New Year's Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace - Any Thoughts

[js]

Hi.
Has anyone every done the NYE at Epcot World ShowPlace Buffet?
I'll be with my family of four, kids 18 and 22 and we had planned on being in Epcot for NYE.
I also have ressies for 9 pm at Yachtsman but thinking it may be best to already be in Epcot.
I looked in the search on dis but don't see too much about it.

I figured it should be okay since it's Disney on NYE but not sure.

Thanks so much!

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have celebrated 2 or 3 NYE in Epcot. This was quite a few years ago and do not remember if they had the Buffet you are referring to. Once year we had reservations for R&C during the first IllumiNations fireworks. We sat outside right by the water and had a great view. We also stayed for the NYE Illuminations later that same day.

One year we ate at the Mexican outside restaurant - was on line for probably over 45 minutes - and of course no where to sit.

I would suggest having dinner reservations somewhere inside the park. You will want to get away from all the crowds for a while. The park will be CROWDED - CROWDED - CROWDED. They also gave us hats and noise makers - as soon as everyone starts getting the noise makers - they make noise - and you will not have a moment of peace. As long as you go in knowing this, and do not expect to go on a lot of rides, you will be ok.

All this being said - I would do it again. We are heading down in 2 weeks for F&W so will not have a chance to get back for NYE.

Enjoy - Linda

 

[js]

We have celebrated 2 or 3 NYE in Epcot. This was quite a few years ago and do not remember if they had the Buffet you are referring to. Once year we had reservations for R&C during the first IllumiNations fireworks. We sat outside right by the water and had a great view. We also stayed for the NYE Illuminations later that same day.

One year we ate at the Mexican outside restaurant - was on line for probably over 45 minutes - and of course no where to sit.

I would suggest having dinner reservations somewhere inside the park. You will want to get away from all the crowds for a while. The park will be CROWDED - CROWDED - CROWDED. They also gave us hats and noise makers - as soon as everyone starts getting the noise makers - they make noise - and you will not have a moment of peace. As long as you go in knowing this, and do not expect to go on a lot of rides, you will be ok.

All this being said - I would do it again. We are heading down in 2 weeks for F&W so will not have a chance to get back for NYE.

Enjoy - Linda

Thank you.
I do have ressies for the NYE Epcot World Showcase Buffet as well as Yachtsman. Both for 9:00 pm.
I am wondering if you or anyone knew anything about the Buffet. From the search it looks like it goes back to at least 2008
but there isn't anything about it. I have been on MDE looking for Epcot restaurants for NYE and this just came up today, I didn't see
it yesterday.

I did pay the $200+ deposit but can cancel so still not sure. Maybe if I can get RC, Italian or Mexican I will cancel but if someone has been to this
and they liked it, I may keep. I did not see anything about paying extra for alcohol but I do hope it is an option since I would like to drink at dinner.

 

[DreamFlightCpt.]

Try and get into the park a little earlier. I would suggest about 6pm at the very latest. No matter what transportation you are using to get to Epcot, take into consideration the traffic around property with everyone going to a park to celebrate the new year. I agree with lpizzuro123 about the incredible noise once they start handing out those ridiculous noisemakers. I got pretty claustrophobic and anxious really quick with the amount of people around. Everything else about EPCOT on NYE was pretty amazing though. Each of the countries displayed their own unique traditions and there was plenty of entertainment happening all around the world showcase. The fireworks were also amazing. To this day the best display I've seen on property yet. Been in it for the long haul though. Getting into the park is one thing, getting out is another. If you're using Disney trasportation, expect to wait. And if you're driving, also be ware of the traffic leaving. All in all, its a great experience and I'm glad i got to do it about 5 years ago and want to do it again soon. The cons that I pointed out aren't really that much worse than being in any park on property during a crowded time. If you can handle Fantasy Land at MK during peak attendance times, you can handle this.

