New Years eve in DL

[heffie]

HELP! We (DM,DD, kids-13,11,6)are lucky enough to be spending New Years Eve in DL! Any thought as to be where to be at 12:00???? At a fun restaurant? (which one?possibly overlooking a park?), Downtown Disney sounds like it could be fun! In the park? (we are shying away from this a bit because of the crowd). If you were spending New Years Eve, where would YOU want to be with your family at 12:00?? All input and suggestions needed! Thanks!

 

[CindyKansas]

We were in the park on New Years Eve of 1997 near the castle. I will never do that again. DD was 10 at the time and I feared for her safety that night. The crowds were huge. That sticks in my memory more than the fireworks. We will be in Huntington Beach from Dec 24 thru Jan. 4th and I decided we will not be at DL that night this year. We were at WDW NYE 2001, staying at the Wilderness Lodge. We stayed at the room that night and were able to see fireworks from our room. Much more enjoyable experience.

 

[POOHFANN]

We went to Disneyland on New Years Eve 1996. We watched Fantasmic and when it was over the fireworks started. Anyway the crowds were horrible. I was actually afraid my duaghter would be trampled. It was VERY SCARY. I will never go on News Years Eve again. I wouldn't suggest it with kids anyway.

 

[ivanova]

Originally posted by POOHFANN
I will never go on News Years Eve again.

Amen!!

Frankly, if I were you I'd book a room in a nearby hotel that has "fireworks" viewing. Much safer, less crowded.

 

[Lynn-Marie]

We'll see you there! This is our 2nd trip to DLR on NYE - both times at the GC w/a DTD view (Dec 2001 and now Dec 2003). We enjoyed watching the NYE fireworks from our room - much more enjoyable. I still can see the crowds in DTD - wall to wall people. We left the park mid-day and hung out at the GC and CA for the rest of the day. We'll do that again this year.

I've heard that the Paradise Pier Hotel has a viewing deck for fireworks and that they have the music piped in for guests watching from the deck. I haven't personally been there for that (even though we've stayed at PP more times than I can recall) - but I do know some folks think highly of that strategy.

Note: we've been at DLR for every major holiday, including the 4th of July. Nothing compares to the throngs that await you on NYE. The only way to do this and maintain some safety (when you have little kids) is to watch the festivities from a DLR hotel. (IMO) Still, I highly recommend DLR on NYE - it's an experience you've got to get at least once in your life! Enjoy!

 

[TWNPCK]

My family and I have been to Dland on New Years Eve for the last three years. My twins are now 9. We will be there again this year. If you are concerned about the crowds, definitly stay away from the front area of the castle. The crowds start forming there pretty early. Two years ago we had a really good spot in front of the castle, only because we sat on a bench at 1:00 pm and stayed there the entire day. We watched the crowds form and yes, it can be scary if you have little kids. Last year, we didn't want to deal with the crowds, nor did we want to waste time sitting around all day waiting for the midnight hour so we hung out on Main Street starting at about 10:00 pm. It gets crowded there, but not like the front of the castle. We got a spot at the end of Main Street closest to the castle (by the photo shop). From there you can still see the fireworks around the castle and the show at midnight. Your smaller child may have to sit on your shoulders to get a better view. We will probably be at this spot again this year. This annual trip has become a great way for our family to ring in the new year together. Good luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

[snshine123]

We were wondering where to be as well. We just saw there was an 11:59 showing of Fantasmic-my 13 year old DS very very favorite thing-showld we stake out there instead of the castle? Also is there anything over by Small World? That is what they always show on TV. I was there in 1996 and had an absolute blast, manageble crowds but I guess times have changed

 

[jencav5]

We were at the DLR through NYE last year, and will be again this year, but we will not be going to the parks on that day. We are heading to Legoland with the kids....they have a really nice "early" fireworks show at 6pm, which was fun, and it wasn't nearly as crowded. Then we will spend New Years Day in the parks, which wasn't bad last year at all.