New Years Eve Park Capacity

[disneymadness]

Im hoping anyone can give advice on park capacity on New Years Eve.

We have reservations at Crystal Palace at 7pm on New Years Eve in the MK, and would like to stay in the park until midnight to se in the New Year. Coming from the UK, seeing in the New Year is important to us.

My only worry is that if we want to be in the Magic Kingdom until midnight, we are going to have to get in there before lunch time so that the park doesnt reach its capacity and we get told we cant come in. This means at least 13 hours in the park with children.

This probably wouldnt be so bad if it was one of our first days, but its actually our last before we fly home on New Years Day so we will have been to the Magic Kingdom 3 or 4 times by then using our Park Hopper tickets, and will have seen all there is to see.

Im worried this could be a very long day.

Does the Magic Kingdom reach capacity on New Years Eve before Noon?

 

[Ash8716]

I spent new years eve in MK a few years ago and by 11 it had reached capacity. Last year we went to Hollywood Studios and were told MK had once again reached capacity by noon. However, as people leave the park they will let people back in but you would be taking a chance. We got to MK by 9am and spent the entire day/night there. It was a long day. There is plenty though to keep you busy. There are a lot of xmas shows going on throughout the day so maybe don't watch any of those shows when you visit the park earlier in the week. Hope this helps! It is totally worth the wait though, it is amazing.

Another piece of advice I almost forgot. Mk does the same new years countdown the night before new years eve. It is the exact same show but without the crowds including the countdown to midnight. We did this, this past year, it was great. Something to think about. Then you could go to Hollywood and bring in the new year there. We go to this park at 3 and were fine, I don't believe it ever reached capacity. The fireworks were amazing and they had a band and dj all night under the sorcerer's hat. We had a blast!

 

[disneymadness]

I spent new years eve in MK a few years ago and by 11 it had reached capacity. Last year we went to Hollywood Studios and were told MK had once again reached capacity by noon. However, as people leave the park they will let people back in but you would be taking a chance. We got to MK by 9am and spent the entire day/night there. It was a long day. There is plenty though to keep you busy. There are a lot of xmas shows going on throughout the day so maybe don't watch any of those shows when you visit the park earlier in the week. Hope this helps! It is totally worth the wait though, it is amazing.

Another piece of advice I almost forgot. Mk does the same new years countdown the night before new years eve. It is the exact same show but without the crowds including the countdown to midnight. We did this, this past year, it was great. Something to think about. Then you could go to Hollywood and bring in the new year there. We go to this park at 3 and were fine, I don't believe it ever reached capacity. The fireworks were amazing and they had a band and dj all night under the sorcerer's hat. We had a blast!

Wow, they have the same show the night before? I have never heard that before. I take it this also happens at midnight? Its in none of their literature or schedules though. Why dont Disney advertise this?

And as for the parks reaching capacity, I thought you might say that. The hollywood studios Idea is a good one though. Just with it being our last night, we always go to MK. This time it just happens to be New Years Eve.

Does Hollywood Studios have enough to keep you going throughout the day in terms of special Christmas parades? I didnt know there were midnight fireworks under the sorcerers hat either. Wow.

 

[Magic3forme]

We too have reservations at 7pm on NYE. 3 years we went to MK at 3pm and we were able to get in, the park had not reached capacity yet. the parking lot was closed, so there was no monorail traffic from there. it was weird walking up to MK and the security line was empty.

we plan on doing the same thing this year... getting there at 3 or so. we are staying at BLT, so if we dont get in, then we will go to plan B.

 

[RMulieri]

It usually reaches capacity on and off throughout the day..Then as the time for fireworks approaches it usually reaches capacity again..I wouldn't chance it if being in the Mk means that much to you

 

[vicki_c]

On our Christmas trip, we did the MK fireworks on the 30th, arriving around 5 PM and had no problem getting in. They normally have Holiday Wishes at 9 PM or so, and the NYE fireworks at midnight.

For NYE, we went to DHS, and also didn't have a problem arriving around 5 PM.

Of course, past performance is no guarantee for the future, but I think that type of plan will still work without getting closed out of the parks.

Even with arriving at 5 PM, we struggled to fill the hours until midnight at DHS especially. If you're willing to stand in line to ride things, that would use up a lot of time. But we mostly wandered around, hit the dance parties, went to the Animation Academy, those type of low-key non-line things.

