New Years Eve- AKL to Poly?

[justme0729]

We will have our car. Do you think it would take forever to get from AKL to Polynesian on New Years Eve? Should we take a bus instead? How long would you allow for transportation for a 5:30 Ohana reservation?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We will have our car. Do you think it would take forever to get from AKL to Polynesian on New Years Eve? Should we take a bus instead? How long would you allow for transportation for a 5:30 Ohana reservation?

I could go either way but I’d rather have my own car than have to rely on a bus to MK then monorail or boat to Poly (and the same going back) plan. You can get some thicker monorail and boat traffic that evening. Driving around property frankly isn’t all that bad. One thing I’d caution, 12/31 is the one day of the year where you see unusual operations - your 5:30 Ohana reservation should allow you to park with no issues, but if for some reason the lot is full or they are doing things differently that evening, it’s not outside of the realm of possibility they’ll make you park at the MK/TTC lot. I don’t think you’ll have to do that, but on 12/31 you just have to be prepared for unusual conditions - so the usual Disney “give yourself plenty of time” caveats definitely apply.

Remember early fireworks are at 6:30pm.

Have fun!

 

[MICKIMINI]

We always leave early. Parking is a challenge, so I think an hour early is fine. You can enjoy shopping in the lobby! OP's often say I overstate how early to leave ahead of an ADR or even a park trip, however we've been caught in traffic before, slow to park, etc. It is just easier to be early IMO than late! Enjoy!

 

[Genie+]

We always leave early. Parking is a challenge, so I think an hour early is fine. You can enjoy shopping in the lobby! OP's often say I overstate how early to leave ahead of an ADR or even a park trip, however we've been caught in traffic before, slow to park, etc. It is just easier to be early IMO than late! Enjoy!

Yes I prefer not needing to stress even if a few hiccups happen. Instead of nail biting during a 10 minute traffic hold up we can daydream about what a wonderful evening is in store, and if the guard gate is backed up too and then we’re directed to TTC… we’re still A-OK. Much more pleasant imho Early arrival means more time to shop, get a drink at Tambu, take photos. Does not feel like ‘wasted’ time.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Yes I prefer not needing to stress even if a few hiccups happen. Instead of nail biting during a 10 minute traffic hold up we can daydream about what a wonderful evening is in store, and if the guard gate is backed up too and then we’re directed to TTC… we’re still A-OK. Much more pleasant imho Early arrival means more time to shop, get a drink at Tambu, take photos. Does not feel like ‘wasted’ time.

We typically find DH a new aloha shirt and me a D&B bag (we found neither a month ago!) which drains the wallet $400 or more LOL...good for biz!

 

[Disturbia]

Side note: fireworks from the beach require wristbands (resort guests only).

You should be able to see the 6:30 pm show with your ADR from Ohana (obstructed distant view, but the music gets piped in). Hope you have a wonderful time!