New Years Eve at WDW

[RENThead09]

Just starting to plan out my trip for marathon weekend. Yes, I know it is a little early.

Since I am doing The Goofy this year, I thought about heading down early to enjoy the parks instead of staying after the races.

I have never seen the Osborne lights or any other holiday offerings, so I figured why not.

Just wondering on ideas for New Years Eve so I can get it into my budget. Any suggestions. Must do's. Ideas.

All are greatly appreciated.

Started my official running today. 223 days to go!!!! cant wait!

Thanks

Pat

 

[Schotz]

Pick a place to eat and make reservations as soon as possible. You can never book early enough for new years. WDW usually reaches capacity in at least one park by late afternoon. Planning is key.

Last year, I left epcot at 3pm to go back to the hotel for lunch, on the way back to epcot the park was at capacity meaning I could not re-enter the park. Magic Kingdom was also at capacity and the resort monorails were only operating for hotel guests.

If I could go it again, I would have brought a backpack with a quick meal and camped a table at the La Hacienda with some friends. It's a great spot to watch the new year come in. There was also a new years celebration at downtown disney, magic kingdom and all the hotels. I think epcot is the best place to watch the new year come in.

You got he right idea on planning ahead for new years at disney.

 

[robinb]

Last year, I left epcot at 3pm to go back to the hotel for lunch, on the way back to epcot the park was at capacity meaning I could not re-enter the park. Magic Kingdom was also at capacity and the resort monorails were only operating for hotel guests.

We missed NYE at WDW last year (we were at DL instead) so maybe it was worse than usual. Did you ever re-enter? We usually leave around 2:00 and return at 6:00 with no issues. Many people recommend staying in the park for the whole day, but we just can't do that.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Tip -

They do the NYE fireworks at the MK on the 30th also, great way to avoid the crowds.

 

[bettys]

Pick a place to eat and make reservations as soon as possible. You can never book early enough for new years. WDW usually reaches capacity in at least one park by late afternoon. Planning is key.

Last year, I left epcot at 3pm to go back to the hotel for lunch, on the way back to epcot the park was at capacity meaning I could not re-enter the park. Magic Kingdom was also at capacity and the resort monorails were only operating for hotel guests.

If I could go it again, I would have brought a backpack with a quick meal and camped a table at the La Hacienda with some friends. It's a great spot to watch the new year come in. There was also a new years celebration at downtown disney, magic kingdom and all the hotels. I think epcot is the best place to watch the new year come in.

You got he right idea on planning ahead for new years at disney.

I agree. Plan and buy ahead! I've seen many disappointed people that show up at the gates New years even only to be turned away

 

[daleed77]

I think we were lucky, but here's what happened to us two years ago on NYE.

We had dinner at the Boardwalk (Cat Cora's, I think) and finished around 10:30. Our plan was to go back to the Polynesian, where we were staying, and watch the fireworks from the beach.

We went over to EPCOT to grab the monorail back to Poly (they were checking keys). We did our little transfer and decided to ride around once see the crowds at the Magic Kingdom gates. To our surprise they were letting people in to the park. So, we jumped off and headed in. A parade had just finished and many people were leaving. We followed the end of the parade up Main Street and we were able to get to the end of the street. We stood there for an hour and had the most amazing time watching the fireworks. It's so much fun - they completely surround you with fireworks.

I don't know if this would happen again or if we were just lucky. Maybe we got farther than most since we were staying at the Polynesian. I don't know, but I'm glad it worked.

Dale

 

[zulemara]

Tip -

They do the NYE fireworks at the MK on the 30th also, great way to avoid the crowds.

yep, MK on the 30th at poly beach, NYE at epcot drunk as can be dancing to techno in Italy LOVE EPCOT on NYE since we don't have PI

 

[RENThead09]

Thanks for all the help everyone! The bonus check at work shows up in 15 days, so I am almost to the reservation fun and all that jazz.

I think I am going to do POP Century from Dec. 29 to Jan 11th. That gives me a solid week of play time before buckling down and getting all Goofy for the Half and Full marathons on Jan 7 and 8. Recover on the 9th. One last day on the 10th, and then head home.

Love the idea of doing the fireworks early and then spending NYE at Epcot.

If anyone else has ideas, please let me know.

 

[OrlandoMom2]

DD and I were at Epcot this past New Years Eve Didn't get there until almost sun down as I had to work all day Had no problem getting in and Disney sure does things right! Masking tape down the center of walkway, CM's lined up to keep everyone moving, kiosk bars set up in a few areas on both sides so no need to block traffic flow.
Great music and dancing in China, Italy and America
They also did the "midnight" Illuminations early, to clear out the kiddies and leave to park to us lushes
Only problem for us, being last minute, we didn't have a room on property and took the scenic route home since security re-routed us that way. This year we are booked at the Beach so alot more dance'n and drink'n shall take place


just me

 

[OrlandoMike]

Only problem for us, being last minute, we didn't have a room on property and took the scenic route home since security re-routed us that way.

