Epcot on New Year's Eve?

[Claire L]

Does Epcot ever get to capacity, so much so that they stop people coming in, and if so what time does this usually occur??

Claire

 

[civileng68]

Does Epcot ever get to capacity, so much so that they stop people coming in, and if so what time does this usually occur??

Claire

Im sure through the park's history Epcot "has" reached capacity.

However, I usually attend both July 4 and NYE (which are two of the busiest days) and never during my visits has the park reached capacity.

Magic Kingdom WILL reach capacity (because it's not as "open" as Epcot).

Epcot is VERY wide and open and even when packed, is easy to navigate.

While July 4 is crowded at Epcot, NYE was just crazy because of the stages set up with bands and/or DJ's. However, it doesn't reach capacity.

The only thing I DONT like at Epcot on NYE is they turn off the background music and put on techno background music all throughout the park.

 

[2tinksmom]

We did NYE @ EPCOT two years ago with DDs who were 11 and 6 at the time. We chose EPCOT because it is so big. We found that WS starts to get a little crazy when they start handing out the hats and noisemakers. We found that it was pretty hard to navigate WS with our 6yo. There were a lot of people who were toasting in the New Year early and often. We just moved ourselves over to FW and rode TT and MS over and over. It was pretty quiet on that side of the park. When it came time for the midnight Illuminations, we went to the gateway and watched from there. Had great seats and it was an incredible show. Every country was included! Have a great time! Oh, BTW, we got there at 9:00am and left at 2:00am (it took us awhile to meander out with the crowds).
Michele

 

[civileng68]

I agree with Tink.

I would say this.......to really enjoy Epcot on NYE, stay away from the park until that night. Rides are nearly impossible to ride without super long waits, and the crowds are heavy all day.

During the day, find a place outside the world to go and have fun, or just relax.

We went in at 9:30 pm (and Soarin was a 2 1/2 hour wait even at that point).

I agree about the way it gets a little more crazy the later it gets. I personally am not a drinker, partier or anything. Im 26 years old and married (no kids). Im the family-man type. I just like being with my wife and enjoying the time together. With that said, the NYE crowd sort of makes me uneasy. I just feel that people are not themselves during that time. I dont like the looks people give and as a male, it seems that men without any respect for other people, seem uncaring of the fact that my wife is married with her husband standing right by her. I dont deal well with that as it makes my wife very upset.

It's just sad that people don't know how to drink like adults.

With that said, Epcot is not that bad, though we did see some acting a little overboard. Overall it's pretty tame and I think it's the best place to be on NYE.

Again, show up later in the evening and leave late. Also the park is generally open until 1 or 2, and most everyone leaves right after the fireworks at midnight, so if you stay afterwards you can ride about anything you want with little to no wait.

 

[2tinksmom]

We actually walked right on to SE as we were leaving and the crowds were just a little better after the ride. We didn't know if EPCOT would close, so we made the mistake of being there at park opening...it was a loooong, but fun, day and the girls actually were up and going the next day when my DH and I were draggin'. We didn't stay long enough on WS to see too much unsavory behavior. We left when my 6yo kept getting knocked in the head when people walked by...she was right at waist height! Maybe next time we'll take her bike helmet!
Michele