New Years at WDW

[ssawka]

Ok, there is something seriously wrong with me. We were heading back from WDW last week and our flight was delayed due to maintenance issues with the plane. Like any good Disney addicts, we started planning next year's trip. So, the plan is to spend a few days at WDW (hoping for AKV savanah view) and then go on the 4 night Dream cruise leaving 2/1/13 (BLT points available soon). We have never been to WDW at Christmastime because we've always been afraid of the crowds. By doing a land/sea, I think will get the best of both worlds. We'll get to see the Christmas decorations and then get 4 relaxing days at sea. Anyway, my question for those who have been to the World for New Year's, which park do you like best for New Year's Eve? I was originally thinking of MK, but it sounds like EP may actually have more going on. Any thoughts?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We stay at BWV so we can walk back from Epcot. There's a party there on the Village Green and last year, they even piped in the music for the near midnight fireworks. However, we've found it better to slip in the International Gateway, we find a place on the bridge that leads to France, and enjoy the fireworks that begin around 11:30. After those, we turn around and see the great fireworks that are coming out of DHS! Last year, our DS brought one DGD there and they thought the sights there were wonderful. We just may try DHS for NYE one of these years, but I couldn't walk home from there, they could.

MK has the same fireworks on the 30th that they do on the 31st. So "traditionally" we go there on the 30th. It's a bit less crazy, and they have had extra magic hours, so when we leave after the fireworks, many many people stay there, so it's not super crazy getting a bus.

Bobbi

 

[robinb]

We do Epcot for NYE. I love the MK fireworks, but they will show them on the 30th, so we go to the MK on the 30th and then Epcot on the 31st. Lately we have been staying for evening EMH on the 30th (until 3am!) and then wandering into Epcot for the ambiance. DHS is OK for NYE, but the viewing of the fireworks can be problematic. There are few places that have a good view. AK is not open for NYE evening.

 

[Spencerfamilynj]

We've only been there once (this past New Year's Eve). We went to Epcot and I don't believe the gates ever closed, unlike Magic Kingdom from what we heard. We didn't get there until late morning, maybe even early afternoon. It was super crowded and we walked over to Boardwalk where our friends were staying as it got later. We enjoyed most of Epcot's fireworks from there. Stayed at SSR and the bus ride back took over 1 hour (Boardwalk to Downtown Disney and then to SSR). My advice is if you are staying at a resort where you can walk or NOT take a bus or car to visit a park, go to that park. The roads were all busy with cars. That being said, I'm sure we were better taking a bus from Boardwalk than trying to leave the main exit at Epcot.

 

[com_op_2000]

EPCOT all the way.
Most things to do at night. Always really busy. Make sure you take a break in the afternoon and be there before 18:00. The park can fill up and they prevent non-WDW resorts guests from entering the park at that point.

 

[Kuzco]

We were there last year, NYE 2010/11 and spent the day at Animal Kingdom. Surprisingly it wasn't too busy and we found wait times to be reasonable.

 

[robinb]

I have also spent the NYE day at Blizzard Beach. It was warm that day and it was totally empty. We had dinner at Epcot and stayed for the fireworks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Not for next year, but for this year!

We're looking for someone to join us on a NYE Illuminations cruise! If anyone is interested, JiminyHCricket is the one to notify!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43020452&postcount=1248

 

[dianeschlicht]

LOVE Epcot for NYE!!! Our first time doing Epcot on NYE was for the millennium change, and it sold me on it so much, that we've done it several more times.

 

[Daddio]

It's Epcot's turn this year. We did MK last year, HS 2009/2010, EP 2008/2009, nothing in 2007/2008 (never do that again) and DTD 2006/2007.

David