Best Park for New Years Eve?

[disrailfan]

DW, DD(14) and DD(18) are planning a trip to the World December 27th through January 2nd.

We are curious though as to what park is the best for New Years Eve. I know that I have read on here before that we should be in the park that day very early and to plan on staying in that park the entire day because it will RED Flag at some point through out the day.

Any help would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks,


Milford (Disrailfan)

 

[Hieatt]

We have been on pretty much those exact same weeks for the past 3 years in a row. We always have stayed at the Dolphin, which for us narrowed the choices to MGM and Epcot... everything I have every read advises staying away from Magic Kingdom that night, and I wanted to be able to walk back from whatever park I went to.

The first year we actually left on NYE, so didn't go to the park that night. Second year we went to Epcot with the kids (young kids). It is a madhouse... long lines at 8:30 a.m. and World Showcase got unbelievably crowded by dinner time... we had a PS at Rose & Crown and planned to watch 7:30 fireworks from there... took 45 minutes to get a table, and got a table inside. Left well before midnight because the kids couldn't take it and watched the fireworks from the beach at the Dolphin, which was great.

Last year we did a nice early NYE dinner at Gulliver's Grill at the Swan with the kids... it was terrific. Then we put them to bed, left them with a babysitter and went to Epcot around 10:30 p.m. and stayed until 1:00 a.m. The place again was incredibly crowded, but fun and festive. The midnight fireworks were absolutely spectacular... the best I've ever seen anywhere.

I have also read that MGM is generally the least crowded of the parks, and lots of fun, but I have never been there on NYE.

Key thing is to decide early, make Priority Seatings 90 days out, and stay on-site if you can afford it, preferrably at an Epcot area resort (within walking distance of Epcot and MGM).

 

[disrailfan]

We are actually using our leftover DVC points and staying at OKW. It is not exactly walking distance but I am assuming that they still run the busses laste on those nights right?

Thanks,

Milford (disrailfan)

 

[disrailfan]

Bump. Really looking for input here.

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

I have to recomend Epcot,
My mom and I have spent the past 2 new years eve there.
It is very crowded at night though, 2003 we got stuck in a people jam leaving world showcase and this past nye we didnt make it back into the world showcase, So its best to be on the side you want to party and watch the fireworks well before 9pm.
Last year to my suprise they did the NYE fireworks at MK the night before nye so we got to see those fireworks also and I have to saw I prefer epcots, they have all the countries celebrating their NYE in addition to amazing fireworks
Plus they have several DJ'S with music, perfect for teens.
Im sure lots of people love to go to the other parks but I would never consider going to any other park for New years eve.

 

[cleophus12]

My family also chose Epcot this past year. Because it is so big there is always room to move around. The lines are long, but just be prepared for that and go with the flow. They did Illuminations at the regular 9:15 time and then did it again prior to midnight with the fireworks at 12:00. It was without a doubt the best fireworks display I have ever seen. We found our seat early in the Plaza area and spread out a poncho to create a little space. Our daughter actually got in a cat nap between 10:30-11:45! We have not been in any of the other parks on NYE, but I highly recommend Epcot.

 

[AlwaysAPrincess]

My DH & I were there this past NYE. We spent the nite in Epcot. WHAT A BLAST!!! We arrived into Epcot early that morning....Left around 2 & went back in around 5:30. Took a nap b/c it is a LONG day. We had PS arrangements at Teppanayki for 8...what fun & a great family place to be. So we walked around to the world showcase & sae the 7:30 Illuminations. After dinner we walked through each of the countries which had there on DJ's, dance floors & bands. Video screens were playing cartoons in front of Japan for the kids....Disney of course. People were already saving spots for the midnite fireworks. There are ALOT of people. But we found EPCOT to be well organized for the size of the crowds. The make a traffic pattern & CM's are out with flashlights directing. Lines were long to get drinks. And they only allowed you to have one drink at a time probably to cut down on the amount of drunk people in the park. Which, IMO is a good idea with all of the families there.

The fireworks ar midnite were unlike I had EVER seen in my LIFE!! AWESOME is the only word I can use to describe them. They were huge & it seemed to go on FOREVER!!

Buses do run late...I think last bus is around 2 or 2:30am. There is a mad rush out though after the midnite fireworks....my suggestion is if you can hold on & wait a little...the traffic will be a little less. Once to the bus area be prepared to wait. The buses are crowded & it takes longer to get back to your hotel. WE staryed at CSR & it took an hour to get there. You are EXHAUSTED. BUt it is soooo worth it.

My DH & I said we would do it again in a heart beat! What MAGIC!

 

[av01bps]

We have 2 DD ages 8 and 10- how whiny and exausted are the little kids after a whole day at the park- on New years? Our girls can go all day, but they tend to respond to the tone of the space- if the class is whiny and tired... they're all whiny!
I guess what I am asking is, are there lots of whiny kids whith parents yelling "Stop whining and have fun- we're at Disneyworld!" on New Years Eve?
Thanks
Amy

 

[dgaston]

A plug for MGM here. I always wanted to see the Sorcery in the Sky fireworks and NYE 2003 did not disappoint. I loved the movie theme music, then the Fantasia music and then more! We'll be there again this year. Haven't decided yet which park. By the way we spent the day at Blizzard Beach and had a great time!

 

[Rachel78]

We did EPCOT this past year and it took 2 hours or longer to get out of the park and we left before the full crowd got there. There were so many people and we got stuck in two major traffic jams. I am suprised that no one got crushed, injured, sick, or had a panic attack. I do have to say that the fireworks show was good, although hard to see because of all the people. We saw the New Year's Eve fireworks show at MK the night before as they were practicing the show. It was great. We ended up being in our room at midnight, but we had seen many of the festivities earlier.