 

[js]

Try and get into the park a little earlier. I would suggest about 6pm at the very latest. No matter what transportation you are using to get to Epcot, take into consideration the traffic around property with everyone going to a park to celebrate the new year. I agree with lpizzuro123 about the incredible noise once they start handing out those ridiculous noisemakers. I got pretty claustrophobic and anxious really quick with the amount of people around. Everything else about EPCOT on NYE was pretty amazing though. Each of the countries displayed their own unique traditions and there was plenty of entertainment happening all around the world showcase. The fireworks were also amazing. To this day the best display I've seen on property yet. Been in it for the long haul though. Getting into the park is one thing, getting out is another. If you're using Disney trasportation, expect to wait. And if you're driving, also be ware of the traffic leaving. All in all, its a great experience and I'm glad i got to do it about 5 years ago and want to do it again soon. The cons that I pointed out aren't really that much worse than being in any park on property during a crowded time. If you can handle Fantasy Land at MK during peak attendance times, you can handle this.

Thanks so much. I apprecite your taking the time to respond.

My main question is has anyone done this buffet before and did you enjoy it?

Thanks so much!

 

[ibelieveinmagic]

Didn't do the Buffet however,we were lucky enough to be having dinner once in Italy and one year in Morocco when their new years hit, all the waitstaff stopwhat their doing, come up front sing and dance and hug..it was awesome!!Be aware there is A LOT of drinking, Alcohol stations set up all over world showcase, also music and dancing everywhere! Agree about the horn and top hats deafening but so fun!! the fireworks are fantastic! It is very chaotic, but alot of fun! People set up blankets and rest during the day as well. have fun!!

 

[Hopefully]

Sorry no one is answering your question

I have not done the special World Showplace NY Eve buffet, but in the past I have read reviews here about it. I believe it did get good reviews.
I hope someone who actually has done it will chime in for you soon.

 

[js]

Didn't do the Buffet however,we were lucky enough to be having dinner once in Italy and one year in Morocco when their new years hit, all the waitstaff stopwhat their doing, come up front sing and dance and hug..it was awesome!!Be aware there is A LOT of drinking, Alcohol stations set up all over world showcase, also music and dancing everywhere! Agree about the horn and top hats deafening but so fun!! the fireworks are fantastic! It is very chaotic, but alot of fun! People set up blankets and rest during the day as well. have fun!!

Thank you very much! I don't see where the dinner says I can purchase alcohol separately but I am very much hoping I can LOL I am hoping this may be better than going to Yachtsman and then walking over to Epcot. My kids are 22 and 18 so there aren't many NYE where they actually spend or want to spend with us so hoping if
we have a good week and NYE they will want to do this again in the following years.

Sorry no one is answering your question

I have not done the special World Showplace NY Eve buffet, but in the past I have read reviews here about it. I believe it did get good reviews.
I hope someone who actually has done it will chime in for you soon.

Thank you Hopefully, hopefully LOL
I could only find old reviews and not sure if I should make my plans for 10 pm dinner and just be inside or 9:30 pm and then go outside right after dinner and wait for the fireworks. I'm not even sure there will be availability if I check for later times but as of this morning, there were quite a lot to choose from. I haven't seen it listed at all and even late last night I did not see it but saw this morning. My ressie is for 9 pm (so is Yachtsman).

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Thank you.
I do have ressies for the NYE Epcot World Showcase Buffet as well as Yachtsman. Both for 9:00 pm.
I am wondering if you or anyone knew anything about the Buffet. From the search it looks like it goes back to at least 2008
but there isn't anything about it. I have been on MDE looking for Epcot restaurants for NYE and this just came up today, I didn't see
it yesterday.

I did pay the $200+ deposit but can cancel so still not sure. Maybe if I can get RC, Italian or Mexican I will cancel but if someone has been to this
and they liked it, I may keep. I did not see anything about paying extra for alcohol but I do hope it is an option since I would like to drink at dinner.

We've done Disney World the past 6/7 years and will be going for the 7th time this year. We've done EPCOT the past three years.

