New Years Eve/Birthday suggestions

[disgirl]

My husband and I will be going to Disney World the week between Christmas and New Years, arriving on the 26th. We are DVC members so we are not new to Disney, however, this is only our 2nd time visiting that week and when we went in 2021, I believe it was probably not as crowded as it will be this year. My birthday is on New Year's Eve and last time we stayed out of the parks on that day/night and had a nice dinner at Shula's. This year I wanted to do something different, as it is one of the big number birthdays, LOL.

I would love to visit a park on my birthday, but I know that day/night is crazy busy. MK is my favorite, but we will visit that earlier in the week and I have heard it is the most crowded that day. I was originally thinking dinner at Wine Bar George in DS, hanging/shopping at DS for awhile and then going back to OKW, hoping that they will have some activities to ring in the New Year. My other thought is to go to Epcot, as I have heard great things about that being a fun place to be on New Year's Eve. My question is for anyone who has experienced Epcot and or Magic Kingdom on NYE and hoping you will share your thoughts. Are the crowds just so unbearable and would it be your suggestion to skip a park on that day/night. We are only planning 3 parks for a 6 night stay so we do plan to have a couple of rest days, just not sure if I should do one on my birthday.

Sorry for the long post, I appreciate any and all thoughts, as I can not make up my mind. Thank you in advance.

 

[Disneylover99]

For me, Epcot is the place to be.

We’ve been there for New Years Eve a few times pre-Covid. Crowded? Yes! But lots of CM’s keep things well organized. Walking paths are created around WS so it’s easy to get around. And I’d imagine it’s less crowded these days since park reservations are still in effect.

I’d recommend booking your favourite restaurant earlier in the evening and then spend the latter half walking around world showcase. Stay for the fireworks and then do another leisurely lap around WS. Lol. No point in rushing out at midnight with everyone else. Soak it all in and have fun!

 

[philharmagic fan]

We've been to MK twice on New Year's Eve, staying at Bay Lake Tower both times, and it was incredibly crowded - so much so that they actually made an announcement once at around 11:30 that they wanted everyone just to stand where they were until after the fireworks and not try to move around. Walkways were so jam packed that it was a little scary, but we were able to walk back to our room and got to bed at a relatively reasonable time. The year we went to Epcot we were treated to a number of inebriated fellow guests getting sick in the bushes or otherwise behaving badly. Rather than fight with the monorail crowds, we walked to Beach Club and got on a bus bound for MK, with the idea of walking from there to BLT, but the traffic was so bad that the bus ride took 90 minutes. The next year we changed our strategy - we spent the evening at the lounge at our hotel (Riverside), went to bed early, got to Studios for rope drop the next morning, and the place was practically deserted until around noon. If you're at OKW, I'd plan on doing Disney Springs on the 31st and using boat transportation. If you really want to experience the NYE festivities at MK, go on the 30th - they do the same countdown to midnight and fireworks as on the 31st and the crowds are marginally less insane.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

If you follow through with your resort plan you’ll be sitting at OKW at 11pm wishing you were in MK or Epcot. In my humble opinion.

As PP said Disney handles the crowds very well on these “big holidays” and don’t underestimate the reservation and cost system’s impact on achieving Disney’s financial objectives while keeping crowds manageable. Frankly for the last two years NYE has been a shell of its pre-COVID past, almost to its detriment.

Don’t get me wrong, it’ll be crowded and you’ll have situations where you’re just going to have to roll with whatever conditions you encounter. But the fun and vibe is like no other.

Personally I would vote Epcot.

 

[daae3]

I would suggest a fireworks dinner at cali grill to avoid the crowds and still get that birthday special experience…you can get a special cake to add a little flair…see the cake chatter threads for ideas…or a fireworks dessert party in MK if they are offered…you could avoid crowds (as much as one can) and have a special celebration either way!

 

[LadyNia]

I’ve been to EPCOT on New Year’s Eve. So busy but a very memorable experience. La Hacienda De San Angel offered a special New Year’s Eve meal. I reviewed it in this post https://www.disboards.com/threads/la-hacienda-new-years-eve-dining-event.3655706/
The meal was pricey but worth it! Gave us a festive atmosphere away from the crowds from which to watch the fireworks. Would recommend it if it’s offered this year. I do remember that reservations for that meal weren’t available online and had to be made over the phone.

 

[chicagodisfan]

My husband and I will be going to Disney World the week between Christmas and New Years, arriving on the 26th. We are DVC members so we are not new to Disney, however, this is only our 2nd time visiting that week and when we went in 2021, I believe it was probably not as crowded as it will be this year. My birthday is on New Year's Eve and last time we stayed out of the parks on that day/night and had a nice dinner at Shula's. This year I wanted to do something different, as it is one of the big number birthdays, LOL.

I would love to visit a park on my birthday, but I know that day/night is crazy busy. MK is my favorite, but we will visit that earlier in the week and I have heard it is the most crowded that day. I was originally thinking dinner at Wine Bar George in DS, hanging/shopping at DS for awhile and then going back to OKW, hoping that they will have some activities to ring in the New Year. My other thought is to go to Epcot, as I have heard great things about that being a fun place to be on New Year's Eve. My question is for anyone who has experienced Epcot and or Magic Kingdom on NYE and hoping you will share your thoughts. Are the crowds just so unbearable and would it be your suggestion to skip a park on that day/night. We are only planning 3 parks for a 6 night stay so we do plan to have a couple of rest days, just not sure if I should do one on my birthday.

