New Years Eve Eve, and New Years Eve question?

[zumbergc]

Ok, This is the first time we have attempted going around New Years. Right now we come in on the 30th.
I couldn't believe we were able to get the dates we did on such short notice, and we are waitlisted for a couple, as we have a cash ressie for 2 nights.

We had to cancel for next week, so it was a last minute change.

My goal is to see some of the christmas stuff. In particular I want to be able to see the afternoon christmas parade at MK, and the fireworks at night.


Here the dilema, the plane doesn't land until 3pm on the 30th, we probably wouldn't get back to the resort until 6pm ( we have to stop for groceries).

So, any way possible to get into the MK on the 30th, after 6pm? Will it be filled to capacity? That way we can see the fireworks, and then stay late for the EMH hours?

Then the other hick-up, I want to be able to see the parade in the afternoon on the 31st (its the last day the x-mas parade runs -at least thats what the disney web site says). Since we will be up all night, we would sleep in, would be able to get in the park, or is it closed by noon - because of capacity.

We are thinking about adding another cash night on the 29th, so we can see the afternoon parade and see the fireworks?

THanks

[pnyltwk]

I don't mean to rain on your parade. We went to WDW last year the last week of December. We were at SSR from Dec. 27th until Jan. 2nd. The whole purpose of the trip was to see the lights and decorations. We had a 4 day ticket for the trip. After our first day at the parks we knew that we had made a mistake. The parks and DTD were all completely packed. We went to MK on Dec. 30th during the day and then again that same night. It was the second day on our tickets and we decided to add the no expiration option to the tickets to return at a different time. The crowds were way more than I wanted to deal with. Hopefully you have a better tolerence for capacity crowds that we did.
We wound up just visiting different resorts and looking at their decorations. AKL, Grand Floridian and Polynesian have really nice decorations.
The next time that we decide to see the lights and decorations it will be at the beginning of December before the crowds get there.
Most resorts have New Year's Eve parties for the guest because the parks are so full. At SSR it is at the main pool and alot of fun. Good Luck.

[bobbiwoz]

Last year we went to the last Candlelight Processional, and it was on the 30th. I don't think we stayed for Illuminations afterward, but after the CP we went to the MK. We wanted to see their fireworks. It wasn't any sort of a problem. We got to the MK by monorails, and I must say the fireworks were fantastic.

On NYE we were at Epcot, and it was very very crowded, and there were parties going on all around the World Showcase. The hardest thing was waiting in line for restrooms, but the main fireworks began around 20 to midnight, with brief displays around the WS countries. We watched from the bridge closest to the International Gateway. It was fabulous. After Epcot's were over, we just turned around and there were still quite a few from over DHS to be seen. Then we just walked back to the BWV. There was a DJ and party going on there.

We loved the experience so much that we intend to make it a tradition, going to WDW for the NYE. We already had plans for this year, so we can't continue until next year, but we definitely thought it was worth it, both nights, the 30 and 31.

Bobbi

PS. We're doing the 4th of July next year for the first time.

[drusba]

There are risks of park reaching capacity but most likely you will be able to get in in the evening at MK on Dec 30. Same issue Dec 31 but still likely (we entered MK on Dec 31 last year at 1).

[jeankeri]

Love hearing about the resort activities, especially BWV. I am taking the boys this year for their first real NYE celebration that does not include pj's and Dick Clark. Glad to hear there are activities closer to 'home' if Epcot becomes overwhelming for them.

[vicki_c]

We arrived around 4:30 at MK on 12/30 last year and there was no problem at all. Main Street was actually relatively dead when we arrived. In fact, we ate at Casey's around 4:45 and we were almost the only ones in the place!

Main Street was very very crowded later in the evening - probably by 8 PM or so, before Holiday Wishes and then for the rest of the night. But I'm guessing you will be able to get in around 6 PM - I don't think it actually closed on the 30th last year.

I don't know about MK on the 31st because we didn't attempt it.

[zumbergc]

wow thanks for the first hand reports.

Any more details about the parties at the resorts? We are at ssr.

Thanks

[CarolMN]

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