Orlando is one of the best cities to celebrate the biggest party night of the year. With so many things to do for New Year's Eve in Orlando it can be hard to decide where to go for the big night. One exciting venue full of energy and celebration is Universal Orlando CityWalk.
Although the big ticketed event with multiple DJs and fireworks is not offered this year, New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk is still very exciting. Here's a taste of what to expect and some additional New Year's Eve at CityWalk date night ideas.
New Year's Eve at UNIVERSAL CITYWALK
Universal CityWalk will also host a special countdown to midnight that will culminate with tons of confetti to ring in the new year. Guests will also encounter additional festive entertainment – including music by a live band and DJ – as they make their way around the electrifying entertainment complex.
Plus, Bigfire – one of Universal CityWalk’s original concept restaurants – will feature a special menu from midnight to 1:30 a.m. to commemorate the new year (reservations are encouraged and can be made online or by calling 407-224-3663). There are multiple places to grab a celebratory drink including one of the most unique bars in Orlando found inside Universal’s Great Movie Escape.
Universal’s Great Movie Escape
If you’re looking for a true movie adventure, consider Universal’s Great Movie Escape, it's one of our favorite date ideas. This pair of escape rooms is themed around the Back to the Future and Jurassic World films. Tickets start at $40 per person for guests age 3 and older.
MORE: Best Universal Orlando Restaurants for Date Night
Ring in 2025 at Hard Rock Live!
December 31, 2024 8:30PM – January 1, 2025 12:30AM
Amplify your New Year's Eve with Orlando's award winning DJ Angel of Boom spinning tunes, complimentary party favors and the Times Square ball countdown at midnight complete with a balloon drop all included. All are ages are welcome. Concession snacks and cash bar will be available for purchase all evening long.
No ticket or reservation is required!
Universal CityWalk Restaurant Reservations
- Vivo Reservations
- Bigfire Reservations
- Cowfish Reservations
- Toothsome Reservations
- Margaritaville Reservations
- Antojitos Reservations
Parking at Universal CityWalk
Parking at CityWalk can be pricey at $30 per vehicle for standard and $50 for prime.
Try to get there early, parking can take a long time, especially on busy holidays like New Year's Eve.
Know Before You Go
- You can sneak up walk-ins, especially in the bar areas, however, the wait times can be lengthy at park close and peak times
- Make sure to double-check all the hours for the locations you want to visit
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HOTELS
Those looking to take their celebration to the next level can enjoy festive experiences at one of Universal Orlando's hotels, including a New Year's Eve rooftop party at Universal’s Aventura Hotel and the Party on the Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – each featuring delicious food and drinks, a DJ, a countdown to midnight and more.
Plus, Hard Rock Hotel will host ROCK-in 2025 – featuring balloon artists, roaming magicians, a DJ, a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort will host a celebration in Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar with live jazz, a balloon artist, stilt walker and photo booth; and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will throw a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live entertainment, food and drinks in Strong Water Tavern. Guests can also enjoy special meals and buffets throughout all the hotels.
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar's New Year's Eve Celebration
8pm – midnight
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
This event includes family-friendly entertainment that includes live jazz music, origami artist, stilt walker, Balinese dancers and 360 photo booth.
Cost: VIP Package is $700, includes couch seating for up to eight people total in your party, one bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, Edamame appetizer, One Classic Roll Platter, Assorted desserts tray of chef's selection, and New Year’s Eve party favors.
ROCK-IN 2025! New Year's Eve Lobby Party
6pm – 1am
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
Enjoy specially prepared desserts and entertainment that includes a DJ, roaming magicians, balloon artist, countdown live from Times Square via satellite, and midnight balloon drop with champagne toast. ROCK-IN 2025! New Year's Eve Lobby Party is a family-friendly celebration for guests of all ages. Complimentary self-parking included
Cost: $100 per person
Universal's Aventura Hotel New Year's Eve Celebration
8pm – 1am
Bar 17 Bistro at Universal's Aventura Hotel
Celebrate at Bar 17 Bistro's rooftop celebration and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the night skyline and area fireworks as you count down to 2025. Includes specialty food, beer, wine and featured specialty cocktails until 11pm (cash bar from 11pm – 1am), along with a DJ, party favors and midnight prosecco toast.
Cost: $175 – $1,400
Strong Water Tavern New Year's Eve Celebration
10pm – 2am
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
This adults (ages 21+) only New Year's Eve party will feature live entertainment and music and dancing. Plus, enjoy assorted favorites from Strong Water Tavern's menu throughout the evening, as well an open bar from 10pm – midnight featuring select beers, liquors and wines (cash bar from midnight – 2am). Watch the New Year's Eve ball drop live from New York City's Times Square on the tavern's giant video wall while you raise a glass to welcome in the new year with midnight champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop.
Cost: $165 per person
New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza
8:30pm – midnight
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Ring in the new year on the Italian-inspired Harbor Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Enjoy gourmet foods (served until 11pm), desserts, beer and wine, live DJ and dancing. The countdown to midnight will include a live performance by Portofino's opera singers and a sparkling wine toast.
Cost: $185 including complimentary self-parking (valet $10)
Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk.!