Rotorua Lakes Council art and culture co-ordinator Kathy Nicholls said they were hoping about 10,000 people would have been through the event by the end of the night.
She said the atmosphere was great with some "hardy people" setting up their gazebos at 10am.
"I think playing Moana has been a draw for families. Everyone is settling in and having fun."
Moana has started and the crowd is building at the Village Green. Come on down!
Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Saturday, 30 December 2017
She had also heard stories of people changing their New Year's plans and heading to the
Glo Festival because Elemeno P was performing.
Rotorua's Ian King said one of the reasons they had decided to go along was because his granddaughter, Keira King, 3, loved Moana.
"Mainly for the children, to bring them along for the entertainment."
He said it was a great event, especially being family-orientated and alcohol free, along with free entertainment for those who might not be able to afford it otherwise.
"It's good value for the community."
Karen Sholl, along with her husband Matthew and daughter Bella-Rose, 10, was also there.
"It's getting people out and there's lots of things on for everyone - movies, bands and the carnival. It's nice to have in Rotorua. It's a great family night out."
Bella-Rose said she like the movie Moana and had been looking forward to both the movie and the fireworks.
