New Years 2012?? Is it too busy?

[Melynny]

We just got home from our 17 day Fla vacation, it included the week before Christmas at BWV and then ended it with NYE at Old Key West. I made this reservation in August, there were several studios available at different resorts, none at BLT, when I made this reservation. As for the crowds, we decided to go eat at Epcot, right after we checked in. Rode the bus and at around 4:00 pm the Magic Kingdom was closed. Epcot had cars parked EVERYWHERE, on the grass in the bus parking area.. it was almost surreal. As we entered, the bag check lines were short, and there were no lines at the entry turnstiles. After we entered, Spaceship Earth had a 80 minute wait, Soarin had a 240 min standby wait. We ordered our food, at Sunshine Seasons ( this was all to use the 30% off coupon!) and fought to find a table. We ate in relative peace. Then left, in the 45 minutes it took us to eat, the park really seemed to fill up. We could only weave our way thru stopped people. People had set up little camps on all the grass everywhere, with blankets, coolers etc, most folks were napping and just waiting. Near Mouse Gear, and the fountain, they were setting up for a big DJ and dance party. Guests were already staking out that area too. We shopped a bit in Mousegear, then decided that we had seen enough fireworks and decided to leave.

The worst part of the evening was after we went to bed at 12:30 other guests at OKW were returning, and not at all being considerate or quiet. I could not believe how many different groups did not even try to be quiet as the arrived at their villas. Our neighbor, in the attached 1 br proceded to party until 3:30 am... talk about a terrible time, this was also with several others in our bldg. doing the same thing. I was not that discouraged by the crowds at Epcot, but the rudeness of the other people in our OKW bldg may deter me from another NYE trip.

 

[bobbiwoz]

....
The worst part of the evening was after we went to bed at 12:30 other guests at OKW were returning, and not at all being considerate or quiet. I could not believe how many different groups did not even try to be quiet as the arrived at their villas. Our neighbor, in the attached 1 br proceded to party until 3:30 am... talk about a terrible time, this was also with several others in our bldg. doing the same thing. I was not that discouraged by the crowds at Epcot, but the rudeness of the other people in our OKW bldg may deter me from another NYE trip.

I'm sorry to read about these inconsiderate people.

Bobbi

 

[Marine Mom]

Christmas Week is the most crowded time of the year. NYE is the most crowded day of the year.

Imagine yourself in a clothes closet that is 6 feet long and 3 feet deep. By yourself it is not too bad, a little claustrophophic. Now invite your family, adding your wife and two kids. It is starting to get crowded in there but you can still move about a little. Now stuff 100 sumo wrestlers in the closet with your family and close the doors. That's NYE in Epcot and MK.

 

[robinb]

We've never gone for NYE either and are planning to for 2012 as well. I don't know if I'll be able to handle the crowds. Do you really have to stay at the parks all day? Do some of you just try and get reservations at restaurants instead of being in a park. Would love to be at the California Grill, but that has to be a nearly impossible reservation to get.

Contrary to popular opinion you do NOT have to stay in the park all day. I have been to the MK, Epcot, DHS and Disneyland for NYE and I always take a break in the middle of the day. It gets us away from the crowds and craziness and allows us to recharge and refresh for the long evening,. I have NEVER had a problem returning to the parks after 6:00 pm.

IIRC, the California Grill has a special NYE menu so it will be pretty expensive. I would recommend that you select a restaurant in the park in which you want to celebrate NYE and make a 7-8 pm reservation. Get back to the park at 6ish and make your way to the restaurant. You will need plenty of time to make your way through the crowds. Make the reservation ASAP ... at the 180+10 if you can. When I made mine for NYE this year everything (including Le Cellier) was available.

 

[wdw1972]

Would love to be at the California Grill, but that has to be a nearly impossible reservation to get.

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Since CA Grill was $595/person this past New Year's Eve I imagine it's not as hard to get as you might think!

 

[disneyfanbcv]

I have diffently decided not to go during New Years. The comfort of my couch and the TV still sounds great! Thanks Again!

 

[robinb]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I have questions about New Year's also. We own at BLT and are going to go for our first stay. We were originally thinking we would have a check in date for Jan 1st, but are now thinking that maybe the 30th or 31st would be fun for check in. Here are my questions:

1) Will it be impossible to secure a reservation at 11 months out for check in on NYE?

2) How busy was the TOTWL on NYE? We would avoid parks that day but hope to see the fireworks from the lounge.

Depending on the size and type of unit you want, booking a check-in for 12/30 or 12/31 at BLT may be problematic even at the 11 month window. I would recommend that you search for "walking a reservation" but even that might not help that week.