EPCOT on New Years Eve?

[eculmone]

We were thinking it might be less busy and something special to head to EPCOT as opposed to MK any thoughts?

We have seen MK close at 11am due to capacity on New Years Eve. We were hoping to dine in EPCOT but it looks like all sit downs are booked. I found one spot in DD - Portobello Country Italiano Restaurant? Any thoughts? Good/Bad? Do you think we can make it to Dinner and then back to EPCOT? Or we be turned away if we leave the park due to capacity. Does anyone know if historically the park hits capacity like MK does?

Thanks for all thoughts.

 

[Feralpeg]

I've been to Epcot twice on New Years Eve. I will never do it again. One year, we had dinner in Japan. Our reservation was at 7pm. It was crowded all day, but the evening was insane. When we left the restaurant, it was literally wall to wall people. We decided to leave. We are local and just wanted to head out. It took over an hour to walk from Japan to the entrance because we couldn't get through the crowd. By the time we got to the entrance, I couldn't barely hear from having so many horns and other noise makers blown in my ears. It was the most crowded I have ever seen Epcot. It was not fun.

Unfortunately, everyone wants to be in a park on New Years Eve. This just makes the crowds crazy!

 

[eculmone]

 

[Stefecatzz]

I tried Epcot on NYE once a couple years back and it was more crowded than I've ever seen it. The WS was taped to make it one way on either side & I could barely breath trying to get through the crowds. I also had to wait one hour to get a margarita at LaCava. It's just as bad as Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street. No, thanks!

 

[Alesia]

Epcot won't reach stage four closure, but it will be unbelievably, unimaginably crowded. Even lines for the bathrooms will be 30+ minutes.

If you're not so keen on being crotch-to-crack with a couple hundred-thousand of you new best friends, it may not be a great plan. On the other hand, if that sort of thing doesn't bother you, then go for it.

 

[andyman8]

Personally, can't remember a time where any park got to stage 4. Generally, stage 3 is the highest they get, but Epcot shouldn't even get there, so you should be fine. That's not to say it won't be crowded (it's going to be PACKED!!!) but an incredibly crowded Epcot should be somewhat manageable.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

My family will be there this year for New Year's Eve, but we scheduled all of our fp+ for early in the morning and we have breakfast reservations at Akershus for 10:45. I'm hoping to walk around after and do some shopping and get out by 2:00. We know it's going to be packed, but we really didn't have an option on days so we'll try and make the best of it. We will celebrate that night with the kids at Chef Mickeys.

 

[HeidiGW]

Not trying to be too much off topic, but how much of the fireworks can you see from the boardwalk? It can't be more packed! Or can it?

 

[GoBearsGo]

We are doing DHS for NYE. I think it is the least crowded of the parks.

 

[Alesia]

Not trying to be too much off topic, but how much of the fireworks can you see from the boardwalk? It can't be more packed! Or can it?

If you're just interested the fireworks, and not seeing the entire show, you should be able to see them from the boardwalk. I'm not sure how crowded it will be, though.

 

[DisneyMim]

Okay thought I would post. Yes it is mad crowded, but we have been going to Disney for NYE for years now. We have developed a very good plan, and no I won't tell all, but will tell some stuff that we have found out just being there for years. We always do Epcot on NYE. We get there early, before 11 (we are night owls so not THAT early!! LOL!!) Once we are in we don't leave. We make lunch and dinner reservations at sit down restaurants. This gives us a chance to sit and relax. The quick service places are very very crowded. If you opt for them go at really off times. Don't expect to go on many rides unless you have FP for them. We just like the atmosphere. Again, as others have said it is MAD crowded, so if you really hate crowds don't go. We kinda ignore it and just do our thing. We walk around and listen to the music, have a few drinks, (be careful of this, Epcot has many places to buy drinks, but some are very expensive). We don't have dessert at lunch (we are always on the dining plan but pay for NYE lunch OOP) and often stop at the land in the afternoon and get dessert. It is crowded, but we have always found a seat. As for bathrooms, yes there is a line, but you have to know where to go. They open the bathrooms at the old Millennium (I know probably very bad spelling) village and they are huge. Also they have portable bathrooms (Disney version so not bad. We have been in some gross ones years ago while hiking so these are great!)

Overall you have to decide if it is worth it for YOUR family. I would never suggest this for people with young children. Also, after the fireworks we wait about a half hour before heading out. We drive and it does take awhile to get back to our villa. We know this and don't plan to be up early the next day, which by the way is usually not as bad as you might think. There are tons of locals at NYE and the line of traffic heading out of Disney is wicked after midnight.

