MK and Epcot crowd avoidance tactics on X-Mas and NYE

[TazFan]

Hey all,

We are doing MK on X-mas day and Epcot on NYE and would like your suggestions in avoiding the crowds.

FYI...I am not interested in TGM and am mainly going for the sights, shows, and parade. That said, I do have a few rides at each park but I rather enjoy the parks than to stand in line for 2+ hours.

I have read about doing the rides in the AM and during other shows (i.e. parades and fireworks), but what about doing the rides LATE at night? MK is open until midnight on the 25th and Epcot is open until 1am on NYE. What is your insight for doing the rides LATE at night....like after Illuminations (sp?) and after Spectomagic? Do the crowds generally thin out drastically after the final park shows?

Thanks,
TazFan

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Imagine the most crowded night at WDW, and New Year's Eve is worse. But it's magical too.

You need to plan to stay in whichever park you choose all of the day and evening. They do fill to capcity. Get a locker and store the evening sweatshirts, etc. Get to the park via WDW transportation (not your own car) if possible.

I also care more about the the shows, fireworks, and parades than the long lines for rides. With a little waiting, you can get good seats/views for all of the entertainment.

Past experience at MK and MGM is that the ride lines are LONG all the way through midnight.

The morning of January 1 can be an excellent time for rides. Many people are sleeping in that day. If you can pull yourself out of bed after just 4 or 5 hours of sleep, it's worth the effort.

All of the above can be weather-dependent. We've been to MK when it was in the 20s at night (New Year 2001), and the cold didn't stop anyone. New Year 2002 the heavy rain did keep the earlier-day crowds down.

Sorry - no experiences to share about Christmas Day crowds.

 

[dgaston]

I personally like the MGM NYE fireworks. They're only done on the 4th of July and NYE.

 

[TazFan]

I also heard that the morning of Jan 1 is excellent time to do the parks because so many people are sleeping in. We might grab one more park pass with hopper and do the rides then.

Any others?

TazFan