NYE 2017 @ Epcot - Drive or take the bus? Staying at SSR.

[LizGirl]

We are staying at Saratoga Springs on DVC points over New Year's. I am planning to celebrate NYE at Epcot until closing so we can enjoy the atmosphere and fireworks.

Will it be better to use Disney Transportation or drive our own rental car? We would be open to heading to DHS after fireworks to catch a bus if that would be better.

I'm envisioning standing on a double bus while stuck in traffic for two hours and that sounds miserable. I'd rather be stuck sitting in my rental car.

Thanks for any advice you can provide!

 

[Robo]

Bus.

Especially, if on NYE frees you to partake in some alcoholic beverages.

Disney takes pride in the special efficiency of their buses on high-volume days.

 

[Skywise]

Agree with Robo. Bus.

I'd hang around Epcot for about an hour doing shopping and such and letting the crowds burn out. The other plus of taking the bus is that you can imbibe without worrying about driving back.

Alternatively you might look at paying for valet parking at Boardwalk or BC and trying to drive out from there.

 

[AngiTN]

First, I'm not sure why going to HS would in any way be better. I'd scratch that off the idea list first and foremost. Epcot closes an hour later than HS anyway (unless park hours change later)
Second, if you truly hate the idea of being packed on a bus then sitting in traffic in your own "rental" car may be a better option than in a bus. I wouldn't, I'd rather be in a bus letter someone else worry about it and be able to close my eye, read my phone, etc.
Unless, as others have said, you plan to have any adult beverages. Then, use the bus. Period.
I too would wait around for a long time after the fireworks to leave. I'd be in no hurry to leave the park at all. Be a straggler. We will be but we are also walking out the IG to our room at BWI that night.
I'm not sure what kind of chance there is to valet park at one of the resorts. That isn't a bad idea, either a Disney one or even Swan/Dolphin. But I imagine they have to fill at some point on that night

 

[LizGirl]

Thanks for your expert opinions! I'd rather take the bus and not worry about parking and the traffic myself. And we are happy to linger and sit on a bench in WS as long as they will let us!

The freedom to enjoy beverages is a bonus but I could do without if there was a strong argument to drive myself.

I mentioned DHS because we celebrated NYE there a few years back and I don't remember any issues getting out of the park. I don't know if NYE popularity has increased significantly since then or if Epcot has a unique traffic issue.

 

[Skywise]

I'm a photo nut myself so I like hanging around in the (nearly) empty park at night getting photos and such (like the fountains at epcot, night shots of spaceship earth, etc)

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks for your expert opinions! I'd rather take the bus and not worry about parking and the traffic myself. And we are happy to linger and sit on a bench in WS as long as they will let us!

The freedom to enjoy beverages is a bonus but I could do without if there was a strong argument to drive myself.

I mentioned DHS because we celebrated NYE there a few years back and I don't remember any issues getting out of the park. I don't know if NYE popularity has increased significantly since then or if Epcot has a unique traffic issue.

They are adding in some NYE activities to HS too so I'd think they'd have more guests now. They are doing the Star Wars Fireworks at midnight and are staying open till 1AM with a DJ party
I'd stay at Epcot till 1:00, shop till closer to 2:00 and then start to make my way out to the buses. And make sure I have on my patient pants. They'll be important

 

[Skywise]

They are adding in some NYE activities to HS too so I'd think they'd have more guests now. They are doing the Star Wars Fireworks at midnight and are staying open till 1AM with a DJ party
I'd stay at Epcot till 1:00, shop till closer to 2:00 and then start to make my way out to the buses. And make sure I have on my patient pants. They'll be important

Not that I'll be at Epcot but I wonder if the bars at Boardwalk would stay open late on NYE. I know everything got boarded up almost immediately after midnight at the Polynesian when I was there.

 

[AngiTN]

Good question. I'm not expecting anything to stay open past their usual hours that night. But Jelly Rolls and Atlantic Dance Hall do have longer hours already, 1 or 2 AM