The first year we did Portobello at Disney Springs, then took the bus to EPCOT. This was a mistake. With the traffic and crowds, we didn't get to the park until 10ish and by the time we found a spot for the fireworks, it was like 11:30pm.

The next year we did Rose and Crown. We booked the reservation for, I wanna say 7:30pm. By the time we finished it was around 9-9:30pm. We went over to the Italy Pavilion and while it was still early, we had our family friends with us to keep us busy.

Last year we did Teppan Edo. The ADR was too early. I think it was 7 and with the dinner kind of being pre-timed (you can't sit there for a while and order drinks the way you can at R&C), we finished way too early. We stood for an hour or so and my mom's leg had been bothering her, so we left. I was mad, but it did lead to this year's trip...

We're staying at Beach Club this year, so we booked Yachtsman at 8:15pm. We'll eat, maybe head back to the room for a little, then head into EPCOT at 10-10:30.

Now, you should probably know this:

- By going late, we run the risk of being turned away due to phased closures. It's a very small chance, but it can happen. Are you on-site? On-Site guests usually hold the least chance of being turned away. It has to pretty much be a Phase 4 closure. But, we've been so many years and we're so excited to stay at BC that if we were turned away, we'd probably just shrug and head back to our room and pop some champagne.

- By going late, we won't find a GOOD spot for the fireworks. If the best view is what you're looking for, I'd camp out a LONG time before midnight. In fact, I'd camp out around 6pm or earlier! But then again, neither of your ADRs would help.

- EPCOT does do Illuminations earlier at 6pm. If you look to do R&C or something outside, shoot for an ADR around 5-5:30 (if there's any left.)

Honestly, everyone is different, but if it's me, I'm going with Yachtsman and spending as little time IN the park as possible. Even when we've booked an ADR in EPCOT, we don't go until 2-2.5 hours before our ADR. We avoid EPCOT and the parks on 12/31 at all costs.

I'd do Yachtsman over the buffet because at Yachtsman you're guaranteed a table and it only holds so many people. I have a bad feeling this buffet will be a free-for-all. I'm pretty sure it's held in that building near Canada. I think it'll be crazy long lines to get food and it's gonna be crazy. Do Yachtsman. Have a nice sit-down dinner with your family then head over to EPCOT for the fireworks after. You won't have the best view but at least you'll have a full stomach and a stress-free dinner.

 

[bookbabe626]

We booked tickets for it, had to pay full amount ahead of time. We went with as late a time as possible, just before their 10pm closing, knowing we'll need some elbow space by that point in the evening. We're assuming from the descriptions that it's assigned tables, not a complete free-for-all like some of the dessert parties (description calls it a 'dinner buffet restaurant'). We're also assuming the price will keep some guests away, since it's relatively expensive, and doesn't include alcohol, characters or reserved fireworks viewing.

Part of the decision is also tactics, since we're staying at Beach Club Villas and want to keep close to the international gateway that night. We did Epcot for NYE once years ago, and the crowds were so thick that walking anywhere was tough. Our original ADR this time was over at Teppan Edo and we were a little concerned about being able to get there and back in one piece. Closer to the exit is a big plus in picking where to eat that night.

 

[js]

We've done Disney World the past 6/7 years and will be going for the 7th time this year. We've done EPCOT the past three years.

The first year we did Portobello at Disney Springs, then took the bus to EPCOT. This was a mistake. With the traffic and crowds, we didn't get to the park until 10ish and by the time we found a spot for the fireworks, it was like 11:30pm.

The next year we did Rose and Crown. We booked the reservation for, I wanna say 7:30pm. By the time we finished it was around 9-9:30pm. We went over to the Italy Pavilion and while it was still early, we had our family friends with us to keep us busy.

Last year we did Teppan Edo. The ADR was too early. I think it was 7 and with the dinner kind of being pre-timed (you can't sit there for a while and order drinks the way you can at R&C), we finished way too early. We stood for an hour or so and my mom's leg had been bothering her, so we left. I was mad, but it did lead to this year's trip...

