New Year's Eve

[JCLNJ]

We were there last year at stayed at BCV. On NYE morning we went into AK park early and did everything we wanted to do by 1pm (This includes safari twice and mountain 3 times) and then left and went back to pool. We then took the boat over to Hollywood studios at 9pm and saw the osborne lights and went on several other rides before the fireworks at midnight. We went on the new toy story ride twice and Tower of Terror. The only dissapointment was that we had a fast pass for rock n roll rollercoaster at 2am and it had broke down so we left the park at 2:30 and was able to get on the first boat that came.

I wasn't sure about going between Christmas and NY because of the crowds but we had a great time. Just use the extra hours and fastpasses. My kids who are 16 and 14 loved being int he parks for NYE.

 

[Ghostman]

I would select SSR if it's still available. They have a party at the High Springs Pool that looks like fun:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2091902

Fantastic info.

Thank you.

 

[Bob Price]

We were there once for NYE and I seriously don't think I would do it again............even the lines for the restrooms were extremely long.......QUOTE]

No fastpasses available?

 

[RCharnay]

We were there once for NYE and I seriously don't think I would do it again............even the lines for the restrooms were extremely long.......QUOTE]

No fastpasses available?

I saw a mom put her kid on a sink once!

 

[mcrabeck]

Thanks for starting this thread- We are making our first trip for NYE at WDW and I have to admit I am a little nervous about the crowds- all your tips and stories will help me prepare our family for the crowds

 

[Ghostman]

I'm really reconsidering this whole trip. Just seems a little too crazy for me.

 

[robinb]

I'm really reconsidering this whole trip. Just seems a little too crazy for me.

I can post some pictures which will send you over the edge ... or you can remain in ignorant bliss .

 

[vicki_c]

If you want a quiet NYE, stay away from BWV. It was totally rocking there this past NYE - it looked like a ton of fun, but at 12:30 it was super loud and tons of people were dancing on the green.

I'd also recommend SSR or OKW if you don't want to have a partying type NYE, but that's just my assumption - I wasn't at those places on NYE.

 

[MinnieFan]

The first time we were at WDW for New Year's Eve, we got up super early and were at MK by 7 a.m. The park was closed by 10 a.m. and it was so crowded that it was scary after a while. When we wanted to leave about 8 p.m., it took us nearly 2 hours to get from Fantasyland to the park entrance. Wall to wall people - I've never seen anything like it.

Our second NYE trip, we decided to skip all parks that day. We spent time at the resort, the kids swam and we went resort hopping for a little while to see the holiday decorations. We had a late dinner at Narcoosee's and watched the MK fireworks from that vantage point. We then got up early on 1/1/ and went to Epcot, which was nearly empty in the morning hours.

We will be doing Plan #2 again this coming NYE - no more parks for us on that day.

Have a great trip!

 

[ont/ohana]

We were at SSR last NYE and stayed at the resort. They had games at High rock springs, dance parties and the movie screen out. At midnight they showed the Times Square ball drop. It was fun for the kids and relaxing for the adults. We had a nice easy walk back to the room, got up early and did MK till 1 ( got almost all the rides we wanted done while everyone else was sleeping ). We did go into EPCOT on NYE but left at 2 the park was starting to fill and waits for popular rides and shows were hours.

All and all would go again with the expectation you need to arrive early if you want to ride. The way we look at it is if we don't get to it this time there is always the next trip around the corner.

 

[allshookup]

The 7 month just opened today for people arriving on the 30th like us & there isn't a room to be had anywhere for the 30th & 31st. We just decided on this NYE trip a few weeks ago when Jet Blue opened their bookings & we saw how reasonable the rates were. Lucky I got something at our home resort of SSR, because there is nothing now. We are waitlisted for BLT, but I'm not holding my breath.

For NYE, we've done Epcot a few times, but it's crazy crowded. You literally can not walk through certain areas where they jumbotrons set up. We waited in line for over an hour in Mexico for a stupid churro that my DD just had to have. I think this year we might just hang around the resort, get a bite to eat somewhere & stake out a spot for the fireworks along the lagoon.

 

[TreesyB]

yeah, i just tried to book for the 31st which the 7 month window doesn't open until tomorrow. no studios available at all for SSR or BCV. MS looked around for me, and not one studio at all available on the 31st. I waitlisted, but not holding my breath. That's ok, we're booked at THV from Jan. 1st to 6th. 31st would have been a bonus

 

[uncw89]

I called on the 27th to book a studio for 12/27-1/2. I was only able to book one for 27-30(AKV) and I waitlisted for BWV for all 6 nights. Today I called back and waitlisted for the last 3 night at AKV. I hope I get the nights, but I think I will book a room at Pop for the 3 nights in case my waitlist doesn't come through. I don't quite understand the new wailtist policy. Only 2 actve ones per use year? I doubt either of them will come through. You used to be able to do more waitlists at a time. Does anyone know if this is better than the old way?

 

[TreesyB]

Just called to check any availability for 31st, studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and there is no availability at any resort! I waitlisted for studios at SSR and OKW on one membership and then BCV and BWV at another membership. But I just have to say wow!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Frankly, I'm surprised there was ANYTHING available yet! We love NYE, and we have always started our NYE trips on that day itself. Only once did Epcot close the gates to newcomers early when we were there, and that was 12/31/99. That is the worst crowds I have seen anywhere! We ended up looking for an Illuminations viewing area, and ended up in a horrible spot, but it was the best that was available 2 hours ahead. However, on the other hand, we were there for NYE 2 years ago, and the crowds were very manageable in Epcot. I really like Epcot for NYE, because you can visit the countries and celebrate with them in their time zone before celebrating here in ours.

