ADR date approaching for NYE

[FSU Girl]

I've been trying to figure out restaurants for NYE for a while, but now that the ADR date is almost here I need to actual make a decision. Would love some opinions on what I've come up with.

• 12/30 - dinner at Artist Point. We will be arriving around noon and I want to go into Magic Kingdom and see the earlier firework show. I was thinking we watch from the front of Magic Kingdom and then catch the boat to Wilderness Lodge. If I make the reservation for 7:30pm will that be enough time?
  • Backup option is dinner at BOG, would make an earlier reservation so we could watch the fireworks after. I'm thinking it will be hard to get this so that's why it would be a backup. (Also still waiting to see the new menu if I'd like it or not)
  • Should I try and get a dessert party for this night?
  • If we can leave earlier should I make a lunch reservation at Liberty Table (is that the name?) We are staying at the Contemporary and I'm not sure how long it will take with traffic to get into our hotel.
• 12/31 - Lunch at Kona Cafe. Walk to TTC and then go to Epcot to watch their early fireworks. Dinner at Les Chefs at 7pm.
  • One concern is how my Fiance will do with the crowds. He gets stressed with crowds, but told me he wants to do this because I really want to go. I figure going into Magic Kingdom the day before will give a good idea how he'll handle the crowds. If it's a disaster I can cancel this reservation the night before right, it doesn't have to be 24 hours before?
  • Is Les Chefs a good choice to eat at? We don't want to eat at one of the up-charge restaurants that night. My Fiance mentioned Le Cellier, but the tables are close and I think he won't want to be on top of people at dinner too.
• 1/1 - Undecided on this day. I was thinking we'd go to Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. I'm thinking we will sleep in a bit and then either have breakfast at Tuskerhouse or lunch at Sci-Fi. Which park do you think will have the least crowds?

Are these good options? Or should I try something different? It'll be the first time for both of us going over NYE.

 

[OneinThree]

If I were going to be there for New Years, I'd definitely want to be at California Grill!

 

[FSU Girl]

If I were going to be there for New Years, I'd definitely want to be at California Grill!

I'd love to except for their crazy price tag for NYE

 

[OneinThree]

I'd love to except for their crazy price tag for NYE

They're running some sort of special event?

 

[FSU Girl]

They're running some sort of special event?

They usually do, I haven't looked into this years though so not 100% positive. I think last year was like $650 a person, no discount for children either.

 

[NYCgrrl]

They usually do, I haven't looked into this years though so not 100% positive. I think last year was like $650 a person, no discount for children either.

Whoa! That’s even more than M. Paul was charging last NYE.

 

[winnieofpooh]

Is Les Chefs a good choice to eat at? We don't want to eat at one of the up-charge restaurants that night. My Fiance mentioned Le Cellier, but the tables are close and I think he won't want to be on top of people at dinner too.

My fiance and I looooveee Chefs de France! We always get the steak and potatoes, and it's always phenomenal. Can't comment on the rest of the menu, but I love the ambiance. We always get seated in the back room against the window which overlooks some garden space. Really intimate for us, I never thought the tables were too close to each other so may be a better option for you?

 

[FSU Girl]

My fiance and I looooveee Chefs de France! We always get the steak and potatoes, and it's always phenomenal. Can't comment on the rest of the menu, but I love the ambiance. We always get seated in the back room against the window which overlooks some garden space. Really intimate for us, I never thought the tables were too close to each other so may be a better option for you?

That sounds really nice. I like how it has windows that look out so you can people watch. Ya the Le Cellier tables feel on top of each other and I just feel that its going to be wall to wall people outside we are going to want somewhere to escape that for a bit. Glad you recommend

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I've been trying to figure out restaurants for NYE for a while, but now that the ADR date is almost here I need to actual make a decision. Would love some opinions on what I've come up with.

