Advice for New Year's Eve Game Plan

[courtneymarieclare]

Hey everyone,

We'll (myself and boyfriend) be at WDW from 12/28-01/03. I'd like some advice about New Year's Eve. We're planning on watching the fireworks at Epcot, so we're planning on getting to Epcot at rope drop and staying the whole day, as we don't want to have to worry about not getting in. I guess what I'm looking for are tips to staying as least tired as possible.

The latest dinner reservation we could get was 4:10 p.m. at Tokyo Dining. Should we also try to schedule an early sit down lunch as well? I'm thinking if we have two TS meals that day we will have a little more time to rest. What do you think?

Any tips for tackling New Year's Eve will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[courtneymarieclare]

Anyone? Thanks.

 

[marksmith]

we too are trying to finalize our new years eve plan and have just posted a few questions myself. We currently plan on getting to EPCOT at around 1-2(i dont think there will be a problem getting in at that time?) -hang out-early illuminations-tokyo dining 750 and back to resort(12 year old and us) to with any luck see a glimpse of the late Illuminations show and/or studios show at midnight from around our resort.

I think 2 meal breaks are a great idea, particularly if you are starting at rope drop through midnight(15-16 hours); try to get an adr for an early lunch/late breakfast, keep your early dinner adr(as this may be all that is available in advance at an restaurant) and check in later at some places for late (830-1000pm) availability, as there may be no shows, as alot of people book in advance and dont cancel when there plans change-however this will require even more luck on a super crowded night. we are doing the 2 meal sit down plan on 12/29 our long day at EPCOT good luck

 

[Broncobilly83]

When I posed that question, it was advised not to be in the park during the midnight times, since it would wall to wall people. Instead we are doing DTD, as everything that is being shown as a NY Eve special is also the night before in some parks, so we can do it then

 

[Luce]

My kids and I were at Epcot for NYE a few years it ago. It was packed, as soon as the first showing of Illuminations was over, people were staking out spots for the midnight show. They had cast members standing in the middle of the walkway all through out world showcase making sure people could walk in both directions. There was a line that snacked back and forth outside the Pyramid for the ride in Mexico. I couldnt believe it. It was more then packed. We didnt even go on any rides that day. But the fireworks were so worth it.

My advice, book to meals, walk around, maybe book a tour, we did the Behind the Seeds tour. And find a place for the fireworks early and sit there lol. take turns going to get snacks and drinks, talk with the neighbors. We brought glow necklaces and we gave them out, that was fun.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[spender]

We went to Epcot for NYE a couple of years ago. We were there at rope drop, and did stay all day until after the fireworks. We did see people during the late afternoon sleeping in the grass areas. The fireworks were by far the best we had ever seen.

We went knowing we were not going to ride much. We got there early and picked up fast passes. Rode on a couple of rides early on, and did a slow walk around the countries. Then we people watched.

We took a long lunch, and then had TS dinner reservations. We had a great time.

I suggest to find a place after the fireworks show to have a seat, and wait for the rush of people leaving.

 

[Dervis]

Last year, we used the morning to just lounge by the hotel pool. We had ADRs for San Angel at 9pm, so we went over after the first Illuminations. We were able to get right in with no problems. We took a slow walk over to Mexico, got in, ate our dinner, and then went out and got a spot for the fireworks. It was a great time!

This year, were still not sure if we want to go over in the afternoon, or if we want to do what we did last year. We have dinner ADRs for Rose and Crown this time, and Lunch ADRs for Tepan Edo, but after our next trip meeting, we're going to decide if we want to keep the lunch ADR and stick it out the rest of the day, or if we want to just go over in the evening.

 

[marksmith]

so 12/31 EPCOT late afternoon/early evening entry should not be a problem?

 

[Maves Wife]

our plan is to have a late lunch then head over to epcot at 5ish then watch the fireworks and do some people watching - im a bit worried about the crowds right enough but hey ho needs must xx

 

[hollybearsmom]

We did New Years Eve at Epcot. We got there around 10am, parked the car, took us about 4 trams before we got on, it was packed already. We had lunch ressies for 11am. We were almost 15 minutes late.

