180 coming up soon - can't decide if we should eat in Epcot or escape the crowds a bit and head over somewhere on the Boardwalk area.
For those that have been there then, is it more of a hassle trying to get through the crowds and get out than it is to just stay put?
I've been going to Disney for Christmas 6 of the last 7 years. We've done EPCOT the past 3 years.
It's definitely very crowded. Are you staying on-site? I ask because on-site guests are rarely turned away due to phased closures. The park with the highest chance of experiencing phased closures is MK. EPCOT may see a 2, - MAYBE a phase 3, but it holds more guests and absorbs the crowds much better.
It also depends on where you're coming from. I def. recommend utilizing the Disney Transportation - don't chance driving.
This year, we're planning on doing Yachtsman for an 8:30pm reservation then heading to EPCOT to see the fireworks. We're taking a chance going in later, but we've seen it a ton of times. If we can't get in or it's too crowded for us to find a spot, we'll head back to our room at the BC and try and watch from the balcony (if all goes well.) But we're banking on getting in around 10-10:30, watching from anywhere with an okay view and leaving the second it's over.
Two years ago we booked an ADR at Teppan Edo for 8pm. We arrived at the park at 6 and walking back wasn't the easiest. We had to navigate the crowds. Fortunately, Disney opens some backstage areas to make walking easier. We went behind Canada (I think) and emerged by the UK. We finished eating and settled on a spot in Italy around 10:30. It was mildly obstructed but beggars can't be choosers.
To answer your question, though, it's really up to you. If you're on-site, I recommend booking a later reservation and getting to the park later. We usually avoid all the parks on 12/31 until the evening. It's just not fun - even with FP+'s. We'll do Disney Springs or hang at the pool if it's nice outside. Entering the park later gives you less time stuck in the crowds.