 

[disneymadness]

We too have reservations at 7pm on NYE. 3 years we went to MK at 3pm and we were able to get in, the park had not reached capacity yet. the parking lot was closed, so there was no monorail traffic from there. it was weird walking up to MK and the security line was empty.

we plan on doing the same thing this year... getting there at 3 or so. we are staying at BLT, so if we dont get in, then we will go to plan B.

Just out of interest, what is your plan B? Other posters have highlightedmy biggest issue. The waiting in one park all day just to avoid being turned away. Hollywood Studios would be hard enough to wait from 5pm until midnight as there is so little to do there to be honest.

 

[disneymadness]

I think the problem Disney have created, in terms of parks reaching their capacity on New Years Eve, is the fact that Epcot have nothing to offer at midnight. What a perfect park to celebrate New Years Eve Epcot would be. That would be my choice hands down. Celebrating with a beer and fish and chips in the United Kingdom.

By not offering anything, you are squeezing 6 parks worth of guests (including those who would use AK, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and MK during the day) all into 2 parks on an evening. 6 into 2 doesnt go.

Anyone Know why Epcot doesnt offer anything? Or do they?

 

[disneymadness]

Edit - I have just found this. Is this a new thing at Epcot??

http://youtu.be/9Iek5FSMORw

 

[yulilin3]

They've done the NYE tag after Illuminations for some time now, here's a video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqopWHG6rSg
the last 7 min. are NYE related, each country sets of fireworks and then all together for the end. It's the loudest fireworks display on property.

 

[i*heart*minniemouse]

I think the problem Disney have created, in terms of parks reaching their capacity on New Years Eve, is the fact that Epcot have nothing to offer at midnight. What a perfect park to celebrate New Years Eve Epcot would be. That would be my choice hands down. Celebrating with a beer and fish and chips in the United Kingdom.

By not offering anything, you are squeezing 6 parks worth of guests (including those who would use AK, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and MK during the day) all into 2 parks on an evening. 6 into 2 doesnt go.

Anyone Know why Epcot doesnt offer anything? Or do they?

We spent NYE at Epcot in 2009/2010 and saw the most amazing show of Illuminations ever!!! The early Illuminations show was just the regular show, but the midnight show was just OUTSTANDING!!!
We actually arrived checked in YC on 12/31 and I was so worried about getting in the park due to hearing about each park reaching capacity. DD and I actually checked in and went right to Epcot in the afternoon. It was hot and frankly we could not see ourselves waiting there all day in the crowds and long lines for everything. We went back to YC - where smart DH stayed to wind down from the long drive and enjoy the pool. We swam, showered and went to Epcot around 7/8 PM, still got in the park. We grabbed a bite to eat, got some drinks and enjoyed a nice spot with a family from England. After the 1st Illuminations, the crowds seem to lighten up...and the crowd was bearable. We were able to walk around and find a great viewing spot for the midnight fireworks. Lines for the restrooms were not even that bad.
I would not hesitate to do this all over again.
Barb

 

[vicki_c]

I think you are mistaken (as PPs are pointing out). Epcot actually has the most amazing NYE stuff of all the parks, IMO. The only reason we didn't do Epcot was because our kids were younger and I felt it had more of an adult vibe - and definitely way more crowded than DHS.

If I was at WDW on NYE with adults, I wouldn't consider anywhere else but Epcot. They have an insane number of bands and DJs and stages on NYE.

 

[SarahWeasley]

I guess I'm a little puzzled/surprised; if you have an ADR inside the park, will they still not let you in if it's reached capacity?

 

[chartle]

I guess I'm a little puzzled/surprised; if you have an ADR inside the park, will they still not let you in if it's reached capacity?

Yes they added having an ADR as one of the requirements you can use to get in for one of the lower stages of closure, but if its at full capacity, no one gets in on-site, AP holder, no one.

 

[RMulieri]

I guess I'm a little puzzled/surprised; if you have an ADR inside the park, will they still not let you in if it's reached capacity?

There are phases to capacity closure.If the park closes a PHASE 4 closing -and it does- NO one gets in and that includes people with adrs

 

[DisneyMim]

Alright alright I must be in a good mood because I usually don't tell my little "secrets" LOL!!