Be prepared on the night of the 31st for at least an hour to get anywhere on property! Traffic is a nightmare!

 

[OrlandoMom2]

It did take us about 45 minutes to get the normal 13 miles (as the crow flies) home via AK and Celebration but NO traffic of course I think we were the last ones out of the park that night

 

[OrlandoMike]

It did take us about 45 minutes to get the normal 13 miles (as the crow flies) home via AK and Celebration but NO traffic of course I think we were the last ones out of the park that night

AK to Celebration would be lighter than the rest. EC, Studios, and the MK area is a nightmare! All three parks close at the exact same time.

 

[RENThead09]

so am i better off trying to stay near Epcot or a monorail resort for the first few nights and then switching to POP for the rest of the trip? Or is it just one of those...it's gonna be ugly, accept it for what it is and dont let it ruin your night type of things.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yep. It's going to be mad busy. Understand that. Embrace it. Enjoy it and you'll have a grand time. If you go with a preconceived notion, or "must do" plan you WILL be disappointed.

NYE at WDW is outrageously good fun, but you have to take it for what it is and not try to make it into something it can't be (anything other than pure chaos).

 

[robinb]

so am i better off trying to stay near Epcot or a monorail resort for the first few nights and then switching to POP for the rest of the trip? Or is it just one of those...it's gonna be ugly, accept it for what it is and dont let it ruin your night type of things.

I have stayed at OKW and BWV for NYE. Of course, BWV is better for Epcot & DHS because you can just walk "home". However ... if I were spending hard cash instead of DVC points, I would stick with something more affordable than a Deluxe resort just to avoid traffic and/or long bus waits. I would personally "go with the flow" and stick with Pop Century. If you're a night owl you can head over to DHS after midnight for evening EMH. The crowds will thin by the time you're ready to go back to Pop.

Another option is booking at the Swan/Dolphin using Starwood points if you have them. I think they are 10,000 starpoints per night.

 

[zulemara]

yeah I would keep your reservation and follow the best advice I can ever give. Do what the crowds aren't. When the crowds leave after the fireworks, stick around the park and ssslllooowwwlllyyy make your way to the busses. EPCOT closes at 1 but most leave after fireworks. If you can manage to hit the bus stops around 130 I think you'll be in much better shape.

 

[RENThead09]

Thanks again everyone for the help and ideas. This is what my trip is starting to look like. Will probably be by myself for the first week, then my running partner will come out for race weekend.

Dec 30-fly out and hit DHS that night to see the lights. Main reason I am going early.

Dec 31-Run 8 miles in the morning. Then Epcot I think for NYE. now I just need to find a date.

Jan 1-TBD. might be rest day. BOMA for dinner that night.

Jan 2-.Magic Kingdom. DISNEYLAND Main Street Electric Parade and Wishes

Jan 3-Animal Kingdom/La Nouba Tusker House Lunch...my fav from last trip

Jan 4-Hollywood Studios. Fantasmic. Dinner at Hollywood and Vine for Fantastic ticket package.

Jan 5-Packet Pick Up and then Epcot. Marathon Pasta Party that night w/ Illuminations.

Jan 6-Animal Kingdom. Its a good day before race day relaxation. Done it my last 2 WDW race trips. Lunch at Port Orleans. Dig their pasta there.

Jan 7-Half Marathon. Then DTD to keep legs moving and get some food.

Jan 8-Full Marathon. Slowly trudge around Epcot after to keep the blood flowing! HAHAHA

Jan 9-Magic Kingdom ???? for breakfast. Chef Mickey or Ohana or Crystal Palace? Need my energy to dodge Brazilian school groups all day.

Jan 10-WWOHP Missed this last time. Gotta get there.

Jan 11-TBD. Maybe a massge at the spa. Anything I missed at the parks. and finish off the trip by gorging on Sushi at California Grill!!!!

Jan 12-Fly home.

looking at staying at POP Century the whole time. loved it last trip.

If anyone has any ideas on changes, or know cute single guys for NYE, PLEASE feel free to let me know.

 

[Tony-NJ]

Sounds like a great plan - I would love to do WDW for NYE - just once!

 

[RENThead09]

Sounds like a great plan - I would love to do WDW for NYE - just once!

I agree. That is why I can sucking it up and paying the CRAZY prices for the first couple of days. Figure if I am already making the trip, might as well enjoy the craziness before it mellows out for marathon week.

 

[NewCruiser2011]

We're doing NYE at WDW for the first time this year. Can't wait!