• 12/30 - dinner at Artist Point. We will be arriving around noon and I want to go into Magic Kingdom and see the earlier firework show. I was thinking we watch from the front of Magic Kingdom and then catch the boat to Wilderness Lodge. If I make the reservation for 7:30pm will that be enough time?
  • Backup option is dinner at BOG, would make an earlier reservation so we could watch the fireworks after. I'm thinking it will be hard to get this so that's why it would be a backup. (Also still waiting to see the new menu if I'd like it or not)
  • Should I try and get a dessert party for this night?
  • If we can leave earlier should I make a lunch reservation at Liberty Table (is that the name?) We are staying at the Contemporary and I'm not sure how long it will take with traffic to get into our hotel.
• 12/31 - Lunch at Kona Cafe. Walk to TTC and then go to Epcot to watch their early fireworks. Dinner at Les Chefs at 7pm.
  • One concern is how my Fiance will do with the crowds. He gets stressed with crowds, but told me he wants to do this because I really want to go. I figure going into Magic Kingdom the day before will give a good idea how he'll handle the crowds. If it's a disaster I can cancel this reservation the night before right, it doesn't have to be 24 hours before?
  • Is Les Chefs a good choice to eat at? We don't want to eat at one of the up-charge restaurants that night. My Fiance mentioned Le Cellier, but the tables are close and I think he won't want to be on top of people at dinner too.
• 1/1 - Undecided on this day. I was thinking we'd go to Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. I'm thinking we will sleep in a bit and then either have breakfast at Tuskerhouse or lunch at Sci-Fi. Which park do you think will have the least crowds?

Are these good options? Or should I try something different? It'll be the first time for both of us going over NYE.

12/30 - If you are unsure about traffic and arrival time, I would skip the Liberty Tree ADR. If you plan to see the fireworks, I would splurge on the dessert party that night. It's going to be packed. The dessert party will at least ensure you a spot where you won't have to battle crowds. We love Artist Point. Just know, ADR's are not loaded for November/December as of yet (I've been waiting for a Nov. 18 ADR for weeks now). If you don't initially get it, definitely keep checking back, but you may want to think of a back-up in case they aren't released.

12/31 - Yes, you can cancel an ADR the night before (it doesn't have to be exactly 24 hours). I'm not a huge fan of Chefs, but in terms of location, with the crowds, I think it's a good choice. You won't have to walk into the center of WS and if it gets to be too much for your fiancé, you could make a beeline for the IG and catch a uber/lyft/Minnie Van back to CR. Another suggestion is Spice Road Table - the food and atmosphere is very good and you can sit outside to do your people watching and see the lagoon.

1/1 - just a guess, but with the opening of Toy Story Land, I would assume AK might have lower crowds. That's where I would go on New Year's Day, but I do prefer AK over DHS!

 

[FSU Girl]

12/30 - If you are unsure about traffic and arrival time, I would skip the Liberty Tree ADR. If you plan to see the fireworks, I would splurge on the dessert party that night. It's going to be packed. The dessert party will at least ensure you a spot where you won't have to battle crowds. We love Artist Point. Just know, ADR's are not loaded for November/December as of yet (I've been waiting for a Nov. 18 ADR for weeks now). If you don't initially get it, definitely keep checking back, but you may want to think of a back-up in case they aren't released.

I did notice it wasn't available for November, I tried to get it for my wedding week and it wasn't available any day. Hopefully it'll be open by NYE. I think the late night dessert party would work out great, we could go to dinner and relax a bit from the crowds then go back for the fireworks.

12/31 - Yes, you can cancel an ADR the night before (it doesn't have to be exactly 24 hours). I'm not a huge fan of Chefs, but in terms of location, with the crowds, I think it's a good choice. You won't have to walk into the center of WS and if it gets to be too much for your fiancé, you could make a beeline for the IG and catch a uber/lyft/Minnie Van back to CR. Another suggestion is Spice Road Table - the food and atmosphere is very good and you can sit outside to do your people watching and see the lagoon.

