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.
New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk is 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 hosts a special countdown to midnight, culminating in tons of confetti to ring in the new year. Guests will also encounter additional festive cocktails and entertainment – including stilt walkers and music by a live band and DJ – as they make their way around the electrifying entertainment complex, including the Waterfront Stage and the Green and Red Coconut Club.
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 aged 3 and older.
MORE: Best Universal Orlando Restaurants for Date Night
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 $35 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. Plus, you can save $3 on regular self-parking if you purchase parking before your visit.
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.
Guests can savor seasonal menu items at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Endless Summer Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort and more, ensuring everyone has a way to celebrate.
Plus, Hard Rock Hotel will host ROCK-IN 2026 – 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.
Plus, you can be among the first to celebrate the new year at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel with the New Year's Eve Party at the Palace. The hotel opened this year, with delectable dining and spectacular panoramic views of the new Epic Universe and all of its magic.
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar's New Year's Eve Celebration
8pm – 12:30am
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
This event includes family-friendly entertainment that includes live jazz music, an origami artist, a stilt walker, Balinese dancers, and a 360 photo booth.
Cost: VIP Package is $967.93, 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.
New Year's Eve Buffet at Islands Dining Room
5pm – 10pm
Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
Come join us for a festive holiday celebration that includes a menu of traditional New Year's Eve favorites, plus family-friendly entertainment that includes a balloon artist, ukulele player and hula dancer.
Cost: $80 per adult, $40 per child ages 3-9, FREE for children under 3
ROCK-IN 2026! 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, a live countdown from Times Square via satellite, and midnight balloon drop with champagne toast. ROCK-IN 2026! New Year's Eve Lobby Party is a family-friendly celebration for guests of all ages. Complimentary self-parking included.
Cost: $115.61 per adult and child ages 10-17, $58.79 per child ages 3-9, FREE for children under 3
New Year's Eve Buffet + Lobby Party at The Kitchen
5pm – 11pm
The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
The award-winning culinary team is planning and preparing for a festive holiday celebration that includes a menu of traditional New Year's Eve favorites, family-friendly entertainment and more. Ticket includes buffet and access to Hard Rock Hotel's ROCK-IN 2026! New Year's Eve Lobby Party.
Cost: $175 per adult, $80 per child ages 3-9, FREE for children under 3
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 2026. Includes Korean- and Latin-inspired food stations, beer, wine and featured specialty cocktails until 10pm (cash bar from 10pm – 1am), along with a DJ, party favors and midnight prosecco toast. Ages 21+ only.
Cost: $286.07 – $2,843.04
New Year's Eve Buffet at Amatista Cookhouse
5pm – 10pm
Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Join for a festive holiday celebration featuring a menu of traditional New Year's Eve favorites, plus family-friendly entertainment that includes a Caribbean soloist, face painter, and balloon artist.
Cost: $100 per adult, $50 per child ages 3-9, FREE for children under 3
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: $190.04 per person, $911.11 for VIP reserved table for four with six specialty cocktails, two bottles of champagne, and two additional menu items
New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza
8:30pm – 12:30am
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 family-friendly countdown to midnight will include a live performance by Portofino's opera singers and a sparkling wine toast.
Cost: $212.21 per adult, including complimentary self-parking (valet $10), $155.38 per child ages 10-17, $53.11 per child ages 3-9, FREE for children under 3
NEW: New Year's Eve Party at the Palace
9pm – 1am
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Be among the first to ring in the new year at Universal Helios Grand Hotel! Enjoy a welcome cocktail, food and chef-attended stations, music, and a champagne toast at midnight. Signature craft cocktails, beer and wine will also be available for purchase. Choose one of four views at Bar Helios, the rooftop lounge on the 10th floor of the hotel. There are two interior-view options (interior bar or premier interior table) and two exterior-view options (park view or fireworks). No matter where you are, you'll be surrounded by the atmosphere of Bar Helios and the panoramic views of Epic Universe lit up at night. Ages 21+ only. Formal cocktail attire encouraged.
Cost: $303.12 – $411.08
UNIVERSAL THEME PARKS
New Year's Eve festivities continue throughout the Universal theme parks, featuring DJ sets, midnight countdowns, and special character appearances! Enjoy extended park hours on December 31, with Universal Studios Florida staying open from 8am – 1am, Universal Islands of Adventure open from 10am – 12am, and Universal Epic Universe open from 10am – 12am.
Universal Studios Florida
The festivities will kick off at Universal Studios Florida at 6:15pm with a live DJ set at the Music Plaza Stage, roaming stilt walkers, and floats from this year’s Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s stationed for photo opportunities throughout the park. Plus, there will be a showing of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at 10pm. As it gets closer to the new year, join a countdown celebration near the Music Plaza Stage as the clock strikes midnight.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Also kicking off its celebration at 6:15pm, Universal Islands of Adventure will feature a live DJ set in the Port of Entry, followed by more music, entertainment, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters throughout the park. To ring in the New Year, cap off the evening with a midnight countdown celebration, with dedicated viewing areas in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and Toon Lagoon.
Universal Epic Universe
Celebrate New Year’s Eve for the first time ever at Universal Epic Universe, the newest theme park. In addition to extended park hours, guests can enjoy live music and entertainment from a DJ at the Hemisphere Stage in Celestial Park, and a midnight countdown celebration featuring a special fountain show that will span the expansive waterways of Celestial Park.
Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk!
