Epcot NYE Capacity question

[lozkin]

Hi. I know there are other questions about this, but I’m unable to see if this question has been asked. I’ve even asked cast members at Epcot who don’t seem to have a consistent answer!

If / when Epcot reaches capacity on NYE, is that it, or is then a ‘1 out 1 in’ system?

NYE will be our last night of our 14 day trip from the UK, and I really don’t want to be at Epcot at 10am to guarantee us being in the park at midnight. We would like to to the park around 5/6 pm but if once it reaches capacity we ain’t getting in, we will have to make a decision as to whether we do it or not

 

[scrappinginontario]

They may have phased closures with re-openings but we don’t know for sure what will happen. This is the first year since 2019 that the majority of guests do not require park reservations. Unfortunately there is no guarantee as the day progresses if you will be granted access.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

While I'll never say it will never happen I will say that historically Epcot has not closed down, even before Park Reservation system, for NYE. It's a huge park and they even are known to open areas not otherwise open on NYE to accommodate even more guests. We've been many years on NYE and if it wasn't closed on the dates we went where you couldn't move around easily I can't imagine it will ever close. It's simply not an issue I am concerned about. And yes, we are going this year. Even on the most crowded of years, it is the most fun I've had at Disney aside from the 24 hour day at MK.

 

[soniam]

Previously phased closures applied, but all bets off this year. You can search for the requirements for the phases. Never seen Epcot reach capacity, even in NYE.

 

[DebbieB]

The only time I remember Epcot hitting total capacity was 1999/2000.

Are you staying onsite? Onsite has priority.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/park-closing-phases.htm

 

[lanejudy]

The only time I remember Epcot hitting total capacity was 1999/2000.

Are you staying onsite? Onsite has priority.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/park-closing-phases.htm

Just to note those are older phased closings and any current phases may not be exactly the same. Tickets are different now, one day tickets automatically include a park reservation, APs and other non-dated tickets require a reservation, some of those offsite resorts noted no longer have park benefits, etc.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Just to note those are older phased closings and any current phases may not be exactly the same. Tickets are different now, one day tickets automatically include a park reservation, APs and other non-dated tickets require a reservation, some of those offsite resorts noted no longer have park benefits, etc.

True but the max number of guests the park can hold has not changed.

 

[lanejudy]

True but the max number of guests the park can hold has not changed.

I didn’t comment about capacity — only that the old phased closing rules are most likely out-dated.

 

[abuck75]

Definitely a bit nervous as we only have one park day and a single day ticket. Staying 2 nights at boardwalk but at the 8 day mark GotG was already 10:50-11:50

We don’t plan to show up until evening, Will pivot if denied but wonder what refund policy would be if any.

 

[robinb]

From what I've heard (and experienced!), once Epcot hits capacity on NYE, it's a hard stop. No 1-in-1-out. Your best bet is to get there much earlier than you're hoping, or have a backup plan. It's a super popular night!

I went to (mostly) Epcot for NYE for nearly 20 years. Epcot was NEVER "at capacity". We would always go into a park for a few hours, go back to our resort (BWV) for a swim and then back into the park. We were never denied entrance into any park at any time. Now ... MK did close down to guests a couple of times from mid-morning until late afternoon (phase 3 & 4 on WDWMagic above) and the MK parking lot closed multiple times per week. But, by the time we would return to the MK in the early evening it had reopened to everyone.

OP (@lozkin), are you staying offsite or at a Disney resort? Your biggest problem entering Epcot late in the day on NYE will be parking. Disney signage should tell you which parking lots are full. Epcot *should* be OK but have a back-up plan of parking at DHS and taking the Skyliner to Epcot.

 

[lanejudy]

Definitely a bit nervous as we only have one park day and a single day ticket. Staying 2 nights at boardwalk but at the 8 day mark GotG was already 10:50-11:50

We don’t plan to show up until evening, Will pivot if denied but wonder what refund policy would be if any.

Is it a 1-day dated Epcot ticket? If so it automatically includes a theme park reservation and thus you are “counted” in the capacity figures. You shouldn’t have any problem arriving in the evening.

 

[elaine amj]

i cannot imagine your having a problem. And Epcot is so giant. Even when MK used to occasionally hit capacity, they’d let more people in once enough people left. Loads leave after the early evening fireworks (6pm?)

Have fun! We don’t plan to enter until 4pm ourselves.

 

[SquashBanana]

Since the park reservation system, I've been unable to determine whether or not a park reservation guarantees you access to the park if it hits capacity. I can't find it in any of the legal terms. The language at the bottom of the park reservation info page makes it sound like you will be allowed in, but I can't see where it's guaranteed either.

 

[Cfabar1]

What are the places they open on NYE that they wouldn't otherwise have open?

At this point I am not sure what they could add that would meaningfully add capacity...

 

[Dave006]

Since the park reservation system, I've been unable to determine whether or not a park reservation guarantees you access to the park if it hits capacity. I can't find it in any of the legal terms.

If a park actually hits capacity no one is admitted until guests leave. There are multiple steps before a park actually closed due capacity where you should be allowed into the park with a park reservation.

Dave

 

[SquashBanana]

If a park actually hits capacity no one is admitted until guests leave. There are multiple steps before a park actually closed due capacity where you should be allowed into the park with a park reservation.

Dave

That's what I'm afraid of, thanks.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

What are the places they open on NYE that they wouldn't otherwise have open?

At this point I am not sure what they could add that would meaningfully add capacity...

The huge tented area between UK and Canada.
In the past they’ve also opened some areas around and behind test track. Likely no longer an option with the construction

 

[Cfabar1]

The huge tented area between UK and Canada.
In the past they’ve also opened some areas around and behind test track. Likely no longer an option with the construction

are you referring to Millennium village? If so, what do they put in there? I thought the exhibits had long left.

 

[CarolynFH]

are you referring to Millennium village? If so, what do they put in there? I thought the exhibits had long left.

They can offer entertainment, food/beverage, and merchandise there, not to mention laces to sit as well as bathrooms.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

are you referring to Millennium village? If so, what do they put in there? I thought the exhibits had long left.

They put people in there. It’s simply added space for people when needed. And best bathrooms at Disney