New Years Trip... Where to start??

[Dallas_Lady]

Been to WDW a bunch of times, I know it like the back of my hand. We are attending a family wedding on December 30th in LA and have decided that since we're there, why not go to Disneyland? We are looking at visiting the parks January 1, 2 & 3rd. I have a reservation at the Desert Inn but that's it.

Give it to me straight, how bad will the parks be on those days? What can we do on New Years Even? I feel naked without having a bunch of ADRs, FPs and a touring plan in hand with less than six months to go. I haven't even bought tickets yet. I'd never go to WDW this unprepared but everything I keep reading says you don't have to do all that work for DLR.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Start by reading this thread: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. You'll find lots of helpful information there.

As for NYE, it will be very crowded. There may be gate closures if the parks reach capacity. Usually gate closures only last for a few hours, never all day. People will be camping out on Main Street for fireworks viewing starting in the morning (for spots in front of the castle). Bring lots of patience and good humor. If you plan on eating at TS places, have your PS (Priority Seating) reservations when they become available. The beginning of January will be crowded, too. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun. Do your research, use FPs, single rider if possible, and park hop to avoid the heaviest crowds. If you go with a mindset prepared for crowds, you'll do fine. If it turns out to be very crowded, you'll be prepared. If the crowds aren't that bad, even better. Have a great trip!

 

[SMD]

Holiday blockouts go through the 2nd, so expect the parks to be very, very crowded the first 2 days and then extremely crowded on the 3rd. Don't leave anything holiday related to the last day. The city of Long Beach usually does something on NYE. I think Medieval Times also does a special NYE show.

 

[94bruin]

We were in the parks last NYE, NY's Day. NYE was CRAZY. Yes to the fact that people camp out all day. But you're going on Jan 1-2-3, so you shouldn't have to deal with that.

I would have to say that if you can get in early on Jan 1, you'll actually have a quieter park for the first few hours/morning. This was our least crowded time in the park of our Dec 31, Jan 1, Jan 3 trip. Many people stay up late on NYE and aren't able to hit the parks early on the 1st.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Park opening on Jan 1 and early in the day is VERY quiet in the parks then gradually builds to pretty dang busy as everyone comes to and starts to recover.