Sorry for the long post, I appreciate any and all thoughts, as I can not make up my mind. Thank you in advance.

I just wanted to join in to say that I could have written this post! My birthday is New Year’s Eve too and it’s a big number birthday this year! And we are DVC too but have never been on NYE before (I could only justify those point numbers for a big birthday splurge ). And to add to the fun, I’m doing the half marathon that next weekend - my first half! I’m excited to follow along and see the suggestions you get. We currently have Epcot booked for NYE/my birthday and MK on the 30th. Our whole family of 5 are going but my kids are all teens/tweens so they can handle the later nights.

 

[disgirl]

I just wanted to join in to say that I could have written this post! My birthday is New Year’s Eve too and it’s a big number birthday this year! And we are DVC too but have never been on NYE before (I could only justify those point numbers for a big birthday splurge ). And to add to the fun, I’m doing the half marathon that next weekend - my first half! I’m excited to follow along and see the suggestions you get. We currently have Epcot booked for NYE/my birthday and MK on the 30th. Our whole family of 5 are going but my kids are all teens/tweens so they can handle the later nights.

Love this!! Happy birthday, “birthday twin”. I hope you have a great time celebrating. What fun!!!

I am leaning toward Epcot too after reading these, but also like the idea of going to DS and avoiding the parks. Still deciding and appreciate all the suggestions.

 

[disgirl]

For me, Epcot is the place to be.

We’ve been there for New Years Eve a few times pre-Covid. Crowded? Yes! But lots of CM’s keep things well organized. Walking paths are created around WS so it’s easy to get around. And I’d imagine it’s less crowded these days since park reservations are still in effect.

I’d recommend booking your favourite restaurant earlier in the evening and then spend the latter half walking around world showcase. Stay for the fireworks and then do another leisurely lap around WS. Lol. No point in rushing out at midnight with everyone else. Soak it all in and have fun!

Thank you so much for your thoughts.

 

[disgirl]

For me, Epcot is the place to be.

We’ve been there for New Years Eve a few times pre-Covid. Crowded? Yes! But lots of CM’s keep things well organized. Walking paths are created around WS so it’s easy to get around. And I’d imagine it’s less crowded these days since park reservations are still in effect.

I’d recommend booking your favourite restaurant earlier in the evening and then spend the latter half walking around world showcase. Stay for the fireworks and then do another leisurely lap around WS. Lol. No point in rushing out at midnight with everyone else. Soak it all in and have fun!

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[disgirl]

Thanks everyone who replied. You are the best! So many great thoughts and opinions. Still deciding…. Any other people have opinions. I love reading them all.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I’m reaching a milestone number on New Years Day, so Happy Birthday to you as well! Plans right now for us are to hit MK on the 30th (really hoping for a dessert party) and Epcot on the 31st. I will definitely keep an eye on that dining option at La Hacienda de Angel. We’ll be at Riviera and I was debating on the skyliner or Uber, but from the sounds of it, the skyliner is probably a better option. 90 minutes in traffic does not sound fun. Worst case, we will head back early and we can watch the Epcot fireworks on our own balcony

 

[DL1WDW2]

I have never been to Epcot for New Years Eve .
Do the countries celebrate the official time according to their real time zone ? Like Germany at 6:00 p.m In Florida, for example. ? .

 

[DL1WDW2]

Last year for New Years Eve , I was able to book for midnight seating for Cinderellas Royal Table … if you can get it Do it …
Every castmember joined in for the Big Countdown plus they had a Make a Wish Star to take home on the table. It’s a small palm size keepsake…
To keep forever .
And ever

 

[disgirl]

Last year for New Years Eve , I was able to book for midnight seating for Cinderellas Royal Table … if you can get it Do it …
Every castmember joined in for the Big Countdown plus they had a Make a Wish Star to take home on the table. It’s a small palm size keepsake…
To keep forever .
And ever

This sounds so awesome, however, I know how hard Cinderella’s Royal table is to get and I think I’ve decided not to go to a park on New Year’s Eve after all and go to MK on the 30th. Thanks for the advise though. I’m glad you got to experience that, as I bet it was so great!

I have never been to Epcot for New Years Eve .
Do the countries celebrate the official time according to their real time zone ? Like Germany at 6:00 p.m In Florida, for example. ? .

That is an interesting and great question. Hopefully somebody answers it.

 

[disgirl]

I’m reaching a milestone number on New Years Day, so Happy Birthday to you as well! Plans right now for us are to hit MK on the 30th (really hoping for a dessert party) and Epcot on the 31st. I will definitely keep an eye on that dining option at La Hacienda de Angel. We’ll be at Riviera and I was debating on the skyliner or Uber, but from the sounds of it, the skyliner is probably a better option. 90 minutes in traffic does not sound fun. Worst case, we will head back early and we can watch the Epcot fireworks on our own balcony

Thank you. Happy New Years Day birthday to you. I have decided we will go to MK on the 30th, but I think we will stay out of the parks after all on the 31st, my birthday. I keep going back-and-forth in my mind m, but I think this is the plan. I hope you get everything you want with your planning!! Enjoy!