireworks will fill the skies above both ships in a spectacular display.

For More Information
For more information or to make reservations for the Downtown Disney Pleasure Island event, guests should call (407) 939-7713. For reservations or information about Disney Cruise Line sailings year-round, guests should contact their travel agent or call (800) WDW-CRUISE.

New Year's Eve accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort are sold out. Throughout the millennium celebration, guests can always check into availability by calling their travel agent or phoning (407) W-DISNEY. In addition, the Greater Orlando area boasts 99,000 guestrooms. Callers to (800) 551-0181 can order vacation information. Or to speak with a vacation planner, the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau operates a Visitor's Center at (407) 363-5872 open daily, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. EST.

Related Links

-- Posted December 30, 1999

Source: Company Press Release