We go to Epcot on NYE and get in there by 11 am. We make ressies for lunch and dinner because trying to stand in line for a CS at lunch is crazy. Yes Epcot has an excellent fireworks display at midnight. We watch it and then stay in Epcot for about an hour until all the crowds leave and then slowly make our way out. We always rent a car so we park in the Epcot parking lot and even if we are far away it's still walkable so we never rely on any kind of transportation except our own feet and car. We do MK on the 30th and they do the NYE fireworks that night. It too is a wonderful show. NYE is very very crowded and do not expect to do many rides. We just love walking around, and drinking around world showcase (LOL). There is music and shows and for us it's a great place to spend NYE!

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[disneymadness]

Alright alright I must be in a good mood because I usually don't tell my little "secrets" LOL!!

We go to Epcot on NYE and get in there by 11 am. We make ressies for lunch and dinner because trying to stand in line for a CS at lunch is crazy. Yes Epcot has an excellent fireworks display at midnight. We watch it and then stay in Epcot for about an hour until all the crowds leave and then slowly make our way out. We always rent a car so we park in the Epcot parking lot and even if we are far away it's still walkable so we never rely on any kind of transportation except our own feet and car. We do MK on the 30th and they do the NYE fireworks that night. It too is a wonderful show. NYE is very very crowded and do not expect to do many rides. We just love walking around, and drinking around world showcase (LOL). There is music and shows and for us it's a great place to spend NYE!

Enjoy The Magic!!

Great stuff. I honestly didnt know they wouldnt let you in the parkif it reaches a phase 4 capacity if you had an ADR. Incidentally, does anyone know if Epcot has ever reached a phase 4 capacity?

 

[Alesia]

Great stuff. I honestly didnt know they wouldnt let you in the parkif it reaches a phase 4 capacity if you had an ADR. Incidentally, does anyone know if Epcot has ever reached a phase 4 capacity?

Epcot has reached stage 4 on NYE before.

 

[Grumpy92]

We have done three of the parks for NYE, no AK.
EC is easily our fave because of the size it makes it easier to move through out the day. Usually MK and DH are the first to fill to capacity, EC then follows. If you are at a Disney hotel, you are guaranteed entrance to one of the parks for the holiday. It just may not be the park of your choice.
We advice getting their early, past 10am for MK and you can forget it. Get in and stay in. Take your time, dont worry about the lines, go to the places you never have time for or slow down with a soda and people watch.
Back to EC, one year we got in early, had dinner at Akershus. It was very crowded, children were sleeping every where. The nice thing was as the evening went on the cms from the varies countries would come out and countdown to midnight as it occurred their home country. It was so nice to watch countdowns all evening long. Then we toasted to the new year with champagne. It is the best park for NYE

 

[Ash8716]

Wow, they have the same show the night before? I have never heard that before. I take it this also happens at midnight? Its in none of their literature or schedules though. Why dont Disney advertise this?

And as for the parks reaching capacity, I thought you might say that. The hollywood studios Idea is a good one though. Just with it being our last night, we always go to MK. This time it just happens to be New Years Eve.

Does Hollywood Studios have enough to keep you going throughout the day in terms of special Christmas parades? I didnt know there were midnight fireworks under the sorcerers hat either. Wow.

Sorry for the delayed response to your question so I'm not sure if someone already answered this for you.

I don't believe Disney advertises this. We just found out from a cast member last year so last minute we ran to MK to catch the show. Yes it takes place at midnight so you would have to deal with another late night! It is much less crowded though.

I totally understand you about hitting MK on your last night we do the same! There isn't as much Christmas things going on at Hollywood Studios. They have no specific parades. Fantasmic will be playing two or three times that night and the band/dj alternate all night long under the hat. There is also the Osbourne Spectacle of Lights which is amazing to watch. I can tell you it was totally worth it and they really got you in the New Years Eve mood. Because you don't have to get to the park until later you really don't need as much to do. There are plenty of shows too see and they will have there usual parade at 3. They were playing short christmas movies as well in one of the theaters there. The fireworks were amazing we stood on the main street when you first come into the park. The fireworks go off over the hat for the most part but you end up seeing them in all directions too. You can also see EPCOT's!