New Years Eve and Teens

[BlackestRose]

We are coming to Universal over New Years Eve with six adults and two 17 yr olds. The adults want to go over to CitiWalk for at least some of the time leaving the teens to themselves. Mine are "old enough to know better," but young enough to still want to poke the bear to see what it will do.

Anyone know about the hotel parties for teens? I saw somewhere there was a cruise last year at the Portofino. Is it any fun for older teens? Getting stuck on a ship for four hours with "kids" thirteen year olds would sound like torture to them. Daughter-mine also expressed interest in checking out the pig roast at the Royal. Any thoughts there?

How about the parks? Are they safe on NYE? Any festive goings on?

Thanks for any advice in advance,

BlackestRose

 

[Metro West]

I moved your thread over to the main board for more responses.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I've never heard of a "cruise" at the Portofino... the only boats I've ever seen in the marina are the small ones that take you to the parks. Portofino has some ticketed events in the harbor but they are usually 21+.

The parks are generally very safe, but with people drinking there can be a rowdy element, although I think that's more of an HHN/Mardi Gras phenom than NYE. I'm sure your kids know better, but keep in mind that Universal has a no tolerance policy on underage drinking, even if they are seen just holding a drink for someone else.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[xApril]

I've been to NYE these past two years.

Two years ago, they had a group that played until midnight and then counted down and played some more. They played cover songs.

Last year, they had the same group playing cover songs (with the same set as the year before) but as it got closer to midnight, they had Cinematic Spectacular go on. They didn't do their normal show, they just used the fountains/lights/screens to create a rave-like atmosphere. They played popular songs from the past year and synced up the fountains/lights to the songs. Then at midnight, they projected a countdown onto the water screens and then had some fireworks, if I remember correctly.

I was a teen both years and felt fine/safe. They also have all the rides open until park close so there's stuff to do.