Ringing in the New Year at Central Florida's theme parks: Here's how

ORLANDO, Fla. - New Year's Eve events at theme parks, especially in the Central Florida area, are popular and can attract large crowds.

However, with the right information, the elaborate and captivating festivities are well-worth navigating the masses.

In addition, the celebrations are generally included with park admission.

Here's a look at the events local theme parks are hosting to help ring in the New Year.

Walt Disney World

With more than 58 million annual tourist visits, Walt Disney World averages about 159,000 visitors per day across all its parks.

This year's New Year's Eve celebrations will include fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, as well as a special dining experience at California Grill.

Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. to midnight on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31.

The park's traditional "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks display is scheduled twice each evening, at 6:30 and 11:50 p.m.

EPCOT will have its longest hours of the year and be open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 31.

The new nighttime show, "Luminous The Symphony of Us," will begin at 6:30 p.m., while a New Year's countdown fireworks show, "Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration," will light up the sky starting at 11:54 p.m.

This year, Hollywood Studios will add its own dedicated New Year's Eve fireworks show, which will begin at 11:57 p.m. Dec. 31. Disney representatives say the show will feature a mix of low-level pyrotechnics launched from the rooftops of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and larger fireworks from the designated launch site across World Drive.

Animal Kingdom also will not showcase a dedicated celebration, and the park will close earlier than the other parks on Dec. 31, with hours ranging from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Theme park guests can attend the New Year's Eve festivities free of charge with their regular Disney admission tickets.

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Universal Orlando Resort

Although Universal Orlando doesn't yield quite as many visitors as Disney, the theme park still typically receives more than 21 million visitors annually.

Universal leaders are planning a midnight countdown with fireworks at both theme parks, as well as at CityWalk.

In addition, there will be live entertainment featuring music and characters at Universal Islands of Adventure, access to select venues after midnight and special menus offered at Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

The Universal Orlando New Year's Eve Celebration events are included with park admission tickets.

Universal Orlando Resort (Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort)

SeaWorld Orlando

Over at SeaWorld Orlando, leaders say the park's celebration will blend the magic of Christmas with the excitement of New Year’s Eve.

Guests can enjoy a full evening of holiday cheer, dining, animal encounters, rides and shows, with the night culminating in a fireworks display.

There also will be a special New Year's countdown led by Count Von Count in Sesame Street Land.

The fireworks celebration at the park is included with admission. However, reserved fireworks viewing experiences with a champagne toast are offered for an additional cost.

The entrance to SeaWorld Orlando, Friday, March 13, 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

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Legoland Florida

Locals also can head over to Legoland Florida for a unique New Year's Eve celebration running Dec. 26-31.

Kids are invited to end the year with a bricktastic bang as "midnight" comes early for families who can celebrate the New Year together with fireworks and entertainment, all without missing their bedtimes.

The Kids' New Year's Eve celebration is included in day tickets, hotel packages and select annual passes.

Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida, on May 28, 2019. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

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Gatorland Orlando

Although Gatorland Orlando does not have any special New Year’s Eve events planned, the park still will be open during regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

FunSpot Orlando

Fun Spot Orlando plans to host a New Year’s Eve fireworks show at midnight at both its Orlando and Kissimmee locations.

Fun Spot America (Photo by Visit Orlando)

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center currently does not have any New Year’s-related activities that it's shared.

However, the center is continuing to host its Holidays in Space celebration through Dec. 30.

People visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as Hurricane Dorian approaches Aug. 30, 2019, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It's been predicted that Dorian could be a Category 4 storm when it makes landfall somewhere along the Florida coast. (Pho

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