That's good to know for cancelling. I know my Fiance says he'll handle it all, but I feel like once he actually is experiencing it I'll have a better idea of what he really can handle. That is a good point of the location of the restaurant being near the Epcot hotels. If anything we could go out there for a bit to relax away from everything then go back in for the fireworks. We'll probably keep the dinner reservation since I'm guessing it'll be near impossible to pick something up last minute. I've never been to the Spice Road Table before, but the menu looks good so that could be a possibility.

1/1 - just a guess, but with the opening of Toy Story Land, I would assume AK might have lower crowds. That's where I would go on New Year's Day, but I do prefer AK over DHS!

That is a good point about Toy Story Land. I'm trying to decide if we should try and wake up early to take advantage of everyone sleeping in, but I feel like I'll be one of those sleeping in lol.

Thank you for your suggestions these are great!

 

[nevergrowup826]

This is my first time going for NYE too, for the NYE vets: is it better to have a waterfront ADR for the late fireworks or just eat earlier and get a spot along the water (I don’t need to be front row, just tying to be relaxed). We are thinking spice road table for the cuisine and the lack of a forced expensive fixed meal.

If i do a fireworks adr, what time should I book it? 10/1030? And what time should I arrive to wait for outside/good view of the show?

Thanks!

 

[soniam]

When we went, New Years Day was actually the least crowded day of our entire trip, including January 2. I think people sleep in and skip the parks.

Whoa! That’s even more than M. Paul was charging last NYE.

That price is what we paid for the Food & Wine 2017 specialty dinner at Victoria & Albert, that included truffles, wine pairing, kobe beef, and maybe caviar, basically all of the upgrades for their normal meal. I don't know if Cali Grill is worth that.

 

[Keels]

I did Teppan Edo last NYE, but usually do Chef's de France ... I'm actually planning on a 10:15 p.m.-ish reservation at CdF myself for NYE again this year.

I know you wanted to watch the fireworks and are worried about crowds and your fiance - have you thought about getting a pontoon for the second fireworks? I'm sure you'd be able to find people to split it with to cut the cost of it no problem! I know the early Illuminations pontoons are the same price as always, but I think there's an increase for the midnight fireworks.

Just a thought!

 

[FSU Girl]

I did Teppan Edo last NYE, but usually do Chef's de France ... I'm actually planning on a 10:15 p.m.-ish reservation at CdF myself for NYE again this year.

I know you wanted to watch the fireworks and are worried about crowds and your fiance - have you thought about getting a pontoon for the second fireworks? I'm sure you'd be able to find people to split it with to cut the cost of it no problem! I know the early Illuminations pontoons are the same price as always, but I think there's an increase for the midnight fireworks.

Just a thought!

I have thought of doing the pontoon, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to get it. We are only staying three days and I feel like they book up quick? I would book a restaurant around 10 if I thought he'd be okay with staying the whole night, but I'm not sure and don't want him waiting so long for food. That's good to hear you like going with Chef's de France. If anything we'll go back to our hotel after dinner and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from our balcony.

Are the quick services in the hotels crazy busy too? I was thinking of booking a lunch for our arrival day, but with traffic I don't want to feel rushed. I feel like grabbing some food at our hotel before going to Magic Kingdom might be the best bet.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

We do Yachtsman. We love the elegant feel and it's in our hotel, so we don't have to go far. If we do the parks, we can easily jump back to our room and change into something more comfortable, although we've opted for dinner followed by watching the fireworks from the YC boat landing the past couple of years.

 

[FSU Girl]

We do Yachtsman. We love the elegant feel and it's in our hotel, so we don't have to go far. If we do the parks, we can easily jump back to our room and change into something more comfortable, although we've opted for dinner followed by watching the fireworks from the YC boat landing the past couple of years.

We love the Yachtsman, that could be a possibility. But if we eat there will we be able to go back into Epcot close to the firework time? I'm worried about the parks reaching capacity.

