Anyone know what goes on at WDW on New Years?

[Krispe]

Besides the party on PI, what else goes on in WDW during New Years? We're going for our very first time this year and are really excited!

 

[momof2inPA]

New Years Eve-- the parks fill up early and are super packed. We went to Epcot two years ago and had a great time. All fast passes sold out right away in the morning, but in the evening there were bands at different points in the park playing well past midnight. People were dancing, partying, and just plain having a good time.

One note, be careful of the throng after the first fireworks. Everyone made for the exit at the same time and the older folks and kids in our group found it frightening.

 

[Krispe]

HI! Thanks for the info. Had a question, I noticed you mentioned "the first fireworks" so are there different times for NYears fireworks at Epcot? Or do the fireworks just happen at midnight?

Also somebody on a different thread mentioned that in the world showcase, each country celebrates New Years according to what time it really is in that country. Is that true?

sounds like you were in a middle of a stampede!

 

[Muffy]

In Epcot on NYE there is Illuminations at 9:00pm and more fire works at midnight.

 

[Eno]

When we were there they also handed out New Year's hats and noise makers. We flew in that day and had been up since 3:00am and my daughter couldn't last till midnight- went back to our room by 11:30 at at midnight watched the fireworks from our room at the Dolphin - we could hear all the nosiemakers frrom the parks while in our room. Don't expect to get on many or any rides that night but all of the bands, video screens and fireworks make it special. Get into the parks early if you aren't staying on Disney property as they close the parks and even if you are staying on property at Disney doesn't guarentee that you will get in to the park that you want.

 

[jaw62901]

Thanks for the info.

I will be at WDW Dec 26 to Jan 3 and staying at the Swan, so I will probably go to Epcot on 12/31 since, it is only about a 5 min walk from the Swan and should be easy to walk back to the Swan when its done.

As far as the rides go, I will be at WDW for 9 days and 8 nights so I am sure I will have plenty of time to go on all the rides I want, but thanks for the warnings.

Not that I am to worried about this since I will be walking to the Epcot or MGM and getting there 30 min or so before the open, but I thought that if you were staying at a Disney Resort or the Swan/Dolphin that you were guaranteed to get in the themeparks and that was one of the privledges of staying on-site.

 

[Eno]

They say that you are guaranteed to get into one of the parks - maybe not the one of your choice. They post what parks are closed and which are still open. We took the boat from the Dolphin to Epcot and got in but they weren't selling any more tickets at the gate - we had passes and were allowed in. We didn't go to Epcot till around 3:00 pm, but I was told that Magic Kingdom wasn't allowing anyone else in. We had planned on Epcot so that was fine by me.
Even with the rides being packed it was still a great night with the various bands - they played at different countries at different times. We walked back - wouldn't want to count on buses or anything to get back if you stay till the park closes.

 

[jaw62901]

Like I mentioned in a earlier thread, I will be getting to Epcot early and will stay the entire day there and since I have (will be getting an annual pass, I won't have to worry about the tickets being sold out.

I know that it will make for a long day, but it will be a blast ringing in the new year at Epcot. I can't wait.

Does anyone have any PS suggestions for that day?

 

[funhouse8]

We will also be in Epcot from opening till closing. We were hoping to do the rock&roll buffet. They haven't started to sell tickets yet. This seemed like a fun thing to do. Maybe you can check this out. I will be there with my DH and four teens maybe we will wish in the New Year together. Hope it doesn't rain like last year!

 

[Krispe]

Hi! What's the rock and roll buffet? is it in Epcot? Wow, the name of it sounds like our type of thing! food and music? How much does it normally cost? Is it a dinner thing? Sorry for all the questions, I just never heard of such a thing.

So are there any other similar types of things in Epcot for New Years? Or any other parks at that?

 

[funhouse8]

Here is what I read on the other site (This is information from last year.) :
Epcot - NYE Buffet Dinner that's being held in the former Millennium Village. Seatings are from 4:00 to 10:30pm. There's going to be a Rock and Roll Band performing the Classics and a live DJ playing the top 40 hits.

The menu includes: Caesar Salad, Antipasto, Pasta Primavera, Mushroom Ravioli, Grilled Chicken, Salmon, Carving station with Prime Rib, Peach Cobbler, Chocolate Layer Cake, Marble Cheesecake, Fresh Fruit, Coffee/Tea

Adults are $25.99 Children (3 - 11) are $13.99. This includes gratuity but
not the tax. A credit card hold is required, with a 48 hour cancellation
policy.

I don't mind the questions, that's hoe I found out about this also. Glad I could help! Gina

 

[Krispe]

Thanks Gina!!! That definately sounds like a plan for us! I hope it happens this year too! Price is good too! I hope there is a band this year too!

If you hear of any other NYE going on or other info about this buffet, please post on the boards!!! I'm already getting so excited and its only JUNE!! ha ha!

How long are you guys going for? We'll be flying in on the 27th - first going to Universal then transfering over to Disney on the 30th - Staying at CBR and then checking out (sob, sob) on the 4th of Jan. It will be our first stay at CBR. I wanted to do AKL but prices were too much for our budget since they are holiday rates. Oh well...at least we'll be there and that's all that matters!!!

 

[funhouse8]

Sorry I haven't checked back on this post. We are driving down on the 29 th and camping at fort wilderness till 1/9. This is our first trip driving and going during the holidays. A little frightened about both. I am really looking forward to this trip. Maybe I'll see you at the Rock & roll buffet. HAppy New Year!

 

[Debi]

I'll be in WDW over NYE also. This will be my first NYE in WDW, and I'll be there (staying at the Dolphin) from 12/29-1/6. I can't wait!

 

[shoes99]

We are going for our first time at NYE also. Our dates are 12/27 to 1/1 and we are staying at All Star Music.

 

[zurgswife]

We are going from Dec 20 until Jan 3...BWV/Dolphin/BWV...

We are at the Dolphin from the 26 to the 29....Can't wait ...we also are probabaly doing Epcot on NYE>..

 

[Disneymom2AA]

We went last year it was a first of a lot of things for us 1) First time to WDW for DH, two DS and me 2) First BIG Family vacation 3) First time to drive 20 hours!!!
We had such a great time that we are going back this year around the same time!! We went to AKL monday, MGM tuesday, DtD and resort pool wednesday (avoided crowds and went to bed early so we could be few firsts on New Year's Day) Thursday Magic Kingdom and Epcot on Friday. This year we decided to add an extra day to our trip since we use Wednesday as a rest and relaxation day. It did rain on New Year's Eve-night, but the day was partly cloudy to cloudy. All other days were nothing less than PERFECT! We wore shorts and t-shirts everyday DH and DS were able to go swimming.

 

[funhouse8]

Disneymom2AA - I see we will be arriving on the same day. Are you driving again this year? This is the first time we are driving down, and our first time during the holidays. I'm so glad to see that your weather was good for most of your trip last year. I was hoping it wouldn't be too cold. We will be in Epcot on NYE, Maybe we will see you there. If not Happy New Year! Gina