New Year's Eve Ideas

[Princess Merida]

Traveling 12/29-1/2 with DH and two DD 5&10. Staying at AOA LM rooms. We will be going to see MK fireworks on the 30th and to AK on the 31st during the day since it should be the least crowded. What should we do for the countdown? I've considered dining somewhere, staying in the room, or going over to the Boardwalk as we normally stay there with our DVC points but this is an extra last minute trip so not this time. Another question..... do the resorts have activities? Specifically AOA? Thanks for any help!!

 

[Robo]

Traveling 12/29-1/2 with DH and two DD 5&10. Staying at AOA LM rooms. We will be going to see MK fireworks on the 30th and to AK on the 31st during the day since it should be the least crowded.

Assuming DAK being least crowded (while likely true to an extent) may not be as advantageous, due to the huge draw of Pandora and the presentation of Rivers of Light that were not around last year
as well as the other DAK evening activities.

 

[Skywise]

Are you doing the MK inside? You could try seeing the fireworks from the outside around the Polynesian beach (near the Luau is usually pretty open) - I've also heard the countdown at Hollywood Studios is good too.

 

[Robo]

Are you doing the MK inside? You could try seeing the fireworks from the outside around the Polynesian beach (near the Luau is usually pretty open)

Poly beach viewing likely won't be available on NYE.

 

[Ksquared]

You can go to Disney Springs. We did that our last trip over NYE and it was fun, lively atmosphere

 

[yulilin3]

If you plan on going anywhere where you will need transportation, be it own vehicle or Disney bus, expect really heavy traffic if you leave after the countdown. I usually hang out at least until 2am before I attempt to drive.

 

[Princess Merida]

Are you doing the MK inside? You could try seeing the fireworks from the outside around the Polynesian beach (near the Luau is usually pretty open) - I've also heard the countdown at Hollywood Studios is good too.

Yes we will be inside the MK on the 30th to view the fireworks.

If you plan on going anywhere where you will need transportation, be it own vehicle or Disney bus, expect really heavy traffic if you leave after the countdown. I usually hang out at least until 2am before I attempt to drive.

I was a little worried about this. We have used the Minnie Van service and love it, but that will not be helpful if traffic is that bad. This is our first Christmas break trip and I expect crowds but I hope its not too bad.

You can go to Disney Springs. We did that our last trip over NYE and it was fun, lively atmosphere

Okay for kids? Can you see any fireworks at midnight?

 

[supersnoop]

This is our first Christmas break trip and I expect crowds but I hope its not too bad.

The crowds will be the worst you’ve ever experienced at Disney. Set your expectations now. The road to get into the Magic Kingdom parking pot was backed up past the Epcot exit; over two miles of stopped traffic. Staff is a little better about actually managing the people in the park by marking the walkways and keeping folks moving. But it will be packed

 

[yulilin3]

Yes we will be inside the MK on the 30th to view the fireworks.


I was a little worried about this. We have used the Minnie Van service and love it, but that will not be helpful if traffic is that bad. This is our first Christmas break trip and I expect crowds but I hope its not too bad.


Okay for kids? Can you see any fireworks at midnight?

After midnight Orange county Police fines in and blocks exits and diverts traffic, Disney buses do have priority but it is still really crazy.
From Disney springs if you go to the top of the orange garage you'll be able to see fireworks from all the parks including Sea World, you just won't hear any music unless you synch it up with a YouTube video.
DS is fine for kids but again it'll be packed