FP+ NYE at Epcot

[MrKnight]

I am returning to WDW for NYE and it will be my first return visit since the new FP+ service was rolled out, I am somewhat anxious.. A few questions for my fellow DISboard experts:

1) Is 5:45pm a good time slot for FP+ at Test Track on NYE? It was the earliest available time we could find in MDE for our party, we strongly prefer an earlier time slot but all earlier times seem to be snatched up already or are not showing up. Is there a way to check and see if there is an earlier times available on the day of our visit? Could this be done at the FP+ Kiosk or are we out of luck?

2) How strict are the Attractions CMs about making guests wait until the exact FP+ time slot begins? If we are at the entrance a few minutes before the time slot opens will we be allowed in? We are somewhat concerned that we are going to miss the Peace on Earth finale of the 6pm showing of Illuminations due to our FP+ which opens up at 5:45.

3) Considering that the park will be EXTREMELY busy, how long will the waits be for the FP+ queues?

Thank you in advance to all!

 

[Robo]

I am returning to WDW for NYE and it will be my first return visit since the new FP+ service was rolled out, I am somewhat anxious.. A few questions for my fellow DISboard experts:

1a) Is 5:45pm a good time slot for FP+ at Test Track on NYE?

It was the earliest available time we could find in MDE for our party, we strongly prefer an earlier time slot but all earlier times seem to be snatched up already or are not showing up.

1b) Is there a way to check and see if there is an earlier times available on the day of our visit?

1c) Could this be done at the FP+ Kiosk or are we out of luck?

2) How strict are the Attractions CMs about making guests wait until the exact FP+ time slot begins? If we are at the entrance a few minutes before the time slot opens will we be allowed in? We are somewhat concerned that we are going to miss the Peace on Earth finale of the 6pm showing of Illuminations due to our FP+ which opens up at 5:45.

3) Considering that the park will be EXTREMELY busy, how long will the waits be for the FP+ queues?

Thank you in advance to all!

1a) There is no particularly "good" or "bad" time for a FP+ to most any attraction.
If there is a conflict with another event you want to do, then try to change the FP time.

1b) Yes. Via your smart phone, you can access your MDE account information and FP+ bookings.

1c) Yes, that too, But figure that the kiosks will be over-run with guests.
Not a good use of time to visit there more than necessary.

2) Five minutes BEFORE, 15 minutes AFTER are the built-in grace periods.
But, those may or may not be allowed at any particular time.
Safer to figure a strict adherence to the listed times.

3) Unknown, because it depends on exactly WHEN (within the one-hour window) more guests arrive at the attraction.
But, in general, figure everything (EVERYTHING) to be backed up much more than usual.

Allow plenty of extra time to get from place to place.

 

[tinkerbee]

1. you can check on MDE as often as you like with out having to switch your FP+ I would take whatever I could get on NYE

2. I have never been able to enter before my FP time but that's my experience.

3. I don't think it would be much different than any other time.

 

[Shaden]

I am returning to WDW for NYE and it will be my first return visit since the new FP+ service was rolled out, I am somewhat anxious.. A few questions for my fellow DISboard experts:

1) Is 5:45pm a good time slot for FP+ at Test Track on NYE? It was the earliest available time we could find in MDE for our party, we strongly prefer an earlier time slot but all earlier times seem to be snatched up already or are not showing up. Is there a way to check and see if there is an earlier times available on the day of our visit? Could this be done at the FP+ Kiosk or are we out of luck?

You can use the app on your phone or tablet to try to move around the FPs you have. There is an option for "select another time"

You can do this all day long, and sometimes slots do open up. The likelihood of you getting them depends largely on crowds (which will be high) and the size of your group

2) How strict are the Attractions CMs about making guests wait until the exact FP+ time slot begins? If we are at the entrance a few minutes before the time slot opens will we be allowed in? We are somewhat concerned that we are going to miss the Peace on Earth finale of the 6pm showing of Illuminations due to our FP+ which opens up at 5:45.

Its not up to CMs at this point, the system is very rigid and it is specific. You can use your FP+ up to 5 mins early, or 15 mins late. That is all.

3) Considering that the park will be EXTREMELY busy, how long will the waits be for the FP+ queues?

This is an unknown, there have been some days where FP+ queues can get quite large, and while they move fast, some have been large enough that they represent significant waits. What was also interesting is that WDW opened up new blocks of FP+s for some of the major attractions over the holidays (they were all booked, then some just came available). If this means they have simply increased the ratio of FP+ : SB rid slots, FP+ waits could be significant.

Thank you in advance to all!

Hope that helps !

 

[I Love Pluto]

We went to the 6 PM Illuminations on NY Eve last year, using our FP+. Although crowded - it was an experience we will never forget! If it is still open - go there!!!!!

It was very, very crowded. Any rushing through the park sounds "not possible" to me.

Enjoy!!!

 

[johde]

Having been to EPCOT once during NYE. I'm thinking you'll want to use your FP+ after Illuminations I've got 2 possible suggestions for viewing locations were you can quickly get to Test Track after the Show.

1. Watch the 6:00 Illumination for Mexico. It should be over by 6:15. From there, you can walk backstage (only open during crushing crowd like NYE) from between Mexico and Norway to Test Track and still have plenty of time before your FP+ expires at 6:45.

2. Watch the 6:00 illumination from the grassy area just before you cross over from World Showcase.


This area has the advantage that you can sit in the grass, the disadvantage is you can't easily see the ball and the stuff close to the water. But, may be worth it to avoid the crowds in World Showcase a little bit longer. If you sat on the side close to Test Track, it would be a quick trip over there after the show to ride. Then, stake out a prime location for the midnight show (a fabulous show and not to be missed). On the other side, up by the dancing fountains on at the Imagination pavilion might be a good spot as well. Although at that point your crossing completely across Future World. If you had Soarin' FP+ though It would be a good non-prime viewing spot.