New Years Eve

[sarahsreynolds]

Does anyone know if WDW do a ticket for New Years Eve, we were hoping to see in the new year at one of the parks but as the kid are young thought we might let them sleep during the day and arrive later however I've hear that the park gets full by 2pm is this about right or do they do a ticket you can purchase that would guarantee your entry thanks S

 

[cedricandsophie]

We were at the parks on New Year's Eve a couple of years ago. No special ticket. But it was awful. So crowded you could hardly move. I have a disabled young adult daughter. Was panicked that She would be pulled away from me in the crowd and we wouldn't he able to find her. Went to Epcot and it was the same thing. Will never ever go again at that time.

 

[Bob P]

Hi and to the DIS!

This is from DIS member and CM Cheshire Figment. As you will see, having a park ticket does NOT guarantee you park admission to any specific park. And it is entirely possible that at least one of the parks (probably the MK) will close at some point on New Year's Eve.

The turnstile master computer at each park keeps track of both entries and exits. When a park capacity closes (which is done in stages) there has to be a certain number of people exiting, with the total "in park" below a certain number, before they start allowing people in again.



There are four stages to park closing:

Stage 1 - The parking lot entrance is closed. You can only access the park if you are using Disney Transportation.

Stage 2 - The ticket windows are all closed (and the automated Ticket Vending Machines are turned off). Unless you already have a ticket you cannot get in.

Stage 3 - Only people with Annual Passes or current Resort IDs will be allowed in.

Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in.

Note - having restaurant reservations in a park, even with written proof, will not override a stage closing for you.

Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.

 

[luvmy2sams]

As previous posters have said, there are no special tickets for entry on NYE. The MK will be at a closure stage well before 2pm, and it is literally wall-to-wall guests. If you're looking to see the MK midnight fireworks, I'd suggest doing this park on the 30th for the preview. It's crowded, but not as insane as NYE. You'll have better luck getting into Epcot or DHS on NYE, but again the crowds will be crazy busy, so be prepared.

We always use NYE as essentially a lazy day. We go to a park in the early hours and leave by noon. Then it's back to the resort to rent boats and lounge on the beach until the fireworks. We did the NYE in the park once for the kids to experience it, but they haven't wanted to be in the middle of the madness since then FWIW.

 

[G@ston]

Last time we went on NYE the park was at capacity very early I want to say noon. So its a very long exhausting day. Also very crowded so be patient dont let others ruin your day. Its worth it in the end the fireworks are amazing..

OH and dont run out afterwards its worth letting the crowd clear and they did a little show by the castle with a DJ last time..

HAVE FUN!

 

[ribollita]

Butting in (sorry ) but any comments on NY Day? We arrive MCO at noon and were considering going to MK depending on the crowd calendar.

 

[kiramay]

NYE 2012 Magic kingdom was closed by 11 am. We were at Epcot, and by afternoon it was wall to wall people. We ended up leaving after dinner because we couldn't deal with the crowds. New Year's Day was still pretty crowded. Jan 2 was good though.