New Years Eve Question

[SandyinMonterey]

We will be @ WDW for New Years Eve this year. It will be our first time being there during this period of time. We have done Christmas but that was 17 years ago. We know it will be beyond crazy. That being said, what do guests typically do NYE? From what I’ve been able to gather so far is that there are the “usual firework” shows. Wondering if DVC will offer any special event? Are there any special events (DVC or otherwise) to do?

 

[DenLo]

DVC usually has a dessert party and then you watch the fireworks which they announce details after the summer sometimes in the fall.

WDW is showing these events: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/new-years-eve/

 

[SandyinMonterey]

DVC usually has a dessert party and then you watch the fireworks which they announce details after the summer sometimes in the fall.

WDW is showing these events: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/new-years-eve/

Thank you for the information. I'm glad to hear DVC may have something to offer. I prefer to do something like that.

 

[ldo]

the resorts used to set up a bar, have a DJ, and give out hats, ringers, etc. in the lobby (AKV) or at the pool (SSR).

 

[DisneyOutsider]

We will be @ WDW for New Years Eve this year. It will be our first time being there during this period of time. We have done Christmas but that was 17 years ago. We know it will be beyond crazy. That being said, what do guests typically do NYE? From what I’ve been able to gather so far is that there are the “usual firework” shows. Wondering if DVC will offer any special event? Are there any special events (DVC or otherwise) to do?

NYE offers the best fireworks shows of any other time at WDW. They hold the two best fireworks shows they've every created (IMHO) on New Year's Eve, and I wouldn't miss them if I were you.

Best strategy to see both is to go to MK on the 30th (they show the NYE fireworks just as if it were the 31st), then go to Epcot for NYE to see that show. It's the best time I've ever had at WDW, crowds and all.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

NYE offers the best fireworks shows of any other time at WDW. They hold the two best fireworks shows they've every created (IMHO) on New Year's Eve, and I wouldn't miss them if I were you.

Best strategy to see both is to go to MK on the 30th (they show the NYE fireworks just as if it were the 31st), then go to Epcot for NYE to see that show. It's the best time I've ever had at WDW, crowds and all.

I think ringing in the New Year with fireworks would be great. What I worry about is this: MK & other parks reaching capacity NYE & not getting in (unless you get to park in early am & don’t leave).

 

[DisneyOutsider]

I think ringing in the New Year with fireworks would be great. What I worry about is this: MK & other parks reaching capacity NYE & not getting in (unless you get to park in early am & don’t leave).

If you're staying on-site, I wouldn't worry about the parks reaching capacity one bit. Especially for MK on the 30th, there will not be any capacity closures.

When they've done phased closings on NYE, it's usually only for Magic Kingdom and not Epcot, and even then they typically only restrict off-site guests purchasing 1-day passes from entering. I've been 3 of the past 4 years, and there wasn't a single time during any of these trips when they would have refused entry to a Disney Resort guest.

 

[bobbiwoz]

One December 30th we went to the last CP of the season, and then went to MK and had no problem getting in. Actually we have done that twice. Now we stay at BLT ON December 30, to see them from TOTW. Well, this year, we will be on a DCL cruise celebrating the NY, that was our plans last year, but we both got sick. Thank heavens for insurance. So, we’ll try it again.

For NYE we usually stay at BWV, and have entered Epcot as late as 11 PM.

Alternatively, we have rented a boat for MK December 30th fireworks. That’s (30th) less expensive then renting one for NYE. WE filled the boat by posting on the Disboards. We have also rented for EPCOT on NYE, and filled the boat with other Disboards folks as well. That one was $100 per person which included the tip, and was probably 5,6 years ago.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

If you're staying on-site, I wouldn't worry about the parks reaching capacity one bit. Especially for MK on the 30th, there will not be any capacity closures.

When they've done phased closings on NYE, it's usually only for Magic Kingdom and not Epcot, and even then they typically only restrict off-site guests purchasing 1-day passes from entering. I've been 3 of the past 4 years, and there wasn't a single time during any of these trips when they would have refused entry to a Disney Resort guest.

Thanks. That’s good to know. We’re staying on property. We’re DVC Members. The reason I worry is that I saw some videos and read different things about MK reaching capacity on NYE. I even contacted GS & asked if we would be turned away if we arrived at a later hour @ MK or any other park if it was at capacity & he said yes. He’s the one who said if we planned on going to MK or any other park on NYE that we should plan to get there early & not leave.

 

[DisneyOutsider]

Thanks. That’s good to know. We’re staying on property. We’re DVC Members. The reason I worry is that I saw some videos and read different things about MK reaching capacity on NYE. I even contacted GS & asked if we would be turned away if we arrived at a later hour @ MK or any other park if it was at capacity & he said yes. He’s the one who said if we planned on going to MK or any other park on NYE that we should plan to get there early & not leave.

Guest Services will be overly cautious in their language, because they can't guarantee that you won't be shut out. When we're talking capacity phased closings, there are four different tiers or "phases". The only one of these tiers that does not permit guest staying at Disney hotels to enter is Phase 4. A Phase 4 closure has only happened one time EVER... April 7, 2009. Touring Plans has a great write-up and explanation of this (sorry I can't link because I'm a new user).

Bottom-line: If you're staying on-site, I would expect to gain entry at any point of the day on NYE. I can understand if you don't want to deal with the crowds, but if you've never seen the show up close before... I wouldn't skip it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks. That’s good to know. We’re staying on property. We’re DVC Members. The reason I worry is that I saw some videos and read different things about MK reaching capacity on NYE. I even contacted GS & asked if we would be turned away if we arrived at a later hour @ MK or any other park if it was at capacity & he said yes. He’s the one who said if we planned on going to MK or any other park on NYE that we should plan to get there early & not leave.

The biggest issue you may have by staying offsite is getting onsite. Traffic tends to be horrid during Christmas/NYs time. It will back up at the entrances to the park for miles. By the time you get to the front of the line, the park could be closed to offsite guests (unless you have an AP).