We're staying at Beach Club this year, so we booked Yachtsman at 8:15pm. We'll eat, maybe head back to the room for a little, then head into EPCOT at 10-10:30.

Now, you should probably know this:

- By going late, we run the risk of being turned away due to phased closures. It's a very small chance, but it can happen. Are you on-site? On-Site guests usually hold the least chance of being turned away. It has to pretty much be a Phase 4 closure. But, we've been so many years and we're so excited to stay at BC that if we were turned away, we'd probably just shrug and head back to our room and pop some champagne.

- By going late, we won't find a GOOD spot for the fireworks. If the best view is what you're looking for, I'd camp out a LONG time before midnight. In fact, I'd camp out around 6pm or earlier! But then again, neither of your ADRs would help.

- EPCOT does do Illuminations earlier at 6pm. If you look to do R&C or something outside, shoot for an ADR around 5-5:30 (if there's any left.)

Honestly, everyone is different, but if it's me, I'm going with Yachtsman and spending as little time IN the park as possible. Even when we've booked an ADR in EPCOT, we don't go until 2-2.5 hours before our ADR. We avoid EPCOT and the parks on 12/31 at all costs.

I'd do Yachtsman over the buffet because at Yachtsman you're guaranteed a table and it only holds so many people. I have a bad feeling this buffet will be a free-for-all. I'm pretty sure it's held in that building near Canada. I think it'll be crazy long lines to get food and it's gonna be crazy. Do Yachtsman. Have a nice sit-down dinner with your family then head over to EPCOT for the fireworks after. You won't have the best view but at least you'll have a full stomach and a stress-free dinner.

Thank you very much for your detailed response.
We do not plan on camping out for fireworks, but it will be a nice way to end our trip and evening for NYE.
My kids are 18 and 22 and we don't always spend NYE together and want a great trip so they want to come with us again in the future LOL
If we go to Yachtsman, I will see you there. Our ressies are for 9:00 pm. The buffet has specific times to book (the NYE at Epcot World Showplace) so I'm
not sure it is a free for all, by the description, it looks like it is seating for all. That is one of the reasons I'm hoping I can find someone that has
actually done this before. We are staying at SSR so we will have a very long night getting back but my kids want to be out
for NYE, although I'm now also thinking maybe we do DTD. Do you think they do a countdown there too?

We booked tickets for it, had to pay full amount ahead of time. We went with as late a time as possible, just before their 10pm closing, knowing we'll need some elbow space by that point in the evening. We're assuming from the descriptions that it's assigned tables, not a complete free-for-all like some of the dessert parties (description calls it a 'dinner buffet restaurant'). We're also assuming the price will keep some guests away, since it's relatively expensive, and doesn't include alcohol, characters or reserved fireworks viewing.

Part of the decision is also tactics, since we're staying at Beach Club Villas and want to keep close to the international gateway that night. We did Epcot for NYE once years ago, and the crowds were so thick that walking anywhere was tough. Our original ADR this time was over at Teppan Edo and we were a little concerned about being able to get there and back in one piece. Closer to the exit is a big plus in picking where to eat that night.

You are very luck you are staying at BC. At 7 months, I was able to get a one bedroom there but my family was very firm on two bedrooms (actually we are in THVs so it will be three bedrooms). Most of my ADRs are at DTD so we can walk or take the boat. I agree with you that the description looks like
we will have set seating just like if we were going to a restaurant that had a buffet. Do you think that we will be able to get alcohol at dinner? This may
be a dealbreaker if we cannot. I enjoy having drinks with dinner and especially on NYE we will want a few drinks.

Maybe someone on here will let us know if they have actually been to this dinner before and give us some insight.

Thanks all so much!

