New Years Eve at Magic Kingdom

[we luv dvc]

My sister is going to WDW between Christmas and New Years and has a question for those who have been there during the holidays. Do you have to get in to Magic Kingdom early in the day to be assured that you will be able to be there for New Years Eve fireworks? We know parks usually reach capacity during the peak season so we did not know if there was a time to be in the park or does it get less crowded in the evening? If you have dining reservations for the evening and the park is at capacity are you still allowed in? Any answers to these questions would be a great help!!

 

[Patty3]

I have a question about NYE as well. A good friend of mine always liked to go to the MK for NYE. About 8 years ago, she told me that she would never again be there for NYE. She said that there too many drunks in the park and that her family was uncomfortable with their behavior, including foul language. I got her mad by saying that I would not think that Disney would let in folks like that. She even claimed that beer was smuggled in. Now I know since 9/11 bags are checked so this could not be a factor. I would like to go at this time as well. Has anyone ever experienced what she described?

 

[spiceycat]

you really want to be there with 125,000 people - I consider the MK crowded when it has 30,000 or more (I go alot during off-season)

sorry - I would stay at VWL and go over on the beach at the Polyn and see the fireworks - you can see some of the fireworks from the WL/VWL beach - or you can go over the 4th at the Cont and see them.

I would think these would better than being in such a big crowd....

my opinion.

from what I have seem the MK is closed to off-site at 9:00am (it opens early like at 6:30am) - I think for on-site it is 10:00am - I would call and see what time they expect to close the park to on-site - make sure she says she is on-site - makes a difference.

If she is not going to be on-site - don't even try to go.

 

[todsue99]

OK, I will respond to this one. I have been to Disney on NYE. We went to MK during the day and then switched over to EPCOT. When we at MK is was very crowded and they were saying that the park was full. Now when we were leaving there were 2 or 3 boats full of people coming across the lake. We didn't understand how it was full, but more were coming. If you really have to see the fireworks, I suggest you get there in the morning. It seems like resort guest can still get in, but not others. That was my take on it anyway.

As for the drunks, at MK they do not sell anything to get you drunk so I am not sure how they did that. We did not have any trouble, but it was early in the day. Now at EPCOT there was always a very long line to get beer. I mean a very long line. Now we were there and we were drinking so this might be a little bias, but I can only remember one drunk person. At least only one who stood out. Everyone was having a good time, but drunk I don't think so. There was a lot of drinking and it is very crowded so people might think everyone was drunk, but personnally it was just everyone having fun. It was not like people were falling all over each other or anything. I think the biggest problem is that there are just so many people it makes other uncomfortable. I hope this helps.

 

[Love Minnie]

As a follow/up to the first post:

We are arriving at OKW on NYE morning and leaving on 1/5/05. This is the first time that we are going to be there on a holiday and the first time that we cannot decide on any plans. Would someone be able to give some suggestions. Dinner reservations, Pleasure Island. What is the best park to go to. There will be 4 of us my DH, DD and her boyfriend. Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[Mary Anne]

I have been in the MK 3 x's for NYE. Personally, I have spent my last NYE in the MK. It's great the first time or so but then once you're there from 9:30 or so in the morning till aftermidnight, it just doesn't do it for you the 3rd time around. When I say WALL to WALL people, trust me I mean it.

Personally, my next Christmas/NYE @ the world will be spent in my DVC home. Either in BWVilla or SSR (I own at both) that way I'll either walk into Epcot and watch the fireworks @ midnight OR go out on my pourch and see them from Downtown Disney.

Also I agree if you on not onsite don't even try it in the MK - They line to get into the parking lot/TTA is backed up at 6 am in the morning.

 

[spiceycat]

where are you staying until Janury 2, - I would try to either eat in my villa - or in an restuarant at the hotel.

after January 2 - at least half the crowd will be gone - and I think you can eat just about anywhere.

I am sorry to be so negative - I don't like crowds - and there is nothing uncrowded about the MK on new year's eve.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

My only New Years was spent at Epcot. FOR the Millenium. You want to talk crowds? It was complete insanity. Once the lights went down for teh Illuminations show. Noone was allowed to move one step. Unfortunatly for me and my 3 year old son. This was a bad thing as he began vomiting all over us and the woman beside us. It was horrible and when the woman and I attempted to move from him. We were stopped by security. My brother intervened and we moved. I will never spend another New Years like that again!

I am with SPICEYCAT, watch them from the beach at POLY, WL, Or the CR.

 

[OKW_Family]

I am surprised at many of the responses. We have spent two New Years at MK and have had a truly magical time. The millenium (1999-2000) was one of our best vacations ever. The next year was also terrific but colder. If staying onsite go to MK. Our experience has been you can get there in the morning, leave in the afternoon, and return in the evening. Disney usually recommends this during normal days but also recommends it for the holiday week and in particular New Years Eve. They usually state they will allow re-entry to the same park for on-site guests (I would guess they would allow you entry to another park but not sure). Ask them - they actually issued it in writing both times.

To try and stay all day from 8 or 9am until midnight is not a good idea. You will be exhausted and not enjoy yourself. Disney also knows this. Go back to your DVC place, take a dip if weather permits, eat a late lunch or early dinner, take a shower, take a nap --- recharge the batteries. For millenium we made priorty seatings at the castle for that night and the other time ate at OKW and then had something lite later that night. Don't press trying to get on lots of rides, take it easy, enjoy the energy of the crowd and the pure joy and excitement of being on Main Street USA for New Years. Try to get a spot along main street to watch the parade (one or two rows back works) and you can be anywhere on Main Street to see the fireworks (more towards the castle is great). One of the truly great experiences to treat yourself and your family to.

You will remember it for the rest of your lives.

Frank

BTW: The place is empty on New Years Day.