On the other hand, there is also much to be said for sitting "home" in your villa on NYE and hitting the parks early the next morning! We found the parks were VERY slow to fill up on New Years Day!

 

[allshookup]

Frankly, I'm surprised there was ANYTHING available yet! We love NYE, and we have always started our NYE trips on that day itself. Only once did Epcot close the gates to newcomers early when we were there, and that was 12/31/99. That is the worst crowds I have seen anywhere! We ended up looking for an Illuminations viewing area, and ended up in a horrible spot, but it was the best that was available 2 hours ahead. However, on the other hand, we were there for NYE 2 years ago, and the crowds were very manageable in Epcot. I really like Epcot for NYE, because you can visit the countries and celebrate with them in their time zone before celebrating here in ours.

On the other hand, there is also much to be said for sitting "home" in your villa on NYE and hitting the parks early the next morning! We found the parks were VERY slow to fill up on New Years Day!

We were at Epcot on 12/31/99 as well. It was last minute trip because I guess a lot of people cancelled due to the Y2K thing so we jumped on a pkg deal they were offering. No buses could get through the main entrance so Disney started busing people to Boardwalk & the line was all around the lagoon. By the time we got in there were blankets lined all around the lagoon holding spots for Illuminations so we just stood on the fountain in france & could see good enough. I remember the kids were small & they were wrapped in their winnie the pooh fleece blankets in the stroller. DH & I just strolled back & forth between a few countries (we couldn't get past certain stage areas) just waiting for hours for Illuminations to begin. Good times!

 

[bribert]

...& I took those 3 nights at AKV!!! We're also waitlisted for 3 nights at AKV or BWV for 12/30-1/2, but at least have those last 3 nights at OKW. By the way, we've heard about SSR & their activities, anything going on at OKW for NYE? I'm having trouble not going a park for the night, but these experiences are scaring me!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

...& I took those 3 nights at AKV!!! We're also waitlisted for 3 nights at AKV or BWV for 12/30-1/2, but at least have those last 3 nights at OKW. By the way, we've heard about SSR & their activities, anything going on at OKW for NYE? I'm having trouble not going a park for the night, but these experiences are scaring me!!

No secial events at OKW that I know of (We've always done Epcot), but don't let the events of 12/31/99 scare you. That was a VERY special case, and isn't likely to happen again, since we wont have another millennium change in our lifetime!

Our other NYE nights were all very manageable, and I could never be there and NOT go to Epcot for the fireworks!

 

[PatMcDuck]

OH MY! I called DVC today at 9am. DVC CM could not find my membership, put me on HOLD for over 5 minutes, and I was pacing, thinking, other people are getting MY room! Today was 7 month window for Jan 1, 2. I (sweetly) said, "hurry UP, I need a Jan 1 reservation", she said, "if I can't get in, no one can".

Finally I got her back, and I asked for BLT, 1 or 2 BR. Did not want standard view. She slowly says, "we have Bay view, and maybe MK View", it is "questionable". I said, well, I want it! She said, "oh, are you sure, are we really doing this?", I was thinking, "shut up and GRAB THAT ROOM!" She said, "first I have to put thru the cancelation for BCV, blah blah blah". ARGHH, I was like, "yes DO IT! "

We now have BLT 1 BR Dec 30/31 Bay View on cash (CM rate, 50% off), and BLT 2 BR Jan 1-3 MK VIEW on points! I will tell DH, YES we have to switch rooms, too BAD. We will squeeze for 2 days in a 1BR, at least we have 2 full baths at BLT. (group is 5)

WE GOT MK view at 7 month window, it is possible! PS I cancelled our BCV reservation for Jan 1, 2 today too.

 

[5forDiz]

OH MY! I called DVC today at 9am. DVC CM could not find my membership, put me on HOLD for over 5 minutes, and I was pacing, thinking, other people are getting MY room! Today was 7 month window for Jan 1, 2. I (sweetly) said, "hurry UP, I need a Jan 1 reservation", she said, "if I can't get in, no one can".

Finally I got her back, and I asked for BLT, 1 or 2 BR. Did not want standard view. She slowly says, "we have Bay view, and maybe MK View", it is "questionable". I said, well, I want it! She said, "oh, are you sure, are we really doing this?", I was thinking, "shut up and GRAB THAT ROOM!" She said, "first I have to put thru the cancelation for BCV, blah blah blah". ARGHH, I was like, "yes DO IT! "

We now have BLT 1 BR Dec 30/31 Bay View on cash (CM rate, 50% off), and BLT 2 BR Jan 1-3 MK VIEW on points! I will tell DH, YES we have to switch rooms, too BAD. We will squeeze for 2 days in a 1BR, at least we have 2 full baths at BLT. (group is 5)

WE GOT MK view at 7 month window, it is possible! PS I cancelled our BCV reservation for Jan 1, 2 today too.

CONGRATS That is AWESOME

An abundance of MAGIC & PIXIE DUST this morning for sure !!!!!

Have a great trip