Wyndham I-DriveBlog

New Year’s Eve transforms Orlando into a citywide celebration. Theme parks extend their hours, restaurants prepare festive menus, and International Drive fills with countdown events that carry the city into the new year. Staying at Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort places you right in the center of it all, with easy access to fireworks, family-friendly fun, lively nightlife, and memorable ways to welcome 2026. 

Whether you are traveling with family, planning a couple’s getaway, or celebrating with friends, Orlando offers plenty of ways to welcome the new year. 

Theme Park Celebrations 

Orlando’s world-famous theme parks ring in the new year with extended hours, special entertainment, and dazzling fireworks displays. Guests can enjoy daytime fun that builds into unforgettable nighttime celebrations.

• Universal Orlando Resort: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure stay open until 1:00 a.m. Guests can experience extended ride times, themed entertainment, and lively park-wide celebrations.
• Universal CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Located at the entrance to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal CityWalk delivers a lively New Year’s Eve atmosphere with live bands, DJs, and entertainment spread across its restaurants and venues. With multiple spots hosting their own countdowns, CityWalk offers a built-in party scene without requiring a theme park ticket. 
• Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios remain open late on New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy special entertainment, festive surprises, and nighttime spectaculars that close out the year with Disney magic.
• SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld extends park hours for New Year’s Eve and caps the night with a spectacular midnight fireworks show. During the day, guests can enjoy seasonal shows, themed food and drinks, and winter-inspired entertainment. Special experiences such as reserved seating and upgraded viewing options offer an elevated way to celebrate. 

International Drive Evening Celebrations and Nightlife 

International Drive becomes one of Orlando’s most exciting places to be on New Year’s Eve. From early evening family-friendly events to late-night parties, the district offers countless ways to celebrate.

• Kings Dining and Entertainment: Kings hosts two New Year’s Eve celebrations designed for different age groups. Families can kick off the day with the Noon Year’s Eve Party, featuring a kid-friendly buffet, cookie decorating, a balloon drop, photo opportunities, and a sparkling cider toast. Later in the evening, adults can return for the late-night celebration with open gaming, passed appetizers, a full buffet, and a champagne toast at midnight.
• JoJo’s ShakeBAR Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party: JoJo’s ShakeBAR offers a kids’ New Year’s Eve party on December 31 at 11:00 a.m., complete with festive treats and a fun countdown designed especially for younger guests.
• ICON Park New Year’s Eve Festivities: ICON Park offers flexible New Year’s Eve experiences that work well for both early evening and late-night plans. Ride The Orlando Eye for panoramic views of fireworks across the city, and explore restaurants and attractions offering special menus, themed drinks, and countdown celebrations throughout the evening.
• Mango’s Tropical Café Dinner and Entertainment Show: Mango’s Tropical Café delivers a lively dinner experience with high-energy performances, Latin-inspired cuisine, specialty cocktails, and a festive New Year’s Eve countdown that builds excitement as midnight approaches.
• Cuba Libre Orlando Dinner, Live Music, and Afterparty: Cuba Libre transitions seamlessly from dinner into late-night celebration with festive dining, live DJ entertainment, a midnight champagne toast, and energetic dancing in a vibrant setting.
• NYE Live at Pointe Orlando: This large-scale, multi-venue block party features DJs, party favors, elevated food stations, and VIP upgrades with all-inclusive drinks. The celebration culminates with a lively midnight ball drop and a packed dance floor atmosphere.
• ICEBAR Orlando Ice Masquerade New Year’s Eve Party: ICEBAR Orlando offers a one-of-a-kind late-night experience surrounded by hand-carved ice. Guests receive thermal coats and enjoy DJ sets, a Fire Lounge dance floor, a champagne bar, and a midnight buffet to ring in the new year.
• Local Bars and Lounges Along International Drive: For a more casual end to the evening, popular spots such as Tin Roof Orlando, Ole Red Orlando, The Hampton Social, and Yard House host themed parties, DJ entertainment, and midnight celebrations that let guests celebrate on their own schedule. 

Extend the Celebration Beyond New Year’s Eve 

Many holiday attractions are available through early January, making it easy to extend your stay and continue enjoying Orlando’s festive atmosphere. With lighter crowds and mild winter weather, the days following New Year’s Eve are perfect for relaxed exploration near International Drive. 

Seasonal Experiences Near Wyndham I Drive Avanti Resort 

• SEA LIFE Aquarium Deck the Seas features holiday-themed underwater displays and interactive exhibits that remain on view after the main celebrations.
• ICON Park seasonal décor and photo opportunities include twinkling lights, illuminated walkways, and festive spots for daytime or evening strolls.
• Museum of Illusions' seasonal exhibits offer interactive displays and playful photo opportunities for guests of all ages. 

Day Trips for Continued Holiday Cheer 

• Leu Gardens Holiday Lights in the Garden offers a peaceful walk through beautifully illuminated botanical displays.
• Winter Park invites visitors to explore charming boutiques, scenic Park Avenue, and seasonal dining in a relaxed setting.
• Downtown Orlando features lakeside parks, casual cafes, and daytime activities that provide a calm and refreshing start to the new year.
• LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Families with younger children can enjoy LEGOLAND Florida’s early New Year’s Eve celebration, which includes a DJ dance party, festive entertainment, and an early fireworks display.