Dinner on New Year's Eve?

[global_mom]

Hi everyone. This is my first post....

Can I get some recommendations for dinner on New Year's Eve at WDW? We will be staying at Saratoga but have our car so we can go anywhere to dine. We dont have a preference as to dining in a park or dining outside of the parks (but on property). It will be me, DH, DS 12, DD 9, DD7. We will have DDP. We go to WDW 2-3 times per year but have never been for New Year's.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[BCV23]

Welcome to the DIS.

We've only been twice on NYE and both times chose to do the Hoop as we wanted something fun but outside the parks.

If you want inside the parks, know that they are very crowded. From what I've read, it is typical to not be able to enter even with a dining reservation unless you go early in the day. Later, people are only admitted as enough others choose to leave.

California Grill has had a party that is very expensive...about 500/head as I recall but the only review I've seen was extremely positive. I remember this past year Narcoossee's had two seatings and a special menu.

Whatever you decide to try, be sure to reserve early!

 

[Terk-1]

First, welcome to the boards!!!

Second, please keep in mind that the week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest time of the year at the parks, so they will be incredibly packed. I went a few years ago. I have never in my life seen so many people and the lines for the attractions were hours long on NYE & NYD.

I would very strongly recommend making ADR's for all table service meals right at your 180 mark, as most will be completely booked during that time of year. This is for both park & resort restaurants.

As far as NYE, if you want to be in a park for the fireworks, plan on getting there as soon as it opens and don't plan on leaving, as there is a good chance you won't be able to get back in. Once the parks reach the capacity, they close the gates due to fire and safety codes. Even if you are staying on property and have your hand stamped, you are not guarenteed readmittance.

If you are not planning on being in a park, you can view fireworks at some of the surrounding resorts.

EPCOT & Disney Studios Fireworks: I'd recommend Spoodles at the Boardwalk, then you can watch the fireworks along the boardwalk.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks: I'd recommend either O'Hana's, then you can watch them from the beach at the Polynesian. Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge is also good and you can watch the fireworks from their beach as well.

 

[49rt67]

I would pick O'hana for New Year's Eve. Have dinner before the fireworks and after dinner watch the show from the beach at the Poly. If you try to watch the fireworks during dinner, you may be seated near a window.