Whatever you decide I hope you have a wonderful NYE. You might see me. I will have a light-up drink it my hand, my party hat and horn (oh almost forgot they pass our hats and horns at various places around Epcot) and will be having a wonderful time with my family!!

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[Mome Rath]

Never again. lol

 

[Skywise]

We are doing DHS for NYE. I think it is the least crowded of the parks.

Technically I think AK is the least crowded on NYE. It's not even open!

 

[allshookup]

We've gone to Epcot a few times on NYE including 1999, and yes it's crazy but it's fun. We learned to go later in the day have a sit down dinner as others have said the Counter Service locations are ridiculous, and then we just walk around. With FP+ you might be able to grab a few FPs? There is currently some early afternoon openings for Monsieur Paul and Restaurant Marrakesh for 4 (not sure how many?). Anyway if you can, keep trying and see if something opens but if not you could certainly have an early dinner at DTD and then go to Epcot. Haven't tried Portabellos in years, but we used to love it before they changed the menu. Have fun!

 

[maxiesmom]

We were thinking it might be less busy and something special to head to EPCOT as opposed to MK any thoughts?

We have seen MK close at 11am due to capacity on New Years Eve. We were hoping to dine in EPCOT but it looks like all sit downs are booked. I found one spot in DD - Portobello Country Italiano Restaurant? Any thoughts? Good/Bad? Do you think we can make it to Dinner and then back to EPCOT? Or we be turned away if we leave the park due to capacity. Does anyone know if historically the park hits capacity like MK does?

Thanks for all thoughts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um7tmSzOh74 forward to about 1:17

 

[GeorgiaDawg7]

I've been to EPCOT twice on NYE and both times had a good experience. The fireworks were great and I feel like the crowds were more manageable than at MK on New Years.

 

[SUSIEQ]

We've done Epcot on NYE. We will be back this year, but we haven't decided if we will do Epcot again or DHS.
It is VERY crowded, but oh so fun!
I would not even consider MK on NYE!

 

[Liz Z]

Hi,


My Adult DD and I will be spending NYE in Epcot for the 1st time

I just have to ask if there are places to duck into to get away from the crowds? I know they open up the lawns and We do have ADRs... lunch @ Chef's and dinner @ 9 Dragons but the crowds are a little intimidating to me. Only 5 feet tall... to be honest i'm a little worried
i guess we could always head over to HS if it gets too bad

Thanks for your help and guidance

 

[MrKnight]

I honestly couldnt think of a better place to spend NYE in Orlando than at EPCOT! I have been twice and have had an absolute BLAST both times! There are all out DJ dance parties at the various WC pavilions and a HUGE NYE countdown show at midnight, they also add extra outdoor bars and amenities throughout the park and give out free hats and noisemakers, it is one HUGE party!



In regards to your question about crowds, well, YES, the park is EXTREMELY crowded as expected for a peak season holiday, in fact, NYE is one of the record BUSIEST days of the year at Epcot, with this said, as long as you go in with this expectation and go with the flow you then will enjoy yourself. I would safely say that even though it is very crowded, it is still more tolerable than MK on NYE simply due to the fact that Epcot is at least three times the size of MK and can hence comfortably hold more people.

My biggest recommendation if you decide to go is to book one dining reservation at ANY table service restaurant you can find, even if its a late lunch/early dinner (most slots are already booked), you will appreciate being able to escape the crowds for a bit and enjoy a hearty meal before the big night.

HAVE FUN!

 

[Liz Z]

I honestly couldnt think of a better place to spend NYE in Orlando than at EPCOT! I have been twice and have had an absolute BLAST both times! There are all out DJ dance parties at the various WC pavilions and a HUGE NYE countdown show at midnight, they also add extra outdoor bars and amenities throughout the park and give out free hats and noisemakers, it is one HUGE party!



In regards to your question about crowds, well, YES, the park is EXTREMELY crowded as expected for a peak season holiday, in fact, NYE is one of the record BUSIEST days of the year at Epcot, with this said, as long as you go in with this expectation and go with the flow you then will enjoy yourself. I would safely say that even though it is very crowded, it is still more tolerable than MK on NYE simply due to the fact that Epcot is at least three times the size of MK and can hence comfortably hold more people.

My biggest recommendation if you decide to go is to book one dining reservation at ANY table service restaurant you can find, even if its a late lunch/early dinner (most slots are already booked), you will appreciate being able to escape the crowds for a bit and enjoy a hearty meal before the big night.

HAVE FUN!

Thank You for easing my mind.
We do have ADRs for lunch and dinner so i guess we'll, like you said... just go with the flow. A couple of drinks we should be fine

Do you know where we can pick up the party hats?

Thanks again for your help

Happy Holidays to you!!