Holiday help needed

[Kellyh123]

We will be arriving on December 29th and leaving on January 5th. I have been to WDW 5 previous times but never during the holidays. I know the first part will be crowded but really want to get the most out of our time there. There will be my husband and my children DD 18 DS 15 and myself. We will be staying at PC. What park do you recommend we go to on New year's Eve MK or Epcot? Do you have any other recommedations for us during this time? Thanks so much!

 

[chyam]

Can't tell you about MK but I can tell you about EPCOT...was staying off site because I waited to long to get reservations and it took me 3 hours to get out of the parking lot! Should be better since you are staying onsite.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hope you're planning to get to MGM on or before Jan 2. That's the last night of the Osborne Lights, and they're beautiful!

 

[Kellyh123]

We are for sure going to go to MGM to see the Osborne lights we are really looking forward to it. Can anyone who was at WDW last year for New Year's Eve remember if MK was open after the fireworks?
Thanks

 

[Connears]

We hav ebeen to WDW for NYE for the past 2 years. We did not go to MK either time because it is unbeleivably crowded! They closed the park to all guest(including resort guests) by 10am both years. If you decide to go to MK go early and plan to stay. You can't get back in even if you have PS if they reach capacity. NYE 2002-3 we started at MGM and stayed until 4 andd then went to Epcot. Epcot was very crowded with long waits, but very fun and festive(they give out hats and noise makers around 6pm. We had ps at Teppanyaki(make them right at 90 days) and still waited almost an hour because it started to pour. Rained all night and most outdoor bands, etc we washed out. Still vey fun. NYE2003-4 we went to MGM and stayed all day. Brown Derby for dinner and hit last of 3 Fantasmic shows(without the package, but not bad for wait). We left park around 11:30 to beat the crowds and watched the special Fantasy in the Sky fireworks from Swan where we were staying...they were amazing we also caught the fireworks at Epcot at midnite, but not all of them only the high ones. We loved both nights...just make sure you make a ps at 90 days for which ever park you are hitting. Epcot is big enough to take the crowds and did not get to capacity to close that I know of either year. MK always does for NYE.
connears

 

[Kellyh123]

Connears
Thank you so much for the information. That is exactly what I need to know. It is looking more and more like Epcot is the park that we should go to. Does anyone know what special things MK does for NYE?

 

[swilphil]

I vote Epcot too. I've heard they ring in the New Year in each World Showcase at midnight in that country. If you are staying until closing, I would recommend taking your time leaving the park. It can be a madhouse.

 

[cmatt]

being at wdw at x-mas, how is it ?

have been to wdw every year since 1997 love it, but have always gone in july over the 4 th and in aug. we love the water parks in the afternoons, think we wont enjoy it as much in the cool weather////

advise please thanks cmatt

 

[cranbiz]

Another vote for EPCOT.

LY the rest of my family went to MK for NYE and the place was jampacked and they were told that if they left to go back to the resort that they would not be allowed back in even though they were staying onsite. (the park was closed to everyone by 10am)

 

[snowglobe girl]

We were there for New Years 2002-2003 and went to the Magic Kingdom. It had been very crowded earlier in the day when it was sunny and they shut down the entrance, but it started raining during the first Spectro Magic parade and a lot of people left. Made it much more pleasant.

They also gave out New Years eve hats and horns. Mickey Mouse & Goofy come on the loud speaker and count down to midnight. What I liked best about it was not only could you see the fireworks over the castle, but if you were standing in the middle of main street and turned around toward the exit, you could also see fireworks coming from either MGM or Epcot (I'm not sure which) so you really get two for one!!

To me, it just seemed more magical to be at the Magic Kingdom at midnight than the other parks, but sounds like any of them are nice.

I probably just confused your decision again...

I agree with Connears advice though if you choose Magic Kingdom - go early and plan to stay until midnight. Which ever you pick will be tons of fun.

 

[Kellyh123]

I think we will probably due EPCOT if for no other reason than a bit more room to move around in. Thanks!