New Year's Eve -- 11 people! Help!!

[Megara79]

Hi Everybody,
I'm seeking your collective expertise here. My family's Magical Gathering is slated to begin on New Year's Eve. That is also the birthday of one of our group members. Any ideas on a special way to celebrate? Our group has 2 teens, 5 twentysomethings and 4 "grown-ups."

Where can we go that won't be mad-crowded? How soon should we do Priority Seating? I've been to WDW a million times ... just never on a holiday or with so many people!

Help!
Megara79

 

[extremesoccermom]

We were there for New Years 2002-2003, what a great time we had. I waited to long to make PS. You can make them 90 days from the date you need. The park restaurants were full the only thing I could get was the Steak House in the Contemporary. They take your credit card # to hold the PS. However, when we were getting ready to leave we were told that the park was at capacity and if we left we probably would not get back into MK. So we quickly called and cancelled the PS no problem or charge even though I was originally told I would need to cancel 24 hours prior. So we ended up getting caught in a down pour and eating at the Plaza Pavillion-Chicken Family Dinner and the park pretty much emptied out. We ended up with a great meal and the rest of the park practically to ourselves. So plan ahead especially if you want to eat in one of the parks.

 

[BCV23]

We've only been at WDW for two NYE and both time decided that we didn't want to go in the parks but would watch the MK fireworks from our hotel. So both times we had a fun dinner at Hoop de Doo.

If we ever do go to a park for NYE, I think it will be EPCOT as I've read it doesn't get as crowded as there is so much room there. Also apparently each country celebrates the New Year at that country's midnight.

 

[Connears]

We have been there for the past 2 NYEs. 2002-2003 we spent morning at MGM then entered epcot at 4pm for 7:30 PS at Teppanyaki in Japan. It started to pour around 6:30 and we had to wait for almost an hour for dinner (seated at 8:20pm). Lot's of people at Epcot, but fun. 2003-2004 we spent the day at MGM and dinner at Brown Derby..great then did last Fantasmic and watched the firework show at 11:45 from our room at the Swan! They will ask for CC when you make PS for NYE at 90 days. Swan and Dolphin also have a dinner buffet and party with two seatings and kids/adults stuff if you aren't interested in a park for the day. If you decide on MK, you must get there before 10am and be prepared to stay ALL day. The park closed to all guests (even those at WDW resorts last year at 10:30am). They will not let you in even if you have PS. We will be down there again this year, but have to leave 12/31 for drove back to Boston but will spend NYE at HHI resort (we are DVC members)
Connears

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I was at Disney for New Years Eve this past year and we found that it can be difficult to get a seating together with a large party. We were a party of 9. We wound up having to sit at different tables in the Rose and Crown. They can't accomodate large parties well. Neither does Japan. So I would suggest that you book as soon as they allow you to. You have to guarantee with a credit card( everyone has to). Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[D L and K's Mom]

We were in WDW last New Years Eve and decided not to battle the parks ( 6month old 12 year old and a 13 year old in a wheelchair) We had dinner at one of the restuarants in the Dolphin and then watched the fireworks from the "beach" behind the hotel. If I remember correctly the fireworks we saw were from EPCOT I know therre were some at Magic Kingdom later on in the evening. Later we walked around the boardwalk. It was nice and not crowded. I can't remeber the name of the restaurant Friends of ours ate at Ohana on New years eve and they loved it!!!!!!! Good Luck!!!!