Contemporary and GF lounges

[smmcgarry]

My wife and I solidified our NYE plans. We're going to park at the TTC and take the monorail to GF and Contemporary to spend some time at the lounges. Then, I finally got last minute reservations last night at Morimoto Asia for Sushi (which allowed me to cancel Splitsville). I was concerned that we wouldn't be able to find a place to watch the fireworks, but our reservations are at 10:45, so I doubt we'll be able to, anyway. From there, we may stick around Disney Springs and visit a few more bars. Then, we're going to park at the Swan and take an Uber home, picking the car up the following morning.

Two questions:

1) Should I expect easy seating at Contemporary and GF lounges that night (will most people be in parks/table service)? We'll probably show up around 6-7.

2) Would you suggest keeping Morimoto for 10:45 or take our chances with Kimono at the Swan (which does not take reservations)?

Edited for spelling

 

[smmcgarry]

This might be more appropriate for the restaurant forum... would a moderator mind moving it? Thanks.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Having trouble following... you’re parking at TTC, then lounges, then driving to DS, then driving to Swan, then Uber home? Why are you going to the Swan just to park and Uber home? I’m assuming it’ll be 11:45-12AM at that point.

Not sure I totally understand the logic in your plans.

Am I missing something?

 

[smmcgarry]

Where are you losing me?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Why drive from DS to Swan just to park and Uber home?

 

[smmcgarry]

Oh... because we've called guest relations and there is NO Disney property that allows overnight parking unless you are staying on property and you can only park in the resort parking lot.

Swan allows parking overnight. That way we can uber home and not have to drive after drinking.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I would just park at Swan to start with and not try to drive across campus from the TTC.

 

[smmcgarry]

So, take a bus from Swan to TTC?

 

[smmcgarry]

For those reading my original post... just looking for advice on my 2 questions posed, thanks.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

For those reading my original post... just looking for advice on my 2 questions posed, thanks.

Sorry, my bad... guilty of being OT as to your original questions.

I can’t help from personal experiance when it comes to NYE and Mizners / Outer Rim Lounge, but I’d be prepared for some pretty heavy bar crowds in that 6-7pm hour. I would think getting a table or spot at the bar could be tough.

Also expect heavy traffic in your travels, especially around the Swan/Epcot later in the night.

Sorry that’s not particularly helpful.

 

[smmcgarry]

Thank you... that's helpful. I honestly didn't expect much traffic as I figured bus/monorail/minnie vans would be primary form of transportation for others.

This is our first year living in Florida, and our first year with the ability to go to Disney (excluding parks) for the Christmas/NY holiday. I guess we'll just play it by ear.

In terms of Morimoto vs. Kimono... any suggestions?

PS... It's strange having to ask questions about Disney, as my wife and I have been on vacation a combined over 50 times and now that we live in Florida with AP's, we've gone 3-5 times per week for the last 3 months! I honestly sulked the first time we went to MK after buying the AP's because I was vehemently against them, thinking that Disney would lose its appeal... my wife wanted them though.

So far, it hasn't lost anything. I'm starting back at school in January for my 2nd semester of Ph.D. (taking 4 classes, as as opposed to the typical 3) and starting a part time personal training job at the YMCA, so I think we may have to taper off!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Traffic on NYE is bumper to bumper.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

My wife and I solidified our NYE plans. We're going to park at the TTC and take the monorail to GF and Contemporary to spend some time at the lounges. Then, I finally got last minute reservations last night at Morimoto Asia for Sushi (which allowed me to cancel Splitsville). I was concerned that we wouldn't be able to find a place to watch the fireworks, but our reservations are at 10:45, so I doubt we'll be able to, anyway. From there, we may stick around Disney Springs and visit a few more bars. Then, we're going to park at the Swan and take an Uber home, picking the car up the following morning.

Two questions:

1) Should I expect easy seating at Contemporary and GF lounges that night (will most people be in parks/table service)? We'll probably show up around 6-7.

2) Would you suggest keeping Morimoto for 10:45 or take our chances with Kimono at the Swan (which does not take reservations)?

Edited for spelling

Oh... because we've called guest relations and there is NO Disney property that allows overnight parking unless you are staying on property and you can only park in the resort parking lot.

Swan allows parking overnight. That way we can uber home and not have to drive after drinking.

Especially if you plan on drinking at all of those places, I would recommend simply parking at the Swan to begin with and taking Disney transportation or uber across property. From the Swan, you can take a bus to MK and monorail from there. Or walk to DHS and take a bus to GF. You could then uber to DS and bus or uber back to Swan. I probably would not risk Kimono's without a reservation. Traffic will be a nightmare - I would not want to drive and park 3 times especially if you plan on drinking at all of these places. I'm sorry if this is OT or doesn't answer your questions, but you mention you don't want to drive after drinking though it sounds like you will be drinking and driving on Disney property?

 

[AngiTN]

Thank you... that's helpful. I honestly didn't expect much traffic as I figured bus/monorail/minnie vans would be primary form of transportation for others.

This is our first year living in Florida, and our first year with the ability to go to Disney (excluding parks) for the Christmas/NY holiday. I guess we'll just play it by ear.

In terms of Morimoto vs. Kimono... any suggestions?

PS... It's strange having to ask questions about Disney, as my wife and I have been on vacation a combined over 50 times and now that we live in Florida with AP's, we've gone 3-5 times per week for the last 3 months! I honestly sulked the first time we went to MK after buying the AP's because I was vehemently against them, thinking that Disney would lose its appeal... my wife wanted them though.

So far, it hasn't lost anything. I'm starting back at school in January for my 2nd semester of Ph.D. (taking 4 classes, as as opposed to the typical 3) and starting a part time personal training job at the YMCA, so I think we may have to taper off!

No, vehicle traffic is bumper to bumper, can't move.

There are events at the resorts on NYE and there will be as many guests there as there are at the parks (or so it will seem)
You are not going to find it empty by any means. You'll probably find the bars full

I would for sure keep dinner plans where you have an ADR

 

[smmcgarry]

Especially if you plan on drinking at all of those places, I would recommend simply parking at the Swan to begin with and taking Disney transportation or uber across property. From the Swan, you can take a bus to MK and monorail from there. Or walk to DHS and take a bus to GF. You could then uber to DS and bus or uber back to Swan. I probably would not risk Kimono's without a reservation. Traffic will be a nightmare - I would not want to drive and park 3 times especially if you plan on drinking at all of these places. I'm sorry if this is OT or doesn't answer your questions, but you mention you don't want to drive after drinking though it sounds like you will be drinking and driving on Disney property?

You answered my questions... unfortunately, Kimono's does not do reservations. I already called.