New Year's Eve at DLR

[snshine123]

I am surprising my 13 year old with a New Year's Eve trip to DLR for just the two of us. The last time I was there on NYE in front of the castle was where you wanted to be at midnight-there was no DCA or things happening in front of Small Worlds. So the question is-where will he have the most fun and how early do we need to stake out a spot or should we just go to fireworks in front of the castle and stay until midnight? I wasn't sure if DCA has anything as they usually close at 9:00 and not sure the pros and cons of Small World area vs the castle or if there or other places where things also happen! Thanks for the info.
We are AP holders if that matters at all

 

[Luv Bunnies]

We did NYE at DL a few years ago. I don't recall anything happening in front of Small World but maybe that's changed. I also remember that DCA closed early and everyone streamed into DL but maybe that's changed too. We had a great time in front of the castle and I think that's the place to be. We staked out a spot and sat down on the ground around 10:00 p.m. It was a long wait but we had a good spot for the midnight countdown and fireworks right afterward. It was a total madhouse and we probably won't do it again but we're glad we did it at least once.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

We did it 2 years in a row (2003 and 2004) - insane. We were in front of the castle and were packed in like sardines. 13 is an okay age, but I wouldn't do it with anyone younger. I also probably wouldn't do it again after the amazingly difficult time we had moving from our spot the last time. We literally were in a press that did not budge, but still people were pushing from behind. I'm completely not a claustrophobe, but I do know what it feels like (from working with radiology equipment for a living) and that crowd level was putting me on the edge of it.

My best advice - get to where you can escape backward. Don't be directly in front of the castle or even where we were near the Snow White wishing well path. Stay near the edges, so you can turn backwards and get quickly out into Tomorrowland or Frontierland, or even Carnation Gardens.

FYI - While we were waiting in front of the castle, we did see a lot of younger people who had smuggled alcohol in. Vodka in water bottles and flasks. Just something to be aware of.

 

[snshine123]

Thanks for the good advice. I did just see that there is a showing of Fantasmic at 11:59 which is his favorite so maybe we will go for that!

 

[bumbershoot]

There's a thread on the DLR forum about NYE right now.

Go early, stay there (don't leave lest it get packed and you be refused re-entry), and try to have fun.

I love DLR, but after seeing the reactions of a few CMs when just *talking* about NYE, I don't think I will EVER go to a Disney park for NYE.

 

[snshine123]

Thanks! WHat is the thread under-I didn't see it!