New Years at WDW

[CarolinaGuy21]

Hey everyone,

My GF and I have been to WDW a good amount (4 times together). Now, we are taking a trip with my family January 2nd - 9th. We are thinking about going down there early just the two of us for NYE. I wanted to know what some of the best things to do on NYE are? Also do all 4 parks stay open late? We love Epcot so that’s where we’e like to spend our night.

Thanks!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hey everyone,

My GF and I have been to WDW a good amount (4 times together). Now, we are taking a trip with my family January 2nd - 9th. We are thinking about going down there early just the two of us for NYE. I wanted to know what some of the best things to do on NYE are? Also do all 4 parks stay open late? We love Epcot so that’s where we’e like to spend our night.

Thanks!

MK does their special fireworks on both 12/30 and 12/31. Epcot only does 12/31. Many people will do MK on 12/30 and Epcot on 12/31.

Last year, MK had fireworks at both 6:30pm and 11:50 pm on 12/30 and 12/31 and I believe the published calendars at the moment reflect the same this year.

At Epcot on 12/31, they do shows at 6:30pm and 11:40pm. I think 6:30pm is just regular Illuminations and 11:40pm is the mega show, but I’m not totally sure about that so someone please chime in to correct me if I mis-spoke.

Last year, MK hours on 12/31 were 8am-1am (7am-8am EMHs). Epcot hours were 8am-1am.

We were at WDW last year around NYE and really enjoyed it. It is more crowded on 12/31 everywhere on property than you can ever imagine - traffic is horrendous. But, still a great vibe, great fireworks shows, all-in-all good fun.

 

[Gehrig1B]

We have spent the last 3 NYE's at Disney World. MK gets incredibly crowded and the only way I would do MK again is with the Fireworks Dessert Party. The fireworks at MK are incredible though, 360 degrees, truly amazing. Epcot is so large that it handles crowds much better, and is a more festive atmosphere for adults. The year we did Hollywood Studios was my favorite because we were not that concerned about the revelry and did all the main attractions as walk ons while everyone was massed around the Chinese Theater watching the fireworks!

Although it is rare (never, I believe) for a capacity closure at Epcot it can happen at MK. Best to stay onsite if you plan to get to MK later in the day.

A couple suggestions. Stay walking distance from the park you are visiting on NYE if possible...very expensive. It can take several hours to get out of the parks after the fireworks. Best to wait until park closing if you need a bus or monorail. Will be crazy between 12:00 am and 1:30 am! Some suggest walking to HS from Epcot out the International Gateway and getting a bus from there...makes sense but have not tried it. Definitely do not drive, massive traffic problems entering and exiting the parking lots. Be prepared for a lot of craziness but enjoy the revelry. We plan to be back at Epcot this year!

 

[CarolinaGuy21]

We have spent the last 3 NYE's at Disney World. MK gets incredibly crowded and the only way I would do MK again is with the Fireworks Dessert Party. The fireworks at MK are incredible though, 360 degrees, truly amazing. Epcot is so large that it handles crowds much better, and is a more festive atmosphere for adults. The year we did Hollywood Studios was my favorite because we were not that concerned about the revelry and did all the main attractions as walk ons while everyone was massed around the Chinese Theater watching the fireworks!

Although it is rare (never, I believe) for a capacity closure at Epcot it can happen at MK. Best to stay onsite if you plan to get to MK later in the day.

A couple suggestions. Stay walking distance from the park you are visiting on NYE if possible...very expensive. It can take several hours to get out of the parks after the fireworks. Best to wait until park closing if you need a bus or monorail. Will be crazy between 12:00 am and 1:30 am! Some suggest walking to HS from Epcot out the International Gateway and getting a bus from there...makes sense but have not tried it. Definitely do not drive, massive traffic problems entering and exiting the parking lots. Be prepared for a lot of craziness but enjoy the revelry. We plan to be back at Epcot this year!

Thanks for the the responses! We might stay at the Swan or Dolphin so we can stay walking distance from Epcot. I know a lot of people don’t like it but since we are in our early and mid 20’s, we like the adult vibe with a little Disney sprinkles in.

We went last year during the Christmas season so we are prepared for the madness. We’ve been so many time that the rides are important to us but not the #1 thing. We love to eat and drink and just soak in the atmosphere.

So Epcot probably won’t hit capacity? We would preferably like to show up late afternoon and start hanging out until midnight. If we get there first thing in the morning we won’t make it until midnight haha

 

[robinb]

MK does their special fireworks on both 12/30 and 12/31. Epcot only does 12/31. Many people will do MK on 12/30 and Epcot on 12/31.

That's what we do every year.

I would recommend the fireworks dessert party in the MK at 10:15/10:45 on 12/30: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...d-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party-plaza-view/. We did it last year and it was freaking awesome watching the fireworks from the special viewing area and not being in the middle of the fray. I grabbed 4 tickets for this year a few weeks ago but there is currently no availability. Keep an eye on it since it may open up later on, I got mine in November last year.

I would also suggest that you get an ADR for 12/31 in Epcot. It's going to be cray-cray and it's nice to take a break and sit down for a meal.

 

[AJT607]

Never say never... but I wouldn't expect Epcot to hit capacity on NYE. Last year, we stayed at the Boardwalk and (unfortunately) got sick in the middle of the trip. We ended up popping over to Epcot 3-4 different times throughout the day because we didn't have the energy to stick it out all day long. When we entered in the afternoon, there was a bit of a crowd/wait at the International Gateway, but when we entered at 8PM and again at 11PM, there was no wait whatsoever. If you are staying at Swan/Dolphin, I think you will be fine.