New Year's Eve 8 am Reservation at MK, worth it?

[jennywren5]

I was able to get an 8:05am ADR at Crystal Palace on Dec. 31st and I don't know if I should keep it or dump it. Will it really be beneficial since EMH are already in place for MK? I can't decide. I have never been to Disney World during the holidays before...

 

[richmo]

Depends. It makes a difference how you're getting there (car, Disney transport, etc.), if you mind getting up early, etc. Are you planning on staying up beyond midnight that day for the new year? If so, it's a long day.

Personally, since you already have it, I'd be inclined to keep it as ADR's are going to be pretty tough to get that day.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Hey Jenny!

As richmo mentioned, it really depends if you are driving or taking Disney Transportation.

Be warned that MK is the most crowded on NYE. A lot of people head out very early to get to the park. It's due in large part to a lot of locals and off-site guests visiting the park. Off-site and local guests are at the biggest disadvantage during crowded times. They are the first to be restricted access to the park. As a result, they turn out early and stay all day. This, combined with the large amount of WDW guests result in ridiculous lines and wait times.

Now, having a reservation does work in your favor (unless, I believe, it's a Phase 3 closure.) I'll say this, though, I will never go to the parks during the daytime of NYE. It's just too crowded. You can easily go to MK in the morning and be out before it gets crazy crowded, but why put yourself through the stress?

I would never tell anyone NOT to do something at Disney.. But do know that I do not recommend the park the day of NYE - especially MK. And, I can't see JUST going for breakfast and fighting the crowds to leave the park.

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Feel free to join in the Christmas DIScussion on Saturday, Nov. 1st at 12pm EST, right here on DISboards!

 

[johde]

One other thing to consider is most year come mid November the opening time of MK get's moved back to 8:00 a.m. for that week with EMH at 7:00 a.m. So, depending on why your wanting the ADR that could make a difference.

 

[jennywren5]

Maybe I'm just overthinking it. We are staying at the Dolphin and we have our car so we can take advantage of EMH but just wondering about the line to get in. I heard people line up super early to get in at rope drop and if I have an ADR will they let us in before that? I'm just stressing trying to figure out our best plan of action. I have two little kids 8 & 5 and I am scared of the crowds with them but we really want to see the decorations and Christmas shows. We have a park hopper and with staying on site we could potentially come and go. Can anyone who has btdt suggest a good strategy for us? Thanks!

 

[2goofykiddos]

We were there 2 years ago and they moved the opening to 8am for every day the week between Xmas a NY, so that would make it pointless.

 

[Tam1067]

We've spent several NYE in MK.

First, if this year follows previous years, MK will open at 7:00 am for EMH and then 8:00 for everyone. I would not want to waste the best park touring time at CP. If you're there that early, enjoy the relatively low crowds for a few hours.

Second, if you're at the Dolphin, take the bus. They often close the parking lots by late morning, but we have found Disney transportation often gets you in even when the parking lots close MK off to offsite guests. Getting out at night will be a nightmare no matter what, so prepare for that or plan to stick around for an hour or two after midnight till the madness calms down.

Third, if you're hoping to see the fireworks at midnight, there's no way I would recommend getting there and staying all day. We have always stayed on site and arrived late afternoon or early evening and it's much more relaxing than fighting crowds all day.

 

[Alesia]

We've spent several NYE in MK.

First, if this year follows previous years, MK will open at 7:00 am for EMH and then 8:00 for everyone. I would not want to waste the best park touring time at CP. If you're there that early, enjoy the relatively low crowds for a few hours.

Second, if you're at the Dolphin, take the bus. They often close the parking lots by late morning, but we have found Disney transportation often gets you in even when the parking lots close MK off to offsite guests. Getting out at night will be a nightmare no matter what, so prepare for that or plan to stick around for an hour or two after midnight till the madness calms down.

Third, if you're hoping to see the fireworks at midnight, there's no way I would recommend getting there and staying all day. We have always stayed on site and arrived late afternoon or early evening and it's much more relaxing than fighting crowds all day.

I agree with all of this.

The only (relatively) uncrowded time of the day will be from 7:00 until about 9:30. I wouldn't want to spend most of that in a restaurant.

My plan would be to get counter service (or an ADR if you can snag one) around 10:30 or 11;00.