NYE at BW - bad or good idea

[miamimama]

We're thinking about trying to book 12/30/08 - 1/04/09 at BWV (at 11 months). We've been over a similar period before and understand the crowds, but never actually done NYE. I understand the parks may close due to capacity - does that mean you could not get in through the World Showcase Entrance to Epcot to celebrate NYE ? Whats the Boardwalk like on NYE? Are we crazy for thinking about this? (We have adults and teens only)

Thanks

 

[canwegosoon]

I do not think the you will have a problem on NYE. I hope that when a few 07 NYE people go you will have a good idea for your trip-also check out the trip reports board.

 

[MinMouse]

We're considering a similar trip next year. So I'd love to hear what others think of BWV non NYE.

Happy Turkey Day to All!

 

[jade1]

Do it. We have stayed at BWV for NYE and it was great. EPCOT did not close and the stroll back to the room was effortless and allowed us to still get up and open MK-which was very quiet until around 10AM on the first.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We have stayed at the BWV for three of the past five years and always have a great time. The Boardwalk is alive with activity and it is easy to get into the parks. One of the most overhyped concerns out there is that you have to get to one of the parks eary and stay there all day. Last year we walked into MGM after dinner at the Beach Club at around 8:30 P.M. We were almost alone for the firwrokds back on New York Street in the middle of the Osborne lights. We always have dinner and then walk into one of the parks for a late night. You couldn't do this if you weren't staying inside WDW but that's one of the perks of staying "on campus."

It is crowded but if you plan for it, it's lots of fun. Make ADR's on the first day that you can and don't expect to do a lot of rides. We will be there in 35 days for our next New Year's celebration.

HBC

 

[CarolynK]

We usually go from BWV to Epcot at 11:30 pm on NYE. We have no interest in being at a park for the evening, there's way too many people to be able to do anything except stand around waiting for midnight, anyway.
The midnight fireworks are very festive (there's a late Illuminations show which I think begins at 11:40, leading into the special countdown fireworks).

Last year, we prepared a special dinner in our villa, rather than fight the restaurant crowds. This year, though, our flight is on the 31st, we're arriving at WDW at around 7 pm.

I agree that being able to walk back to your villa after fireworks that late at night is priceless!

I think it's a given that MK closes on NYE due to capacity. I've not seen that happen with Epcot.

Go for it.

 

[Doctor P]

We usually go from BWV to Epcot at 11:30 pm on NYE. We have no interest in being at a park for the evening, there's way too many people to be able to do anything except stand around waiting for midnight, anyway.
The midnight fireworks are very festive (there's a late Illuminations show which I think begins at 11:40, leading into the special countdown fireworks).

Last year, we prepared a special dinner in our villa, rather than fight the restaurant crowds. This year, though, our flight is on the 31st, we're arriving at WDW at around 7 pm.

I agree that being able to walk back to your villa after fireworks that late at night is priceless!

I think it's a given that MK closes on NYE due to capacity. I've not seen that happen with Epcot.

Go for it.

Epcot has closed MANY times on NYE. The last time we were there, Epcot closed its gates 5 different times on NYE. That said, it can handle the largest crowds of any park and is the second least likely to close on a holiday (AK still gets the sparsest crowds and is least likely to close barring a special event).

 

[mjy]

I've done NYE at EPCOT for several years and I always stay at the Boardwalk -- will be there December 30-January 5 for the upcoming New Year.

EPCOT has closed in the past. Depending upon their numbers, they close from time to time. There were windows when people could get in again, but the park can close.

I usually do not risk it and just plan on being inside the park for the day (and evening).

It is definitely a wonderful place for NYE and the Boardwalk (or any of the hotels around the lake) are great places to stay as the walk back after the fireworks is very short.

As it turns out, I will not be able to attend NYE for '09, so you have one better chance of booking it!