HELP! Need to plan a NY trip FAST!(long)

[Rock'n Robin]

OK folks, I need your help. I have 6 trips under my belt, including 4th of July, but never this very busy time. I have already missed the PS deadlines so I have to figure out what I want to do, where and when. We (me, DH, kids 5,8,11) will be at the Contemporary the last 3 nights and are unsure about 12/29 at this time, although we may add the Contemp. that night as well to simplify things(last 3 nights are on DVC points). We are driving from a visit to NC and will be arriving around 3PM (estimated) on the 29th, leaving Jan. 2nd in the morning.
I have the park hours and entertainment times. The only "musts" I have are the Wishes fireworks and PHilharmagic, but since we will be at the Contemp. we can see them almost any day. If Gary Sinise is CP narrator on 12/29 and 30 I may try to fit that in as well since he is awesome, although I won't do the CP package--been there, done that and promised DH not too much shopping!
What parks are impossible on 12/31? Is MK horrible? I heard horror stories about 7/4--we avoided it and went to MGM and Epcot. I'm guessing because of the smaller size of MK it would be more crowded. Are the Epcot fireworks at 11:40 on NYE a "must-do"?
Again, we don't have to do everything because we've done most of it--but don't want to miss anything that is unique to NYE either. As soon as I have a schedule figured out I can get some PSs (I imagine counter service is a nice long wait at that time).
Robin M.

 

[swilphil]

Relax. I planned our July 4th trip only 1 month in advance. If you have AP's you might be able to get the AP rate at the Swan/Dolphin for 12/29. I know they were offering a really good rate. The Concierage Desk at the Dolphin was great at getting us last minute PS's during July 4th. I was amazed. If price is no object, I would still recommend one of the other Epcot area resorts since you will be in the MK area the rest of the time. Also since that's such a busy week, it would be nice to be able to walk to some of the parks. I think Epcot on NYE would be much more manageable than MK.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We are already booked 12/30-1/2 at the Contemporary--the only open date is 12/29 for the Dolphin or whatever. I am just wondering what I need to be definately planning here so I can make some PSs.
Robin M.