12/31 Fireworks / Poly Question

[juiceair23]

Have a 5:50 reservation at Kona Café for new years. Plan to hopefully get there and get seated a bit early. If we finish close to 6:30, will we be able to see the fireworks, or is the beach so crowded that we would need to get there early to reserve a spot?

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I could be terribly mistaken but I thought at times they only allowed resort guests (meaning Polynesian guests) on beach to watch because it got too crowded. Maybe it is only Club level or I could be remembering wrong but I thought on certain holidays (like NYE and July 4) they limited.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

First off, I question if you'll be finished by 6:30pm. That's a relatively quick meal, if you're even seated on time - which is questionable any day, even more so on very busy days like 12/31.

As for fireworks viewing, the main Poly beach area (between the boat dock and the first bungalow) is reserved for Poly guests for both fireworks shows on 12/31. We stayed at Poly the last two years - in 2017 the signs for the reserved area specifically said "only Resort Guests and Guests with Dining Reservations." Last year, the signs said "Resort Guests Only." Even though I was there, I couldn't tell you if that meant it was only for resort guests, or if dining reservation guests could also access the area, from what I saw on the ground.

I didn't think the reserved area was particularly crowded for the 6:30pm 12/31 show last year. Things are more congested outside of the reserved area with non-resort guests.

Generally speaking, the early show is less crowded all around the resort than the late show.

 

[SharonZ]

I honestly don't think your meal will be finished by 6:30 p.m.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I agree, approaches zero chance of being done, paid and out in an hour.