New Year's Eve at OKW

[Stitch1404]

Sorry, this is kind of long...

I have been going back and forth on where to stay for our annual New Year's Eve trip. This will be our fourth trip at this time of year and we stayed at the Beach Club (not on points), BWV, and BCV. We don't like going into the parks on New Year's Eve because it is so crowded so staying on the Boardwalk was really great for us because we were able to just walk into Epcot for IllumiNations at midnight and then walk back out via the International Gateway. There was also always tons of excitement on the Boardwalk itself which was great.

However, next June we are going on one of Disney's new Mediterranean cruises which has pretty much depleated our points so I am considering Old Key West for our trip. We will pay cash (my sister is a CM and gets a great room discount) for whatever nights we can't do on points. At BWV or BCV we could only get 3 nights on points and at OKW we can get 5. We are staying 7 nights. I am just afraid that even though it is more economical to stay at Old Key West it will be boring on NYE, it is such a quiet resort. Also, my birthday is on NYE and I really want to have a great experience. So, has anyone ever been to OKW for NYE? Is it just as much fun?

I guess I just need to be talked into keeping within a budget for this trip and sacrificing the convenience and excitement of the Boardwalk!

 

[mjmcca]

If you want something fun to do on New Years Eve why not go to the party on PI?

 

[Ksp]

DVC has had a NY's eve party the past year or two, I believe. We went to the one in 2004--it was at SSR. I can't remember at which resort we were staying-BCV, I think. SSR was a nice break from the really crowded Epcot area. And you couldn't beat the fireworks from Congress Park viewing area; DVC had the party set up so we could see DD/PI's fireworks. They had trivia contests, dance party setup--if you have kids, they will have a ball. The parks are absolutely nuts on NY's eve--in 2003 and 2004 they were over capacity and were turning people away at MK.
Check with MS to see if they will have the party again--it really was a nice night. Have fun!

 

[jdvm]

Nothing could be better in my opinion than sharing a nice bottle of champagne on New Year's eve with my sweetie on the balcony and then in the jacuzzi in our room at Old Key West.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We did NYE again this year, and as usual, we stayed at OKW. We DO go to the parks though, and this year we went to Epcot again. No big problem getting in and out though, and much easier than it was on NYE 1999/2000.

 

[Stitch1404]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. We are not really Pleasure Island people though, so we won't be going there. Also, I have 2 kids, DD6 and DS1. So last year DS wasn't even with us and my DD was able to stay up til midnight, but I guess this year we won't be with a baby since he is generally asleep by 8pm.

I really hope they have a party at Old Key West, that sounds fun! Maybe DH and I can take turns staying in the room with DS and playing at the party with DD. All your posts are making me think I won't miss the excitement of the Boardwalk and the lower crowds at OKW will be welcomed, especially with 2 little ones. It will also save a significant amount of money...

 

[Stitch1404]

Well, I came up with something I can live with! We are going to stay 5 nights at OKW (Sunday-Thursday) and then move to either the Yacht or Beach Club. I didn't think I wanted to move with 2 kids, but I don't think it will be bad. We will use my sister's CM discount to get 50% off the rooms so it will be like we are only paying for one night! The kids will get to enjoy Stormalong Bay, we'll get to walk to Epcot, and I won't miss my beloved Epcot resort area!