New Years Eve Dining and Fireworks Magic Kingdom or Epcot?

[morganms22]

We have a park reservation for New Years Eve at Magic Kingdom. I know it is going to be crazy. Our sole purpose is to watch the fireworks there and ring in the New Year.

My question is who has dined in the park on New Years Eve? Normally, we would probably just grab quick service, but I am thinking it will be nice to sit down on this crazy night. Where would you recommend for a NYE meal?

My other question is would you go to Epcot or Magic Kingdom to watch NYE fireworks? We have done both before, but it was 15 years ago, We will have our young daughter with us. I'm thinking for this reason Magic Kingdom might be better.

Thanks!

 

[ScottOKW2K]

We have a park reservation for New Years Eve at Magic Kingdom. I know it is going to be crazy. Our sole purpose is to watch the fireworks there and ring in the New Year.

My question is who has dined in the park on New Years Eve? Normally, we would probably just grab quick service, but I am thinking it will be nice to sit down on this crazy night. Where would you recommend for a NYE meal?

My other question is would you go to Epcot or Magic Kingdom to watch NYE fireworks? We have done both before, but it was 15 years ago, We will have our young daughter with us. I'm thinking for this reason Magic Kingdom might be better.

Thanks!

As far as Epcot or Magic Kingdom for NYE fireworks - do both ! Magic Kingdom has the full NYE fireworks show at midnight on the 30th too. Schedule MK for the 30th and Epcot for the 31st and you'll be able to see both fireworks shows.

I would definitely book a sit down meal. I've done this exact same scenario and I ended up booking Steakhouse 71 as it is a short walk from the Magic Kingdom. The food and service is excellent, it's very relaxing and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the MK that day. As far as Epcot - there are many dining options in and out of the park. Pick the one that suits you and your family the best.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You definitely want to book a table service meal. The crowds are next level bananas and I wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of trying to find somewhere to sit with a quick-service meal. Like the suggestion from previous poster to do MK on the 30th and EP on the 31st. EPCOT absorbs crowds better and there are more viewing areas around the lagoon. The hub area in the MK fills quickly. Also, believe EP does two fireworks shows on NYE - one earlier for kiddos (or old people like me who can barely stay awake til midnight) and then one at midnight. Some restaurants do a special prix fixe NYE menu ($$$) - or at least did in years past. Another note to be aware of - at some point they will make the walkway around World Showcase one way due to the crowds -- keep that in mind when trying to get to your dinner reservation. We honestly left EP before midnight b/c the crowds were more than we wanted to deal with (afternoon and early evening weren't bad) -- we saw the early fireworks and then went back to our resort (Boardwalk) where they were having a DJ dance party on the green and we saw the midnight fireworks over the trees.

 

[morganms22]

Thanks, for the thoughts! We arrive early on the 31st. So, there is not an option for us to do both (unfortunately).

 

[smshick]

Is it possible at 60 days that ALL Epcot ADR's are booked for Dec 31? Got on at 6am and can't find a single restaurant. Hopeful maybe they just didn't release them yet?

 

[morganms22]

Is it possible at 60 days that ALL Epcot ADR's are booked for Dec 31? Got on at 6am and can't find a single restaurant. Hopeful maybe they just didn't release them yet?

It’s possible..especially since anyone staying the entire week of Christmas already had access to reservations. However, I would definitely set up alerts. Disney has been dropping some reservations in batches inside of 60 days. Also, they may have New Years Eve dining packages that have yet to be announced.

 

[philharmagic fan]

A couple of considerations: first, the last few years MK has done Fantasy in the Sky (an older show with no projections but that I actually think is superior to the last couple of shows) rather than Wishes or Happily Ever After. Second, where are you staying? We have DVC points at Bay Lake Tower and were back in our room by 12:30 after MK fireworks. The next year we went to Epcot and decided to avoid the monorail chaos by walking to Beach Club and taking a bus from there to MK (which was open until 2am) so we could walk from there to BLT. Our bus was nearly full with others doing the same. We were stuck in a horrible traffic jam and got back to our room around 2:30.

 

[Disturbia]

Has anyone seen NYE MK pre and post dessert party availability? I’ve seen reported of people grabbing Treats&Seats.