Epcot on NYE

[tarheelmjfan]

We're not really partiers, so DH, DS (12), and I usually do our own celebrating in the safety of our home or RV. After reading a little about Epcot on NYE, we've decided that watching all the Countries celebrate their New Year, sounds like a lot of fun. I've just read enough to get me curious and wanting more info., and hoping you kind people will help me out.

1. What time will we need to be at Epcot to assure that we get into the park?

2. What time does each Country celebrate?

3. What does each Country do to celebrate, and is there any other entertainment?

4. What time will we need to eat, to assure that we don't miss any of the celebrations?

5. Where do you think is the best place to eat on NYE?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Michelina]

bump!

 

[WDWguru]

We were at Epcot this past NYE from 7 am to 1 am, and had a GREAT time!

1. What time will we need to be at Epcot to assure that we get into the park?

The parks typically close to capacity late morning and sometimes re-open in the mid afternoon. Epcot does handle more people and does not typically close. I believe they closed for a few hours this year but opened back up later. If you want to spend all day, get there by 10 am and MAKE PSs for your meals as soon as you are able! If you want to come later, you could easily get in after the first Illuminations -- a major part of the crowd left this past year.

2. What time does each Country celebrate?

They celebrate at midnight at their home country. You can ask any CM in any country and they will tell you when that is. The UK is at 7 pm, for instance.

3. What does each Country do to celebrate, and is there any other entertainment?

There is no official entertainment. We saw Italy and England this past year. In both countries, the CMs came out of all the shops and gathered in the middle of their pavilion. They counted down (in native language) and then eruped in cheers, hugs and songs. They then paraded around the pavilion celebrating with everyone around. VERY neat!

4. What time will we need to eat, to assure that we don't miss any of the celebrations?

There are two showings of Illuminations. The earlier one is just the regular show, and the one at midnight is the special extended version for NYE. We made our dinner PS for around 7:30 or 8:00, which put us eating during the first show. It turned out great! The crowds were the absolute worst right before the show, but by the time we were done eating and back out, a TON of people had left. Don't forget to make a lunch PS too if you'll be in the park!

5. Where do you think is the best place to eat on NYE?

We ate at Nine Dragons in China for lunch and Alfredo's in Italy for dinner. We have yet to have a bad meal at Epcot, so just pick your favorite cuisine. Be sure to make your PSs exactly at your window for every meal when you'll be in the park. Lines are long and crowds are nuts -- it's amazing how many people think they can just walk up and eat somewhere.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Last year for EPCOT we went over in the morning and got Fast Passess for that night (yes at 10:30 A.M. they were distributing them for around 11:00 P.M.). Then we left the park and went back to the Boardwalk. After dinner we went back into EPCOT without a problem through the Internation Gateway entrance.

HBC

 

[chyam]

The only thing I can add is use Disney transportation or if you staying over at Boardwalk.....walk, a couple of years ago I was staying off site (since I waited to long to get reservations onsite) and it took me 3 hours to get out of the parking lot at closing!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

So, let me see if I've got this right. Do they celebrate at 11 am in Japan, and 12 am in China, etc. Thanks again!

 

[WDWguru]

If the World Showcase is open when it's midnight in the home country, that's when they celebrate. We didn't see every one of them, but I would assume you're correct.