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Thank you very much for your detailed response.
We do not plan on camping out for fireworks, but it will be a nice way to end our trip and evening for NYE.
My kids are 18 and 22 and we don't always spend NYE together and want a great trip so they want to come with us again in the future LOL
If we go to Yachtsman, I will see you there. Our ressies are for 9:00 pm. The buffet has specific times to book (the NYE at Epcot World Showplace) so I'm
not sure it is a free for all, by the description, it looks like it is seating for all. That is one of the reasons I'm hoping I can find someone that has
actually done this before. We are staying at SSR so we will have a very long night getting back but my kids want to be out
for NYE, although I'm now also thinking maybe we do DTD. Do you think they do a countdown there too?

Hey - you sound just like my mom haha. I'm 27 and my sister is 32. We're both single and not tied down, so we still do the annual family vacation. When we started, I was 19 and my sister was 24.

EPCOT is fun, especially for kids our age. I mean, it could be awkward being with mom and dad when you really wanna cut loose, but it can also be a nice, mature night out. One of my favorite moments was grabbing a beer with my dad while the girls used the bathroom.

I'd do Yachtsman. If you really want a memorable last night and to end the trip on a high note, don't fight the crowds for food. Have a nice sit-down dinner then head to EPCOT for NYE. You won't wanna miss those fireworks. The EPCOT fireworks for NYE are one of those things that if you're in Disney and not sure if you'll ever be back (or be back for NYE) you need to see. The ground shakes.

It sounds like you'll be there on 12/30. Make sure you do Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom does its NYE "dress rehearsal." At 11:50pm on 12/30, the show begins, culminating in a countdown and the NYE fireworks. The only thing that changes on NYE is the year!

SSR is a really nice resort. I will warn you - if you wanna avoid the crowds, Disney Springs will not be MUCH better. Maybe it was because the construction last year (and the walls kind of pushing guests together) but there was a ton of pedestrian traffic and it was crazy crowded on New Year's Day. It's definitely a spot to go to in the middle of the week, when the weekend crowd isn't there. Plus, it's new. With the new restaurants and all, it's gonna be a major draw.

I'm not sure if DS is doing anything in particular for NYE. I do know that we ate at Raglan Road one year - they celebrated the New Year in Ireland. I think it was 7pm or something and they did champagne and celebrated the Irish New Year. I'm sure there will be something going on. Like I said, we've done Portobello one year, but it took forever to get to EPCOT. The year we did Raglan we went to DHS, but I'm not sure how great that atmosphere is gonna be with all the construction.

I'd say my #1 recommendation is EPCOT. I'd go early. Honestly? Your best bet may be to take the bus to DHS, then take the boat to Yachtsman or walk if it's a nice night out. Go early. Grab a drink at Abracadabar (not sure if the 18 yo will be let in, though.) or just go see the decor at Yacht & Beach Club.

My second recommendation, for a quieter night, would be Disney Springs. Not sure how many ADRs are left, but I'd do Raglan or Boathouse. Disney Springs is definitely pretty lively on NYE. We usually go there during the day, as we avoid the parks. They're usually setting up pop-up bars, lights and speakers.

My third recommendation, should nothing at Disney Springs be available, is to do Turf Club then walk over to Disney Springs for the night. Turf Club is an underrated restaurant. We did it a few years ago (for NYE, actually) and really enjoyed it. It's worth a shot.

 

[bookbabe626]

FYI, I contacted them about included beverages, and here's the reply:

"Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort regarding beverages at New Year's Eve at Epcot. I'm excited to hear you are coming for such a festive occasion!

We will be offering champagne, beer, and soft drinks (Coke products). The specific champagne and beer brands have not been posted.

I'm sure there will be other alcoholic beverages available at an additional cost."

 

[viajoycomo]

I want to go to New Year's Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace this year, do you know if you have to use 2 dining plan credits??

 

[supersnoop]

I want to go to New Year's Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace this year, do you know if you have to use 2 dining plan credits??

I don't recall the dining plan being accepted at all for payment at this event. I highly recommend finding a reservation for a different restaurant. I'd compare this experience to the buffet line at a high school reunion.