Has anyone been to IOA on NYE?

[dmtffl]

Unfortunately we only have 1 day to visit and it happens to be NYE. We will be there w/ our 3 kids (11,13,15yrs). I know US has the parade and Citywalk has the big party, but what is IOA like (besides extremely crowded)? Do the crowds thin out as people go to Citywalk? Does IOA have their own way of counting down or celebrating? The park is open til 1 but how late are the rides running? Any advice what time to get there if it opens @8am? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Metro West]

Unfortunately we only have 1 day to visit and it happens to be NYE. We will be there w/ our 3 kids (11,13,15yrs). I know US has the parade and Citywalk has the big party, but what is IOA like (besides extremely crowded)? Do the crowds thin out as people go to Citywalk? Does IOA have their own way of counting down or celebrating? The park is open til 1 but how late are the rides running? Any advice what time to get there if it opens @8am? Any advice is appreciated.

All of the NYE festivities are located at CityWalk...nothing in the parks. The crowds tend to thin out later in the evening but CityWalk will be a complete and utter madhouse...so be prepared. The rides will be open until the park closes so if you are in line when the park closes, you can still ride. However...you will not be able to enter the queue once the park is closed. If you're planning on staying until the park closes, you might want to wait and enter in the early afternoon. Keep in mind...the crowds will be insane and everything will have long waits...restrooms and restaurants included. Do the best you can and try to enjoy yourselves and most importantly...pack your patience. You will definitely need it.