We stood in line for the hats and horns for an hour and 15minutes before they started handing them out. I stayed with the littest one and dh and dd went to get snacks and do some of the kidcot stations.

We got a place by the boat dock and waited for two hours for fireworks. We planned for the wait, we had a blanket, books, light up toys, but not enough food. So dd and I went to get food - it took us over an hour to get cheeseburgers. Dining reservations will save you this headache!

It was elbow to elbow and closer most of the time. Loud. But most of the people sitting around us were not overly obnoxious, but after the first Illuminations we moved towards Canada and the IG...walking was shuffling feet and hoping noone fell into the stroller...you will get bumped,toes stepped on, and hopefully not experience the yuck like dd who got a drink down the back...

but WE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! We knew what to expect (the worse crowds ever, and drunk on top of it) and were quite happy with the evening. Fireworks were spectacular and we thought, worth the hassle of the crowd.

 

[mollygirl13]

We're going for NYE & we're staying at The Beach Club. We may just hang around the resort or head on over to The Boardwalk & Jellyrolls.

 

[BroganMc]

so 12/31 EPCOT late afternoon/early evening entry should not be a problem?

EPCOT doesn't usually close to onsite guests on NYE. Magic Kingdom is the one you worry about. You have to go early and stay with a billion people. Better yet, just setup camp on the Poly beach and watch the panoramic fireworks.

We've gone twice for NYE. This year will be our 3rd. What we liked doing was seeing the early bird fireworks at EPCOT and hopping to MGM for midnight.

The biggest problem EPCOT has for fireworks is a bathroom shortage. Even with port-o-potties there were still insaely long lines for all the bathrooms in World Showcase by 7pm.

 

[chum1600]

Has Disney posted the fireworks for DHS yet? I looked on the website and couldn't find anything about it so I have been worried that I made the wrong plans by going there for NYE. I am hoping somebody knows something more then me.

 

[clutter]

THe most important thing for NYE is to go to MK on the 30th! They do the practice run of the fireworks at midnight. No crowds.

We did DHS along the main street last year, and could see the highest of the Epcot fireworks. Way less crowds, I believe, than Epcot or MK.

 

[Maves Wife]

Has Disney posted the fireworks for DHS yet? I looked on the website and couldn't find anything about it so I have been worried that I made the wrong plans by going there for NYE. I am hoping somebody knows something more then me.

I emailed disney and they came back with the following

> Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort. Angela, this is
> what I have for New Years Eve at Disney's Hollywood Studios, hours are
> 9:00am - 12:00am
> Fantasmic! 6:30pm
> Lights! Camera! Happy New Year! Fireworks at 12:00am

so they are deff on despite the official site not mentioning them!!! We are still swithering about where to go and at what time - i cant belive we cant make up our minds, im sure we made the decision about buying our house a lot quicker LOL

 

[JPN4265]

Hey everyone,

We'll (myself and boyfriend) be at WDW from 12/28-01/03. I'd like some advice about New Year's Eve. We're planning on watching the fireworks at Epcot, so we're planning on getting to Epcot at rope drop and staying the whole day, as we don't want to have to worry about not getting in. I guess what I'm looking for are tips to staying as least tired as possible.

The latest dinner reservation we could get was 4:10 p.m. at Tokyo Dining. Should we also try to schedule an early sit down lunch as well? I'm thinking if we have two TS meals that day we will have a little more time to rest. What do you think?

Any tips for tackling New Year's Eve will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

We spent New Year's at Epcot last year (our first time). It was not a pretty sight. It is wall to wall people on the world showcase side. Don't fall down, and don't get separated from your spouse, friend, or family member. You may never see them again. At least not until next year (get it?). People were in a panic, screaming and crying for people to get out of the way or just let them out. I would recommend that you celebrate the New Years on the future world side, or on the boardwalk. We made it through the international gateway, and watched the fireworks from the big bridge going over to the boardwalk. Less people, but still plenty of fun. Good Luck. And by the way, we are stupid this year also. This year we are trying the Magic Kingdom for New Years.