Universal theme parks are known for their high-energy atmosphere, but New Year’s Eve celebrations take it to extraordinary heights—so much so that one park is offering a spot to nap amid the chaos.
Theme parks famously celebrate New Year’s Eve with extended hours, special events, and dazzling midnight spectacles (and huge crowds, of course). Universal is no exception. At Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Florida is hosting this year’s celebrations, with a party at the Music Plaza from 6.15 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Meanwhile, Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m. From 9 p.m., the park transforms into EVE, an all-ages nighttime celebration included with admission that covers three party zones with dancing, DJs, photo opportunities, and live entertainment.
Universal Studios Japan’s NO LIMIT! Countdown 2025
For those spending New Year’s Eve at Universal Studios Japan, there’s even more to enjoy with its highly anticipated NO LIMIT! Countdown 2025 event.
This immersive celebration offers a unique stage show blending highlights from the park’s top performances of the year, including Kuromi Live, One Piece Premier Show 2024, and NO LIMIT! Summer Dance Night with HYBE JAPAN. As midnight approaches, fireworks will illuminate Gramercy Park in a spectacular display.
The real highlight of the event, however, is the park’s unprecedented operational calendar. From 7 p.m. on December 31 to 9 p.m. on January 1, guests can enjoy a whopping 26 hours of operation, including an extended run on popular attractions such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and the newly launched Mine Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country.
However, access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD (which is typically one of the most crowded areas of the park) requires a separate timed entry pass, with the area also briefly closing for maintenance during the marathon hours.
Introducing Nap Spaces at Universal Studios Japan
To accommodate weary guests tackling the extended hours, Universal Studios Japan has introduced a temporary relaxation area at Stage 33.
This heated space features approximately 280 seats at round tables, providing a much-needed reprieve from the cold Osaka weather, which hovers around 42 degrees Fahrenheit this season.
#USJ Countdown Live Broadcast 18
★ Currently napping at stage 33.
This is the only official rest and nap area, there are chairs and it is warm.
There are about 280 seats at the usual round tables.Universal Studios Japan #USJファン #USJ_now
★ USJ’s Tsubo is releasing countdown photos and videos from time to time. Follow USJ’s Tsubo @USJ1
now.
#USJ カウンドダウン実況中継18
★現在、ステージ33で仮眠中。
ここは正式な唯一の休憩所・仮眠場所でイスもあり温かいです。
座席はいつもの円卓で約280。ユニバ #USJファン #USJ_now
★USJのツボでは、カウントダウンの写真と動画、随時公開中
今すぐ、ＵＳＪのツボ @USJ1 をフォロー pic.twitter.com/RpmFLcIh7E— ＵＳＪのツボ (@usj1) December 31, 2024
A rest area during a 26-hour event is a thoughtful addition, but it also raises a question: Should theme parks consider offering year-round relaxation zones? For those who’ve endured the long haul from park open to close, such a feature might be a welcome addition. (Or maybe that’s just our confession that we can’t hack a full park day anymore).
