Ideas for "hanging out" on New Years at OKW

[Doctor P]

After much discussion, we think we are going to use New Year's Day as a rest and relaxation, non-park day on our upcoming trip to OKW. What are some of the things that you have done as a DVCer on days when you don't do parks and want to relax a bit? Are there any special ideas that you might suggest because it's New Years Day?

 

[PamOKW]

I haven't got a specific idea except that you might want to try and be outside at midnight. I can't tell you exactly which way to look but I'm sure you'll see fireworks. We ended up spending most of NYE day at the ER one year so we were back in the room by midnight. It sounded like an aerial attack when all the fireworks shot of from every park at the same time.

 

[Regina]

That is a dead day at WDW. The parks are empty, the restaurants are empty and everyone is half asleep.

With any luck, the weather will cooperate and you'll be able to enjoy some pool time.

Other than that, everyone is recuperating from the night before.

 

[Regina]

Okay Pam, one of us has the wrong day, LOL.

Are we talking about New Year's Eve or New Year's Day??

 

[PamOKW]

Ooops! I just re-read this and I think you are correct DVCReg. I was wondering whether Doctor P was really going to stay in NYE!

 

[Doctor P]

LOL. I have stayed in far too many NYE's in my life! We are going to spend NYE at Epcot. That is part of the reason we thought a rest day New Year's might be kind of nice. On the other hand, we must admit that a day at the parks with smaller crowds might be nice (but I guess we have another 40 years or so to do that!)

 

[PamOKW]

Okay, New Year's Day. Since that's a Tuesday this year I'm sure some folks need to get back to work/school Wednesday 1/2 so they will be heading home. One of the best things about New Year's Day are the smiling relief-filled faces on the CMs as they recuperate from the previous week. I've even had several of them discuss how they can finally relax a bit and enjoy the day or two of low crowds.

If you want to take it slow and it's too cold to use the pool, you might want to consider either touring some of the other resorts or maybe walking around a bit in Celebration or DD. I'm sorry but I forget the size and ages of your family DoctorP -- if it appeals to you, maybe going for tea at the GF would be an idea. Another idea might be to go check-out AKL. If you're not saving a day on passes, you might want to head to a park in the afternoon.

Whatever you do have a wonderful time! I'll be thinking of all the lucky folks ringing in the New Year!

 

[kem330]

We were at WDW last NYE and NY and the crowds did not go down on Jan 1 or 2. Lots of folks down there for bowl games, etc. Years prior this was not the case. Also, this year many students have the whole week of New Years off and this may add to the attendance. So you are probably making a good choice to relax Jan 1. Sometimes it's fun to visit the other resorts and see all the holiday decorations- maybe have lunch at WL or GF? We'll be in Epcot also with a million other people NYE! Somehow the crowd then does not bother me- it's such a festive atmosphere and Illuminations is spectacular!

 

[Caskbill]

If you haven't been there NYE before, be aware that Epcot fills up very early and is closed. Last year, that was about 9:00 or 10:00 AM. They still allow resort guests in and others with 'special' New Year's Eve passes, but everyone else is turned away.

Also, beginning anywhere around 4:00 to 6:00 pm, there'll be signs at the exits stating if you leave the park, you are not guaranteed readmittance. I believe this is true whether you're a resort guest or not, but could be wrong on that.

Last year we drove from OKW to Epcot (figured the busses coming back would be terrible), but didn't count on the traffic. We went over about 9:00 am, and were in a traffic line for about 2-hours just to get into Epcot parking. All the people getting turned away were not very happy. In this case, our OKW parking pass was like Willie Wonka's magic ticket.

We're going again this year, but will definitely take the busses.

(This is where I bow to those who own at BWV.........) I may have to buy into Beach Club just to be able to walk to Epcot on NYE....)

Don't plan on doing any of the rides at Epcot that day. The lines are terrible. Test Track was over 3-hours, and ALL the fast passes for the entire day were gone by noon. All the other attractions are almost as bad. This is a good day for people watching.

Get in line early for your free hat and horn.

Have a great trip!