New Years Eve

[Goofyest mom]

Has anyone ever been to MK on New Years Eve? Is it crowded? Do they do anything special? My Aunt is wanting to take the WHOLE family for New Years Eve. Just want to get some info before we decided to go with her.

 

[WDSearcher]

Is it crowded, you ask? It's PACKED! The closer you get to midnight, the more crowded the parks become. MK, Epcot and MGM have special fireworks shows, and there is additional entertainment -- bands, DJs, etc -- throughout the parks. PI also has a special hard-ticket event with food, champagne, fireworks, bands, etc.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We went to Disney Studios on NYE. It was a blast. The best NYE I ever had. I'd go back in a minute. And it was better than Christmas (which I have done a few times). It wasn't overly crowded and we walked back to the Dolphin.

 

[Connears]

We have been at WDW for NYE past two years. 2003 we started NYE day at MGM and then went to Epcot around 4:30pm They give out hats and noice makers! Dinner at Teppanyaki and then the heavens opened up and it poured all night ..we watched the ball drop (NYC)from our room at OKW! 2004 spent all of NYE day at MGM, very fun..live bands, hats and nioce makers, dinner at BD and last Fantasmic. We left around11:30 and headed back to swan and watched the Fantasy in the sky at MGM from our room and we also got to see some of the final Illuminations from our room. MK had closed to everyone by 9:30am that day. Jan 1st is actually pretty quiet. Its a great time to go and we are returning this year.
Connears

 

[funhouse8]

We were in epcot last NYE with 75,000 of our closest friends. That being said, we had a wonderful time. Was it packed yes but I would do it again in a heartbeat. My dh said he will never go back again during busy season. Not that he didn't have fun but he would rather not haave to worry about fp's and lines. (I was the fp queen. I was insane. We never had less then two FP's at one time.) We didn't do any rides NYE day because of the crowds but did enjoy all the shows and stayed all day. If you do go. Pick a park, make your ps's and stay. We also had dinner in Teppanyaki. It was fantastic! The fireworks are awesome, I have never seen anythiing like it in my life and we have been to the firework display done by macys on july4th in nyc. This is by far the best show ever! Can I go with your Aunt? Gina

 

[Grumpy92]

Historically MK is the most popular park for this holiday. You will need to get there early and stay. If you are staying off property you need to get there really early. This park usually fills to capacity by 10am. The parking lot will fill earlier then that. Also make a PS in the park at the 90 day mark, before you arrive. If you do not your choices are extremely limited as in only counterservice locations.

They do have a special fireworks display. Though crowded it is a fun experience.

 

[sunking]

we did mgm for nye 2004...it was packed...we got there in the am rode a few rides and had a late lunch at sci-fi dine in...from there, we wandered around and rode a few more rides and then found a spot in front of the hat for the fireworks and music...
the CM's handed out hats and noise makers (which was another huge line, but that was alright) to anyone willing to wait to get them...
was it crowded...absolutely...would i do it again...absolutely...go into it with the knowledge that you are going to be waiting in line and the crowds will be heavy and understand what that will mean to what you will be able to do and you will make out just fine...
nye at mgm was the best nye i have ever had...
have a great time!!!!
sunking

 

[Goofyest mom]

Thanks for the info. I think that we will pass seeing how DH really doesn't care for BIG Crowds.

 

[2tinksmom]

We were there this past NYE, which we actually spent in EPCOT. We got there at 9:30am and stayed until about 2:00am. I have to say my two DDs, 6 and 10 at the time were real troopers. We actually left WS around 10, it was too crowded, LOUD (noisemakers) and some who were celebrating a little too much, . Not quite the environment for DDs. The rest of the park was fine...we had a lot of fun exploring places we had always been too rushed to do before. Some of the attractions had very minimal waits by that time, too. I don't know if I'll want to do it again anytime soon...give me a couple of years!!
Michele

 

[ValDisney]

do you think Animal Kningdom will be very crowded NYE day? I want to go to a park with the kids but I'll be by myself w 2 . Since it mostly shows and the safari maybe it won't be as crowed as the others? Also how is MK Jan 1st.
#rd question.. where is a good place to have dinner w them new years eve. Of course it will be an early celebration.( they will be asleep at 12). Any suggestions. Thanks
Valerie

 

[WDWguru]

DH and I spent all day this past NYE at Epcot, starting with early entry and leaving the parking lot at 1:30 am!! It was crowded, but fun. Like others have said, be sure to make PSs for your meals.

We figured AK wouldn't be too crowded, since it was the only park not open till midnight, but the CMs told us it closed to capacity before noon! It also closed another day earlier in the week due to capacity.

From what I have heard, MK is pretty empty early on NY Day, but later it gets full as it normally is still open late and Spectro is still running.

As for dinner NYE, it might be easiest to meet and eat outside a park, like the Boardwalk area or a resort restaurant. If they aren't worried about getting back into a park later, that's your best bet. If they want to be in a park, you'll have to hope it's still open for guests to get in for the PS. Keep in mind there are levels of closure. Parking lots close first, then they close to offsite guests (those not staying at a WDW resort), and finally all guests. All on-site guests are guaranteed entrance to "a" park on NYE, but not necessarily the one of their choice.

 

[zurgswife]

I was also at Epcot with 75,000 of my closest friends....it was very crowded feeling at times....It was fun but I think I had more fun in MGM about 7 yrs prior. but I didn't have kids with me then....It's a definate experience to do at least once...

 

[jdonat]

We did NYE in the MK for the first time -all
our other NYE's have been at Epcot. We had
dinner ressies (thanks Robin!) for Tony's about
8pm or so -we didn't see the first fireworks, etc.
The park was PACKED. They were using the
"backstage passageway" between Town Square
and Tomorrowland -lets you out by the
Tomorrowland Theatre (the one that is used for
the Magic Music Days) and Buzz. Wait times
for rides were INCREDIBLE! I've got pics of the
ride board at the MK if anyone wants to see them.
The funny part is that we went to the MK at rope
drop and got on lots of stuff before 11am.
FASTPASS FASTPASS FASTPASS -do it this
day if you never do it at all..
We got
out of there about 1200 and headed back to
our resort -we went back to the MK about 6pm
and had no problem getting back in.

The fireworks were INCREDIBLE. First, they were
NOT Wishes (which I think is about as good or
maybe a BIT better than Believe at DL in Calif.)
but FITS. The fireworks were mirrored -the usual behind the Castle, and then identical
fireworks shots from what I think was a barge
in the 7 Seas Lagoon. At midnight, the fireworks were all around you -about 8 or 9
different firing locations completely around you.
Even though the crowds were absolutely nuts..
we've got a pic of the walkway going between
Fantasyland and Frontierland by SW and Pan
that is wall to wall people, and must be seen
to be believed, we'll go back this NYE for sure.

Be warned, but it was a lot of fun.

John