For those who went to MK on the 30th

[rdominy]

For everyone who attended on the 30th...we are going next year and I'm trying to decide between two options. We are staying offsite and considering either:
1) getting a room at Pop for just the night of the 30th to use EMH for the 30th and the 31st and then taking the boat to watch the early fireworks (hopefully Fantasy in the Sky again) from Fort Wilderness beach or try to get a Pirates and Pals cruise. If we did this we would utilize the bus system.
or
2) just stay off property and reserve the dessert party for the fireworks (money would work out about the same to do the Plaza viewing area). If we did this we would be driving our own vehicle.

I'm leaning toward option 2 and we usually drive to the parks every time any way, but I'm a little worried about driving that day and the lines we will face to get in the park...as well as missing that first hour.

It will be me, DH, DD11, DS4...we have been to Disney several times and did MK on the 30th last year by taking the bus from AoA...then watch the early regular fireworks from Pirates and Pals.

Which one would you do? And if you would pick option 2...would you try to get to the park at regular opening, or go a little later?

 

[AngiTN]

I thought the crowds at MK yesterday were manageable all day. I have no idea what traffic was like since we came from Contemporary. I know when we took a car over at about 11:00 it was not too bad.

No idea how weather played in to crowds either. Daytime temps were perfection but it got chilly at night. I loved having the dessert party and wouldn't do it any other way. So nice not to worry about where to go

 

[deedubb]

That's a tough call. If it's one or the other, I would personally do the dessert party. It is so nice not to have to battle the crowds. I also find it to be a nuisance to have to change hotels.

Not sure how busy the roads will be, but if it's anything like Christmas day, it will be brutal. We went mid morning and it took over an hour of actual driving time by bus, so it would be more when driving your personal vehicle, plus you will have to take the tram, then the ferry/monorail. If you can do rope drop, I'm sure the drive will be nice, but that will make for a very long day.

I am starting to plan for next year now and thinking of doing New Years as well, but will hopefully be staying at Bay Lake so we can walk to MK.