My son's birthday is Dec. 31st, am I crazy to consider DL that day?

[kyra's mommy]

We are planning a trip the first week of January to celebrate my ds's 4th birthday. His birthday is on Dec. 31st. Usually we wouldn't go then because we are ap holders and it's blacked out. However, it'll be time to buy our renewal passes and I was thinking if I buy multiday tickets and then upgrade them we could actually be there for his birthday. I'm worried though about the crowds, with DL getting busier and busier by the year I can only imagine this New Years Eve. Should I just book our trip for Jan 2nd for a week or should I try to go on his actual birthday. What would you do, any experience with New Year's?

 

[M4travels]

When we were still living in L.A. we did NYE a few times, having dinner at the Vineyard Room and just enjoying life. It WAS crowded. Our last time (sorry, don't remember the exact year but it may have been 2007) it was just horribly cold at night. We didn't really enjoy either the weather nor the crowds. I don't even think we made it to midnight, which for us never happened before.

Yes, it could be fun and everyone has different tolerances - ours were met fully that year. We wouldn't do it. However.....if you do, go with patience galore, humor up the wazoo, and just enjoy it all!!! (and check the weather reports!!!!)

Michael

 

[taaren]

Yes, it will be crazy but for us it was worth doing once (NY's 2008). I have some great memories of watching the midnight fireworks from the roof of Space Mtn and I want to say we were riding rides until at least 1a (though with a kid you'll prolly be too tired for that). All the other people in the park were just happy to be there even though it was very squishy, people were giving away fastpasses, it was just generally merry. I might hesitate w my DS4 though because I'd be afraid of losing him in the crowd but he's a roamer so not sure if yours is. Maybe wait another year or two til your child is older if they are too... more birthdays DL will still be there.

 

[goofymom68]

We went a few times on New Year's Eve without kids. It seemed to get more crowded each year. Although it was pretty neat, we won't go again with the kids.
We have been in early January and it was nice. We were pleasantly surprised that some Christmas decorations were still up.

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

We went NYE last year and plan on going again this year. The Parks are packed!!! But we still had a great time! I have three adult children and I can't talk them in to going with us...they don't want to mess with the crowds. DL did reach capacity so they stopped letting people in. We were told we may not get back in if we leave for a break so we went in at 7am and left at 2am. I am not sure that would be doable with a 4yo.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

But you'd be going for your boy's birthday - not for NYE - the 31st is a Saturday, I say start with PHs or stay on site *that'd be super pricey I imagine* so you have a MM - get there early, collect FPs throughout the day and leave when you want to, I wouldn't bother staying for the fireworks, watch them from the esplanade if you want to or catch them some other night *the 1st - Sunday* - it won't be hot so you won't be worn out by the early afternoon *from heat* I'd bring layers just in case it's chilly *I'd rather be a bit cold than hot any day - one can put clothes on to get warmer - one really shouldn't walk around naked when they're hot

I've taken my kids for their B-days once each ~ DS's 8th *4/20/08 & DD's 7th *7/3/10 - I really wanted to take her for her B-day this year but it didn't happen...

 

[Malcon10t]

We go every year (since 1999.) It is a blast, BUT it is VERY crowded. We don't do rides (well, we do maybe 3-4), just isn't worth the hassle. We just enjoy hanging out in the park and enjoying each other. Main St will be packed by 5-6pm with people waiting for midnight fireworks. Benches will actually be staked out by noon. If you expect ANY ride to be walk on, you will be crazy.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

If it was me, I wouldn't worry about being there for a four-year-old's actual birthday on New Year's Eve. I would stick to the original plan of going a few days later but make sure to celebrate the child's birthday when there. If my goal was to experience New Year's Eve in the park, that would be a different matter. We have only been for New Year's Eve once. It was crowded but fun. We did not stay for midnight though as the kids were too young to care. We have been for each of the boy's birthdays, but sometimes not on the actual day due to school or work obligations. The boys are still delighted to celebrate at Disneyland even if it's not the exact day.