 

[robinb]

12/30 -- No to the Dessert Party. I'd rather there be enough places for my family . Just kidding. Do it, especially if your fiance hates crowds. It will give him his own space. We ate at The Wave last 12/30/17 and then walked over to the MK. It was easy. BUT, we went for the midnight show on 12/30 which is the same as the NYE countdown show on 12/31. It's really a great fireworks show. REALLY great. The 6:30 early fireworks are just the regular Happily Every After. I also liked BOG for 12/20 LUNCH. I can't remember if it will still be a CS but if it is, pre-order and go right to your table. The line to order is horrible.

12/31 -- Epcot is a zoo on NYE. Z-Double-O-Zoo. The World Showcase is the worst. There are dance parties at many of the counties and the walkways are clogged with revelers. Be prepared for wall-to-wall, shoulder-to-shoulder people. We ate at Coral Reef last year and it was pretty quiet in that area of the park. IF you book in France, try to head over to the backstage bypass near The Land which will bring you to the old Millennium Village (now called the World Showplace) between Canada and the UK. You'll just have to push past Rose and Crown and then hop over the bridge to France. Make note of the bathrooms near the World Showplace as they are the BEST. The early fireworks are at 6:30 and they are the regular Holiday IlluniNations. Again, the midnight fireworks are really worth waiting for.

1/1 -- Either AK or DHS should be about the same. I think AK handles crowds a little better than DHS.

 

[robinb]

This is my first time going for NYE too, for the NYE vets: is it better to have a waterfront ADR for the late fireworks or just eat earlier and get a spot along the water (I don’t need to be front row, just tying to be relaxed). We are thinking spice road table for the cuisine and the lack of a forced expensive fixed meal.

If i do a fireworks adr, what time should I book it? 10/1030? And what time should I arrive to wait for outside/good view of the show?

Thanks!

There are no guaranteed waterfront ADRs. You may get a good waterfront table or you may get stuck inside. Some people start staking out their spots while it's still daylight! We usually start looking for a spot until around 11:00 but we always end up about 6-8 people back.

 

[FSU Girl]

12/30 -- No to the Dessert Party. I'd rather there be enough places for my family . Just kidding. Do it, especially if your fiance hates crowds. It will give him his own space.

LOL. I think I'll definitely go for the midnight one, we've seen the normal fireworks so the NYE ones are the one's we are trying to see.

I also liked BOG for 12/20 LUNCH. I can't remember if it will still be a CS but if it is, pre-order and go right to your table. The line to order is horrible.

I was thinking of doing a lunch in the park, but we are driving up so I'm concerned how traffic will be. Ideally we will leave around 8am. It takes us 3 hours normally to get there, but I'm expecting at least an additional hour of travel time. I don't want him stressing that he has to make an ADR.

12/31 -- Epcot is a zoo on NYE. Z-Double-O-Zoo. The World Showcase is the worst. There are dance parties at many of the counties and the walkways are clogged with revelers. Be prepared for wall-to-wall, shoulder-to-shoulder people. We ate at Coral Reef last year and it was pretty quiet in that area of the park. IF you book in France, try to head over to the backstage bypass near The Land which will bring you to the old Millennium Village (now called the World Showplace) between Canada and the UK. You'll just have to push past Rose and Crown and then hop over the bridge to France. Make note of the bathrooms near the World Showplace as they are the BEST. The early fireworks are at 6:30 and they are the regular Holiday IlluniNations. Again, the midnight fireworks are really worth waiting for.

That does sound terrifying lol. We are trying Coral Reef for the first time in November, so depending on if he enjoyed it we could possibly eat there again. If we did eat there and wanted to see the earlier fireworks what time would you recommend for the dinner time? Also the backstage area is that clearly marked where to go to get to France? Sounds like a definite shortcut we'd take. I really do want to stay for the fireworks, it will just depend on my Fiance (I don't want to torture him )

1/1 -- Either AK or DHS should be about the same. I think AK handles crowds a little better than DHS.

That's good to know and hopefully everyone will be sleeping until we leave

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

We love the Yachtsman, that could be a possibility. But if we eat there will we be able to go back into Epcot close to the firework time? I'm worried about the parks reaching capacity.

You don't have to worry about it hitting capacity - especially if you're staying on-site.